When to Use This Letter
Use this if you've been denied housing because of:
- Credit or criminal history issues that you dispute or believe are outdated
- Discriminatory reasons (race, gender, family status, disability, etc.)
- Errors in a background check or credit report
- Loss of a subsidized housing program application
- A housing voucher denial or termination
- Belief that the decision violated fair housing laws
Most housing decisions can be appealed. This letter is your formal request for reconsideration. Be direct, factual, and explain why the original decision was wrong or should be reconsidered based on new information.
Pro Tips
- Get the denial reason first. Call and ask exactly why you were denied. Most programs are required to tell you.
- Address specific concerns. If denied for credit, explain what happened. If denied for a background issue, provide context and show what's changed.
- Include supporting documents. Reference letters from employers, proof of income, evidence of changed circumstances, or documentation that the reason is incorrect.
- Act quickly. Appeal deadlines vary. Some programs give you 30 days. Others give 60. Check your denial letter for the deadline and meet it.
- Send certified. Use certified mail with return receipt or email with read receipt so you have proof of delivery.
Template Letter
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[YOUR PHONE]
[DATE]
[PROPERTY MANAGER / HOUSING PROGRAM NAME]
[ORGANIZATION NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]
Re: Appeal of Housing Denial Decision — Application [APPLICATION NUMBER or DATE]
Dear [ORGANIZATION/MANAGER NAME]:
I am writing to formally appeal the denial of my application for housing/housing assistance dated [DATE OF DENIAL]. I was informed that my application was denied because of [STATE THE REASON GIVEN].
I respectfully disagree with this decision. I believe this decision should be reconsidered for the following reasons:
[EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION. EXAMPLES:
- The credit report used contains errors. I have disputed these items with the credit bureau and have documentation of the dispute.
- My criminal history is from [YEARS AGO] and I have since [COMPLETED PROBATION / MAINTAINED EMPLOYMENT / OTHER POSITIVE STEPS]. This should not prevent me from housing.
- I was denied for lack of income, but I now have stable employment with [EMPLOYER]. Please see the attached job offer/employment verification.
- The decision appears to be based on discriminatory grounds, as I was treated differently from other applicants based on [FAMILY STATUS / RACE / DISABILITY / etc.].]
I am a responsible tenant/applicant and I take my housing obligations seriously. I am attaching [documentation supporting your appeal: employment verification, corrected credit report, reference letters, etc.] for your review.
I request that my application be reconsidered and that I be given an opportunity to discuss this matter further. I am available at [YOUR PHONE] or [YOUR EMAIL] to answer any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you within [10-30] days.
Sincerely,
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
What to Customize
- [YOUR NAME], [YOUR ADDRESS], etc.: Your contact information at the top.
- [DATE]: Today's date or when you're sending this.
- [PROPERTY MANAGER / HOUSING PROGRAM NAME]: The person or organization that denied you.
- [APPLICATION NUMBER or DATE]: Reference the specific application if you have the number.
- [STATE THE REASON GIVEN]: Write exactly what they told you (credit, background, income, etc.).
- [EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION]: This is the most important part. Be honest and factual. Explain why the original reason doesn't apply or has changed.
- [documentation supporting your appeal]: List what you're attaching (employment letter, credit dispute confirmation, reference letters, etc.).
- [10-30] days: Check your denial letter for any appeal deadline. Adjust this to match.
What to Include with Your Letter
- Employment verification letter if income was the issue
- Corrected credit report or documentation of disputed items if credit was the issue
- Character references from employers, community members, or service providers
- Documentation of changed circumstances (completion of program, new job, etc.)
- Copy of your denial letter (shows you received it and what was said)
Tips for Sending
- Find the deadline. Check your denial letter. There's usually an appeal deadline (30-60 days is common). Meet it.
- Send it certified. Use certified mail with return receipt. This proves they received it and when.
- Keep everything. Keep a copy of your appeal and all attachments. You may need these later.
- Follow up. If you don't hear back within the timeframe given, call and ask about the status of your appeal.
- Get help if you need it. Legal aid organizations can help with appeal letters, especially if discrimination is involved. Call 211 to find services in your area.