Finding Text
Finding 2022-003 ? Housing Choice Voucher Tenant File deficiencies ? Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance with Eligibility ? Qualified at Single Audit Level ALN No. 14.871 Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, the Housing Authority?s Admin Plan, and specific HUD guidelines in documenting and maintaining the Housing Choice Voucher tenant files. Condition & Cause: Our review of one hundred (100) Housing Choice Voucher tenant files revealed that there was a total of twelve (12) income-related errors, which represent 12% of the total files examined. We were able to numerically extrapolate ten (10) of these errors to the Housing Choice Voucher population. These consisted mainly of improper deductions, miscalculations, the use of outdated benefit information, and improper annualization of income. The remaining two (2) file errors were a result of lack of verification of income. Based on our extrapolation, we feel that the Housing Authority has a significant deficiency in this area of compliance. The Housing Authority has experienced high employee turnover and there are multiple vacancies in the Housing Choice Voucher department, which contributed to the deficiencies. Effect: The failure to properly calculate Housing Assistance Payments can result in a misstatement of HAP expense and corresponding operating subsidy earned by the Housing Authority, as well as undue financial burden on the tenant. Recommendation: We recommend that the Agency conduct a thorough tenant file audit of existing tenants in the Housing Choice Voucher program to determine whether there are any misstatements of HAP expense. We also recommend that the Agency increase their monitoring and review of the Housing Choice Voucher program files to determine whether occupancy specialists need additional training or procedures added to ensure compliance. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No Was sampling statistically valid? Yes Views of responsible officials: The PHA agrees with the results of the audit and recommendations.