Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Principles of Consolidation. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of other subsidiaries and joint ventures (including partnerships and limited liability companies) over which we have control. All intercompany transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments acquired or created are evaluated based on the accounting guidance relating to variable interest entities ("VIEs"), which requires the consolidation of VIEs in which we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. If the investment is determined not to be a VIE, then the investment is evaluated for consolidation primarily using a voting interest model. In determining if we have a controlling financial interest, we consider factors such as ownership interests, authority to make decisions, kick-out rights and participating rights. At September 30, 2017, two of our consolidated operating partnerships are VIEs, of which we held between 92% and 94% of the outstanding common limited partnership units and the sole 1% general partnership interest of each consolidated operating partnership. As we are considered the primary beneficiary, we continue to consolidate these operating partnerships.

Interim Financial Reporting

Interim Financial Reporting. We have prepared these unaudited financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial statements and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, these statements do not include all information and footnote disclosures required for annual statements. While we believe the disclosures presented are adequate for interim reporting, these interim unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-18 ("ASU 2016-18"), "Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)" as of December 31, 2016, which required the change in restricted cash to be reported with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling between beginning and ending amounts shown on our consolidated statement of cash flows, and was applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Prior to our adoption of ASU 2016-18, we reported the change in restricted cash within investing activities in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. As a result of our adoption of this standard and the retrospective application, cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased by approximately $8.7 million to reflect the restricted cash balances and net cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $2.7 million. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and eliminations, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair representation of our financial statements for the interim period reported have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the full year.

Acquisitions of Real Estate

Acquisitions of Real Estate. Upon acquisition of real estate, we determine the fair value of tangible and intangible assets, which includes land, buildings (as-if-vacant), furniture and fixtures, the value of in-place leases, including above and below market leases, and acquired liabilities. In estimating these values, we apply methods similar to those used by independent appraisers of income-producing property. Pursuant to our adoption of ASU 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)", if substantially all of the fair value of gross assets is concentrated to a single asset (or a group of similar assets), it is considered an asset acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price of an asset acquisition is based on the relative fair value of the net assets and external transaction costs are generally considered a component of the consideration to acquire the operating real estate assets and are capitalized. Acquisitions which do not meet the criteria above are considered a business combination and the allocation of the purchase price is based on fair value of the assets and transaction costs are generally expensed and not considered part of the consideration transferred. Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, such joint venture is consolidated and remeasured to full fair value at the date the controlling interest is acquired; any difference between the full fair value of the joint venture and the controlling interest is recognized as noncontrolling interest. Estimates of fair value of acquired debt are based upon interest rates available for the issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful lives of the related tangible assets. The value of in-place leases and above or below market leases is amortized over the estimated average remaining life of leases in place at the time of acquisition. The net carrying value of in-place leases and above market leases are included in other assets, net and the net carrying value of below market leases is included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Asset Impairment

Asset Impairment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment may exist if estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets. We consider projected future undiscounted cash flows, trends, strategic decisions regarding future development plans, and other factors in our assessment of whether impairment conditions exist. While we believe our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding a number of factors, including, but not limited to, market rents, economic conditions, and occupancies, could significantly affect these estimates. In estimating fair value, management uses appraisals, management estimates, and discounted cash flow calculations which utilize inputs from a marketplace participant's perspective. When impairment exists, the long-lived asset is adjusted to its fair value. In addition, we evaluate our equity investments in joint ventures and if we believe there is an other than temporary decline in market value of our investment below our carrying value, we will record an impairment charge. We did not record any impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

The value of our properties under development depends on market conditions, including estimates of the project start date as well as estimates of demand for multifamily communities. We have reviewed market trends and other marketplace information and have incorporated this information as well as our current outlook into the assumptions we use in our impairment analyses. Due to the judgment and assumptions applied in the impairment analyses, it is possible actual results could differ substantially from those estimated.

We believe the carrying value of our operating real estate assets, properties under development, and land is currently recoverable. However, if market conditions deteriorate or if changes in our development strategy significantly affect any key assumptions used in our fair value estimates, we may need to take material charges in future periods for impairments related to existing assets. Any such material non-cash charges could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Cost Capitalization

Cost Capitalization. Real estate assets are carried at cost plus capitalized carrying charges. Carrying charges are primarily interest and real estate taxes which are capitalized as part of properties under development. Capitalized interest is generally based on the weighted average interest rate of our unsecured debt. Expenditures directly related to the development and improvement of real estate assets are capitalized at cost as land and buildings and improvements. Indirect development costs, including salaries and benefits and other related costs directly attributable to the development of properties, are also capitalized. We begin capitalizing development, construction, and carrying costs when the development of the future real estate asset is probable and certain activities necessary to prepare the underlying real estate for its intended use have been initiated. All construction and carrying costs are capitalized and reported in the balance sheet as properties under development until the apartment homes are substantially completed. As apartment homes within development properties are completed, the total capitalized development cost of each apartment home is transferred from properties under development including land to buildings and improvements.

As discussed above, carrying charges are principally interest and real estate taxes capitalized as part of properties under development. Capitalized interest was approximately $3.4 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and was approximately $11.6 million and $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Capitalized real estate taxes were approximately $0.6 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and were approximately $1.9 million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization is computed over the expected useful lives of depreciable property on a straight-line basis with lives generally as follows:



	Estimated Useful Life
Buildings and improvements	5-35 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other	3-20 years
Intangible assets/liabilities (in-place leases and above and below market leases)	underlying lease term

Derivatives Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments. The estimated fair values of derivative financial instruments are valued using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and volatility. The fair values of interest rate swaps and caps are estimated using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, including our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk. The fair value of interest rate caps is determined using the market-standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts which would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the cap are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.

Although we have determined the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default. However, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations. A property is classified as a discontinued operation when the disposal represents a strategic shift, such as disposal of a major line of business, a major geographical area or a major equity investment. The results of operations for properties sold during the period or classified as held for sale at the end of the period, and meeting the above criteria of discontinued operations, are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The property-specific components of earnings classified as discontinued operations include separately identifiable property-specific revenues, expenses, depreciation, and interest expense, if any. The gain or loss resulting from the eventual disposal of the held for sale properties meeting the criteria of discontinued operations is also classified within discontinued operations. Real estate assets held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are presented separately in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented. Subsequent to classification of a property as held for sale, no further depreciation is recorded. Consolidated operating properties sold or classified as held for sale, which do not meet the above criteria of discontinued operations are not included in discontinued operations and the related gains or losses are included in continuing operations. Properties sold by our unconsolidated entities which do not meet the above criteria of discontinued operations are not included in discontinued operations and related gains or losses are reported as a component of equity in income of joint ventures.

Gains on sale of real estate are recognized using the full accrual or partial sale methods, as applicable, in accordance with GAAP, provided various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement with the real estate sold are satisfied.

See Note 5, "Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Discontinued Operations" for a discussion of discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Fair Value

Fair Value. For financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis, fair value is the price we would expect to receive to sell an asset, or pay to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date under current market conditions. In the absence of such data, fair value is estimated using internal information consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction.

In determining fair value, observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions; preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


•	Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.


•	Level 3: Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis:

Deferred Compensation Plan Investments. The estimated fair values of investment securities classified as deferred compensation plan investments are based on quoted market prices utilizing public information for the same transactions. Our deferred compensation plan investments are recorded in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The inputs associated with the valuation of our recurring deferred compensation plan investments are included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements. Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. These assets primarily include long-lived assets which are recorded at fair value if they are impaired using the fair value methodologies used to measure long-lived assets described above at "Asset Impairment." Non-recurring fair value disclosures are not provided for impairments on assets disposed during the period because they are no longer owned by us. The inputs associated with the valuation of long-lived assets are generally included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, unless a quoted price for a similar long-lived asset in an active market exists, at which time they are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Instrument Fair Value Disclosures. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and distributions payable represent fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of restricted cash approximates its fair value based on the nature of our assessment of the ability to recover these amounts. The carrying values of our notes receivable also approximate their fair values, which are based on certain factors, such as market interest rates, terms of the note and credit worthiness of the borrower. These financial instruments utilize Level 3 inputs. In calculating the fair value of our notes payable, interest rate and spread assumptions reflect current credit worthiness and market conditions available for the issuance of notes payable with similar terms and remaining maturities. These financial instruments utilize Level 2 inputs.

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable. Our notes receivable, which are included in other assets, net, in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, relate to real estate secured loans to unaffiliated third parties. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had one outstanding note receivable with a balance of approximately $18.3 million and $17.2 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the note receivable was approximately 4.0% and 4.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At September 30, 2017, we were also committed to funding additional amounts under the note, as amended, in the amount of approximately $0.7 million. Interest is recognized over the life of the note and is included in interest and other income in our condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We consider a note receivable to be impaired if it is probable we will not collect all contractually due principal and interest. We do not accrue interest when a note is considered impaired and an allowance is recorded for any principal and previously accrued interest which is not believed to be collectible.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)." ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business and provides further guidance for evaluating whether a transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, early adoption was permitted, and we adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017. We believe most of our acquisitions of operating properties will qualify as asset acquisitions and most future transaction costs associated with these acquisitions will be capitalized.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets." ASU 2017-05 clarifies the definition of an in-substance nonfinancial asset and changes the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets to be more consistent with the accounting for a sale of a business pursuant to ASU 2017-01. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 using a full retrospective or modified retrospective method and is required to be adopted in conjunction with ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" discussed below. We will adopt ASU 2017-05 effective January 1, 2018, along with our adoption of ASU 2014-09 (described below), using the modified retrospective method and it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Subsequent to adoption, we believe most of our future contributions of nonfinancial assets to our joint ventures, if any, will result in the recognition of a full gain or loss as if we sold 100% of the nonfinancial asset and we will also measure our retained interest at fair value.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 prescribes a single, common revenue standard to replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP, including most industry-specific requirements. The standard outlines a five-step model whereby revenue is recognized as performance obligations within a contract are satisfied. Several ASUs have been issued since the issuance of ASU 2014-09 which modify certain sections of the new revenue recognition standard, and are intended to promote a more consistent interpretation and application of the principles outlined in the standard. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective with cumulative-effect transition method which requires us to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment, if any, to the opening balance of retained earnings. We have identified our revenue streams and are finalizing our evaluation of the impact on our consolidated financial statements and internal accounting processes. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as the majority of our revenue is derived from real estate lease contracts.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." ASU 2016-02 supersedes the current accounting for leases and while retaining two distinct types of leases, finance and operating, (i) requires lessees to record a right of use asset and a related liability for the rights and obligations associated with a lease, regardless of lease classification, and recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting (ii) eliminates most real estate specific lease provisions, and (iii) aligns many of the underlying lessor model principles with those in the new revenue standard. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are required to adopt ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective approach which requires us to record leases existing as of or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements under the new lease standard. We previously disclosed our plan to early adopt ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2018 in conjunction with our adoption of ASU 2014-09; however, due to our continued evaluation of interpretations within our industry of the new guidance, we anticipate adopting ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019. Based on our assessments, most of our operating lease commitments will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption. We believe our adoption of the new leasing standard will have an immaterial increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, with no material impact to our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. However, the ultimate impact will depend on our lease portfolio as of the adoption date.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 amends several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, accrual of compensation cost, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and we adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017. Upon adoption we elected to recognize forfeitures of share-based payment awards as they occur, rather than estimating forfeitures at the time awards are granted. Historically, our estimated forfeitures approximated actual forfeitures and the impact of the change in policy upon our adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)." ASU 2016-15 clarifies how eight specific cash receipts and cash payments are to be presented and classified on the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration made after a business combination, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Each amendment in this standard must be applied retrospectively. We expect to adopt ASU 2016-15 as of January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method by applying the cumulative earnings approach to classify distributions received from our equity method investees and do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated statements of cash flows upon adoption.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." ASU 2017-12 amends the hedge accounting model to provide better insight to risk management activities in the financial statements, reduces the complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, eliminate the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item, eases certain documentation and assessment requirements, and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this standard must be applied using the modified retrospective approach for cash flow and net investment hedge relationships existing on the date of adoption. We adopted ASU 2017-12 in connection with the derivative transaction discussed in Note 8, "Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" with no impact upon adoption as we had no hedge activities in the prior periods presented.