Appeal a social housing provider decision

How to appeal a decision after requesting an internal review by a social housing provider.

Introduction

If you think a decision about your social housing is wrong you should first talk with:

  • the person who made the decision or
  • another person at the social housing provider. 

Reason for an appeal

You will need to provide details of the social housing decision that is the reason for your appeal. 

You can appeal a decision made by a social housing provider if you believe:

  • your situation was not considered properly, or
  • the policy was not applied in the right way, or
  • the decision-making process was not fair and correct.

Decisions that can be appealed

You can ask for an appeal if a social housing decision was about:

  • housing eligibility, offers and services
  • waiting list prioritisation
  • property transfers
  • rental subsidies
  • tenancy recognition and succession
  • relocation offers
  • location or housing type needs
  • property modifications.

Visit the Housing Appeals Committee website for information about what you can and cannot appeal.

How the appeal process works

Ask for an internal review by the provider

To appeal a decision, you must first contact the social housing provider and ask for an internal review. A review is a formal process that checks whether the right decision has been made. The internal review is called a first level appeal. 

If you think the decision of the first level appeal is wrong, speak with the social housing provider about your concerns.

Ask for an independent review

If you still think the decision is wrong after the first level appeal process is complete you can ask for an independent review by the Housing Appeals Committee. This is called a second level appeal.

You should appeal to the Housing Appeals Committee within 3 months of your first level appeal result. Some decisions require specific appeal timeframes.

As part of the second level appeal process you will be invited to go to an interview in person or by phone. This interview is called a hearing. 

Eligibility

You can appeal a decision made by a social housing provider if:

  • you're a social housing tenant
  • you have applied for social housing.

What you need

To appeal a decision by a social housing provider you need:

  • your name, date of birth and contact details
  • a description of the decision for review and the reasons for the appeal
  • your housing file number (if applicable).

If applicable you will also need:

  • an interpreter
  • hearing loop service
  • the name and contact details of a person helping you with your application
    Note: you may need to complete the advocate authority form.

Lodge a first level appeal

Choose an option to lodge a first level appeal application.

What happens next

After you lodge your first level appeal application, officers at the social housing provider will review how the decision was made. This review is by people who were not involved in making the original decision. 

If the outcome of the first level appeal is not in your favour the social housing provider will offer to meet you by phone or in person to provide more information.

Lodge a second level appeal

If you believe the first level appeal decision is wrong you can choose an option to lodge a second level appeal application.

What happens next

After you lodge your second level appeal application the Housing Appeals Committee will:

  • send you a letter to confirm you have received your appeal application
  • ask your social housing provider for a copy of your file
  • write to you to confirm the date and time for your hearing (usually within 4 weeks of receiving your file from your housing provider)
  • review your appeal application and tell your social housing provider what they think about the decision they made
  • send you a report with the result of your appeal application (approximately 2 weeks after your hearing).

Going to your hearing

A hearing is an informal 30 to 50 minute interview with the Housing Appeals Committee in person or by phone. 

The housing provider does not attend the hearing but may be contacted for more information before or after the hearing.

When you go to your hearing:

  • you can bring family, friends or advocates to assist you
  • you have access to a professional interpreter and hearing loop services, if needed
  • there will be an Aboriginal committee member if you’re appealing as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

A report with the outcome of your appeal will be sent to you within 2 weeks after the appeal hearing.

Timing – what to expect

First level appeal: Usually completed within 20 working days from the date of your application. 

Second level appeal: Usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks from the date of your application.

Change of decision: If the Housing Appeals Committee recommends a change of decision, the housing provider normally reports back within 4 to 6 weeks.

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Last published: 20 January 2026