Publication date: 09.02.2026
3 years of experience in the legal field in England; specialized in property purchase and sale transactions; refinancing; change of property ownership (Transfer of Equity).
The Homes for Ukraine program provides temporary accommodation for Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country due to the war. However, the realities of living with host families (hosts) have their own particularities. Issues of safety, rights of displaced persons, and responsibilities of both Ukrainians and hosts can lead to misunderstandings. Ukrainians do not always know about their rights to social payments, social assistance, healthcare support, or the rules of living in someone else’s home.
Problems can arise due to various circumstances: lack of clear agreements, violations of living conditions, conflicts with hosts, insufficient social assistance, or limited access to government support. In some cases, Ukrainians may remain without proper accommodation or face financial difficulties.
Question
What problems may occur when living with hosts under the Homes for Ukraine program?
Answer
The main problems include:
- Violation of agreements – hosts may fail to comply with conditions regarding meals, privacy, or duration of stay.
- Insufficient support and information – Ukrainians may not be aware of their rights to social assistance, social payments, healthcare support, or other forms of support.
- Conflicts and misunderstandings – differences in culture, language, or lifestyle can lead to disputes between host families and Ukrainians.
- Social isolation and psychological stress – especially in cases of prolonged living without clearly defined terms.
- Inadequate housing conditions – rooms may be small, living conditions limited, creating additional stress for families with children.
Problem Resolution Process
Ukrainians should report any violations to the hosting organization, the local council, or the organization coordinating the Homes for Ukraine program.
In complex situations, it is advisable to consult a social worker or lawyer specializing in social payments, rights of displaced persons, social assistance, and the Homes for Ukraine program.
It is important to keep all documents: agreements with the host, correspondence, and proof of social assistance, social payments, and healthcare support.
Question
What should be done if serious conflicts arise with hosts?
Answer
If a conflict cannot be resolved peacefully, Ukrainians may:
Contact the local council or social services for mediation;
- File a complaint with the organization coordinating the Homes for Ukraine program;
- In case of rights violations – seek advice from a lawyer specializing in rights of displaced persons, social payments, and social assistance.
A legal specialist can help:
- Prepare documents for an official complaint;
- Ensure the protection of the rights of displaced persons in dealings with hosts or authorities;
- Provide guidance on access to social assistance, social payments, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, and healthcare support;
- Provide support if changing the host or relocating to another accommodation is necessary.
Typical situations requiring legal assistance:
- A host violates living conditions or threatens eviction without proper notice.
- Lack of information about social payments and rights of displaced persons.
- Problems accessing healthcare support or social assistance.
- Conflicts within the host family affecting the psychological state of Ukrainians.
Problems with hosts under the Homes for Ukraine program can pose a significant challenge for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom. It is important to know your rights as displaced persons, contact the local council or social services in a timely manner, keep all documents, and involve a lawyer in complex cases. This ensures the protection of Ukrainians’ rights, access to social assistance, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, healthcare support, and provides safe and lawful living with host families.
