This volume has been produced by a truly collaborative effort. The editors have for many years enjoyed a close working relationship and have thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, albeit it that mostly this has been by phone call and latterly e-mail. Most of the contributors are known to one or other of the editors by a happy professional contact. Thus the production of this book, although hard work for all of us, has been in many ways a real pleasure.

The subject matter has its sombre side as will be readily apparent in the data presented at various points on the poor quality of a considerable part of the private rented housing stock, and the continuing scandal of shoddy management by some landlords. This housing sector offers some of the best and a very large part of the worst that is to be had in the British housing market. In a small way it is to be hoped that this collection will help all those concerned with both law, policy and practice in the private rented sector to understand more clearly the problems it faces and as a result to find a constructive way forward.

The editors wish to thank the contributors who have all made sacrifices of time and effort in busy lives to prepare their chapters. They range from a recently graduated doctoral student to a pro-vice chancellor, but all of them really know their field, a fact that makes the task of editing so much easier and rewarding.

Finally, David Hughes wishes to thank Sheila Brammall for typing his parts of the manuscript, Mr Harry Perry of Leicester Newarke Housing Association; and the Planning Department of Leicester City Council. Both editors wish to thank Dawn Rushen and the other members of The Policy Press office for their patience and courtesy.