What if I don’t agree with a decision made by the MHA Leasing Officer?
MHA Leasing Officers will make decisions based upon the requirements of the program as defined by the state. If you disagree with the rent calculation, document requirements or any other matter, you have the right to file a grievance and to be heard by MHA
Director of Leased Housing. You may call 781-834-4333 to request a hearing, or in writing you may send an email to info@marshfieldhousing.org or written correspondence to 17 Tea Rock Gardens, Marshfield, MA 02050 to request an initial hearing.
The Director of Leased Housing will contact you to schedule an initial hearing. The hearing may be in person or via telephone depending upon the situation. The Director will listen to your perspective and ask questions. After the hearing, the Director of Leased Housing will interview the Leasing Officer and review the available documentation and circumstances of the situation, taking into consideration all MHA policies and procedures as well as the applicable Regulations. You may or may not be contacted again for follow-up questions.
The Director of Leased Housing will contact you to schedule an initial hearing. The hearing may be in person or via telephone depending upon the situation. The Director will listen to your perspective and ask questions. After the hearing, the Director of Leased Housing will interview the Leasing Officer and review the available documentation and circumstances of the situation, taking into consideration all MHA policies and procedures as well as the applicable HUD Regulations. You may or may not be contacted again for follow-up questions.
What if I still disagree with the decision made by the Director of Leased Housing?
You have the right to a formal grievance process. Notify the Director of Leased Housing that you would like to be assigned to a Hearing Officer. Notification should be made in writing via email or U.S. Mail, see instructions above for email and US mail addresses.
A Hearing Officer will be assigned and s/he will contact you to schedule a formal Grievance Hearing. Grievance Hearings are held at MHA Offices, 17 Tea Rock Gardens Marshfield, MA 02050. You will be able to present any documentation or evidence you feel is relevant.
After the hearing and the conclusion of any extension period (if necessary), the Hearing Officer will review all documents submitted, the testimony of any witnesses, and all statements made by you and the Leased Housing representative during the hearing. The Hearing Officer will also review all applicable MHA policies and HUD regulations to determine whether to uphold or reverse the Leased Housing Division’s decision. A written decision is typically mailed within 12 weeks of the hearing date. During the wait time, the Director of Leased Housing’s decision will remain in force.
After a decision has been communicated, do not attempt to contact the Hearing Officer – you will not be permitted to speak with him/her. Any inquiries should be directed to your Leasing Officer or to the Director of Leased Housing. The hearing decision is final and you will not be able to appeal the Grievance Hearing decision with the MHA. You may be able to appeal to a court of law, but the MHA will not be able to refer you to legal services or advise you on how to appeal.
