Finding 607098 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-06-29
Audit: 35613
Organization: Waltham Housing Authority (MA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Insufficient oversight in conducting timely Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with HUD guidelines and SEMAP monitoring was not met, risking disbursement for substandard housing.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Enhance oversight and follow-up procedures for HQS inspections to ensure compliance and protect program integrity.

Finding Text

Finding Reference: 2022-002 Federal Agency: US. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program(s): Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) CFDA Number(s): 14.871 Category of Finding: Special Tests and Provisions - Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections Criteria: The Housing Choice Voucher program requires housing authority management to administer inspections of units in a timely manner in accordance with HUD guidelines for program administration. Compliance in this program is monitored by external auditors in addition to the Section 8 Management Assistance Program, or "SEMAP". Condition/Context: The SEMAP completed during the current audit period selected 6 inspection enforcements and identified four deficient implementations of HQS inspection procedures. Cause: The cause was a general lack of oversight in executing this part of the HCV program Effect: The authority may have been disbursing cash to landlords of substandard, ineligible units with habitability problems unabated. Questioned Costs: Unknown Recommendation: Exercise greater oversight over HQS inspections and follow ups. Management's Response to Finding: See Corrective Action Plan 2022-002

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Eligibility Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 30655 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 30656 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 607097 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $8.35M
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $1.56M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.34M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $604,170