APPEALS

The Public and Community Housing Appeal Unit (PCHAU) provides Housing SA clients and members/tenants of a Community Housing Organisation with an avenue of appeal if dissatisfied with decisions made in relation to their tenancy or membership.

What decisions can be appealed?

SA Housing decisions that can be appealed include:

Rental applications (including Housing Needs Assessments)
Debts (e.g. maintenance charges, rent arrears)
Tenancy matters such as transfers, rent assessment and probationary tenancies
Maintenance requests (e.g. disability modifications, floor coverings, removal of trees)
Bond and rent assistance
Home purchases

The Unit may recommend that the original decision be overturned if it is satisfied that the decision has not been made in line with Housing SA policy.

What things cannot be appealed

The appeal process does not deal with:

disputes between neighbours
evictions for rent arrears (see ENDING THE TENANCY)
government policy
complaints about SA Housing staff

Time frames for lodging an appeal

Appeals can be lodged at any stage. However, decisions made before 1991 cannot be appealed.

How do I make an appeal?

You will need to complete and lodge a ‘Public Housing Appeal Application’ form attached with any supporting documents you believe will demonstrate your case.

Overview of the appeals process

There are two stages of review for public housing appeals.

1^st stage Management Review

A review is conducted by three Housing SA officers including the original decision maker, a Manager (of either a region or division) and a Review Officer

2^nd stage Independent Review

This consists of a hearing by the Public Housing Appeals Panel which is independent of Housing SA.

Who can help with your appeal?

Tenants' Information and Advocacy Service (TIAS)

Provides free independent support to tenants in the public, private and

community rental markets. Includes tenants in private rental properties

and clients of Housing SA, the Aboriginal Housing Services, Housing Associations

and Cooperatives. Support includes advocacy on tenancy issues such as

tenancy rights and responsibilities, application processses for private and

public rental, neighbourhood disputes, eviction, bond assistance, complaints,

debt and home purchase.

Telephone: 8305 9459