Section 202 Review Request (Homelessness Decision)
Formal request to a local authority for a review of a homelessness decision under section 202 of the Housing Act 1996.
When to use this template
Use this letter within 21 days of receiving a homelessness decision from a local housing authority that you believe is wrong. Under section 202 of the Housing Act 1996, you have a right to request a review of decisions including: whether you are homeless; whether you are in priority need; whether you are intentionally homeless; whether a local connection applies; and whether any accommodation offered is suitable. The review is free and does not require a solicitor, but legal aid may be available.
When NOT to use this template
The 21-day deadline for requesting a review is strict — do not delay. If the deadline has passed, you may still be able to request a review out of time but the authority has a discretion to refuse. If the review decision is also adverse, you have a further right of appeal to the county court on a point of law under section 204 of the Housing Act 1996 (28-day deadline from the review decision). At that stage, legal advice is strongly recommended.
Legal Basis
Housing Act 1996, s.202 (right to request a review of a homelessness decision); s.203 (procedure on review — must be completed within 8 weeks); s.204 (right of appeal to county court on a point of law). Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities (MHCLG). The Equality Act 2010 may also apply where the original decision failed to take into account a disability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Missing the 21-day deadline — count from the date of the decision letter, not when you received it
- ✗Not stating clearly which part of the decision you are challenging and why
- ✗Not requesting a copy of the authority's file and all the information it relied on when reaching the decision
- ✗Not raising new information or evidence that the authority did not have when making the original decision
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS OR CARE-OF ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] Homelessness Team / Housing Options [LOCAL AUTHORITY NAME] [COUNCIL'S ADDRESS] Re: Review under Housing Act 1996, s.202 Application Reference: [YOUR HOMELESSNESS APPLICATION REFERENCE] Decision Date: [DATE OF THE DECISION YOU ARE CHALLENGING] --- Dear Sir or Madam, **REQUEST FOR REVIEW — HOUSING ACT 1996, SECTION 202** I write to formally request a review of the decision communicated to me by letter dated [DATE OF THE DECISION YOU ARE CHALLENGING], a copy of which I enclose, pursuant to section 202 of the Housing Act 1996. **The Decision Challenged** The decision I am challenging is: [DESCRIPTION OF THE DECISION BEING CHALLENGED] **Grounds of Challenge** I challenge this decision on the following grounds: [LEGAL AND FACTUAL GROUNDS FOR CHALLENGING THE DECISION] **New or Additional Information** In addition to the above legal grounds, I wish to draw the following new or additional information to your attention which was not available to the original decision-maker: [NEW OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NOT PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED] **My Personal Circumstances** [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR CURRENT PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES] **Documents Enclosed** I enclose the following in support of this review request: [DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED WITH THIS REVIEW REQUEST] **Request for the File** I request a copy of all information and documentation that was before the decision-maker when the original decision was made, including any internal correspondence and notes. **Procedural Requirements** I note that the Council is required to complete the review within 8 weeks of receipt of this request (Housing Act 1996, s.203). Please acknowledge receipt of this request within 5 working days. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.