Lodge an Appeal
Appeals
You have the right to appeal any decision made by Cornerstone that affects your tenancy. An appeal won’t count against you. We review all appeals fairly and objectively, and we record every appeal in our register.
You can appeal decisions about tenancy matters, home purchase, disputes between neighbours, or anything you believe wasn’t handled in line with Cornerstone policy. Appeals can’t be made about evictions ordered by SACAT or a court, government policy, tenant debts, or decisions about rent arrears.
Who can appeal
Only the person affected by the decision can lodge an appeal. Before appealing, you should try to resolve the issue through normal discussion or mediation. If you still disagree with the decision, you can lodge an appeal within 30 days of the decision, incident, or action.
What happens after you lodge an appeal
Within five business days, Cornerstone’s CEO or a delegate will acknowledge your application, record it, notify any affected parties, and appoint an Appeal Panel. The Panel includes at least three members who weren’t involved in the original decision.
The Panel will collect the information needed and may consider informal options first, such as mediation or reconsidering the original decision. If these don’t resolve the issue, the matter goes to a formal hearing. A hearing will be held within 30 business days unless more time is required, in which case you’ll receive a written update.
The appeal hearing
At the hearing, you can bring a support person or advocate. Both you and Cornerstone can present information and call witnesses. The Panel reviews all evidence and then makes a decision by majority vote. If the Panel needs more time, it may reconvene within 14 business days.
After the hearing
Within five business days, you’ll receive the Panel’s written decision. The outcome is recorded in the Appeals Register. If you’re still not satisfied, you have the right to take the matter to SACAT.
Our full Complaints, Appeals, and Compliments Policy is located on our Policies and Resources page