If you are a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and your hosting arrangement is coming to an end, you and your Ukrainian guest may decide that they would like to stay in your home and pay rent instead.

This can be a good option where both parties are happy with the arrangement and wish to continue living together.

What happens when hosting ends?

Once you start charging rent, the accommodation is no longer part of the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship arrangement. You will become a resident landlord (sometimes called a live-in landlord) and your guest will become your lodger or tenant, depending on the arrangement.

Tax-free income through the Rent a Room Scheme

The Government's Rent a Room Scheme allows resident landlords to earn up to £7,500 each year tax-free from renting furnished accommodation in their home. This may apply if you rent a room to your Ukrainian guest. 

For more information, visit:
Rent a Room Scheme guidance

When you can use the Rent-a-Room Scheme

You can use the scheme if:

  • you let a furnished room to a lodger
  • your letting activity amounts to a trade, for example, if you run a guest house or bed and breakfast business, or provide services, such as meals and cleaning

When you cannot use the Rent-a-Room Scheme

You cannot use the scheme if the accommodation is:

  • not part of your main home when you let it
  • not furnished
  • used as an office or for any business — you can use the scheme if your lodger works in your home in the evening or at weekends or is a student who is provided with study facilities
  • in your UK home and is let while you live abroad

For more information, visit:
HS223 Rent a Room Scheme (2025) - GOV.U

Can your guest get help with the rent?

Ukrainian households may be able to claim help towards their housing costs through Universal Credit when they move into a private renting arrangement. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. 

To understand how Universal Credit works for private tenants, visit:
How landlords can help their tenants - Understanding Universal Credit

Information for Ukrainian guests

The Government has published guidance for Ukrainians who are moving into rented accommodation, including information about tenancy agreements, deposits and financial support.

For more information, visit:
Homes for Ukraine private renting guidance

Need further advice?

If you are considering moving from a hosting arrangement to a private renting arrangement and would like further advice, please contact the local Citizen's Advice Bureau.