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Learn About the Program
In partnership with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) 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 aims to help parties avoid attorney and court fees throughout the legal eviction process and reduce evictions related to unpaid back rent by providing mediation services and rental assistance.
This program is available at no cost to landlords and tenants served by the Compton Courthouse. Both parties must agree to participate. If parties reach an agreement and rental assistance is approved, payments are made directly to the landlord.
What the Program Provides
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Program eligibility screening and case management
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Neutral mediation services between landlord and tenant
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Rental assistance for unpaid back rent, up to $10,000 per household
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Referrals to additional housing or support services, when available
How the Program Works
Step 1: Registration is initiated by a paralegal, landlord, or tenant.
Step 2: Paralegal staff review eligibility
Step 3: Participation confirmed for both parties
Step 4: Both parties participate in mediation with a neutral facilitator
Step 5: Mediation Outcome
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Step 5A — Resolution Reached: Both parties reach an agreement, and eligibility for rental assistance is verified through an application review process.
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Step 5B — No Resolution (Impasse): Both parties could not come to an agreement and referrals are provided, instead of rental assistance. The case is closed.
Step 6: Rental assistance is issued to the landlord when the application is approved.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if:
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Landlord and tenant dispute is related to unpaid back rent
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Both the landlord and tenant agree to participate in mediation
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Either the landlord or tenant household annual income is at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
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The rental property is located in a ZIP code served by the Compton courthouse
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Household Income Limits
Area Median Income (AMI)
Eligibility is based on landlord or tenant household size and annual income level.
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Required Documentation
The following documents are used to confirm eligibility.
Tenant Documents
You can use a government-issued photo ID, including:
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Drivers License
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State or Provincial ID Card
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Passport
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Voter ID Card
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Military ID
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Permanent Resident Card
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Work Permit or Employment Authorization Card
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National ID Card
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Tribal ID Card
If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
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Most recent income documentation (examples may include pay stubs, benefits statements, or tax documents).
If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
Current documents that show tenant's name, landlord name, and the rental address.
Examples of documentation;
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Current lease agreement
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Lease renewal or addendum
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Landlord verification form or signed letter confirming tenancy
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Rent receipts or tenant ledger
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Utility bill or official correspondence showing tenant name and address
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Housing assistance or subsidy documentation
If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
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Records of rent owed and/or rent payments for the unit.
Examples of documentation;
Rent ledger or tenant account statement
Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate
Landlord or property manager statement verifying the amount owed
Eviction or court documentation related to nonpayment of rent
Rent balance statement or billing notice
Tenant payment history showing an outstanding rent balance
If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
Landlord Documents
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Individual Owners
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Valid Photo ID
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Income Verification for Individual Owners if reporting under 120% AMI
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Individuals Acting on Behalf of the Owner (or Subleasing)
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Valid photo ID
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Income verification for the individual owner if reporting under 120% AMI
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Documentation linking the acting landlord to the authorized landlord (for example, a current lease or written authorization)
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Property Management Company
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Property management agreement showing authority to act on behalf of the owner
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Limited Liability Corporations
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Completed W-9 listing the LLC as the payee
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Property management agreement (if applicable)
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Property tax statement
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If additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
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A completed IRS Form W-9 is required so payments can be issued and reported correctly.
• One completed W-9 per landlord or property manager
• The name and Taxpayer Identification Number must match the payment recipientIf additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
If the referral results in a payment, the landlord will be required to provide payment details.
Payment methods
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ACH (direct deposit) – Recommended for faster processing and fewer delays
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Check – Available, with standard processing time
If selecting ACH, please provide:
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Bank account name
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Bank account number
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Routing number
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 additional documentation is needed, staff will reach out to request it.
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Additional Resources
If you need additional support or resources, please review the information provided below.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
This pilot program is an initiative by Los Angeles County that provides eligible landlords and tenants with mediation services and rental assistance to help parties avoid evictions related to unpaid back rent.
Landlords or tenants of rental properties in the Los Angeles County Compton Courthouse service area may register, however both parties must agree to participate in mediation and the application review process for rental assistance.
A landlord is someone who owns a property, leases land, rents out a place, or has the legal right to offer a home for a rent or collect rent. It also covers their agent, rep, or anyone who takes over their role.
No. Mediation services and rental assistance are not guaranteed. Any assistance will depend on eligibility and available funding.
If the number of eligible applicants exceeds available funds, households will be prioritized in coordination with the County and third-party administrator.
No. This is a voluntary pilot program. However, both landlord and tenant must agree to participate in mediation and come to an agreement for the rental assistance application to move forward and be approved.
No. Landlords and tenants must come to an agreement through mediation to receive rental assistance for unpaid back rent. All parties interested in the program must register, agree to participate in mediation, and undergo the application review process for rental assistance.
No. This 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 with the Courts. The parties may be referred 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:
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Online: https://lacountydcba.forwardplatform.com/login
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Phone: CAL SoCal 1-562-228-0279
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In person 200 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220 Room #5 (5th floor)
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Step 1: Registration is initiated by a paralegal, landlord, or tenant
Step 2: Paralegal staff review eligibility
Step 3: Participation confirmed for both parties
Step 4: Both parties participate in mediation with a neutral facilitator
Step 5: Mediation Outcome
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Step 5A — Resolution Reached: Both parties reach an agreement and eligibility for rental assistance is verified through an application review process.
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Step 5B — No Resolution (Impasse): Both parties could not come to an agreement and referrals are provided, instead of rental assistance. Case is closed.
Step 6: Rental assistance is issued to landlord, when application is approved.
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You will receive an email confirming your registration in the program and inviting you to complete the application process for rental assistance. Information provided at registration is reviewed for eligibility, and may include follow-up from paralegal staff to schedule mediation.
Although parties may reach an agreement in mediation, the application review process for rental assistance may result in a denial due to program ineligibility, missing or inaccurate information, if the other party is unwilling to participate, or if program funds are no longer available. Both parties will receive a denial notice.
Yes. If you are eligible to file an appeal, you will receive instructions with your denial notice.
Income & Assistance Limits
Either the landlord or tenant household annual income must be 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 is defined as any member residing together at an address.
No. Proof of identification is required; however, the program is open to households of all documentation status.
Assistance may cover multiple months of unpaid back rent, as long as the total amount does not exceed $10,000.
Yes. Utilities or other expenses may be eligible if they are included as part of the rent under your rental agreement or listed on the rent ledger as past due, and must be payable to the landlord. The program does not make payments directly to utility companies.
No. The program cannot cover rent expenses for the same period of time that was covered by another assistance program. However, please note that prior participation in another assistance program in the past is not a disqualifying factor.
Landlord Questions
Yes. Payments are made directly to verified landlords or property managers.
Landlords must provide a W-9, proof of ownership or management authority, and a lease agreement. Additional documents may be required depending on the ownership structure.
Yes. Grant payments may be reported to the IRS. Please consult a tax professional with questions.
No. Landlords and tenants must come to an agreement through mediation to receive rental assistance for unpaid back rent.
Yes. Based on the contact information provided at registration, a notification to the tenant will be sent inviting them to participate in the program and complete the application process for rental assistance.
Landlord - Understanding the Eviction Process
No. You must follow the required legal process. You cannot remove a tenant 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 depends on whether the tenant responds and the court’s schedule. Cases where the tenant responds may take longer because a hearing or trial is required.
Yes. After filing the case, the tenant must be formally served with court papers. 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, but having legal advice can help you understand your responsibilities and avoid delays. Landlords may represent themselves in court.
If the court rules in your favor, there will be additional forms for you to complete 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. You should review the court’s decision carefully and consider your next steps.
In some cases, mediation or diversion programs may help resolve disputes without a 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 program.
No. Employment status does not affect eligibility.
You will need proof of identity, income, and your lease or rent history. A full list is provided in the Required Documentation section.
Yes. Based on the contact information provided at registration, a notification to the landlord will be sent inviting them to participate in the program and complete the application process for rental assistance.
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 out without going to court.
It is the legal name for an eviction court case. If means the landlord is asking a judge to make you move out. If you respond and appear in court, the landlord must prove their case in court.
Yes. You can stay in your home until a judge decides the case and the sheriff posts a Notice to Vacate.
No. A notice is a warning. It is not a court order.
No. A landlord must get a court order.
No. This is illegal, even if you owe rent.
The judge can 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 get a 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 for tenants and landlords. To learn more, visit 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 get a few days to move.
Yes. You can ask the judge for extra time, even if you lose.
An eviction can show up on your records and background checks. Responding 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 registration, please visit the Compton Courthouse located at 200 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220 or call 1-562-228-0279
FORWARD
Once you complete registration and undergo the application review process for rental assistance, application support is available if you, need help uploading documents, or run into technical issues along the way.
Need FORWARD assistance over the phone? Call 1-855-582-3973.
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