Finding 520243 (2024-002)

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Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
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Year
2024
Accepted
2025-01-27

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The project did not complete tenant recertifications on time, affecting subsidy calculations.
  • Impacted Requirements: HUD mandates annual recertifications within 12 months, which were not met.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Establish a tracking system for deadlines, enhance staff training, and improve compliance monitoring.

Finding Text

2024-002 – Supportive Housing for Elderly Persons ALN 14.182 Statement of Condition: During the audit, we noted that the Project failed to complete and submit recertifications within the required timeframe, leading to significant subsequent adjustments to project subsidy. Criteria: Per HUD Handbook 4350.3, management agents of HUD-assisted properties, are required to complete tenant recertifications annually. Recertifications must be completed within 12 months of the last certification and submitted timely to HUD’s Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System (TRACS). Effect of Condition: Late recertifications can lead to inaccurate tenant rent calculations and potential noncompliance with HUD requirements. Cause of Condition: The late recertifications were due to insufficient tracking and oversight of recertification deadlines by management. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement a formal process for tracking recertification deadlines, including regular reviews to ensure timely completion. Staff should receive additional training on HUD recertification requirements, and compliance monitoring procedures should be strengthened to prevent recurrence. Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

We concur with the auditors' finding that the Project failed to complete and submit recertifications within the required timeframe. HANDS did fail to complete recertifications timely not due to insufficient tracking, but due to lack of staff. We understand that late certifications can lead to inaccurate rents/subsidies, which lead to subsequent adjustments. We will continue interviewing applicants for vacant positions, and existing employees will continue to assist in covering the vacant positions without putting their own portfolios at risk of falling behind. We will strengthen training in the area of sending tenants HUD required notices of recertification and following the steps for termination of subsidy. The tracking system is built into our property management software, and all managers and assistant managers have been trained in its use. As stated above, we will follow the same plan of action for HUD/LIHTC training after the initial 90-day probationary period has concluded.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Subrecipient Monitoring

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.157 Supportive Housing for the Elderly $2.81M
14.182 Section 8 New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation $143,114