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Houston Housing AuthorityLocal Government

EIN: 746001238

UEI: V7SPYNFKXHN9

Audited by: Doeren Mayhew Assurance

Cognizant agency: 14 [Department of Housing and Urban Development]

View federal awards & risk assessment →

Data as of August 31, 2026

Houston Housing Authority11 audit years26 findings21 repeat
11
Audit Years
26
Total Findings
21
Repeat Findings
$326M
Federal Awards Expended (FY 2024)

FY 2024-12-31

MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE DISCLOSED$325,966,206 federal awards expended

Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization

The FAC accepted this audit on May 1, 2026. Under 2 CFR 200.521(d), a pass-through entity that provided federal funds to this organization for this audit period must issue a management decision on these findings by November 1, 2026 (61 days from today).

What is a management decision? →
2024-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-001 Delayed Financial Reporting - Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, in the previous year we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. There have been a number of staffing changes made during the year with the intent of improving the overall performance of the finance department. We are in the process of evaluating if additional staff are needed to expand the capacity of the Finance department. In November of 2024 the Houston Housing authority converted to a new accounting system. The Yardi system was implemented and we began processing all transactions on this new system. Unfortunately, there have been a significant amount of post implementation corrections and modifications that have had to be made and continue to occur. We are still undergoing these implementation and modification processes and as a result of this we continue to have to make adjusting entries to correct errors as they are discovered. To further complicate this system conversion there were a number of changes made to the management companies that we utilize to do our primary property level accounting. They have also been converting portions of their accounting systems to Yardi. Many of the same problems that have been encountered during our system conversion have also been encountered by the management companies. It is anticipated that most of these system conversion related issues will be resolved within the 2025 calendar year. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2023-001

About Reporting →
2024-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recordkeeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan. Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Housing Voucher Cluster Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Same as Financial Statement Audit Finding 2024-001 above Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recordkeeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan. Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Housing Voucher Cluster Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Same as Financial Statement Audit Finding 2024-001 above Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2024-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, in the previous year we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. There have been a number of staffing changes made during the year with the intent of improving the overall performance of the finance department. We are in the process of evaluating if additional staff are needed to expand the capacity of the Finance department. In November of 2024 the Houston Housing authority converted to a new accounting system. The Yardi system was implemented and we began processing all transactions on this new system. Unfortunately, there have been a significant amount of post implementation corrections and modifications that have had to be made and continue to occur. We are still undergoing these implementation and modification processes and as a result of this we continue to have to make adjusting entries to correct errors as they are discovered. To further complicate this system conversion there were a number of changes made to the management companies that we utilize to do our primary property level accounting. They have also been converting portions of their accounting systems to Yardi. Many of the same problems that have been encountered during our system conversion have also been encountered by the management companies. It is anticipated that most of these system conversion related issues will be resolved within the 2025 calendar year. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2023-001

About Reporting →
2024-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations and the Senior Vice President of Asset Management will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher and public housing operations

Prior Finding References

2023-002

About Eligibility →
2024-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Eligibility (continued) Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Eligibility (continued) Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, Two files did not have a utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have an inspection performed during the period, and Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations and the Senior Vice President of Asset Management will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher and public housing operations.

Prior Finding References

2023-002

About Eligibility →
2024-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher operations.

Prior Finding References

2023-003

About Eligibility →
2024-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, One file did not have an annual recertification performed, One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, One file used an incorrect payment standard, One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas.

Prior Finding References

2023-003

About Eligibility →
2024-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-004

Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher operations

Prior Finding References

2023-004

About Eligibility →
2024-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-004

Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas.

Prior Finding References

2023-004

About Eligibility →

FY 2024-12-31

DISCLAIMER OF OPINIONMATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE DISCLOSED$325,966,206 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on February 19, 2026 — management decision was due August 19, 2026.

2024-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-001 Delayed Financial Reporting - Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, in the previous year we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. There have been a number of staffing changes made during the year with the intent of improving the overall performance of the finance department. We are in the process of evaluating if additional staff are needed to expand the capacity of the Finance department. In November of 2024 the Houston Housing authority converted to a new accounting system. The Yardi system was implemented and we began processing all transactions on this new system. Unfortunately, there have been a significant amount of post implementation corrections and modifications that have had to be made and continue to occur. We are still undergoing these implementation and modification processes and as a result of this we continue to have to make adjusting entries to correct errors as they are discovered. To further complicate this system conversion there were a number of changes made to the management companies that we utilize to do our primary property level accounting. They have also been converting portions of their accounting systems to Yardi. Many of the same problems that have been encountered during our system conversion have also been encountered by the management companies. It is anticipated that most of these system conversion related issues will be resolved within the 2025 calendar year. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2023-001

About Reporting →
2024-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recordkeeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan. Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Housing Voucher Cluster Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Same as Financial Statement Audit Finding 2024-001 above Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recordkeeping during an accounting software conversion and staff transitions. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan. Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Housing Voucher Cluster Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Same as Financial Statement Audit Finding 2024-001 above Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2024-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, in the previous year we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. There have been a number of staffing changes made during the year with the intent of improving the overall performance of the finance department. We are in the process of evaluating if additional staff are needed to expand the capacity of the Finance department. In November of 2024 the Houston Housing authority converted to a new accounting system. The Yardi system was implemented and we began processing all transactions on this new system. Unfortunately, there have been a significant amount of post implementation corrections and modifications that have had to be made and continue to occur. We are still undergoing these implementation and modification processes and as a result of this we continue to have to make adjusting entries to correct errors as they are discovered. To further complicate this system conversion there were a number of changes made to the management companies that we utilize to do our primary property level accounting. They have also been converting portions of their accounting systems to Yardi. Many of the same problems that have been encountered during our system conversion have also been encountered by the management companies. It is anticipated that most of these system conversion related issues will be resolved within the 2025 calendar year. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2023-001

About Reporting →
2024-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations and the Senior Vice President of Asset Management will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher and public housing operations

Prior Finding References

2023-002

About Eligibility →
2024-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Eligibility (continued) Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Three files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months of the previous certification, • Two files did not have an utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a inspections performed during the period, and • Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Eligibility (continued) Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): • Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,500 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,200 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 11 tenants selected for testing): One file did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, Three files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, Two files did not have a utility allowance calculation sheet during annual recertification, Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Two files did not have an inspection performed during the period, and Two files did not utilize the correct payment standard. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 12 tenants selected for testing): Three files did not contain flat rent options forms, Four files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, Six files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and One file did not have support necessary to verify income allowances. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations and the Senior Vice President of Asset Management will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher and public housing operations.

Prior Finding References

2023-002

About Eligibility →
2024-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher operations.

Prior Finding References

2023-003

About Eligibility →
2024-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: • Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification • Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed, • One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, • One file used an incorrect payment standard, • One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, • One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and • One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants we tested 11 tenants and the following deficiencies were noted: Five files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification Two files did not have inspection documentation during the period, One file did not have an annual recertification performed, One file did not have documentation to support HAP amount reported, One file used an incorrect payment standard, One file did not have dependency documentation for a dependent member of the household, One file was missing documentation to support income claimed during recertification, and One file will missing rent reasonableness documentation and approval. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas.

Prior Finding References

2023-003

About Eligibility →
2024-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-004

Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2024-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas. The Senior Vice President of Voucher Operations will be focused on improving the quality of our files that support the voucher operations

Prior Finding References

2023-004

About Eligibility →
2024-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2023-004

Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 240 of tenants, 11 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: Four files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, Two files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, Two files used incorrect income based on the support provided during the annual recertification, One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and One files did not have utility allowance documentation. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this fining and related recommendations. During 2024 the voucher and public housing programs converted to a new software system. Yardi is not the principal operating system for both the voucher and public housing programs. This system conversion has required that work flows had to be modified. This modification and implementation of a new processing system did not allow staff to conduct the necessary reviews of existing files to make sure that the compliance related materials that should be found in each file were to be completed. This issue has been discussed and there will be an internal review conducted on file samples to determine what compliance deficiencies are prevalent. Corrective action steps will be implemented to address these issues designed to correct them. Additional training resources will be devoted to staff in these departments designed to improve quality control with these program areas.

Prior Finding References

2023-004

About Eligibility →

FY 2023-12-31

DISCLAIMER OF OPINIONMATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE DISCLOSED$265,001,301 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on September 30, 2024 — management decision was due March 30, 2025.

2023-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-001 Financial Reporting - Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-001 Financial Reporting – Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. We are in the process of bringing in additional staff to expand the capacity of the Finance department. As we had fallen behind on our audits we anticipated the weaknesses noted in prior audits would continue to be present in future audits including the 2023 audit. We have been working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expected this finding or a similar finding to be present for the 2023 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were not in place during the 2023 calendar year. We have also been somewhat limited in the time available to implement changes as we have been working on clearing up the prior audit delinquencies since hiring out new outside auditors. This will be the first time in years where we will have a prior year audit available to us prior to the end of the current year. We will be able to have any 2023 audit adjustments posted to the general ledger prior to yearend 2024 so many of the reconciliation issues that have been encountered on the prior audits are not expected to be present when we move into the 2024 audit. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2022-001

About Reporting →
2023-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. We are in the process of bringing in additional staff to expand the capacity of the Finance department. As we had fallen behind on our audits we anticipated the weaknesses noted in prior audits would continue to be present in future audits including the 2023 audit. We have been working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expected this finding or a similar finding to be present for the 2023 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were not in place during the 2023 calendar year. We have also been somewhat limited in the time available to implement changes as we have been working on clearing up the prior audit delinquencies since hiring out new outside auditors. This will be the first time in years where we will have a prior year audit available to us prior to the end of the current year. We will be able to have any 2023 audit adjustments posted to the general ledger prior to yearend 2024 so many of the reconciliation issues that have been encountered on the prior audits are not expected to be present when we move into the 2024 audit. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2022-001

About Reporting →
2023-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-002

Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have a annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three file did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information form within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected during the final quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the final quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-002

About Eligibility →
2023-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-002

Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependent • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependent • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected during the final quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the final quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-002

About Eligibility →
2023-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments.   Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments.   Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2022-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 484 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 4 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have an annual recertification performed during the year, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, • One file did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, and • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, and • Five files did not have rent reasonableness form performed for the annual certification. The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024. FINDINGS - FEDERAL AWARD PROGRAMS AUDIT 2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-003

About Eligibility →
2023-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-003

About Eligibility →
2023-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-004

Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Full finding narrative

2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024

Prior Finding References

2022-004

About Eligibility →
2023-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-004

Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, •Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Full finding narrative

2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, •Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-004

About Eligibility →
2023-005
Special Tests & Provisions
OTHER MATTERS

While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection.   Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection.   Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions – Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. A review of existing procedures revealed that there were issues with the management of the waiting lists. The Houston Housing Authority is transitioning to a new software program during 2024. One of the reasons for the implantation of the new software is to make use of a better wait list management feature that is available within the new software. Waitlists have been reviewed and purged of stale an do dated information which will facilitate better management of the waitlist for future periods.

About Special Tests and Provisions →
2023-005
Special Tests & Provisions
OTHER MATTERS

While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Full finding narrative

2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. A review of existing procedures revealed that there were issues with the management of the waiting lists. The Houston Housing Authority is transitioning to a new software program during 2024. One of the reasons for the implantation of the new software is to make use of a better wait list management feature that is available within the new software. Waitlists have been reviewed and purged of stale an do dated information which will facilitate better management of the waitlist for future periods.

About Special Tests and Provisions →

FY 2023-12-31

MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE DISCLOSED$265,001,301 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on January 13, 2025 — management decision was due July 13, 2025.

2023-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-001 Financial Reporting - Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. In addition, we were not able to complete the required audit procedures which resulted in a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-001 Financial Reporting – Disclaimer of Opinion Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Given the amount of adjustments needed the auditor did not have enough time to complete the necessary audit procedures and as such have issued a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. We are in the process of bringing in additional staff to expand the capacity of the Finance department. As we had fallen behind on our audits we anticipated the weaknesses noted in prior audits would continue to be present in future audits including the 2023 audit. We have been working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expected this finding or a similar finding to be present for the 2023 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were not in place during the 2023 calendar year. We have also been somewhat limited in the time available to implement changes as we have been working on clearing up the prior audit delinquencies since hiring out new outside auditors. This will be the first time in years where we will have a prior year audit available to us prior to the end of the current year. We will be able to have any 2023 audit adjustments posted to the general ledger prior to yearend 2024 so many of the reconciliation issues that have been encountered on the prior audits are not expected to be present when we move into the 2024 audit. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2022-001

About Reporting →
2023-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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Full finding narrative

2023-001 Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. The required audit procedures were unable to be completed. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. We are in the process of bringing in additional staff to expand the capacity of the Finance department. As we had fallen behind on our audits we anticipated the weaknesses noted in prior audits would continue to be present in future audits including the 2023 audit. We have been working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expected this finding or a similar finding to be present for the 2023 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were not in place during the 2023 calendar year. We have also been somewhat limited in the time available to implement changes as we have been working on clearing up the prior audit delinquencies since hiring out new outside auditors. This will be the first time in years where we will have a prior year audit available to us prior to the end of the current year. We will be able to have any 2023 audit adjustments posted to the general ledger prior to yearend 2024 so many of the reconciliation issues that have been encountered on the prior audits are not expected to be present when we move into the 2024 audit. The VP Fiscal and Business Operations as well as the Director of Finance are responsible for implementing the necessary process and procedural changes to eliminate the need for this type of finding for the 2024 audit.

Prior Finding References

2022-001

About Reporting →
2023-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-002

Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have a annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three file did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependents. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information form within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected during the final quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the final quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-002

About Eligibility →
2023-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-002

Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependent • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 18,300 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,300 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Thirty-five files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed with 12 months of the previous certification, • Three files did not have an inspection performed during the year • Three files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Two files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, and • Two files did not have documentation necessary to verify custody of dependent • Fourteen files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Ten files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Seven files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Three files did not have support necessary to verify income allowances, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information from within 15 months of the annual recertification, and • One file did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 require internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected during the final quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the final quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-002

About Eligibility →
2023-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments.   Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments.   Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2022-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 484 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 4 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have an annual recertification performed during the year, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, • One file did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, and • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, and • Five files did not have rent reasonableness form performed for the annual certification. The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024. FINDINGS - FEDERAL AWARD PROGRAMS AUDIT 2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-003

About Eligibility →
2023-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-003

Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 1,500 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Five files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have supporting documents needed to determine eligibility, and • One files did not have an annual recertification performed. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-003

About Eligibility →
2023-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-004

Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024

Prior Finding References

2022-004

About Eligibility →
2023-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2022-004

Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, •Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 670 of tenants, 20 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nine files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, •Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Six files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 983.353 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. Because the file clean up work was being performed in calendar year 2024 we expected this finding would be present for the 2023 audit. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2022-004

About Eligibility →
2023-005
Special Tests & Provisions
OTHER MATTERS

While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection.   Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection.   Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions – Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Action Taken: The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. A review of existing procedures revealed that there were issues with the management of the waiting lists. The Houston Housing Authority is transitioning to a new software program during 2024. One of the reasons for the implantation of the new software is to make use of a better wait list management feature that is available within the new software. Waitlists have been reviewed and purged of stale an do dated information which will facilitate better management of the waitlist for future periods.

About Special Tests and Provisions →
2023-005
Special Tests & Provisions
OTHER MATTERS

While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2023-005 Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: While testing of applicants that reached the top of the waiting list during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Authority was unable to provide sufficient documentation for one of the applicants to support their position on the list. Criteria: 24 CFR 960.202 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed to be in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list applicant selection. Context: The auditor selected the 40 applicants that had reached the top of the waiting list, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the applicant’s file and support to ensure that proper procedures for selection from the waiting list are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list selection. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID- 19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with all regulations. This resulted in the Authority not maintaining the appropriate documentation to adequately provide information required by federal regulations so the waiting list could be monitored for proper compliance. Effect: The Authority does not have adequate controls in place to ensure they are in compliance with HUD requirements regarding the waiting list applicant selection process. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to waiting list selection process and document retention requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. A review of existing procedures revealed that there were issues with the management of the waiting lists. The Houston Housing Authority is transitioning to a new software program during 2024. One of the reasons for the implantation of the new software is to make use of a better wait list management feature that is available within the new software. Waitlists have been reviewed and purged of stale an do dated information which will facilitate better management of the waitlist for future periods.

About Special Tests and Provisions →

FY 2022-12-31

$210,960,322 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on August 9, 2024 — management decision was due February 9, 2025.

2022-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSREPEAT OF 2021-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. In accordance with HUD rules and regulations, the Authority is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the submission of their audited financial information to REAC within 9 months after the fiscal year end. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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022-001 Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. In accordance with HUD rules and regulations, the Authority is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the submission of their audited financial information to REAC within 9 months after the fiscal year end. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During this audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. We are in the process of bringing in additional staff to expand the capacity of the Finance department. As we had fallen behind on our audits we anticipated the weaknesses noted in prior audits would continue to be present in future audits. We have been working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expect this finding or a similar finding to be present for the 2023 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were only recently made and would not have been in place for the majority of 2023.

Prior Finding References

2021-001

About Reporting →
2022-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2021-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,109 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,511 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 36 tenants selected for testing): • Twelve files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Ten files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Five files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Three files did not use the correct payment standard, • One file did not have the documentation necessary to verify utility allowance, • One file did not have necessary support to agree to Housing assistance payment (“HAP”), and • One file did not have an inspection performed during the year. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Twenty-seven files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Twenty-one files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Seventeen files did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification, • Thirteen files did not have income support necessary to verify tenant income, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information form within 15 months of the annual recertification, • Six files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, and • Three files had 50058 forms displaying different rent payments than those on the rent roll. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2022-002 Eligibility Moving to Work Demonstration Program AL No. 14.881 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,109 of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and 2,511 Low Rent Public Housing tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (a total of 36 tenants selected for testing): • Twelve files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Ten files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Eight files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Five files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Five files did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income, • Three files did not use the correct payment standard, • One file did not have the documentation necessary to verify utility allowance, • One file did not have necessary support to agree to Housing assistance payment (“HAP”), and • One file did not have an inspection performed during the year. Low Rent Public Housing (a total of 40 tenants selected for testing): • Twenty-seven files did not contain flat rent options forms, • Twenty-one files did not have a 214 declaration for a member of the household, • Seventeen files did not have annual recertifications performed within 12 months of the previous annual certification, • Thirteen files did not have income support necessary to verify tenant income, • Nine files did not have 9886 release of information form within 15 months of the annual recertification, • Six files did not have the annual recertification performed or documented, and • Three files had 50058 forms displaying different rent payments than those on the rent roll. Criteria: The Authority’s ACOP, Administrative Plan, 24 CFR 960.259, and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2021-002

About Eligibility →
2022-003
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2021-002

Out of an approximate population of 484 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 4 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have an annual recertification performed during the year, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, • One file did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, and • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, and • Five files did not have rent reasonableness form performed for the annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2022-003 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 484 of Housing Voucher Cluster tenants the following deficiencies were noted: Mainstream Voucher AL #14.879 (a total of 4 tenants selected for testing): • One file did not have an annual recertification performed during the year, • One file did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Two files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, • One file did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, and • One file did not have documentation necessary to verify the reported income. Emergency Housing Voucher AL #14.871 (a total of 5 tenants selected for testing): • Four files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 month of the annual recertification, and • Five files did not have rent reasonableness form performed for the annual certification. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population from each program as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that a HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

Prior Finding References

2021-002

About Eligibility →
2022-004
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINION

Out of an approximate population of 524 of tenants, 15 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Fourteen files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Thirteen files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2022-004 Eligibility Section 8 Project-Based Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 524 of tenants, 15 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Fourteen files did not have 9886 release of information forms within 15 months of annual recertification, • Thirteen files did not have an annual recertification performed within 12 months, • Three files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, and • Three files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household. Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected tenant files out of the population as outlined, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID-19 and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has for the past several months undertaken a program to review all voucher files for purposes of getting all deficiencies corrected. During this process if other required documents are found to be missing steps are being taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is substantially completed with final completion expected in the third quarter of 2024. Procedures have been implemented with regards to preventing this situation from recurring. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having a competent trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments with the agency. This work is handled by the Voucher Program Operations department. The VP of this department and the Director of this department are primarily responsible for making sure the necessary corrections are made and the fill review is completed within the third quarter of 2024.

About Eligibility →

FY 2021-12-31

$213,721,344 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on April 30, 2024 — management decision was due October 30, 2024.

2021-001
Reporting
MATERIAL WEAKNESSREPEAT OF 2020-001

During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. In accordance with HUD rules and regulations, the Authority is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the submission of their audited financial information to REAC within 9 months after the fiscal year end. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2021-001 Delayed Financial Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control Condition: During our audit of the Authority’s financial statements, numerous adjustments were needed to properly report the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Certain accounts had not been properly reconciled and corrective entries were not readily available. Significant audit adjustments were necessary for several audit areas and the audit was significantly delayed due to these adjustments. Context: We obtained the financial information from the Authority’s general ledger system. As part of our audit process, the financial information was compared to the unaudited submission sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Real Estate Assessment Center (“REAC”). While applying audit procedures, significant adjustments were identified as necessary to properly reflect the financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to reflect the data schedule in accordance with HUD requirements. Criteria: In accordance with AU-C 265, when a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control is identified, which indicates that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, a material weakness should be reported. In accordance with HUD rules and regulations, the Authority is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the submission of their audited financial information to REAC within 9 months after the fiscal year end. Cause: The Authority was unable to maintain proper oversight of its financial closing processes and recording keeping during COVID. As a result the Authority did not have access to accurate closing schedules and was not able to implement the internal controls and processes to ensure that the general ledger and the unaudited REAC submission was complete and accurate. Effect: The general ledger and the unaudited data submitted to REAC required numerous and material audit adjustments that delayed the audit, and therefore HUD could not provide proper timely financial oversight based on the unaudited REAC submission. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should continue to develop and implement internal controls over both internal and external reporting, and the year-end close process to ensure reporting remains accurate and timely, with any unexpected financial data being investigated and corrected before it is reported. The Authority should consider additional staff training on development activities. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The recommendation of the auditor was for the Houston Housing Authority to review its existing internal control procedures to ensure that data is properly recorded in the books and records to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future. l he Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding and related recommendations. During the audit, as these issues arose, notes were taken, evaluation of what had happened was made so that we could make the necessary adjustments to our procedures to prevent the continuation of these issues. In addition, we hired a firm to come in and undertake a review of the finance department. The purpose of this review was to review our existing staffing levels, workloads, experience, etc., for purposes of proposing a reorganization of the finance department to address any deficiencies. We have reviewed the recommendations from this consultant and are in the process of implementing many of the recommended changes. As we continue to work on getting all past due audits completed we are working very diligently to address the issues within the finance department that gave rise to this finding. We fully expect the finding to be present for the 2022 audit as many of the departmental improvements and changes were not made prior to 2023 so would not have been in practice during 2022. Our audit delinquencies commenced with the 2019 audit being delayed in part due to the COVID pandemic. We also determined in the completion of the 2019 audit that it was in the best interest of HHA to terminate our relationship with the prior auditor and procure a new audit firm. The completion of the 2021 audit will be our second audit wrapped up with the new audit firm. We are confident that the changes we have made and will continue to make will ensure that future prepared by the Houston Housing Authority will be in better condition than those for the 2021 audit. existing internal control procedures to ensure that data is properly recorded in the books and records to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future.

Prior Finding References

2020-001

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2021-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINIONREPEAT OF 2020-002

Out of an approximate population of 17,110 tenants, 43 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Fifteen files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • All files did not have 9886 release of information forms with 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four tenant did not have the required form of identification documented, • Two files did not have correct utility allowance calculation documentation, • Twelve tenants did not have proper documentation for reported income, • One file did not use the correct payment standard, • Two files had an incorrect HAP calculation, and • Three files had HAP from the 50058 annual recertification that did not match the HAP register. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected 43 tenant files out of the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2021-002 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,110 tenants, 43 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Fifteen files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • All files did not have 9886 release of information forms with 15 months of annual recertification, • Six files did not have a 214 declaration form for all members of the household, • Four tenant did not have the required form of identification documented, • Two files did not have correct utility allowance calculation documentation, • Twelve tenants did not have proper documentation for reported income, • One file did not use the correct payment standard, • Two files had an incorrect HAP calculation, and • Three files had HAP from the 50058 annual recertification that did not match the HAP register. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected 43 tenant files out of the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should reevaluate their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The Houston Housing Authority agrees with this finding. The Houston Housing Authority has undertaken a program to review all voucher files for the purpose of getting all delinquent recertifications completed. During this process, if other required documents are identified, steps are taken to complete the missing documentation and make sure that the files are complete. This review is still ongoing with expected completion in the first half of 2024. Where needed staff will be provided the necessary training to make sure that all HCVP staff have the skills needed to successfully complete their job tasks. To facilitate this training, the Houston Housing Authority has created a training center that is made available to not only Houston Housing Authority staff but also others to provide a wide variety of training classes. Current leadership at the Houston Housing Authority is committed to having competent, well-trained staff working in the HCVP as well as other departments within the agency.

Prior Finding References

2020-002

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FY 2020-12-31

$236,219,096 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on October 20, 2023 — management decision was due April 20, 2024.

2020-002
Eligibility
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINION

Out of an approximate population of 17,476 tenants, 44 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nineteen files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected 44 tenant files out of the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: None. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should consider reevaluating their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

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2020-002 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,476 tenants, 44 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nineteen files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year. Criteria: The Authority’s Administrative Plan and 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete and accurate tenant files. Context: The auditor randomly selected 44 tenant files out of the population, which we consider to be a statistically valid sample size. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing and operational challenges during the onset of COVID and did not have the available staff to follow the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to verify eligibility and calculate accurate housing assistance payments. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Questioned Costs: None. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should consider reevaluating their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

2020-002 Eligibility Housing Voucher Cluster Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: Out of an approximate population of 17,476 tenants, 44 tenant files were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: • Nineteen files did not have annual recertifications performed during the year, • Seven files did not have correct utility allowance or documentation required to determine correct utility allowance, • Six files did not have 9886 release of information forms with 15 months of annual recertification, • Five files had HAP payments that did not agree to the HAP register, • Two files did not have rent reasonableness performed under a circumstance were it would be required to, • Two tenants did not have inspections performed during the year, • One file had an incorrect HAP calculation, and • One file did have the required forms of identification documented. Auditor’s Recommendations: The Authority should consider reevaluating their established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility and the timeliness of recertifications. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor’s sample. Action Taken: Leadership of the Houston Housing Authority acknowledges this issue and agrees with the finding. To eliminate the number of delinquent recertifications management of the HHA program has undertaken a project to eliminate all of the delinquencies and maintain the current status of those HCVP files where the recertification is not delinquent. An incentive plan has been created where certain HCVP staff will be granted overtime in the case of hourly employees and paid an incentive in the case of salaried employees to eliminate the existing backlog of delinquent recertifications. Each employee who works on this program is to be verified that they have the training necessary to work on the recertifications. In addition if recertifications are part of their normal work load they will have to maintain the pace that is necessary to not create additional delinquencies in order to participate in the incentive program. Hourly employees who are not successfully contributing to the project will be either be offered additional training or removed for eligibility to participate. Salaried employees will be compensated on a completed file basis with the HUD PIC acceptance of the data as the benchmark for completion and receipt of the incentive pay for the completed recertification. The HCVP management staff is confident that they can eliminate the backlog prior to the end of the 2023 calendar year.

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FY 2019-12-31

$193,532,063 federal awards expendedNo findings recorded this year

FAC accepted this audit on October 2, 2022 — management decision was due April 2, 2023.

FY 2018-12-31

$192,954,243 federal awards expendedNo findings recorded this year

FAC accepted this audit on November 19, 2019 — management decision was due May 19, 2020.

FY 2017-12-31

$181,414,866 federal awards expendedNo findings recorded this year

FAC accepted this audit on February 15, 2019 — management decision was due August 15, 2019.

FY 2016-12-31

LOW-RISK AUDITEE$173,488,550 federal awards expended

FAC accepted this audit on September 27, 2017 — management decision was due March 27, 2018.

2016-001
Other
MATERIAL WEAKNESSMODIFIED OPINION

GSA_MIGRATION

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GSA_MIGRATION

Corrective Action Plan

GSA_MIGRATION

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