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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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. As of March 31, 2019, two of our consolidated operating partnerships are VIEs. We are considered the primary beneficiary of both consolidated operating partnerships and therefore consolidate these operating partnerships. As of March 31, 2019, we held 92% and 95% of the outstanding common limited partnership units and the sole 1% general partnership interest in each of these consolidated 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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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. We generally believe acquisitions of operating properties are asset acquisitions, which include the capitalization of transaction costs. 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 are included in other assets, net and the net carrying value of above or below market leases are included in other liabilities, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized amortization expense related to in-place leases of approximately $1.9 million. During each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the weighted average amortization periods for in-place leases were approximately seven months.

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 months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.

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 in 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. Capitalized interest was approximately $2.7 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capitalized real estate taxes were approximately $1.3 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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 substantially completed, the total capitalized development cost of each apartment home is transferred from properties under development including land to buildings and improvements.

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. Derivative financial instruments are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and presented on a gross basis for financial reporting purposes even when those instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation. Accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows or other types of forecasted transactions are cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes attributable to the earnings effect of the hedged transactions. We may enter into derivative contracts which are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, for which hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.

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 condensed 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.

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.

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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, 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

Note Receivable. We have one note receivable included in other assets, net, in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to a real estate secured loan made to an unaffiliated third party. This note receivable matures on October 1, 2025. At both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the outstanding note receivable principal balance was approximately $9.3 million. The weighted average interest rate was approximately 7.0% and 4.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interest is recognized over the life of the note and 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 and 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 August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other— Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." ASU 2018-15 clarifies certain implementation costs relating to a cloud computing arrangement which is considered to be a service contract should be capitalized as if the arrangement was an internal-use software project. ASU 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. This standard may be applied using the prospective transition method which is applicable to service contracts entered, renewed, or materially modified after the effective date or the retrospective transition method which allows us to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, if any, as of the adoption date. We anticipate adopting ASU 2018-15 as of January 1, 2020, using the retrospective transition method and we do not expect our adoption to have a material impact in our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-13 "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." ASU 2018-13 removes, modifies, and adds certain fair value disclosure requirements including (i) the removal of disclosures regarding amounts, reasons, and timing for transfers between Levels 1 and 2 as well as descriptions of valuation processes used for Level 3 measurements of the fair value hierarchy; (ii) modified disclosures for the timing of liquidation of investee assets; (iii) clarifies the narrative description of the measurement uncertainty of Level 3 fair value measurements at the reporting date does not need to include sensitivity of future changes; (iv) add disclosures related to changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements to also be included in the statement of comprehensive income; and (v) add disclosures for the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs. ASU 2018-13 is effective January 1, 2020 for the additional disclosures and early adoption of the removal and amended disclosures is allowed. We expect to adopt ASU 2018-13 as of January 1, 2020 and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." ASU 2016-02 and its related amendments codify Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 842 and provides new guidance for accounting for leases. We adopted ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019 using the transition practical expedient which allows us to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the adoption date and to initially apply the new lease standard to leases which existed as of January 1, 2019. Upon our adoption of ASC 842, as a lessee we recorded a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, as a lessor we now present combined lease and non-lease components as a single component in our condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income, and this ASU did not have an impact on the opening balance of retained earnings as of the adoption date. In addition to the transition practical expedient, we elected other practical expedients during our adoption of the new lease standard. For both lessor and lessee contracts, we elected the practical expedient package to not reassess: (i) whether any expired or existing contract is a lease or contains a lease, (ii) the lease classification of any expired or existing leases, and (iii) the accounting for initial direct costs for any existing leases.

As a lessor, we also elected practical expedients to:


•	not separate the lease and non-lease components by class of underlying assets and account for the combined components as a single component under certain conditions, and


•	exclude from lease revenues the sales taxes collected from lessees and certain lessor costs paid directly by the lessee (as of the date of adoption, we did not have material sales tax collected from customers or lessor costs paid by customers).

As a lessee, we also elected the practical expedients to:


•	use hindsight to determine lease terms and impairment of the right-of-use assets for existing lease contracts,


•	not separate lease and non-lease components by class of underlying asset when certain conditions are met which is consistent with our current accounting, and


•	not recognize short-term lease contracts with a duration of 12 months or less (short-term leases) in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

We earn income from the leasing of our owned real estate properties which is considered our only lessor underlying asset class. Substantially all of our real estate lessor commitments will continue to be accounted for as operating leases and the new leasing standard did not have a material impact on our property revenues. As a lessee, we enter into lease contracts to facilitate the operations and needs of our business and our operating leases primarily consist of our office facility leases which are considered our only lessee underlying asset class. Our lessee operating lease commitments are subject to this standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption. See Note 3, "Revenues" as it relates to our lessor leases and Note 4, "Leases" as it relates to our lessee leases for additional disclosures required by ASC 842.