LA County Eviction Diversion Program

Eviction Diversion Pilot Program

The Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) is a new initiative designed to help eligible landlords and tenants resolve rent-related disputes before an eviction moves through the court system. 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.

REGISTER HERE

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Learn About the Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs in partnership with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County and Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal), has launched the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) to help eligible landlords and tenants resolve disputes related to unpaid back rent before an eviction moves forward.

The pilot program helps landlords and tenants avoid attorney and court fees during the eviction process. It also works to reduce evictions related to unpaid back rent by offering mediation services and rental assistance.

The program is free for landlords and tenants who have cases at the Compton Courthouse. Both parties must agree to participate. If you reach an agreement and rental assistance is approved, the program will send payments directly to the landlord.

REGISTER HERE

Get help with your application

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

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 and tenant dispute must be related to unpaid back rent
Both the landlord and tenant must agree to participate in mediation
The rental property is located in a ZIP code served by the Compton courthouse;

90002, 90003, 90044, 90059, 90061, 90220, 90221, 90222, 90223, 90224, 90247, 90248, 90262, 90502, 90710, 90723, 90745, 90746, 90747, 90749, 90805, 90810.

Either the landlord or tenant household annual income must be at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)

Household Income Limits

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Required Documents

Tenant Documents

You do not need to show proof of immigration status to participate in the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program.

You may provide any government-issued photo ID, including:

Driver’s license

State ID card

Passport

Voter ID card

Military ID

Permanent Resident Card

Work Permit or Employment Authorization Card

National ID card

Tribal ID card

If additional documentation is needed, program staff will contact you.
May include your latest pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax documents.

If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
Provide current documents that show tenant name, landlord name, and rental address.

Examples include:

Current lease agreement

Lease renewal or addendum

Landlord verification form or signed letter confirming tenancy

Rent receipts or tenant ledger

Utility bill or official mail showing tenant name and address

Housing assistance or subsidy documentation

If we need additional documents, program staff will contact you.
Provide records that show rent owed and/or rent payments for the unit

Examples include:

Rent ledger or tenant account statement

Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate

Statement from Landlord or property manager verifying amount owed

Eviction or court documents related to nonpayment of rent

Rent balance statement or billing notice

Tenant payment history showing an outstanding rent balance

If we need additional documents, program staff will contact you.

Landlord Documents

Individual Owners

Valid photo ID

Income verification if the owner is reporting under 120% AMI

Individuals Acting on Behalf of the Owner (or Subleasing)

Valid photo ID

Income verification for the property owner if reporting under 120% AMI

Written authorization showing authority to act on behalf of the owner.

Property Management Companies

Property management agreement showing authority to act on behalf of the owner

Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs)

Completed W-9 listing LLC as the payee

Property management agreement (if applicable)

Property tax statement

If we need additional documentation, program staff will contact you.
A completed IRS Form W-9 is required so payments can be issued and reported correctly.

Submit one (1) completed W-9 per landlord or property manager

The name and Taxpayer Identification Number(TIN) must match the payment recipient

If we need additional documentation program staff will contact you.
If your referral results in a payment, the landlord will must provide payment details.

Payment methods

ACH (direct deposit) – Recommended for faster processing and fewer delays

ACH requests must include bank name, bank account number, and routing number.

Check – Available with standard processing time

A property management agreement may be required for check payments to confirm who is authorized to receive funds on behalf of the property owner.

If we need additional documents, program staff will contact you.

PRO TIP! You can upload and store documents in your EDPP profile so they are easy to include in your application. Supported file types include: .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .xls, and .xlsx.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Questions

The Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) is a new initiative designed to help eligible landlords and tenants resolve rent-related disputes before an eviction moves through the court system. 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.
Landlords or tenants of rental properties within the Los Angeles County Compton Courthouse service area may register for the program. parties must agree to participate in mediation and the rental assistance application review.

A landlord is anyone who owns a property, leases land, rents out a unit, or has the legal right to offer a home for rent or collect rent. This definition also includes an authorized agent, representative, or anyone acting on the landlord’s behalf.
No. Mediation services and rental assistance are not guaranteed. Assistance depends on eligibility and available funding.

If the number of eligible applicants is higher than the available funds, the County and third-party administrator will coordinate to prioritize households.
No. Participation in this pilot program is voluntary. However, both the landlord and tenant must agree to take part in mediation and reach an agreement for the rental assistance application to move forward and be approved.
No. Landlords and tenants must reach an agreement through mediation to receive rental assistance for unpaid back rent. All parties must register, agree to mediation, and complete the rental assistance application review process.
No. Participation in the program does not automatically stop an eviction.
If approved, rental assistance is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
If mediation does not result in an agreement, the eviction process may continue through the Courts. The program may provide referrals to additional services, and either party may still pursue legal options outside the program.

The Application Process

Learn more about the program and how to register:

Online: https://lacountydcba.forwardplatform.com/login

Phone: CAL SoCal 1-562-228-0279

In person: 200 W Compton Blvd., Room #5 (5th Floor) Compton, CA 90220
Step 1: Registration is initiated by a landlord, tenant, or CLA SoCal paralegal

Step 2: Paralegal staff review the case to confirm eligibility

Step 3: The landlord and tenant both agree to participate.

Step 4: Both parties take part in mediation with a neutral facilitator

Step 5: Mediation Outcome

Resolution Reached: Both parties reach an agreement and eligibility for rental assistance is verified through an application review process.

No Agreement: The parties do not reach an agreement. Referrals are provided, instead of rental assistance and the case is closed.

Step 6: If approved, rental assistance is issued directly to landlord.
Information provided at registration is reviewed for eligibility. You will receive an email confirming your registration
lac-edpp@outreach.forwardplatform.com, inviting you to complete the rental assistance application. A paralegal may follow-up with you to request additional details or schedule a mediation.
Even if both parties reach an agreement in mediation, the rental assistance application may still be denied. Common reasons include:

The household does not meet the program eligibility requirements

Missing or Inaccurate information

The other party is unwilling to participate

Program funds are no longer available

Both parties will receive a denial notice.
Yes. If you are eligible to file an appeal, your denial notice will include instructions on how to submit it.

Income & Assistance Limits

Either the landlord or tenant household must have an annual income at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Yes. The program provides a one-time payment of up to $10,000 per eligible household.

A household includes all individuals living together at the same address.
You do not need to show proof of immigration status to participate in the Eviction Diversion Pilot Program. However, proof of identification is required.
The program may cover multiple months of unpaid back rent, as long as the total amount does not exceed $10,000.
Yes, if the utilities are included as part of the rent in your rental agreement or listed on the rent ledger as past due and are payable to the landlord. The program does not make payments directly to utility companies.
No. You cannot receive rental assistance for the same period of time that was already covered by another rental assistance program. However, receiving rental assistance in the past does not disqualify you from participating.

Landlord Questions

Yes. Payments are made directly to verified landlords or property managers.
Landlords must provide:

A completed W-9

Proof of ownership or management authority

A lease agreement

Proof of payment / Rent Ledger.

Additional documents may be required depending on the ownership structure.
Yes. Grant payments may be reported to the IRS. Please consult a tax professional it you have tax-related questions.
No. Landlords and tenants must reach an agreement through mediation to receive rental assistance for unpaid back rent.
Yes. Based on the contact information provided at registration, the tenant will receive a notification inviting them to participate in the program and complete the rental assistance application process.

Landlord - Understanding the Eviction Process

No. You must follow the required legal eviction process. A tenant cannot be removed without a court order.
You must serve the tenant a written notice that states the reason for eviction and provides the required amount of time to respond.
No. You must wait until the notice period expires. If the tenant does not comply within the required time, you may then file an unlawful detainer case.
The timeline varies. If the tenant responds to the case, the process may take longer because a hearing or trial is required. Court availability also affects timing.
Yes, the tenant must be formally served after you file the case. However, you cannot serve the papers yourself. Another adult who is not involved in the case must complete the service.
The tenant has 10 business days to file a written response with the court.

If they respond, the case may move toward trial.

If they do not respond, you may request a default judgment.
No, landlords may represent themselves. However, obtaining legal advice can help you understand your responsibilities and avoid delays.
If the court rules in your favor, you must complete additional forms to request a Writ of Possession.
No. Only the sheriff can physically remove a tenant after a Writ of Possession is issued.
The tenant may remain in the property. Review the court’s decision carefully and consider your next steps.
Yes. In some cases, mediation or diversion programs may help resolve disputes without going through the full court process.

Tenant Questions

Yes. You may still participate in the program. Rental assistance can only cover rent amounts not already paid by another assistance program.
No. Employment status does not affect eligibility.
You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and documents showing your lease or rent history. A full list is available in the Required Documentation section.
Yes. Based on the contact information you provide at registration, your landlord receives a notification inviting them to participate in the program and complete the rental assistance application.

Tenant - Understanding the Eviction Process

An eviction is the legal process a landlord must use to make a tenant move out. A landlord cannot force you to leave without going to court.
An unlawful detainer is the legal name for an eviction court case. It means the landlord is asking a judge to order you to move out. If you respond and appear in court, the landlord must prove their case.
Yes. You may stay in your home until a judge decides the case and the sheriff posts a Notice to Vacate.
No. A notice is a warning, not a court order.
No. A landlord must obtain a court order to remove you.
No. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and other “self-help” evictions are illegal, even if you owe rent.
The judge may decide the case without hearing from you, and the landlord may automatically win.
You go to the courthouse listed on your papers. The judge calls your case.

The landlord explains why they want to evict you.

You have the chance to tell your side.

The judge decides the case.
No, but having one can help. Many tenants represent themselves.
If you can afford it, hire an attorney.

You may be eligible for free legal assistance through Stay Housed LA, Los Angeles County’s eviction defense program.

Learn more at: stayhousedla.org/get-legal-help
You can usually stay in your home.
The court issues a Writ of Possession and the sheriff posts a Notice to Vacate. You will have a few days to move.
Yes. You may ask the judge for additional time, even if you lose the case.
An eviction can appear on your records and background checks. Responding to the case and getting help may reduce harm.

Need help?
We’re here to support you.

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal)

For in-person assistance with EDPP registration, visit the Compton Courthouse at 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220, or call 562-228-0279.

FORWARD

After you complete your registration and go through the rental assistance application review process, application support is available if you need help uploading documents or experience technical issues along the way.

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