Channel 4 is producing a TV show that gives landlords a chance to resolve civil disputes such as unpaid rent and property damage.

The TV station is making a show called The Court. The show will stage legally binding hearings with no cost to participants. Channel 4 also claim top legal representation will be provided for participants.

A Channel 4 statement said:

We are currently looking for UK private landlords who are owed money – whether from rent arrears or repair costs to take part in this programme. It’s a chance to resolve ongoing issues and potentially reclaim what they are owed.

Set in a former courthouse, the series will follow the stories of members of the public from across the UK who have chosen to fast track their cases through a televised, alternative court. 

Each side’s case will be prepared by an independent solicitor before two expert barristers go head-to-head on behalf of the opposing parties. After each hearing, an independent arbitrator will deliver a legally-binding decision, allowing each side to move on with their lives. 

Channel 4 claim the below reasons behind producing the show: 

• Civil case numbers between landlord & tenants have surged to over 1.7m per year
• Since 2010 over half of UK courts have been permanently closed
• Legal aid funding has been slashed by 28% over the past decade. 

They say the series will shed light on the crisis while providing a new, accessible route to resolution

Emily Smith from Wall to Wall Media stated: We have received overwhelming support from legal advocates dealing with the currently over-burdened and complex UK civil court system, and have developed this series in close consultation with them. We’re delighted to be able to offer a genuine alternative that could inform the future of civil disputes, while giving people the opportunity to have their cases heard fairly and swiftly.

Landlords wishing to take part should apply to: http://bit.ly/thecourttv

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