Suffolk guide dog owner backs rental law change to boost puppy training
New changes mean “no-fault” evictions come into place, giving tenants greater security in their homes
A visually impaired man from Suffolk says changes to renters’ rights could play a key role in tackling the national shortage of guide dogs.
Guide Dogs has welcomed new legislation allowing tenants to request permission to keep pets, a move expected to make it easier for people to volunteer as puppy raisers.
About the bill
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in England in a generation. It abolishes so-called “no-fault” evictions by scrapping Section 21, giving tenants greater security in their homes, while replacing fixed-term tenancies with rolling agreements that allow renters to stay longer but leave with two months’ notice.
The legislation also includes measures to prevent unfair rent increases, limits large upfront payments, and creates a new ombudsman to resolve disputes. Importantly for this story, it gives tenants the right to request a pet, meaning landlords must provide a reasonable justification if they refuse, a change expected to remove barriers for those wanting to volunteer with animals, including guide dog puppies.
How the bill currently impacts guide dog users
Simon Dawes, coordinator of the Suffolk Guide Dog and Visually Impaired Forum, says the change could help address delays in matching dogs with those who need them.
He said: “Since COVID times… the supply (of Guide Dogs) is still picking up to get people the dogs that they need and deserve.”
He told us that under the current system, puppies being raised and trained are not legally classed as assistance dogs, meaning landlords have previously been able to refuse them in rental properties.
Mr Dawes explained: “A guide dog in training does not have any protection in law… private landlords can say no dogs allowed.”
But under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants will now have a greater ability to request pets, with landlords required to provide a valid reason if they refuse.
Delays and impact on daily life
The shortage has left many people waiting extended periods for a guide dog, with national figures suggesting around 900 people are currently on the waiting list.
Mr Dawes, from Martlesham in East Suffolk, said he experienced those delays first-hand after his previous dog died unexpectedly.
He said: “I had to wait 16 months for my next… that 16 months was just dreadful to me.”
He described how the absence of a guide dog significantly reduced his independence.
“I didn’t go out very much… it made it like 95% harder. Getting around with the cane is so much harder than using a guide dog,” he said.
He also highlighted the wider impact on wellbeing, adding: “It’s about mental well-being as well… for me, it works.”
Why puppy raisers matter
Guide Dogs relies on volunteers to raise puppies for around 14 months before they begin formal training, a crucial stage in preparing them for life as assistance dogs.
Mr Dawes said the new law could remove a key barrier for potential volunteers.
“The law now supports those people… landlords won’t be able to say… " You can’t come in here,” he said.
He added that increasing the number of puppy raisers is essential to reducing waiting times.
“The more guide dog puppies that can be raised… the quicker those backlogs can be cleared.”
Encouraging others to get involved, he said: “If anybody has got any thoughts about wishing to take on a puppy, I would highly recommend it… it really is an extremely rewarding process.”
Charity response
Guide Dogs says the reforms mark a significant step forward.
Head of Volunteering Tracey Berridge said: “We are excited that the Renters’ Right Act will soon make it easier for people renting their homes to volunteer as puppy raisers and fosterers.”
She added that restrictions on pets in rental homes have previously limited recruitment.
“Living in a property where pets aren’t allowed has held some people back… more renters can now join us in raising and training the next generation of guide dogs.”
The charity says both puppy raisers and fosterers play a vital role in preparing dogs for their future, supporting people with sight loss.