Finding Text
INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL PROGRAM: ALN 14.871 – Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, US
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Special Tests & Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Re-inspections
TYPE OF FINDING: Non-compliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance.
CRITERIA: Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 982 set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet
before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted
tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establish the minimum criteria for the health and safety of program
participants.
CONDITION: The auditor noted that the Authority was not conducting reinspection’s of tenant units that failed
initial inspections under HAP contract.
CAUSE: Turnover in management at the Authority within the HCV program department caused delays in
rescheduling units for reinspection.
EFFECT: Potential effects of the Authority not conducting HQS inspections in a timely manner include: (1) Delays in
inspections can expose tenants to substandard conditions and health hazards; (2) Housing Authorities must
conduct regular HQS inspections by law, and delays can result in legal liabilities; (3) HUD may reduce or withhold
funding if inspections are not timely; (4) HUD may impose sanctions, additional oversight, or appoint an
administrator, impacting the Authority’s funding, and operations.
QUESTIONED COSTS: None.
CONTEXT: The auditor selected a sample of 40 out of an amount greater than 250 failed HQS inspections for all
units under HCV contracts during the fiscal year under examination, of which, 6 instances of non-compliance we’re
discovered. For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life
threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30
calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension.
RECOMMENDATION: To address this issue, the auditor recommends: (1) Review the inspection process for
inefficiencies and consider implementing technology solutions for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; (2) Ensure
sufficient staffing, training, and resources for prompt inspections; (3) Develop a system to prioritize inspections
based on repair urgency, property condition, and the needs of vulnerable populations; (4) Establish metrics to
measure average inspection turnaround time and compliance rates; (5) Regularly monitor compliance and enforce
consequences, such as fines or termination of assistance, for property owners who fail to meet housing standards.
VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S): Management agrees with the finding and have outlined a plan of action in
the Corrective Action Plan section of this report.