Informal Review and Hearing Process

When the Housing Authority determines that an applicant has not met the requirements for the for the program, the family will be notified of the Housing Authorities decision in writing. The notice will contain:

• The reason(s) they are ineligible 
• The procedure for requesting a review if the applicant does not agree with the decision
• The time limit for requesting a review.

The applicant will be given the option of presenting oral or written reasons why they disagree with the decision of the Housing Authority. Both the Housing Authority and the family may present evidence and witnesses. The family may use an attorney or other representative to assist them at their own expense.

As a reasonable accommodation, the review may be conducted by telephone.

After the Housing Authority has completed the review the family will be notified in writing of the decision made by the Housing Authority. The Notice shall include the decision, and an explanation of the reasons for the decision.

Informal Hearing

When the Housing Authority makes a decision regarding the eligibility of a family and or the amount of Housing Assistance, applicants must be notified in writing. The Housing Authority will give the family notice of such determinations, which will include:

• The proposed action or decision of the Housing Authority
• The date the proposed action or decision will take place
• The family’s right to an explanation of the basis for the Housing Authority’s decision
• The procedures for requesting a hearing if the family disputes the action or decision
• The time limit for requesting the hearing

Informal Hearings are not required for established policies and procedures and Housing Authority determinations such as:

1. Discretionary administrative determinations by the Housing Authority
2. General policy issues or class grievances
3. Establishment of the Housing Authority schedule of utility allowances for families in the program
4. A Housing Authority determination not to approve an extension or suspension of a voucher term
5. A Housing Authority determination not to approve a unit or lease
6. A Housing Authority determination that assisted unit is not in compliance with HQS (Housing Authority must provide hearing for family breach of HQS because that is a family obligation determination)
7. A Housing Authority determination that the unit is not in accordance with HQS because of the family size

A Housing Authority determination to exercise or not exercise any right or remedy against the owner under a HAP contract