Finding 501985 (2024-001)

Finding 2024-001 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Project-Based Cluster: Project Based Rental Assistance - ALN 14.195 Special Tests and Provisions Condition: During our testing of the waiting list, we noted two applicants out of a sample of 42 that were not placed on the waiting list in the correct order at the time of admission. Mercer County Housing Associates LLC (Company) did not have internal controls in place to identify the incorrect placement of the applicants on the waiting list. Criteria: Management is responsible for establishing internal controls to ensure that at the time of admission, the applicant met the preference criteria that determined the applicant’s place on the waiting list. Management must maintain information that permits the Company to select participants from the waiting list in accordance with their admission policies (24 CFR section 982.204). Cause: The incorrect date and time were entered into the tenant management system for two applicants due to a clerical error and internal controls in place were not followed to ensure the accuracy of the application information entered into the tenant management system. Effect: Two applicants were incorrectly placed on the waiting list and, in one instance, the applicant was housed out of order. Repeat Finding: No Questioned Costs: Unknown Recommendation: The Company should follow the internal controls in place to ensure the accuracy of the application information entered into the tenant management system in order to ensure correct placement on the waiting list. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: Management agrees with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.