Moving on from hosting
When your hosting arrangements change, or you are ready to move on, you will need to decide if you wish to live with a new host, or in your own home.
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Ending current Homes for Ukraine hosting arrangements
There are lots of reasons why your initial hosting arrangements might change. It might be that the relationship between you and you sponsor or host has broken down and you can no longer live with them, or that you are ready to move into your own house.
Your initial Homes for Ukraine sponsor was asked to provide accommodation for up to 6 months. It is important to keep speaking to your sponsor and host, so you are prepared if circumstances were to change.
Your council (www.gov.uk), charities, voluntary and community groups and your host can help you find your next housing option.
There are some things for you to think about before you decide your next steps:
- Do you still want to live with a host?
- If yes, please see the Rematching to a new Homes for Ukraine host below.
- If no, please see the Ukrainians moving into rented housing in the UK, Ukrainians moving into social housing sections below, or
- Get advice if you feel you are in a position to buy your own house in the UK.
It is also important to understand how leaving Homes for Ukraine hosting will affect your benefits. You can calculate this using the benefits calculator in the Benefits section on our “Once you arrived in the UK” page for more information.
Rematching to a new Homes for Ukraine host
If you are no longer able to stay with your current host, but are not ready to move into your own home, you can use the information on the find another Homes for Ukraine host – GOV.UK website.
You will need to tell your council if you find a new Homes for Ukraine host without their help. The council will need to check to make sure the house is safe by completing Homes for Ukraine accommodation checks – GOV.UK and that the host has passed the Homes for Ukraine safeguarding checks – GOV.UK before you move in, and before they can provide the new eligible host with a Homes for Ukraine thank you payment – GOV.UK.
You can live with a new host by moving to another part of the UK – GOV.UK but you must tell your council before you move to a new area.
If you cannot find a new host and need emergency housing support, you can speak to your council for advice.
Ukrainians moving into rented housing in the UK
The government has created a guide to help with understanding what is needed for Ukrainians to rent their own home in the UK, also known as the Private Rented Sector (PRS): Renting private accommodation – GOV.UK.
It is important to note that the rental market in England is very competitive. Private rented properties can be limited and expensive in parts of the UK.
When you move into rented accommodation, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit that could help with the cost of rent. More information can be found in this How to rent guide – GOV.UK.
Some councils are offering help to Ukrainians to find rented accommodation and might be able to provide rent guarantees, rent in advance or pay deposits. You should contact your council to find out more.
If you need to show your credit rating, you could use Nova Credit, an international credit reference provider. Other providers are also available.
There are also offers of support from the charity Nadiya who may be able to support with their Long-term Housing Programme -Nadiya.
There is more information about rented accommodation including these Tips around finding somewhere to live in the UK from Ukrainian Refugee Help, and OPORA’s Guide to Rent in the UK, as well as links to a webinar on housing and a dedicated support channel on Telegram. There is also LGBTQ+ Friendly Renting Advice from Shelter, a national housing charity.
When in rented accommodation you will be responsible for paying utility bills and other expenses – GOV.UK, like:
- Council tax – Contact your council (www.gov.uk).
- Water – Find Your Supplier | Water UK
- Gas – Find my gas supplier
- Electricity – Find my electricity supplier – UK Power Networks
- Broadband – Compare broadband in your area – Uswitch
- TV Licence – About the TV Licence – TV Licensing
NOTE: Ukrainians living outside of sponsorship in their own accommodation will no longer be eligible for council tax discounts if they hold a Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) visa. More information can be found in the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme – guidance for councils – GOV.UK
There may be help available from your council to support you through the current cost of living crisis – GOV.UK in the UK. There is more information on support that people can access on our Cost of living support on this website.
You will also need to understand local waste management systems (rubbish and recycling bins) and can contact your council to find out what rubbish can go in each coloured bin and when these will be collected.
Ukrainians moving into social housing
Social housing, sometimes known as council housing, can be offered to people that need affordable long-term accommodation. However, the number of available properties is very low and demand for them is very high.
Many councils have lists of people who been waiting years to move into social housing as there are not enough social houses to meet the need.
There is a webpage with more information on Council and Social Housing – Ukrainian Refugee Help including how to apply.
If you are at risk of homelessness, contact your council up to 56 days before your accommodation arrangement ends, and the council can provide homeless prevention support.
There is also guidance available from Shelter’s website:
- How to ask the council for homeless help – Shelter
- How to avoid being found intentionally homeless – Shelter
- Help if you’re homeless and LGBTQ+ – Shelter
For more advice on homelessness, you can contact Homelessness – Citizens Advice
Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE)
What is Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE)?
Ukrainian nationals in the UK that already have a visa may be able to extend the length of the visa and stay for another 18 months under a new visa scheme called Ukraine Permissions Extension Scheme (UPE) – GOV.UK, which opened on 4th February 2025.
You will be able to apply to the UPE 28 days before your existing visa is due to expire. Do not apply before this time as your application may be rejected by the Home Office.
Once you have completed the application, you should not leave the UK until you have a received a decision from UKVI, as your application may be withdrawn if you travel outside of the country.
The UPE scheme provides temporary sanctuary to Ukrainians and their eligible family members, and allows the same entitlements to work, study, rent and receive benefits. UPE is free to apply for, so do NOT pay anyone money for a Ukraine Scheme visa.
Who can apply
To apply to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme you must already have one of the following visas and currently be living in the UK:
- Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
- Ukraine Family Scheme
- Ukraine Extension Scheme
What you need to apply
Before you apply to the scheme, please ensure that you have Created a UKVI account and can access your eVisa (online immigration status) – GOV.UK
When making your application, you will need to prove your identity and further guidance can be found in the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme – guidance for guests – GOV.UK, along with information on applying for children, and as a partner of a Ukrainian national.
Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme – GOV.UK
Frequently asked questions
What happens after 6 months of hosting Ukrainian refugees?
A Homes for Ukraine sponsor agrees to provide a Ukrainian guest with housing or accommodation for up to 6 months. After this point, they can continue to host and will keep receiving thank you payments, or the Ukrainian guest can move into their own home. More information can be found in the above section on Rematching to a new Homes for Ukraine host or in this government guide: Renting private accommodation: Homes for Ukraine.
Are Ukrainian refugees exempt from Council Tax?
No, Ukrainians will need to pay council tax when renting (or owning) their home in the UK. Ukrainians can apply for up to a 50% discount on council tax depending on their accommodation and visa type, and more information can be found in the Ukrainians moving into rented housing in the UK section above.