The Legal Position

The law gives you the right to request a review of a number of different decisions that the Council make about your housing, if you think the decision was wrong.

This review is carried out by someone who was not part of the original decision-making, so they will look at it with fresh eyes.

Before you request a review it is a good idea to use this guide to understand how the council has reached its decision (or to get independent advice).

You have to ask for a review within 21 days of getting the written decision letter. The 21 days start from the date that you receive the letter, not the date printed on the letter.

Councils have to consider any requests made after 21 days have passed, but they don't have to agree to carry out a review.

You can request a review on any of the following decisions:

• that you are ineligible for assistance

• that you are not owed a duty because:

• you are thought to be 'intentionally homeless'

• you are not thought to be in priority need

• you are not thought to be threatened with homelessness

• other suitable accommodation is thought to be available to you

• the decision to refer you to another Authority

• the suitability of an offer of accommodation

What if I'm still not satisfied?

If you are not satisfied that the person reviewing the case has got the decision right, you do have the right to go to Court to appeal.

County court appeals have to be started within 21 days of you being notified of the review decision. The 21 days start from the day that you receive the letter, not the date printed on the letter.

In some circumstances, it is possible to begin an appeal after the 21 day time limit has passed, if you have a very good reason for not applying sooner, such as serious ill-health or if you did not receive the council's decision letter. Get advice immediately if you need to make a late appeal.