Landlords are urged to help refugees

The National Association of Property Buyers is encouraging its members to help join the national campaign in providing accomodation for Ukrainian refugees.

According to latest figures, 100,000 people have registered with the Homes for Ukraine initiative but experts say many more sign-ups will be needed to meet demand.

Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, said: “We will be encouraging our members to look at property within their ownership and make it available to refugees wherever practical.

“It seems at this moment people are being encouraged to make space available in their own homes rather than housing refugees in empty, self-contained accommodation. In the short term this makes sense, a UK host will be able to make their sponsored refugee feel welcome and assist them with integration to the country.

“However, this arrangement may not suit every Ukrainian. For example those who may already be familiar with the UK or those who wish to have more privacy.

“That’s why it’s important that the message is extended to landlords, some of whom may be able to arrange tenancies for free.

“We also need to think about longer term plans and how we can help Ukrainans who might need to stay here for a longer period. The Government has already said this war could last a decade.

“So measures like reduced rents and freeing up landlords to be able to offer shorter tenancies and lets, could be really important in helping providing a solution to this crisis.”

Anyone with a room or home available can offer it to an individual or family for a minimum of six months and sponsored Ukrainians will be granted three years leave to remain in the UK.