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Ukraine: Support for hosts

Preparing for your guest

When preparing the property or room you are offering, consider the following:

  • If you are offering a spare room in your home, make sure it is clean and you have removed any personal items you will need to access. Make sure the guest staying in that room feels it belongs to them and knows you will respect their privacy.
  • Make sure there is plenty of storage available for your guest. This could be in the same room, or another room they can have unrestricted access to.
  • Provide bed linen, towels and other items they may need - including spares.
  • Provide spare keys so your guests can come and go as they please. Ensure you give them your full address so they can find their way back should they get lost. Help them to install Google maps on their phone if needed.
  • Make sure they have space to store their own food in fridges and cupboards.
  • Put together a welcome pack of items you can give to your guest. This could include:
    • Toiletries
    • Sanitary towels or tampons
    • Nappies
    • Plates, cups, dishes, cutlery
    • Culturally appropriate food
    • Toys for children
  • If your guest is bringing a pet, make sure they have the things they need.
  • If your home is non-smoking, and your guest is a smoker, be clear with your guest where they can and cannot smoke.
  • You may decide between sponsor and guest that you will cook and eat together; or you may not. Be open and clear with one another about what you would like.
  • Everyone will have 'house rules' - discuss with those who already share your home in advance what these are, and ensure your guest knows these too. Living with someone is hard, be prepared to be clear, and to compromise.

View the Government's helpful guidance on how to meet your guests and help them to settle in.