Landlords seeking to recoup money from tenants now have an alternative to a lengthy and expensive battle through the courts.
A TV programme is under development with a working title of The Court, whose producer says it will offer a ‘swift and cost-free’ access to justice.
The show is using legal experts including TV star and housing expert Paul Shamplina (pictured) to handle each case, which will be filmed at a ‘court’ in Bristol and include housing cases where tenants have fallen into arrears or caused damage to a property.
“I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in this programme, replicating what a landlord and tenant case looks like in a real court and, given that our court system is at breaking point currently, what a great time to show the complexities of the challenges landlords face,” says Shamplina.
“We see this every day at Landlord Action. It will be good to be able to assist and advise landlords on their disputes in front of the TV cameras.”
Instead of chasing tenants through the courts, landlords willing to appear on the programme following a careful vetting process will be offered access to quicker financial redress.
To be produced by media firm Wall to Wall, which also produces BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, it says this way of bringing civil disputes to an end will be a ‘first-of-its-kind alternative court’.
Producer Mark Johnson of Wall to Wall, tells LandlordZONE: “There were over 1.7 million civil claims made last year and an average waiting time of 18 months to go to civil court.
“This series will offer the British public a unique, fast-tracked, and fair opportunity to have their disputes heard and resolved - without the usual costs and delays.
“For this ambitious series, a former courtroom will be brought back to life, and members of the public given the chance to have their disputes heard there by an independent arbitration judge.
“Everyone who takes part will be provided with experienced and impartial legal representation, both a solicitor and a barrister. All verdicts will be legally binding, meaning there is a chance of real resolution.”
Landlords interested in getting involved should contact Wall to Wall through its website.
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