Hi all - looking for a bit of advice on something about which I think we have a few knowledgeable members.

My sister needs to extend the leases on a couple of flats she owns, and has been in touch with the landlord. He has given her a price for each extension - the flats are basically identical and in the same block, and the price is the same for both. In addition, he expects my sister to pay his legal costs, which I suppose is the usual way these things go.

My questions are:

• Is there any formula / rule of thumb to determine how reasonable the landlord's price is?

• Would my sister need to engage a solicitor, or could she just tell the landlord to go ahead if she's happy with the prices?

• Is there any possibility that the proposed changes to leasehold property laws I keep hearing about will affect my sister's position? In other words, is there a strong argument either for getting on with it ASAP or for waiting for the law to change?

Any pointers gratefully received.