More than half of Ukrainian refugees have struggled to find somewhere affordable to rent, according to new research.
A survey of 325 Ukrainian refugees by campaigning group Generation Rent and the charity Opora. found nearly half struggled to provide a guarantor and more than two in five had problems finding money for a deposit.
As of March 2023, 222,000 visas have been awarded to Ukrainians fleeing from the war.
This week marks the first anniversary of the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which accounts for 70% of all visas.
Stan Beneš, managing director of Opora, said: ‘This research makes it clear that Ukrainian refugees are currently facing a disproportionately high level of structural barriers in accessing the private rented sector.
‘People are having to settle for properties that are clearly not suitable for sustainable rebuilding of lives, as reflected in the percentage reporting damp and mould, and unaddressed disrepair.
‘Opora echoes the calls for the Government to work proactively with landlords and letting agents to alleviate the barriers facing Ukrainian refugees in accessing safe and appropriate housing.’
