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Commitment and Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Commitment and Contingencies 
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note G – Contingencies

 

The Partnership is unaware of any pending or outstanding litigation matters involving it or its investment properties that are not of a routine nature arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

Environmental

 

Various Federal, state and local laws subject property owners or operators to liability for management, and the costs of removal or remediation, of certain potentially hazardous materials  present on a property, including lead-based paint, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum-based fuels, and other miscellaneous materials. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of such materials. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remedy properly, these materials may adversely affect occupancy at affected apartment communities and the ability to sell or finance affected properties. In addition to the costs associated with investigation and remediation actions brought by government agencies, and potential fines or penalties imposed by such agencies in connection therewith, the improper management of these materials on a property could result in claims by private plaintiffs for personal injury, disease, disability or other infirmities. Various laws also impose liability for the cost of removal, remediation or disposal of these materials through a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of these materials is potentially liable under such laws. These laws often impose liability whether or not the person arranging for the disposal ever owned or operated the disposal facility. In connection with the ownership, operation and management of its properties, the Partnership could potentially be responsible for environmental liabilities or costs associated with its properties.    

 

Mold

 

The Partnership is aware of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties asserting claims of personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold, some of which have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  The Partnership has only limited insurance coverage for property damage loss claims arising from the presence of mold and for personal injury claims related to mold exposure. Affiliates of the General Partner have implemented policies, procedures, third-party audits and training and the General Partner believes that these measures will prevent or eliminate mold exposure and will minimize the effects that mold may have on residents. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Partnership incurred approximately $342,000 related to mold removal in connection with repairs to apartment units at the Partnership’s investment properties. As of December 31, 2010, the Partnership had incurred approximately $3,035,000 related to mold removal in connection with repairs to apartment units at the Partnership’s investment properties. The Partnership may incur future expenses related to mold removal in some of its apartment units in connection with other repairs or renovations. The Partnership cannot estimate the amount, if any, of these future costs. Because the law regarding mold is unsettled and subject to change the General Partner can make no assurance that liabilities resulting from the presence of or exposure to mold will not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.