Could you
provide a safe haven for
Ukrainian guests?
With the war in Ukraine continuing, we urgently need private landlords with vacant properties or homeowners using the Rent a Room Scheme to rent to Ukrainian families and individuals.
We particularly need homes for Ukrainian guests who have already settled in Hampshire, but are seeking new accommodation because their initial six month hosting arrangement has come to an end.
Many Ukrainians have found work locally and may have children at school, so are well settled in Hampshire.
Private landlords
You can benefit from a comprehensive support package from your local district or borough council, which can include *
- Deposit paid up front
- Rent paid in advance
- Support tenants to set up bills and claim benefits prior to moving in
*Support depends on tenancy length and guest circumstances. Support and incentives may differ in each district or borough council.
Contact your district or borough council to find out more about the incentives available in your area. If you are unsure on your local authority, visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find out.
If your district council is not shown they are not participating in this campaign.
Homeowners
Taking advantage of the government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn extra income while providing a safe and comfortable home for a Ukrainian individual or family.
The scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. The tax exemption is automatic if you earn less than £7,500, which means you do not need to do anything. If you earn more than this, you would need to complete a tax return.
You’re also eligible if you run a bed and breakfast or a guest house. If you’re an Airbnb host you can also offer temporary stays for free or at a discount. See Airbnb.org - Host people fleeing Ukraine.
Find out more about the
Rent a Room Scheme
Another option is hosting, where you provide Ukrainian guests with a spare room or self-contained space and access to bathroom and kitchen facilities.
You can receive payments of £500 a month from Hampshire County Council for doing this. Payments are tax-free and do not affect your entitlement to benefits or council tax status, but you can’t charge rent on top. There are some checks and requirements that must be met, and hosting needs to be for a minimum of six months.
Interested in Rent a Room or hosting?
Contact your district or borough council to see if they can match you with a Ukrainian guest(s).
The Homes for Ukraine initiative is fully funded by a central government grant, which can only be used for this purpose.
