LA County launches $2.1-million eviction diversion pilot program

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Landlords and tenants in parts of Los Angeles County Tuesday can access a $2.1 million pilot program aimed at helping resolve rent disputes and avoid evictions before cases reach court.

The Eviction Diversion Pilot Program began Monday and will serve eligible households in the Compton Courthouse service area, offering free mediation and up to $10,000 in rental assistance for unpaid rent, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA).

The program was developed in partnership with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County and will be administered with Community Legal Aid SoCal and 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,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said in a statement.

Officials said the program is voluntary and requires both landlords and tenants to agree to participate in mediation.

“Helping people stay housed is at the heart of DCBA’s mission,” said DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal.

“We know that by helping resolve disputes early, we can help reduce the impact of evictions and ultimately help preserve housing stability,” he added.

Eligible participants must have a dispute related to unpaid rent, meet income requirements at or below 120% of area median income, and live in a ZIP code served by the Compton courthouse, officials said.

If approved, rental assistance payments will be issued directly to landlords, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

“Resolving cases effectively and fairly is a central priority for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County,” said Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II. “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.”

Officials said participants may also be referred to additional housing or supportive services when available.

For more information, visit the program’s website.