HUD OIG: Public Housing did not manage lead paint in 53,700 units; recommendations 1A to 2C remain open

On Jan. 15, 2026, HUD OIG published audit 2026-FW-1001: the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration has not adequately managed lead-based paint in about 53,700 units, most built before 1978. An audit finding is not a criminal charge. A recommendation is not abatement. This is public-housing habitability, not CDBG, FEMA, or Slow Spender. A sample of 52 of 207 pre-1978 developments found compliant inspections in 15, limited-scope inspections in 19, and none in 18; the OIG projects at least 105 of 207 without a sufficient inspection. Risk assessments: none of the 52. An inspection is not a risk assessment. Of 38 developments the Authority’s log treated as abated, the OIG received one abatement report and two clearance reports. Recommendations 1A to 1F and 2A to 2C remain open. An open recommendation is not implemented. Management generally concurred. Concurrence is not closure.

Source: HUD Office of Inspector General. https://www.hudoig.gov/reports-publications/report/puerto-rico-public-housing-administration-has-not-adequately-managed