Appealing a Social Housing Decision

Housing Providers are required to provide a household with a notice when making certain decisions relating to RGI assistance and special needs housing.  A notice must contain the following information:
  • A statement of the date the decision was made
  • If a member of the household were given an opportunity to comment before the decision was made:
    • A statement of the date the notice was given
    • A statement of the date before which any comments must have been received
    • A statement of which members of the household provided comments.

If a member of the household requests an Internal Review of the decision:

  • A statement of the reason for the decision
  • A statement that the member of the household is entitled to request a review
  • Information on how to request an Internal Review and what the deadline is for doing so.

Households must be given an opportunity to comment if a housing provider receives information that will lead to a decision that will affect the household in an adverse way.  The information could come from outside the household, or from any household member.  If the information comes from outside the household, all household members must be given an opportunity to comment.  If it comes from one household member, unless all household members have "signed off" on the information, all other household members must be given an opportunity to comment.  The only time a housing provider is not required to give a household an opportunity to comment is when all household members acknowledge the information and the housing provider has received it within the past 30 days.

  • It is the housing provider that makes the decision as to whether a specific item of information provided by a third party or household member may form a significant basis for the decision and is therefore subject to the opportunity to comment.
  • A housing provider must give a household notice of the opportunity to comment on information that in the opinion of the housing provider may form a significant basis for an RGI decision.
  • The notice must contain the following information:
    • A summary of the information
    • A description of the proposed decision
    • A statement informing the household of their right to comment in writing
    • A date by which the household can comment - this date must be at least 30 days after the date of the notice.
  • Comments from the household must be in writing and must be signed by each individual providing the comments.
What Decisions are Subject to Internal Review?
A household member may request an internal review on any of the following adverse decisions:
  • A decision that the household is ineligible for RGI Assistance.
  • A decision that the household is ineligible for special needs housing.
  • A decision respecting the category into which the household has been placed on the waiting list.
  • A decision respecting the type of accommodation in which the household may be accommodated.
  • A decision respecting the amount of RGI assistance payable by the household.
  • A decision respecting a deferral of RGI assistance by the household.

Request for Internal Review Forms are available from the Housing Provider or the Housing Services Intake Office located at the following address:
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board
34 N. Cumberland Street, 5th Floor
Thunder Bay, ON     P7A 8B9