Finding 404232 (2023-001)

Program: Section 8 Choice Vouchers Requirement: Housing Quality Standards Inspections and enforcement must be done in accordance Condition: HQS Inspections were not completed timely and HUD HQS enforcement standards were not followed for tenants that failed HQS re-inspections. Questioned Cost: Not applicable. Context: HQS inspections are required every 24 months. HQS tenant enforcement and/or landlord abatement is required for tenants with failed HQS re-inspections. Effect: HQS inspections, tenant enforcement and abatement are not being done in accordance with HUD requirements. Cause: Sampling was statistically valid and a systemic problem. Prior Year Finding: 2022-001 Recommendation: It is recommended that the Redevelopment Authority integrates the appropriate controls to ensure that HQS inspections and re-inspections are completed in accordance with HUD requirements. Furthermore to take prompt action on tenant enforcement and/or landlord abatement for failed re-inspections. Management’s Response: Due to the transition to a new software system, the required settings to facilitate necessary reporting and tracking mechanisms were not fully functional until recently. Reports indicating failed inspections, late inspections, and the need for abatements are now being run on a scheduled basis so that action can be taken timely. A new inspection application within the software has now been implemented to aid in recording and tracking deficiencies. Additionally, the PHA is working diligently with the software provider and a software consultant to determine if there are additional features that are able to be put into place to assist in streamlining the abatement process. Staff training for these new features will also be occurring throughout the year. with HUD requirements.