Guidance

Things you need to consider before hosting or sponsoring: Homes for Ukraine

A checklist of things to consider before you can offer support to someone from Ukraine.

Hosting or sponsoring people from another country is a big commitment. Ask yourself if your property has:

  • enough space to live comfortably
  • easy access to affordable public transport
  • shops and restaurants nearby
  • employment opportunities in the area
  • schools and education facilities nearby
  • opportunities to socialise in the area

It can be a very rewarding experience, but there are some important things you should think about before agreeing to host include:

  • extra household costs with more people living in your home
  • communicating with guests who don’t speak your first language fluently
  • changes in your household when sharing your home with guests
  • differences in living habits, including household tasks and eating preferences
  • deciding on boundaries and how you want to live together

You should meet the guest first, by video call, or face to face if they’re already in the UK, to find out more about them and their needs, and to be clear about the terms of the accommodation arrangements.

You can ask your council to help you to set up a meeting with the guest in a neutral location.

Published 16 January 2023