April 27, 2026
Contact: LA County DCBA Communications
(213) 332-6497; communications@dcba.lacounty.gov
DCBA Launches $2.1 Million Eviction Diversion Pilot Program to Support Los Angeles County Landlords and Tenants
LOS ANGELES, CA – As the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) marks 50 years of advocating for Los Angeles County residents and helping landlords and tenants resolve housing disputes through counseling and mediation, the Department today announced the launch of the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP), a new initiative designed to help eligible landlords and tenants resolve rent-related disputes before an eviction moves through the court system.
Beginning Monday, April 27, 2026, eligible landlords and tenants in the Los Angeles County Compton Courthouse service area can register for free mediation services and apply for rental assistance of up to $10,000 per household for unpaid back rent.
The $2.1 million pilot program was developed with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. It will be administered in partnership with Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) and fiscally administered by FORWARD Program Management.
“This program is about supporting property owners and their tenants in reaching an agreement for rent-related issues before the matter goes before a judge, saving time and money for everybody,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “I am encouraged by this partnership between the Superior Court of Los Angeles County and the County, it is another example of how we are collaborating and expanding on diverse tools to keep Angelenos housed,”
The goal of the program is to reduce evictions due to unpaid rent, help landlords avoid the legal costs associated with the eviction process, and support tenants and housing providers with access to rental assistance. Participation is voluntary. Both the landlord and tenant must agree to take part in mediation.
“Helping people stay housed is at the heart of DCBA’s mission,” said DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal. “This program is about bringing people together to find a path forward that benefits both parties, before the situation escalates. We know that by helping resolve disputes early, we can help reduce the impact of evictions and ultimately help preserve housing stability.”
If rental assistance is approved, payments are issued directly to the landlord. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed in the order they are received. Available funding is limited and the program will remain open until all funds are distributed. Registering for the program does not guarantee mediation or rental assistance.
“Resolving cases effectively and fairly is a central priority for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. The Compton Courthouse pilot program offers free mediation to qualified parties in limited-jurisdiction unlawful detainer cases, helping them resolve disputes before trial and save time and expense, “said Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II. “Programs like this, operated in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, help the Court advance fair, timely, and effective outcomes for residents across Los Angeles County.”
How the Program Works:
Landlords and tenants will be informed of the program while filing an unlawful retainer, during eviction proceedings at the Compton Courthouse, or on the day of their hearing.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Landlord-tenant dispute must be related to unpaid back rent.
- Both the landlord and tenant must agree to participate in mediation.
- Either the landlord or tenant household income must be at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
The rental property must be located in a ZIP code served by the Compton courthouse.
Program services include:
- Neutral, professional mediation services between landlord and tenant provided by Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal)
- Rental assistance of up to $10,000 per household for unpaid back rent
- Referrals to additional housing or supportive services, when available
Participation in the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program does not require proof of immigration status. Application assistance will be available by phone at 855-582-3979.
Interested tenants and landlords should visit programs-forwardplatform.org/eviction-diversion-pilot-program to learn more about eligibility and residency requirements.
Residents can also learn more about DCBA’s Housing and Tenant Protections efforts at rent.lacounty.gov and @LACountyDCBA on social media.
For 50 years, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has worked to level the playing field for consumers, tenants, workers, and immigrant communities across LA County. Whether combating fraud, enforcing worker protections, expanding access to justice, or strengthening financial resilience, DCBA serves as a trusted voice and advocate for those who need it most. Learn more at dcba.lacounty.gov or call (800) 593-8222.