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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles Of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation. Our 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 December 31, 2022, 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 December 31, 2022, we held approximately 93% and 95% of the outstanding common limited partnership units and the sole 1% general partnership interest in each of these consolidated operating partnerships.

Acquisitions of Real Estate

Acquisitions of Real Estate. Upon the 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. 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 consolidated balance sheets.

During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recognized amortization expense of approximately $50.3 million, $22.2 million, and $9.1 million, respectively, related to in-place leases. There was no remaining unamortized value of in-place leases at December 31, 2022. We recognized revenue related to net below-market leases of $8.6 million, $1.1 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the weighted average amortization periods for in-place leases were approximately eight months, nine months, and six months, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the weighted average amortization periods for net below-market leases were approximately seven months, ten months, and seven months, respectively.

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 indicators exist. While we believe our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding a number of factors, including 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, if any, 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 years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020.

The value of our properties under development depends on market conditions including estimates of the project start date, projected construction costs, 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 non-cash charges could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments

Cash and Cash Equivalents. All cash and investments in money market accounts and other highly liquid securities with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash and cash equivalents. We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents at major financial institutions in the United States and deposits with these financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, we regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions and believe we are not currently exposed to any significant default risk with respect to these deposits.

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 activities necessary to prepare the underlying real estate for its intended use have been initiated. All construction and certain 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 $18.1 million, $16.7 million, and $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Capitalized real estate taxes were approximately $4.2 million, $2.8 million, and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Where possible, we stage our construction to allow leasing and occupancy during the construction period, which we believe minimizes the duration of the lease-up period following completion of construction. Our accounting policy related to properties in the development and leasing phase is to expense all operating costs associated with completed apartment homes. We capitalize renovation and improvement costs we believe extend the economic lives of depreciable property. Capital expenditures subsequent to initial construction are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

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 below market leases)	underlying lease term

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments. Derivative financial instruments are recorded in the 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.

Assets Held for Sale (Including Discontinued Operations)

Assets Held for Sale (Including Discontinued Operations). Disposed of properties are 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. 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 consolidated balance sheets. 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 and losses are included in continuing operations.

Gains on sale of real estate are recognized when the criteria for derecognition of an asset is met, including when a contract exists and the buyer obtained control of the nonfinancial asset sold, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").

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 receive to sell an asset, or pay to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. 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 when they are acquired, including the remeasurement of previously held ownership interests, using fair value methodologies described above at "Acquisitions of Real Estate," or if the long-lived assets are impaired using the fair value methodologies used to measure long-lived assets described above at "Asset Impairment." 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 December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 value of our notes receivable, which are included in other assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets, approximates their fair value. The estimated fair values 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

Income Recognition. The majority of our revenues are derived from real estate lease contracts which are accounted for pursuant to ASC 842, "Leases," and presented as property revenues, which include rental revenue and revenue from amounts received under contractual terms for other services provided to our customers. As a lessor, we made elections pursuant to ASC 842 to 1) 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 2) exclude from lease revenues the sales taxes collected from lessees and certain lessor costs paid directly by the lessee. Our other revenue streams include fee and asset management income

in accordance with other revenue guidance, ASC 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers. A detail of our material revenue streams are discussed below:

Property Revenue: 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 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.

As of December 31, 2022, our average residential lease term was approximately fourteen months with all other commercial leases averaging longer lease terms. We anticipate property revenue from existing leases as follows:

(in millions)
Year ended December 31,	Operating Leases
2023	$	891.9
2024	53.3
2025	4.0
2026	3.7
2027	3.1
Thereafter	8.4
Total	$	964.4

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.

Insurance

Insurance. Our primary lines of insurance coverage are property, general liability, health, workers compensation, and cybersecurity. We believe our insurance coverage adequately insures our properties against the risk of loss attributable to fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, and other perils and adequately insures us against other risks. Losses are accrued based upon our estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on our experience.

Other Assets, Net

Other Assets, Net. Other assets in our consolidated financial statements include investments under deferred compensation plans, deferred financing costs, non-real estate leasehold improvements and equipment, notes receivable, operating lease right-of-use assets, prepaid expenses, and other miscellaneous receivables. Investments under deferred compensation plans are classified as trading securities and are adjusted to fair market value at period end. For a further discussion of our investments under deferred compensation plans, see Note 11, “Share-based Compensation and Benefit Plans.” Deferred financing costs are related to our unsecured credit facility, and are amortized no longer than the terms of the related facility on the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Corporate leasehold improvements and equipment includes expenditures related to renovation and construction of office space we lease. These leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected useful lives or the lease terms which generally range from three to ten years.

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments. We operate in a single reportable segment which includes the ownership, management, development, reposition, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Each of our operating properties is considered a separate operating segment as each property earns revenues and incurs expenses, individual operating results are reviewed and discrete financial information is available. We do not distinguish or group our consolidated operations based on geography, size or type. Our multifamily apartment communities have similar long-term economic characteristics and provide similar products and services to our residents. Further, all material operations are within the United States and no multifamily apartment community comprises more than 10% of consolidated revenues. As a result, our operating properties are aggregated into a single reportable segment. Our multifamily communities generate property revenue through the leasing of apartment homes, which comprised approximately 99% of our total property revenues and total non-property income, excluding income (loss) on deferred compensation plans, for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash consists of escrow deposits held by lenders for property taxes, insurance and replacement reserves, cash required to be segregated for the repayment of residents’ security deposits, and escrowed amounts related to our development and acquisition activities. Substantially all restricted cash is invested in demand and short-term instruments.

Share-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation. Compensation expense associated with share-based awards is recognized in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income using the grant-date fair values. Compensation cost for all share-based awards, including options, requires measurement at estimated fair value on the grant date and recognition of compensation expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Valuation models require the input of assumptions, including judgments to estimate the expected stock price volatility, expected life, and forfeiture rate. The compensation cost for share-based awards is based on the market value of the shares on the date of grant and is adjusted as actual forfeitures occur.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. In the application of GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, results of operations during the reporting periods, and related disclosures. Our more significant estimates include estimates supporting our impairment analysis related to the carrying values of our real estate assets. These estimates are based on historical experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment.