City Comptroller's Audit Reveals Room for Cost-Cutting in Expanding Housing Aid Program
A scathing audit by the state comptroller's office has identified significant inefficiencies in the city's CityFHEPS rental assistance program, which Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to dramatically expand. The report highlights a litany of problems that drive up costs and limit access to affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.
The audit found that the program, currently worth $1.2 billion, could save money by increasing oversight, cracking down on overpayment by brokers and landlords, and refusing to contract with property owners whose apartments are plagued by hazardous violations. By implementing these measures, the city could free up extra funds to cover rents for more tenants.
However, officials from the Department of Social Services, which manages the CityFHEPS program, dispute the audit's findings, claiming that it is "riddled with inaccuracies and misstatements." The department has also pointed fingers at the housing crunch, arguing that restricting voucher use to only pristine landlords would further exacerbate the shortage.
The audit reviewed 75 CityFHEPS cases, including 45 households using the vouchers in the five boroughs and 30 who used them outside of the city. It found that over a third of the city-based households had requested to move due to hazardous conditions in their apartments, leading to additional fees and incentives for brokers and landlords.
Mayor Mamdani's pledge to expand the program under terms approved by the City Council could be complicated by these findings. Economists and budget watchdogs have warned that expanding the program would cost the city billions of dollars more in rental assistance. However, homeless rights advocates argue that the added cost will be offset by hundreds of millions of dollars in shelter savings.
The audit's findings offer a glimmer of hope for reforming the CityFHEPS program, but it remains to be seen whether Mayor Mamdani's administration will take action to address these inefficiencies.
A scathing audit by the state comptroller's office has identified significant inefficiencies in the city's CityFHEPS rental assistance program, which Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to dramatically expand. The report highlights a litany of problems that drive up costs and limit access to affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.
The audit found that the program, currently worth $1.2 billion, could save money by increasing oversight, cracking down on overpayment by brokers and landlords, and refusing to contract with property owners whose apartments are plagued by hazardous violations. By implementing these measures, the city could free up extra funds to cover rents for more tenants.
However, officials from the Department of Social Services, which manages the CityFHEPS program, dispute the audit's findings, claiming that it is "riddled with inaccuracies and misstatements." The department has also pointed fingers at the housing crunch, arguing that restricting voucher use to only pristine landlords would further exacerbate the shortage.
The audit reviewed 75 CityFHEPS cases, including 45 households using the vouchers in the five boroughs and 30 who used them outside of the city. It found that over a third of the city-based households had requested to move due to hazardous conditions in their apartments, leading to additional fees and incentives for brokers and landlords.
Mayor Mamdani's pledge to expand the program under terms approved by the City Council could be complicated by these findings. Economists and budget watchdogs have warned that expanding the program would cost the city billions of dollars more in rental assistance. However, homeless rights advocates argue that the added cost will be offset by hundreds of millions of dollars in shelter savings.
The audit's findings offer a glimmer of hope for reforming the CityFHEPS program, but it remains to be seen whether Mayor Mamdani's administration will take action to address these inefficiencies.
I'm surprised no one mentioned that this is exactly what happens when you have good intentions, but lack proper oversight 
. We need to make sure our programs are run efficiently and not just a handout for the sake of it. The fact that over 1/3 of the households had to move due to hazardous conditions in their apartments is a red flag. Maybe instead of expanding the program we should focus on building more affordable housing? 
I'm all for helping those in need, but let's not throw good money after bad 
. But at the same time, you don't wanna make it so hard for low-income folks to get help that they end up falling through the cracks 
. Maybe Mayor Mamdani's team can find a balance between saving money and helping people out? 
and shelter savings sounds like a win 
. but at the same time, its not fair 2 everyone who's already on the program, like they'll have 2 pay more 4 less service 
It just doesn't make sense to me.
And I get that the housing crunch is a big deal, but can't we find ways to make the program more sustainable without having to restrict voucher use so much? 