This issue brief provides an overview of state and local laws regulating the landlord-tenant relationship, discusses the state and federal agencies that enforce fair housing laws, and lists several resources for landlords and tenants in dispute.
In lieu of issuing bonds, or using another form of long-term debt, the state often uses a form of lease-purchase agreement called certificates of participation (COPs) to finance the construction of its new facilities. A certificate refers to an investor's proportionate interest in the state's lease payments. COPs give the state the flexibility to build capital facilities even when funds are not available to pay for projects on a pay-as-you-go basis.