TEMPLATE LETTER:

Requesting an Informal Review of a Housing Application Denial

As explained in FVAP’s Illegal Discrimination Against Survivors of Domestic Violence Looking for Subsidized Housing tip sheet, applicants applying for Public Housing, a section 8 housing choice voucher or a section 8 project based voucher are entitled to an informal review if their applications are denied. The applicant must request the informal review of their denial.

This packet includes a template letter requesting an informal review of a housing application denial that can be filled out electronically and a template letter that can be printed and filled out by hand. Survivors and advocates using the electronic template should fill out the highlighted areas, including the date, print and sign the letter.

Advocates and survivors using the template letter that can be printed and filled out by hand should use the electronic template as a guide for what information to fill into the blank lines.

When using the electronic or printed template, the survivor should date and sign the letter and keep a copy of the completed letter for their records. If the survivor or advocate does not have access to a copier, they may take a picture of the final document before giving a copy to the housing program. Keeping a copy or photograph of the letter may be important to prove the survivor requested an informal review.

How do I get more assistance? Contact FVAP at info@fvaplaw.org or (510) 858-7358 for questions.

[ELECTRONIC TEMPLATE]

[Survivor Name]

[Survivor Contact Address]

[Insert Date]

[Public Housing Authority Name]

[Addressee]

[Addressee’s Address]

Re: Request for an informal review of the decision to deny my housing application

To Whom It May Concern;

On [insert date], I applied for [Choose: a Housing Choice Voucher / Public Housing / Project Based Section 8 Housing]. My application was denied on [insert date]. Under federal law, I am entitled to an informal review of my housing application denial. Pursuant to my rights, I request an informal review of the denial of my application. If you fail to provide me an informal review, I have several legal remedies, including filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To avoid liability, please provide me an informal review of my housing application denial.

Sincerely,

[Survivor’s Signature]________________

[Survivor’s Name Printed]

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

_______________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Re: Request for an informal review of the decision to deny my housing application

Dear ________________,

On ________________, I applied for _____________________________________________. My application was denied on _________________. Under federal law, I am entitled to an informal review of my housing application denial. Pursuant to my rights, I request an informal review of the denial of my application. If you fail to provide me an informal review, I have several legal remedies, including filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To avoid liability, please provide me an informal review of my housing application denial.

Sincerely,

___________________________

___________________________

24 C.F.R. §§ 960.208(a), 982.554, 983.2.

This Information sheet is not providing legal advice and should not replace the advice of an attorney. This resource uses California and Federal law only.

Last updated on 12/20/18. Copyright © Family Violence Appellate Project 2019.