Finding Text
Finding 2022-001: Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Programs Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.871 Noncompliance ? N. Special Tests and Provisions - Housing Quality Standards Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Housing Quality Standards Inspections. The PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least biennially to determine if the unit meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct quality control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report (24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b)). Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there were units that were not reinspected within the biennial reinspection period of two (2) years. Context: There are approximately 1,043 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers units. Of a sample size of twenty-three (23) tenant files, five (5) biennial inspections were not completed in a timely manner. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $42,870. Cause: There is a material weakness in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Authority has not properly performed provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Authority has not properly performed HQS inspections in compliance with program requirements following the expiration of HUD waivers as a result of a software error. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in material non-compliance with the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement a corrective action plan that will assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Authority Response: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor, and will make the several changes to its inspection process to ensure enforcement of Housing Quality Standards (or any subsequent replacement).