Finding 497620 (2023-001)

2023-001 Eligibility: Public Housing Tenant Files Public and Indian Housing Program – CFDA Number 14.850 Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total tenant population of 1,275, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: • 3 out of 25 tenants where an outdated flat rent was used instead of the current amount. • 1 tenant where wage income was calculated as paid bi-weekly when it was actually paid semi-monthly. • 2 tenants where the prior year social security income was used when the current year amount was known. Criteria: HUD regulations require that the Authority perform certain prescribed verification procedures and obtain the required documentation to assure that tenants qualify for low income housing and that amounts submitted to HUD for tenant assistance are calculated according to HUD rules. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant re-examinations, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being carefully followed. Auditor’s Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority agrees with the finding and has taken corrective action. See the “Action Taken” on the Corrective Action Plan.