What is the best way in which to allow someone else control of a name while retaining full ownership? What are the pitfalls to watch out for. Help greatly appreciated.
Best way is you changing DNS...some companies won't agree to it as it means you can cut them off at any given moment.
if you have to agree to anything else (make sure its worth it as anything else can be a big mistake) then i recommend Moniker's escrow services which can 'act' under the terms you are providing it with.
make sure that the agreement will say what the leasing party will use your domain for and are responsible for all risks your domain is facing in they're hands...(BHSEO,spam etc...i would also clearly state it cant be for anything porn/gambling related unless it is a gambling domain obviously...)
take a deposit, like any other property...and if they cant or claim they don't want to pay a considerable amount to serve as a deposit..then i wouldn't deal with that company.
very clear payment terms and what is considered breach of contract also a must.
there are several more important points...general ones and domain specific ones...don't save a few hundred dollars or whatever it is...use a GOOD lawyer.
Good luck with your leasing deal.