A PROPERTY company owned by Britain's fifth-richest woman - one place ahead of the Queen - is attempting to increase rents for some of its tenants by more than 200 per cent.

A new service for settling disputes is a welcome alternative to recourse to the law, says Nic Cicutti

A VIGOROUS debate is raging in the snug bar of the Fount of All Knowledge over allegations that around one quarter of male estate agents use the vacant properties they are selling as a temporary love nest.

Home battles: After two landlords were convicted of failing to provide full information on service charges to a leaseholder, Karen Woolfson examines how the legal tide is turning against those who flout the rules and abuse their positions of power

At last, a tool which gives everyone the chance to play at being an estate agents. Seiko's snappy ProMeasure is a hand-held black box. Place the back edge against a wall with the honeycombed sensor pointing at the opposite side of the room, press and release a button, and the battery-powered machine makes a series of clicks. These clicks allow the Ultrasonic sensor in the ProMeasure to determine the distance from the base of the unit to the opposite wall.

The Government is set to publish a consultative document on leasehold reform, which is expected to explore the possibility of abolishing the existing system in favour of "commonholds". Karen Woolfson explains what this means and looks at some of the options on offer.

I NOTE with interest that the noble estate agency profession has instituted the role of ombudsperson with a clear view to clearing out the rogues whose sharp practices besmirch the good name of the industry. This move is to be applauded: I for one will be quick to make use of the ombudsperson's good offices.

Like a love affair, the relationship between leaseholder and landlord can sour - especially when the landlord wants to call in the builders. Karen Woolfson explores ways of keeping control of the costs, and the options if things go seriously wrong.

Brian Staples, who was ousted as chief executive of United Utilities four months ago, has been appointed to the same post at Amey, the road builder and facilities management company.

Agree everything with the landlord before moving into a rented flat, writes Ian Hunter

`Sink' estates pose a huge challenge for the authorities responsible. Paul Gosling explores the latest approaches

Leaseholders have won important rights: landlords will no longer be able to charge the earth for repairs.

Ian Hunter on a shift in law that helps landlords evict tenants

PROPERTY