A federal audit released this month documented deficiencies in HANO's compliance with HUD requirements. In 1994, HUD sampled 150 HANO housing units, and none met housing quality standards. The findings come as the agency says it has already overhauled how it inspects and monitors the homes landlords rent to voucher holders.
Federal Inspectors Uncover Widespread Habitability Failures
The audit was released September 18 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. Investigators documented deficiencies in HANO's compliance with HUD requirements.
The audit also identified failures in health-related follow-up involving potential elevated blood lead levels in children.
HANO Responds to Audit Findings
HANO has begun responding to problems identified in the audit, as Biz New Orleans reports.
According to that outlet's reporting, HANO terminated its former inspection contractor on February 11, months before the audit's public release, and a new inspection contractor assumed primary inspection operations by June 22. The agency says it also established an internal quality control department that independently checks inspection quality, conducts reinspections and reviews health and safety concerns, and instituted weekly contractor monitoring meetings. Inspection results are now required to be entered directly into HANO's records system, the outlet notes.
Agency Reports Progress on Outstanding Repairs
By September 2, the report states, HANO said 54 of 69 homes with previously outstanding deficiencies had been corrected. The agency also terminated housing assistance payment contracts for six homes and suspended payments for nine others tied to unresolved problems, with HANO staff resuming responsibility for initiating required payment suspensions when landlords fail to meet program requirements, per the outlet's account.
On the lead exposure failures specifically, the agency has committed to following up on potentially elevated blood lead levels in children and says it plans to strengthen coordination with health authorities so resident health and safety concerns reach responsible staff going forward. HANO also says it will work with HUD to document repairs, verify enforcement actions and implement the audit's recommendations.
Leadership Says Accountability Is the Priority
Executive Director Marjorianna Willman framed the response in blunt terms. “HANO will not tolerate practices that put families at risk or fall short of its responsibility to residents,” Willman said, according to the same report. She added that the agency said, “We are accountable for overseeing this program, making sure inspections are reliable, and following through when problems are identified.”
The audit's findings put a renewed focus on HANO's oversight of its housing programs in New Orleans.
