Overview

If you think a decision about your housing application or an offer you've received is wrong, you can ask us to look at it again. This is called an appeal.

If your concern relates to a homelessness application, please visit the Homelessness Appeals page instead.

To submit an appeal, you must:

  • Have clear reasons for appealing, and
  • Submit it within the correct timescale.

We cannot consider appeals submitted after the deadline.

What You Can Appeal

You can appeal if any of the following apply:

Reason for appeal How Long You Have to Appeal
You were refused an offer of housing You can appeal this at any time
The priority Band you were given does not match your circumstances You can appeal this at any time
You were suspended from the housing list Up to 21 days from the suspension date
Your housing application was cancelled Up to 21 days from the cancellation date
You were offered a property that is in an unreasonable condition Up to 21 days from offer date
The property offered does not match the choices on your application form   Up to 21 days from the offer date
Your Band 1 or Band 2 priority was removed because you have not bid for 3 months Up to 21 days from the date priority was removed 
Your Band 3 or Band 4 priority was removed because you have not bid for 12 months Up to 21 days from the date priority was removed
Your priority was removed because you refused an offer or a direct match Up to 21 days from the date priority was removed

For appeals that can be made "at any time", there is no time limit. For all others, the 21‑day deadline applies.

Please note: We cannot hold properties during an appeal.

Before You Appeal

You may find it helpful to read our frequently asked questions about housing allocations. These explain how decisions are made and may answer your query without needing an appeal..

What happens next

Your appeal will be reviewed by a Senior Officer who was not involved in the original decision.

We will:

  • Look again at your case and the reasons for your appeal
  • Write to you with the outcome
  • Aim to respond within 28 working days

If you are unsure about the process, you can seek independent housing advice before submitting an appeal.

Once a review decision has been issued, it cannot be appealed further through this procedure.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may consider applying for a judicial review.

Judicial Review

Judicial review is a court process that looks at how a decision was made, not whether the decision was right or wrong.

The Court of Session will check whether we:

  • Followed the correct process
  • Acted lawfully
  • Used our powers appropriately

You must raise a petition for judicial review to begin this process. Legal advice is strongly recommended.

You can also contact other organisations for independent advice on housing and homelessness.

Summary of Key Points

  • You can appeal if you disagree with a housing allocation decision.
  • Some appeals can be made at any time; others must be made within 21 days.
  • A Senior Officer will review your case and respond within 28 working days.
  • Judicial review is available if you believe the decision-making process was unfair or unlawful.