Appeal process at the Housing Appeals Committee

A First Tier review by the housing provider must be completed before you can appeal to the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC). The HAC only becomes involved in the Second Tier of the review process. 

An appeal has 2 separate parts.

1. The housing provider conducts an internal review of their decision at the first level appeal. The review will be completed by someone who was not involved in the original decision. Sometimes the provider will change their decision at this stage and no further action is needed. You will need to contact your housing provider to apply for a review. 
2. The second level appeal is an independent external review by the HAC. The Committee assesses if the original decision by the housing provider was made fairly considering all information and in accordance with policy.

You will receive information about how to appeal to HAC with their internal review decision. You have the option of:

• completing a Second Tier Appeal application online, or
• using our HAC Second Tier Appeal form. 

Applying for an appeal

Once the HAC receives your appeal, we will ask the housing provider to send your file to us. If there has been a change in your personal circumstances since submitting the internal review, you can provide new information or evidence with your second level appeal.

After receiving the file, you will receive a date and time for the appeal. The HAC aims to schedule a hearing within 4 weeks of receiving your file from the housing provider.

Hearings are generally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 1pm. The last interview is scheduled to commence at 12:30pm. If you need an interpreter, the Secretariat will arrange one for you.

What will happen at the appeal 

The appeal hearing will be either:

• a telephone interview, or
• a face-to-face interview.

Let us know when you apply if you would like a face-to-face interview.

The hearing is informal and takes 30 to 50 minutes.

The purpose of the hearing is to:

• give you a chance to explain why you are unhappy with the housing provider`s decision
• allow you to provide more information about your situation and your housing needs
• make sure the Committee has all possible information from you to assess your appeal.

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

You can have an advocate or support person with you during the hearing.

Professional interpreters will be used when needed or requested.

You will be sent the Committee's recommendations in writing within 2 weeks after the appeal hearing.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person there will be an Aboriginal committee member involved in the hearing. 

How to appeal the decision of the housing provider 

Step 1

Apply for service from social housing providers such as Homes NSW, community housing and Aboriginal housing providers.

Step 2

Application for service is declined (original decision).

Step 3 (First Tier Appeal)

Request an internal review of the original decision (First Tier Appeal). You will receive a letter telling you the outcome of your review.

Step 4 (when you can first appeal to the HAC)

If you are not happy with a decision from the housing provider, the next step may be lodging an appeal with the HAC for a Second Tier Appeal. There are time limits on how long you must submit an appeal. It varies depending on your reason for appealing. You can call us for more information.

Step 5 (the hearing)

Your interview will be conducted either by phone or face to face.

Step 6

About 2 weeks after your hearing, we will send you a report with the outcome of your appeal.