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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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 September 30, 2020, two of our consolidated operating partnerships were VIEs. We are considered the primary beneficiary of both consolidated operating partnerships and therefore consolidate these operating partnerships.  As of September 30, 2020, we held approximately 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. 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 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain insignificant amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 have been reclassified within cash flows from investing activities to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our condensed consolidated cash flows from investing activities.
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.
We recognized amortization expense related to in-place leases of approximately $0.3 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and approximately $9.1 million and $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The amortization related to market leases for either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2020 or the three months ended September 30, 2019 were not material. We recognized approximately $0.1 million of amortization related to net below market leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the weighted average amortization periods for in-place leases and net below market leases were approximately six months and seven months, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the weighted average amortization period for in-place net below market leases were approximately six months and five months, respectively.
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. When impairment exists, the long-lived asset is adjusted to its fair value. In estimating fair value, management uses appraisals, management estimates, and discounted cash flow calculations which utilize inputs from a marketplace participant's perspective. 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 or nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.
The value of our properties under development depends on market conditions, including estimates of the project cost and 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. 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 and was approximately $4.4 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and was approximately $13.0 million and $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Capitalized real estate taxes were approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were approximately $3.7 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 improvements5-35 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other3-20 years
Intangible assets/liabilities (in-place leases and above and below market leases)underlying lease term
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.
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and distributions payable represented 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.
Income Recognition. The majority of our revenues are derived from real estate lease contracts and presented as property revenues, which include rental revenue and revenue from amounts received under contractual terms for other services provided to our customers.
Property Revenues: We earn rental revenue from operating lease contracts for the use of dedicated spaces within owned assets, which is our only underlying asset class. We recognize rental revenues from these lease contracts on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term, net of amounts related to lease contracts identified as uncollectible. We also earn revenues from amounts received under contractual terms for other services considered non-lease components within a lease contract, primarily consisting of utility rebillings and other transactional fees. These amounts received under contractual terms for other services are charged to our residents and recognized monthly as earned. Any identified uncollectible amounts related to individual lease contracts are presented as an adjustment to property revenue. Any renewal options of real estate lease contracts are considered a new, separate contract and will be recognized at the time the option is exercised on a straight-line basis over the renewal period.
In April 2020, we announced Resident Relief Funds for our residents experiencing financial losses caused by COVID-19, which were intended to help impacted residents by providing immediate financial assistance for living expenses such as food, utilities, medical, insurance, childcare, and transportation. During the second quarter, the Resident Relief Funds paid approximately $10.4 million to approximately 8,200 Camden residents. Of this amount, approximately $9.1 million was paid to approximately 7,100 residents of our wholly-owned communities and recorded as a reduction of property revenues, and approximately $1.3 million was paid to approximately 1,100 residents of the operating communities owned by our unconsolidated joint ventures. For the amounts paid to residents of the operating communities owned by our unconsolidated joint ventures, we recognized our ownership interest of $0.4 million in equity in income of joint ventures. Additionally, we also made arrangements to defer payments over existing lease terms for many of our residents and tenants. For the deferred rent payment plans offered, we recognize property revenue on the existing straight-line basis over the remaining lease term and recognize any changes in payment through lease receivables, which is recorded in other assets, net, in our condensed consolidated balance sheet; any identified uncollectible amounts related to deferred amounts are presented as an adjustment to property revenue.
As of September 30, 2020, our average residential lease term was approximately fourteen months with all other commercial leases averaging longer lease terms. We currently anticipate property revenue from existing leases as follows:
(in millions)
Year ended December 31,Operating Leases
Remainder of 2020$258.5 
2021460.3 
20226.6 
20235.9 
20245.0 
Thereafter33.4 
Total$769.7 
Credit Risk. In management’s opinion, due to the number of residents, the types and diversity of submarkets in which our properties operate, and the collection terms, there is no significant concentration of credit risk.
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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the outstanding note receivable principal balance was approximately $7.9 million and the weighted average interest rate was approximately 7.0% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 will provide for an allowance on our note receivable for expected losses if it becomes apparent conditions exist which may lead to our inability to collect all contractual amounts due. No allowance has been recognized on this note receivable as of September 30, 2020.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." ASU 2020-04 provides temporary relief to simplify the accounting for modifying contracts to transition away from referenced rates such as LIBOR and other interbank offered rates. To be eligible for these accounting reliefs, the modifications i) must change, or have the potential to change, the amount or timing of contractual cash flows and ii) be related to the replacement of the referenced rate expected to be discontinued. When the contracts have met the criteria above, modified contracts can be accounted for as a continuation of the existing contract and applied prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate in the agreement. ASU 2020-04 is effective for interim periods beginning January 1, 2020, and the contracts electing to use the optional relief must be entered into prior to December 31, 2022. We adopted ASU 2020-04 as of March 31, 2020 and will apply this guidance for modifications, if any, during the interim period and prospectively through December 31, 2022. We do not expect our adoption of ASU 2020-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as our only outstanding debt indexed to LIBOR are our unsecured credit facility and unsecured term loan.
In April 2020, the FASB's staff issued a question and answer document ("Q&A") focused on the application of lease modification accounting as a result of COVID-19. The Q&A allows companies, assuming the total payments of modified leases are substantially the same as or less than the total payments of the existing lease, to elect to bypass a lease-by-lease analysis, and instead either apply the lease modification accounting framework or not. The election is to be applied consistently to leases with similar characteristics and similar circumstances. Having met the required criteria as defined in the Q&A, we elected to not account for concessions as lease modifications. As disclosed above, the cash payments provided to residents relating to the Resident Relief Funds of approximately $9.1 million was recognized as a reduction to property revenues during the second quarter of 2020. We also elected to account for all other concessions provided to our residents/tenants, which were primarily related to a change of timing of rent payments with no significant changes to total payments or term, as a deferred payment in which we continue to recognize property revenue on the existing straight-line basis over the remaining lease term and recognize any changes in payment through lease receivables, which is recorded in other assets, net, in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.