Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 8 — Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

In connection with our redevelopment and capital improvement activities, we have commitments of approximately $53.4 million related to construction projects, most of which we expect to incur during 2012. Pursuant to financing arrangements on two of our conventional redevelopment properties, we are contractually obligated to complete the planned projects. Additionally, we enter into certain commitments for future purchases of goods and services in connection with the operations of our properties. Those commitments generally have terms of one year or less and reflect expenditure levels comparable to our historical expenditures.

As discussed in Note 5, we have committed to fund an additional $3.0 million to increase loans secured by certain properties in West Harlem in New York City. In certain circumstances, the obligor on these notes has the right to put these properties to us, which would result in a cash payment by us of approximately $30.9 million and our assumption of approximately $118.3 million in property debt. The exercise of the put is conditioned on the achievement of specified rent levels at the properties.

Tax Credit Arrangements

We are required to manage certain consolidated real estate partnerships in compliance with various laws, regulations and contractual provisions that apply to our historic and low-income housing tax credit syndication arrangements. In some instances, noncompliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized and require a refund or reduction of investor capital contributions, which are reported as deferred income in our consolidated balance sheet, until such time as our obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The remaining compliance periods for our tax credit syndication arrangements range from less than one year to 14 years. We do not anticipate that any material refunds or reductions of investor capital contributions will be required in connection with these arrangements.

Legal Matters

In addition to the matters described below, we are a party to various legal actions and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by our general liability insurance program, and none of which we expect to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Limited Partnerships

In connection with our acquisitions of interests in real estate partnerships, we are sometimes subject to legal actions, including allegations that such activities may involve breaches of fiduciary duties to the partners of such real estate partnerships or violations of the relevant partnership agreements. We may incur costs in connection with the defense or settlement of such litigation. We believe that we comply with our fiduciary obligations and relevant partnership agreements. Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, we do not expect any such legal actions to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

During 2011, we mediated a previously disclosed dispute with respect to mergers completed early in 2011 in which we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests in six consolidated real estate partnerships. As a result of the mediation we agreed to pay the limited partners additional consideration of $7.5 million for their partnership units, which we included in the total consideration paid for the noncontrolling interests we acquired. Claims and stipulations of settlement were filed in Colorado State Court, District of Denver and with the American Arbitration Association during 2011. Final approval of the settlement was granted by the arbitrator in the action before the American Arbitration Association on February 10, 2012. Preliminary approval of the settlement in Colorado State Court was granted on February 17, 2012. A final approval hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2012.

Environmental

Various Federal, state and local laws subject property owners or operators to liability for management, and the costs of removal or remediation, of certain potentially hazardous materials present on a property, including lead-based paint, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum-based fuels, and other miscellaneous materials. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of such materials. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remedy properly, these materials may adversely affect occupancy at affected apartment communities and the ability to sell or finance affected properties. In addition to the costs associated with investigation and remediation actions brought by government agencies, and potential fines or penalties imposed by such agencies in connection therewith, the improper management of these materials on a property could result in claims by private plaintiffs for personal injury, disease, disability or other infirmities. Various laws also impose liability for the cost of removal, remediation or disposal of these materials through a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of these materials is potentially liable under such laws for the proper operation of the disposal facility. These laws often impose liability whether or not the person arranging for the disposal ever owned or operated the disposal facility. In connection with the ownership, operation and management of properties, we could potentially be responsible for environmental liabilities or costs associated with our properties or properties we acquire or manage in the future.

We have determined that our legal obligations to remove or remediate certain potentially hazardous materials may be conditional asset retirement obligations, as defined in GAAP. Except in limited circumstances where the asset retirement activities are expected to be performed in connection with a planned construction project or property casualty, we believe that the fair value of our asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably estimated due to significant uncertainties in the timing and manner of settlement of those obligations. Asset retirement obligations that are reasonably estimable as of March 31, 2012, are immaterial to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.