Update HUD’s loss mitigation policies, to include deadlines for the servicers to report the new terms of the FHA-HAMP nonincentivized loan modifications, and consider imposing sanctions for noncompliance with these deadline requirements.

Ensure that the HECM cash flow model assumptions capture all valid assignments or provide an analysis showing that the model results are not biased due to the exclusion of valid HECM assignments.

Document and implement policies and procedures to ensure that data observations for key assumptions that are inconsistent with FHA’s understanding of program operations are researched and further analyzed and that all results are concurrently documented and included in the model documentation.

Update the posting models to ensure that refunds relating to payments made in prior years are properly recorded in accordance with OMB Circular A-11.

Correct the programming error in the HERMIT system to ensure that the correct insurance-in-force balances are reported on the note disclosures.

Develop policies and procedures to ensure that the line items in the required note disclosures are understood, properly calculated, and properly disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with OMB Circular A-136.

Support that healthy homes assessment and data collection services were cost reasonable or reimburse its Program $361,850 from non-Federal funds.

Support that landlords gave preference in renting eight vacant units to families with children under 6 years of age or reimburse its Program $112,917 from non-Federal funds for the lead-based paint hazard control activities completed at these assisted units.

Support that lead-based paint hazard control activities were necessary at 19 assisted units or reimburse its Program $70,266 from non-Federal funds for the unsupported lead-based paint hazard control activities completed at these assisted units

Coordinate with HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to determine whether $51,930 in healthy homes supplemental funds used for four units in excess of $5,000 per unit was for eligible activities. If the activities are deemed ineligible, the Department should reimburse its Program the appropriate amount from non-Federal funds.

Support that one household residing in an assisted unit was income eligible or reimburse its Program $19,500 from non-Federal funds for the lead-based paint hazard control activities completed in the assisted unit.

Implement adequate procedures and controls to ensure that (1) documentation is maintained to support that contracted services are cost reasonable, (2) landlords give preference in renting assisted vacant units to families with children under 6 years of age, (3) lead inspection documentation properly supports lead-based paint hazard control activities, (4) HUD approval is obtained when more than $5,000 per unit in healthy homes supplemental funds is budgeted to assist units, and (5) its staff is fully knowledgeable of the Program requirements.

Require lenders to obtain the borrowers’ consent to verify the existence of delinquent Federal taxes with the IRS during loan origination and deny any applicant with delinquent Federal tax debt and no payment plan or a noncompliant payment plan or an applicant refusing to provide consent from receiving FHA insurance to put at least $6.1 billion to better use by avoiding potential future costs to the FHA insurance fund.

Status

The Office of Single Family Housing will need additional tax information to complete the planned action. In July 2024, Single Family Housing proposed closing the recommendation with no action because the primary action discussed would require Congressional authorization, and another option discussed would place an undue burden on borrowers and lenders and was not practical. OIG disagreed with the request. Single Family maintains that without an automated solution from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it is not practical for individual borrowers and/or lenders to manually check tax status with the IRS. However, OIG’s position is that action is required since delinquent tax debtors are ineligible for FHA loans under existing FHA and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines.

Analysis

To fully address this recommendation, HUD will need to provide evidence that it established a method of borrower consent to verify the existence of delinquent federal taxes.

Implementation of this rule should result in HUD putting $6.1 billion to better use.

Revise HUD handbooks for forward and reverse mortgages to reflect that tax liens and judgments are no longer reported on credit reports.

Revise HUD handbooks for forward and reverse mortgages for uniformity in the treatment of delinquent tax debt and the existence of payment plans as only the forward mortgage handbook requires 3 months of payments.

Reimburse the project $17,761 from nonproject funds for the project operating funds disbursed for ineligible expenses.

Support or reimburse the project $17,653 from nonproject funds for the project operating funds disbursed without sufficient supporting documentation.

Reclassify and properly record $45,000 in owner advances misclassified as loans.

Strengthen controls to ensure that project advances are reimbursed only when the project is in a surplus-cash position.

Implement adequate controls to ensure the review of the management agent fee to ensure that it is properly calculated in accordance with the HUD management agent certification and approved prior to payment from project operating funds.