10-Q 1 usrp_10q.htm 10Q FORM 10-QSB—QUARTERLY OR TRANSITIONAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

 

or

 

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _________to _________

 

Commission file number 0-15656

 

 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

57-0814502

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

55 Beattie Place, P.O. Box 1089

Greenville, South Carolina  29602

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(864) 239-1000

(Registrant's telephone number)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

[X] Yes  [ ] No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). [ ] Yes  [ ] No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer [ ]

Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [ ] Yes  [X] No

 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

BALANCE SHEETS

 (in thousands, except unit data)

 

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

 

2009

2008

 

(Unaudited)

(Note)

Assets

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $    36

  $    44

Receivables and deposits

       93 

       94 

Other assets

      405

      316

Restricted escrow

      107

      106

Investment property:

 

 

Land

    1,700

    1,700

Buildings and related personal property

   13,814

   13,658

 

   15,514

   15,358

Less accumulated depreciation

   (7,946)

   (7,756)

 

    7,568

    7,602

 

  $ 8,209

  $ 8,162

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners' Deficit

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

Accounts payable

  $   187

  $   110

Tenant security deposit liabilities

       64

       66

Accrued property taxes

       69

       --

Other liabilities

      124

      131

Due to affiliates (Note B)

    1,737

    1,646

Mortgage notes payable

   10,695

   10,727

 

   12,876

   12,680

 

 

 

Partners' Deficit

 

 

General partners

      (10)

       (9)

Depositary unit certificate holders (2,440,000 units

 

 

authorized; 1,222,000 units issued and outstanding)

   (4,657)

   (4,509)

 

   (4,667)

   (4,518)

 

  $ 8,209

  $ 8,162

 

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per unit data)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2009

2008

Revenues:

 

 

Rental income

$   533

$   583

Other income

     86

     61

Total revenues

    619

    644

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

Operating

    265

    302

General and administrative

     23

     24

Depreciation

    190

    149

Interest

    221

    212

Property taxes

     69

     62

Total expenses

    768

    749

 

 

 

Casualty loss (Note C)

     --

    (14)

 

 

 

Net loss

$  (149)

$  (119)

 

 

 

Net loss allocated to general partners (1%)

$    (1)

$    (1)

Net loss allocated to depositary unit certificate

 

 

holders (99%)

   (148)

   (118)

 

$  (149)

$  (119)

 

 

 

Net loss per depositary unit certificate

$  (.12)

$  (.10)

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except unit data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depositary

 

 

Depositary

 

Unit

 

 

Unit

General

Certificate

 

 

Certificates

Partners

Holders

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Original capital contributions

 1,222,000

  $     2

$30,550

 $30,552

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' deficit at

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 1,222,000

  $    (9)

  $(4,509)

 $(4,518)

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss for the three months

 

 

 

 

ended March 31, 2009

       --

       (1)

    (148)

    (149)

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' deficit at

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2009

 1,222,000

  $   (10)

 $(4,657)

 $(4,667)


U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2009

2008

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

Net loss

 $  (149)

 $  (119)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided

 

 

by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation

     190

     149

Casualty loss

      --

      14

Amortization of loan costs

       9 

       9 

Change in accounts:

      

      

Receivables and deposits

       1

       4

Other assets

     (98)

     (96)

Accounts payable

     132

     198

Tenant security deposit liabilities

      (2)

       6

Accrued property taxes

      69

      63

Other liabilities

      (7)

     (18)

Due to affiliates

      31

      19

Net cash provided by operating activities

     176

     229

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

Property improvements and replacements

    (211)

    (446)

Net deposits to restricted escrow

      (1)

      (1)

Net cash used in investing activities

    (212)

    (447)

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Payments on mortgage notes payable

     (32)

     (29)

Advances from affiliates

      60

     202

Net cash provided by financing activities

      28

     173

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

      (8)

     (45)

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

      44

     105

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$     36

$     60

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

Cash paid for interest

$    191

$    195

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash flow activity:

 

 

   Property improvements and replacements in accounts

 

 

    payable

$     19

$     33

 

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately $74,000 and $245,000, respectively, of property improvements and replacements were included in accounts payable and are included in property improvements and replacements at March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note A - Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  The general partner responsible for management of the Partnership's business is U.S. Realty I Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the "Corporate General Partner"). In the opinion of the Corporate General Partner, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.  For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The Corporate General Partner is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("AIMCO"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. 

 

Note B - Transactions with Affiliated Parties

 

The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all Partnership activities.  The Partnership Agreement provides for (i) certain payments to affiliates for services and (ii) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.

 

Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner receive 5% of gross receipts from the Partnership's property as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $31,000 and $32,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is included in operating expenses.

 

Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner charged the Partnership reimbursement of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $62,000 and $60,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses and investment property.  The portion of these reimbursements included in investment property for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner of approximately $53,000 and $50,000, respectively.  At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, approximately $63,000 and $53,000, respectively, of reimbursements were owed and are included in due to affiliates.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $60,000 and $202,000 to fund capital improvements at Twin Lake Apartments. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Partnership accrued interest of approximately $21,000 and $9,000, respectively. In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, interest was charged at prime plus 2% (5.25% at March 31, 2009). At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total outstanding advances and accrued interest due to AIMCO Properties, L.P. was approximately $1,674,000 and $1,593,000, respectively, and was included in due to affiliates. The Partnership may receive additional advances of funds from AIMCO Properties, L.P. although AIMCO Properties, L.P. is not obligated to provide such advances. For more information on AIMCO Properties, L.P., including copies of its audited balance sheet, please see its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, the Partnership received additional advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P. of approximately $145,000 to fund operating expenses.

 

The Partnership insures its property up to certain limits through coverage provided by AIMCO which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers compensation, property casualty, general liability and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its property above the AIMCO limits through insurance policies obtained by AIMCO from insurers unaffiliated with the Corporate General Partner.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $65,000 for hazard insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration.  Additional charges will be incurred by the Partnership during 2009 as other insurance policies renew later in the year.  The Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $57,000 for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 
Note C – Casualty Loss

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Twin Lakes Apartments suffered water damage as a result of water pipe breaks in several of the Partnership’s apartment units.  As of March 31, 2008, the Partnership incurred $66,000 in capitalizable costs to repair the water damage.  The Partnership recognized a casualty loss of approximately $14,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the write off of approximately $14,000 of undepreciated property improvements and replacements.

 

Note D - Contingencies

 

As previously disclosed, AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Corporate General Partner, were defendants in a lawsuit, filed as a collective action in August 2003 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week (“overtime claims”). The plaintiffs also contended that AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call" (“on-call claims”). In March 2007, the court in the District of Columbia decertified the collective action.  In July 2007, plaintiffs’ counsel filed individual cases in Federal court in 22 jurisdictions.  In the second quarter of 2008, AIMCO Properties, L.P. settled the overtime cases involving 652 plaintiffs and established a framework for resolving the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel. As a result, the lawsuits asserted in the 22 Federal courts will be dismissed. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Partnership paid approximately $12,000 for settlement amounts for alleged unpaid overtime to employees who had worked at the Partnership’s investment property.  At this time, the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel are not resolved. The Corporate General Partner is uncertain as to the amount of any additional loss that may be allocable to the Partnership. Therefore, the Partnership cannot estimate whether any additional loss will occur or a potential range of loss.

 

The Partnership is unaware of any other pending or outstanding litigation matters involving it or its investment property 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 hazardous substances present on a property, including lead-based paint. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of the hazardous substances. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remedy properly, hazardous substances 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 presence of hazardous substances 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 hazardous substances through a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances 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 property, the Partnership could potentially be liable for environmental liabilities or costs associated with its property. 

 

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 Corporate General Partner have implemented policies, procedures, third-party audits and training and the Corporate General Partner believes that these measures will prevent or eliminate mold exposure and will minimize the effects that mold may have on residents.  To date, the Partnership has not incurred any material costs or liabilities relating to claims of mold exposure or to abate mold conditions.  Because the law regarding mold is unsettled and subject to change the Corporate 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 financial condition or results of operations.


Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements in certain circumstances. Certain information included in this Quarterly Report contains or may contain information that is forward-looking, including, without limitation, statements regarding the effect of redevelopments, the Partnership’s future financial performance, including the Partnership’s ability to maintain current or meet projected occupancy and rent levels, and the effect of government regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements and, in addition, will be affected by a variety of risks and factors some of which are beyond the Partnership’s control including, without limitation: financing risks, including the availability and cost of financing and the risk that the Partnership’s cash flows from operations may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; natural disasters and severe weather such as hurricanes; national and local economic conditions; the general level of interest rates; energy costs; the terms of governmental regulations that affect the Partnership’s property and interpretations of those regulations; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; real estate risks, including fluctuations in real estate values and the general economic climate in local markets and competition for tenants in such markets; insurance risk; development risks; litigation, including costs associated with prosecuting or defending claims and any adverse outcomes; and possible environmental liabilities, including costs, fines or penalties that may be incurred due to necessary remediation of contamination of properties presently owned or previously owned by the Partnership. Readers should carefully review the Partnership’s financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the risk factors described in the documents the Partnership files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Partnership's investment property consists of one apartment complex.  The following table sets forth the average occupancy of the property for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

Average

 

Occupancy

Property

2009

2008

 

 

 

Twin Lakes Apartments

 

 

Palm Harbor, Florida

91%

96%

 

The Corporate General Partner attributes the decrease in occupancy to the tight economy in the Palm Harbor, Florida region which has resulted in a loss of tenants as tenants move out to live with their extended families.

 

The Partnership’s financial results depend upon a number of factors including the ability to attract and maintain tenants at the investment property, interest rates on mortgage loans, costs incurred to operate the investment property, general economic conditions and weather. As part of the ongoing business plan of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner monitors the rental market environment of its investment property to assess the feasibility of increasing rents, maintaining or increasing occupancy levels and protecting the Partnership from increases in expenses. As part of this plan, the Corporate General Partner attempts to protect the Partnership from the burden of inflation-related increases in expenses by increasing rents and maintaining a high overall occupancy level. However, the Corporate General Partner may use rental concessions and rental rate reductions to offset softening market conditions, accordingly, there is no guarantee that the Corporate General Partner will be able to sustain such a plan. Further, a number of factors that are outside the control of the Partnership such as the local economic climate and weather can adversely or positively affect the Partnership’s financial results.

 

Results of Operations

 

The Partnership’s net loss was approximately $149,000 and $119,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The increase in net loss is due to an increase in total expenses and a decrease in total revenues partially offset by a decrease in recognition of a casualty loss. 

 

Total revenues decreased due to a decrease in rental income offset by an increase in other income.  Rental income decreased due to a decrease in average rental rates and a decrease in occupancy at Twin Lakes Apartments.  Other income increased due to an increase in resident utility reimbursements, ancillary services income and pet and administrative fee income.

 

Total expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to increases in interest, depreciation and property tax expenses partially offset by a decrease in operating expense. General and administrative expenses remained relatively constant for the comparable period. Depreciation expense increased due to capital improvements and replacements placed into service during the year.  Interest expense increased due to an increase in interest on advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner due to an increase in the amount advanced partially offset by a decrease in interest on the mortgagees encumbering the Partnership’s investment property due to scheduled monthly payments.  Property tax expense increased due to an increase in the tax rate and assessed value at Twin Lakes Apartments. The decrease in operating expense is due to decreases in advertising, insurance and maintenance expenses.  Advertising expense decreased due to a decrease in web and print advertising at Twin Lakes Apartments.  Insurance expense decreased due to a decrease in hazard insurance premiums at Twin Lakes Apartments. Maintenance expense decreased primarily due to repair costs incurred in 2008 for water damage from leaking pipes at Twin Lakes Apartments.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Twin Lakes Apartments suffered water damage as a result of water pipe breaks in several of the Partnership’s apartment units.  As of March 31, 2008, the Partnership incurred $66,000 in capitalizable costs to repair the water damage.  The Partnership recognized a casualty loss of approximately $14,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the write off of approximately $14,000 of undepreciated property improvements and replacements.

 

Included in general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are management reimbursements to the Corporate General Partner as allowed under the Partnership Agreement.  Also included in general and administrative expense are costs associated with the quarterly and annual communications with investors and regulatory agencies and the annual audit required by the Partnership Agreement.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At March 31, 2009 the Partnership had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $36,000 compared to approximately $60,000 at March 31, 2008.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $8,000 from December 31, 2008 due to approximately $212,000 of cash used in investing activities offset by approximately $176,000 and $28,000 of cash provided by operating and financing activities, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities consisted of advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner, partially offset by payments on the mortgages encumbering the investment property.  Cash used in investing activities consisted of property improvements and replacements and net deposits to restricted escrow.  The Partnership invests it working capital reserves in interest bearing accounts.

 

The sufficiency of existing liquid assets to meet future liquidity and capital expenditure requirements is directly related to the level of capital expenditures required at the property to adequately maintain the physical assets and other operating needs of the Partnership and to comply with Federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements. The Corporate General Partner monitors developments in the area of legal and regulatory compliance. Capital improvements planned for the Partnership’s property are detailed below.

 

Twin Lakes Apartments

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Partnership completed approximately $156,000 of capital expenditures at Twin Lakes Apartments, consisting primarily of floor covering replacements, water and sewer improvements, building improvements and appliance replacements.  These improvements were funded from operating cash flow and advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner.  The Partnership regularly evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property.  While the Partnership has no material commitments for property improvements and replacements, certain routine capital expenditures are anticipated during the remainder of 2009.  Such capital expenditures will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as anticipated cash flow generated by the property.

 

Additional capital expenditures will be incurred only if cash is available from operations, Partnership reserves or advances from AIMCO Properties, L.P., although AIMCO Properties, L.P. is not obligated to provide such advances.  To the extent that capital improvements are completed, the Partnership’s distributable cash flow, if any, may be adversely affected at least in the short term.

 

The Partnership's assets are thought to be sufficient for any near term needs (exclusive of capital improvements and repayment of amounts accrued and payable to affiliates) of the Partnership. At March 31, 2009, the first, second and third mortgage indebtedness on Twin Lakes Apartments of approximately $6,161,000, $3,445,000 and $1,089,000, respectively, require monthly payments of principal and interest until December 1, 2015 when balloon payments of approximately $5,685,000, $3,025,000 and $963,000, respectively, are due.  The Partnership has the option of extending the maturity date on both the first and second mortgages for one additional year, to December 1, 2016.  With respect to the third mortgage, the maturity date will automatically be extended for one year, to December 1, 2016, if no event of default exists at its original maturity date of December 1, 2015.

 

The Partnership made no distributions during the three months ended March 31, 2009 or 2008.

 

Future cash distributions will depend on the levels of net cash generated from operations, the timing of the debt maturities, refinancings, and/or property sale. The Partnership's cash available for distribution is reviewed on a monthly basis. In light of the amounts accrued and payable to affiliates at March 31, 2009, it is unlikely that the Partnership will generate sufficient funds from operations, after capital improvement expenditures and repayment of amounts accrued and payable to affiliates, to permit distributions to its partners during 2009 or subsequent periods.

 

The Partnership Agreement provides for partners to receive distributions from the net proceeds of the sales of properties, the net proceeds from refinancings and net cash from operations as those terms are defined in the Partnership Agreement. The Partnership Agreement requires that the limited partners be furnished with a statement of Net Cash from Operations as such term is defined in the Partnership Agreement. Net Cash from Operations should not be considered an alternative to net (loss) income as an indicator of the Partnership's operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. Below is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities as disclosed in the statements of cash flows, included in “Item 1. Financial Statements”, to Net Cash from Operations as defined in the Partnership Agreement.

 

 

For the Three months ended

 

March 31,

 

2009

2008

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    $   176

    $   229

Payments on mortgage notes payable

        (32)

        (29)

Property improvements and replacements

       (211)

       (446)

Advances from affiliates

         60

        202

Net decrease in restricted escrows

         (1)

         (1)

Changes in reserves for net operating

        

        

liabilities

       (126)

       (176)

 

 

 

Net cash used in operations

    $  (134)

    $  (221)

 

Distributions made from reserves no longer considered necessary by the Corporate General Partner are considered net cash from operations for allocation purposes.

 

Other

 

In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interests in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 900,195 depository unit certificates (DUCs) in the Partnership representing 73.67% of the outstanding DUCs at March 31, 2009.  A number of these DUCs were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional DUCs in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers.  Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, DUC holders holding a majority of the DUCs are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner.  As a result of its ownership of 73.67% of the outstanding DUCs, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as corporate general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the Partnership to make estimates and assumptions. The Partnership believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable.  If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnership’s estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property.   If the carrying amount exceeds the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

 

Real property investment is subject to varying degrees of risk.  Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of the Partnership’s investment property.  These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic climate; competition from other apartment communities and other housing options; local conditions, such as loss of jobs or an increase in the supply of apartments that might adversely affect apartment occupancy or rental rates; changes in governmental regulations and the related cost of compliance; increases in operating costs (including real estate taxes) due to inflation and other factors, which may not be offset by increased rents; and changes in tax laws and housing laws, including the enactment of rent control laws or other laws regulating multi-family housing.  Any adverse changes in these factors could cause impairment of the Partnership’s asset.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less.  The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area.  Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants.

 

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)   Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

The Partnership’s management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnership’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

(b)   Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

There has been no change in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

As previously disclosed, AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Corporate General Partner, were defendants in a lawsuit, filed as a collective action in August 2003 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for time worked in excess of 40 hours per week (“overtime claims”). The plaintiffs also contended that AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call" (“on-call claims”). In March 2007, the court in the District of Columbia decertified the collective action.  In July 2007, plaintiffs’ counsel filed individual cases in Federal court in 22 jurisdictions.  In the second quarter 2008, AIMCO Properties, L.P. settled the overtime cases involving 652 plaintiffs and established a framework for resolving the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel. As a result, the lawsuits asserted in the 22 Federal courts will be dismissed. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Partnership was charged approximately $12,000 for settlement amounts for alleged unpaid overtime to employees who had worked at the Partnership’s investment property.  At this time, the 88 remaining “on-call” claims and the attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs’ counsel are not resolved. The Corporate General Partner is uncertain as to the amount of any additional loss that may be allocable to the Partnership. Therefore, the Partnership cannot estimate whether any additional loss will occur or a potential range of loss.

 

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS

 

            See Exhibit Index.

 

 


SIGNATURES

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

                                

 

U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

 

 

By:   U.S. Realty I Corporation

 

      Corporate General Partner

 

 

Date: May 12, 2009

By:   /s/Steven D. Cordes

 

      Steven D. Cordes

 

      Senior Vice President

 

 

Date: May 12, 2009

By:   /s/Stephen B. Waters

 

      Stephen B. Waters

 

      Vice President

 


U.S. REALTY PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

 

3           See Exhibit 4(a)

 

4  (a)      Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership (included as Exhibit A to the Prospectus of Registrant dated August 19, 1986 contained in Amendment No. 4 Registration Statement, No. 33-2996, of Registrant filed August 19, 1986 (the "Prospectus") and is incorporated herein by reference).

 

(b)         Subscription Agreement and Signature Page (included as Exhibit B to the Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference).

 

(c)         Instruments governing the Bonds (filed as Exhibit 10C to Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement, No. 33-2996, of Registrant filed August 19, 1986 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

(d)         First Amendment to U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (dated August 15, 1986) dated October 14, 1993.  [Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.]

 

(e)         Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement dated April 12, 2005.

 

10(i)       Contracts related to acquisition of property:

 

(l)         Depositary Agreement dated as of October 15, 1993, among U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership, First Union National Bank of South Carolina and Continental Casualty Company. *

 

(m)         Financial Statement - Form UCC-1, State of South Carolina, Office of Secretary of State Jim Miles by US Realty Partners Limited Partnership and Continental Casualty Company. *

 

(n)         Incumbency Certificate by U.S. Realty I Corporation and U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership. *

 

* Filed as Exhibits 10iii (l) through (n) to Form 10QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

10.25       Multifamily Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated December 1, 2005 between U.S. Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Bank. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.26       Multifamily Note dated December 1, 2005 between U.S. Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Bank. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.27       Replacement Reserve Agreement dated December 1, 2005 between U.S. Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Bank.  Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.28       Guaranty dated December 1, 2005 between AIMCO Properties, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and GMAC Commercial Mortgage Bank.  Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.29       Amended and Restated Multifamily Mortgage, Assignment of Rents, and Security Agreement dated December 1, 2005 between U.S. Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.  Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.30       Amended and Restated Multifamily Note dated December 1, 2005 between U.S. Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.  Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.31       Amended and Restated Guaranty dated December 1, 2005 between AIMCO Properties, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.  Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005.

 

10.33       Form of Multifamily Note between Capmark Bank and U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, dated September 14, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007.

 

10.34       Form of Multifamily Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement between Capmark Bank and U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, dated September 14, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007.

 

10.35       Form of Replacement Reserve Agreement between Capmark Bank and U.S. Realty Partners Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, dated September 14, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007.

 

31.1        Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2        Certification of equivalent of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1        Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

99          Prospectus of Registrant dated August 19, 1986 (included in Registration Statement, No. 33-2996, of Registrant and incorporated herein by reference).