Finding Text
Finding 2022-004 ? Eligibility (Significant Deficiency and Non-compliance) Information on the Federal Program: US Department of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) Assistance Listing No. 21.023 Criteria: Treasury established requirements for providing housing stability services to enable households to maintain or obtain housing. Services may include, among other things, eviction prevention and eviction diversion programs; mediation between landlords and tenants; fair housing counseling; housing navigators that help households access ERA programs or find housing; case management related to housing stability; housing-related services for survivors of domestic abuse or human trafficking; legal services or attorney?s fees related to eviction proceedings and maintaining housing stability; and specialized services for individuals with disabilities or seniors that support their ability to access or maintain housing. Grantees using ERA funds for housing stability services must maintain records regarding such services and the amount of funds provided to them. Condition/Context: During our testing, we selected 25 cases in which LSA provided legal services under a program funded by ERA. Of those 25, three cases were for legal services that were not apparent to be eligible under ERA?s purpose. Cause: These cases were for divorce, divorce with custody, and collections. In addition, two of the clients were homeowners, not renters. LSA did not provide documentation of determination of eligibility to be for affordable rental housing and eviction prevention purposes. Effect: LSA was not in compliance with eligibility requirements. Questioned Costs: None reported Recommendation: We recommend LSA strengthen its policies and procedures surrounding the process of accepting cases under the ERA program. LSA must document their policies and procedures for determining a household?s eligibility to ensure LSA is in compliance with the statute. Views of Responsible Officials: See Management?s View and Corrective Action Plan included at the end of the report.