The City Council Wednesday approved an additional $8.4 million to a nonprofit providing eviction defense services for tenants after city attorneys declined to approve a five-year contract, citing concerns about the bidding process.

In a unanimous vote, council members authorized more funding to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, which is the lead contractor for Stay Housed L.A. The program provides free legal services to eligible tenants facing eviction. Los Angeles County also partners with the organization for the same service.

The contract will increase from nearly $76 million to $84.3 million, which covers a period that began in 2021.

The City Council and Mayor Karen Bass approved a new five-year contract with the organization earlier this year, but City Attorney Hydee Feldste

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