Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | NOTE 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies a. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the included disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations and cash flows are included. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. b. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements reflect our accounts and the accounts of IROP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, “Consolidation”, IROP is considered a variable interest entity to which we are the primary beneficiary. As our significant asset is our investment in IROP, substantially all of our assets and liabilities represent the assets and liabilities of IROP. c. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. d. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in banks and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash, including amounts restricted, may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance limit of $250 per institution. We mitigate credit risk by placing cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. To date, we have not experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents. e. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes escrows of our funds held by lenders to fund certain expenditures, such as real estate taxes and insurance, or to be released at our discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $4,740 and $4,545, respectively, of restricted cash. f. Investments in Real Estate Investments in real estate are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs that both add value and appreciably extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Investments in real estate are classified as held for sale in the period in which certain criteria are met including when management commits to a plan to sell, an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated, the sale is probable, and actions required to complete the plan of sale indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan of sale will be made or the plan of sale will be withdrawn. Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets The properties we acquire are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions. Under asset acquisition accounting, the costs to acquire real estate, including transaction costs related to the acquisition, are accumulated and then allocated to the individual assets and liabilities acquired based upon their relative fair value. T We estimate the fair value of acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, building and improvements), identified intangible assets (consisting of in-place leases), and assumed debt at the date of acquisition, based on the evaluation of information and estimates available at that date. The aggregate value of in-place leases is determined by evaluating various factors, including the terms of the leases that are in place and assumed lease-up periods. The value assigned to in-place lease assets is amortized over the assumed lease up period, typically six months. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we acquired in-place leases with a value of $221, as part of related property acquisitions that are discussed further in Note 3. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $371 and $556, respectively, of amortization expense for intangible assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we wrote-off fully amortized intangible assets of $447 and $813, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, we expect to record additional amortization expense on current in-place intangible assets of $260 for the remainder of 2020. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Management evaluates the recoverability of our investment in real estate assets, including related identifiable intangible assets, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”. This statement requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of the assets is not assured. Management reviews our long-lived assets on an ongoing basis and evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value when there is an indicator of impairment. An impairment charge is recorded when it is determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value. The estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis and the determination of estimated fair value are based on our plans for the respective assets and our views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider matters such as current and historical rental rates, occupancies for the respective and/or comparable properties, and recent sales data for comparable properties. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in our plans or views of market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, could be substantial. Depreciation Expense Depreciation expense for real estate assets is computed using a straight-line method based on a life of 40 years for buildings and improvements and five to ten years for equipment and fixtures. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $14,457 and $11,891 of depreciation expense, respectively. g. Revenue and Expenses Rental and other property revenue Management accounts for rental income in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, “Leases.” We primarily lease apartments units under operating leases generally with terms of one year or less. Rental payments are generally due monthly and rental revenues are recognized on an accrual basis when earned. We have elected to account for lease (i.e. fixed payments including base rent) and non-lease components (i.e. tenant reimbursements and other certain service fees) as a single combined operating lease component since (1) the timing and pattern of transfer of the lease and non-lease components is the same and (2) the lease component is the predominant element and (3) the combined single lease component would be classified as an operating lease. We make ongoing estimates of the collectability of our base rents, tenant reimbursements, and other service fees included within rental and other property revenue. If collectability is not probable, we adjust rental and other property income for the amount of uncollectible revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized gains of $3 and $6, respectively, related to recoveries of lost rental revenue due to natural disasters and other insurable events from our insurance providers. Advertising Expenses For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $608 and $548 of advertising expenses, respectively. h. Derivative Instruments We may use derivative financial instruments to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with our borrowings. The principal objective of such arrangements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with our operating and financial structure, as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions. While these instruments may impact our periodic cash flows, they benefit us by minimizing the risks and/or costs previously described. The counterparties to these contractual arrangements are major financial institutions with which we and our affiliates may also have other financial relationships. In the event of nonperformance by the counterparties, we are potentially exposed to credit loss. However, because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties, we do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, we measure each derivative instrument at fair value and record such amounts in our consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the effective portions of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income and changes in the fair value of the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in earnings. For derivatives not designated as hedges (or designated as fair value hedges), the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. Any derivatives that we designate in hedge relationships are done so at inception. At inception, we determine whether or not the derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in the designated interest rate risk associated with the identified indebtedness using regression analysis. At each reporting period, we update our regression analysis and use the hypothetical derivative method to measure any ineffectiveness. i. Fair Value of Financial Instruments In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity for disclosure purposes. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows: • Level 1 : Valuations are based on unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are equity securities listed in active markets. As such, valuations of these investments do not entail a significant degree of judgment. • Level 2 : Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 : Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial asset or liability and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of investment, whether the investment is new, whether the investment is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market, and the current market condition. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by us in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use prices and inputs that management believes are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3. Fair value for certain of our Level 3 financial instruments is derived using internal valuation models. These internal valuation models include discounted cash flow analyses developed by management using current interest rates, estimates of the term of the particular instrument, specific issuer information and other market data for securities without an active market. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, the impact of our own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of financial assets or liabilities, including derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors, including bid-ask spreads, credit quality and market liquidity. These adjustments are applied on a consistent basis and are based on observable inputs where available. Management’s estimate of fair value requires significant management judgment and is subject to a high degree of variability based upon market conditions, the availability of specific issuer information and management’s assumptions. FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Given that cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are short term in nature with limited fair value volatility, the carrying amount is deemed to be a reasonable approximation of fair value and the fair value input is classified as a Level 1 fair value measurement. The fair value input for the derivatives is classified as a Level 2 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value inputs for our unsecured credit facility and term loans are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of mortgage indebtedness is based on a discounted cash flows valuation technique. As this technique utilizes current credit spreads, which are generally unobservable, this is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy. We determine appropriate credit spreads based on the type of debt and its maturity. There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The following table summarizes the carrying amount and the fair value of our financial instruments as of the periods indicated: As of March 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 Financial Instrument Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,436 $ 57,436 $ 9,888 $ 9,888 Restricted cash 4,740 4,740 4,545 4,545 Derivative assets — — 953 953 Liabilities Debt: Unsecured credit facility 249,593 251,802 183,966 186,302 Term loans 298,502 300,000 298,418 300,000 Mortgages 501,446 518,180 503,188 505,510 Derivative liabilities 30,937 30,937 7,769 7,769 j. Deferred Financing Costs Costs incurred in connection with debt financing are deferred and classified within indebtedness and charged to interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements, under the effective interest method. k. Office Leases In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, “Leases”, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet at the lease commencement date for all leases, except those leases with terms of less than a year. We lease corporate office space under leases with terms of up to 10 years and that may include extension options, but that do not include any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. As of March 31, 2020, we have $2,753 of operating lease right-of-use assets and $3,116 of operating lease liabilities related to our corporate office leases. The operating lease right-of-use assets are presented within other assets and the operating lease liabilities are presented within other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. We recorded $139 of total operating lease expense during the three months ended March 31, 2020, which is recorded within property management expense and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. l. Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2011. Accordingly, we recorded no income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income to stockholders. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders; however, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify and maintain treatment as a REIT and intend to operate in such a manner so that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. m. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Below is a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material effect on our financial statements. Adopted Within these Financial Statements In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 842, “Leases”. For lessees, this accounting standard amends lease accounting by requiring (1) the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases on the balance sheet and (2) additional disclosure about leasing arrangements. For lessors, the guidance under the new lease standard is substantially similar to legacy lease accounting standards. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to the new standard, which provides a package of practical expedients that (1) allows lessors to not separate lease and non-lease components in a contract and allocate the consideration in the contract to the separate components if both (i) the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for the non-lease component and the related lease component are the same and (ii) the combined single lease component would be classified as an operating lease and (2) provides a transition option that permits entities to not recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the standard. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and the package of practical expedients. We did not record a cumulative-effect adjustment on the effective date and all prior comparative periods are presented in accordance with legacy lease accounting standards. Our apartment leases, where we are lessor, continued to be accounted for as operating leases under the new standard and, therefore, there were not significant changes in accounting for these leases. For our various corporate office leases, where we are lessee, we recorded a $308 right of use asset and a lease liability on our consolidated balance sheets upon adoption. In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” The amendments in this update revise the current approach to estimate credit losses on certain financial assets, including trade and other receivables, available-for-sale securities and other financial instruments. The amendments require entities to estimate a lifetime expected credit loss for certain financial instruments, including trade receivable. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in this standard is permitted. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard has not had an effect on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. As a result, the accounting for share-based payment award transactions could be impacted. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in this standard is permitted. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2019. As we have not issued share-based payments to non-employees since prior to our management internalization, the adoption of this standard has not had an effect on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 848, “Reference Rate Reform.” The amendments in this update contain practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASC 848 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2020, we have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We will continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. |