Superior Court of Los Angeles County Launches First-of-its-Kind Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) Diversion Pilot at the Compton Courthouse
Beginning April 20, 2026, Eligible Parties in Limited Jurisdiction Eviction Cases will be Provided with Free Settlement Conferences and up to $10,000 in Rental Assistance
Beginning April 20, 2026, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County will launch a new unlawful detainer (eviction) pilot program at the Compton Courthouse. The program will provide no-cost mediation services and rental assistance to qualified parties in limited jurisdiction eviction cases.
The Compton Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) is a partnership between the Court and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) to help parties in cases involving unpaid rent reach mutually agreeable resolutions. Through the program, eligible participants may take part in free settlement conferences mediated by Community Legal Aid of Southern California (CLA SoCal) and may qualify for up to $10,000 per household to cover past-due rent and future rent obligations.
“The Superior Court of Los Angeles County is committed to advancing innovative, communityinformed solutions that expand access to justice and strengthen the communities we serve,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “In partnership with the County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, we are delivering no-cost settlement opportunities and meaningful rental assistance that help litigants resolve disputes with dignity and find peace without the need for trial, keeping tenants housed, making landlords whole, and reinforcing a more responsive, effective, and just court system for all.”
The Compton EDPP was developed in coordination with local government leaders who participated in an eviction diversion roundtable convened by Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II in 2025. The first-of-its-kind roundtable brought together the Court, which sees nearly 40,000 eviction filings annually, and City and County agencies working to address the region’s housing crisis. Designed in collaboration with DCBA, the pilot is informed by data demonstrating that access to modest financial assistance can improve housing stability. By pairing a path to settlement with targeted rental assistance to cover past-due and prospective rent, the program aims to support both tenants and landlords by keeping tenants housed and making landlords whole.
“Helping people stay housed is at the heart of DCBA’s mission. This program is about bringing people together to find a path forward that benefits both parties, before the situation escalates,” Director of Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Rafael Carbajal said. “We know that by helping resolve disputes early, we can help reduce the impact of evictions and ultimately help preserve housing stability.”
EDPP Qualifications:
Landlords and tenants may be eligible to participate in the program if they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Landlord and tenant dispute is only related to unpaid back rent.
- Both the landlord and tenant agree to participate in mediation.
- Either the landlord or tenant household annual income is at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
- The rental property involved in the dispute is located within the eligible zip codes served by the Compton Courthouse, which is located at 200 W. Compton Blvd. in Compton.
Parties meeting the eligibility requirements are not guaranteed mediation services and rental assistance, which depend on both eligibility and available funding.
The Court has issued a Standing Order requiring plaintiffs filing limited jurisdiction unlawful detainer cases at the Compton Courthouse to serve the Notice Regarding Services (Form SCLAC CIV 317) on all defendants along with the complaint, summons and any other required documents. The notice informs litigants of services provided by the DCBA made available through the pilot. The new pilot at the Compton Courthouse aligns with the Court’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan to streamline case resolution and enhance accessibility to justice.
About the Superior Court of Los Angeles County
The largest trial court in the nation, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County serves a population of almost 10 million in 36 courthouses with a jurisdiction covering over 4,000 square miles that includes 88 cities, 140 unincorporated areas and dozens of law enforcement agencies. The Court is steadfast in its mission to serve our community by providing equal access to justice through the fair, timely and effective resolution of all cases.
You can view the full notice here.
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