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Significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant accounting policies | Note 2. Significant accounting policies Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates real estate partnerships and other entities that are not variable interest entities when it owns, directly or indirectly, a majority interest in the entity or is otherwise able to control the entity. Ownership interests in certain consolidated subsidiaries of the Company held by outside parties are included in noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Use of estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Income taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 to 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2012. We believe that we have operated, and continue to operate, in such a manner as to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a REIT. Accordingly, we will not be subject to federal income tax, provided that we qualify as a REIT and our distributions to our shareholders equal or exceed our REIT taxable income. However, qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code related to the percentage of income that we earn from specified sources and the percentage of our earnings that we distribute. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we will be organized or be able to operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal and state income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates, and we may be ineligible to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent tax years. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state or local income taxes, and our taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to federal, state and local taxes on its income. Our tax returns are subject to examination in various jurisdictions for the calendar year 2012. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained, based solely on its technical merits, with the taxing authority having full authority of all relevant information. The measurement of a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position that meets the “more likely than not” threshold is based on a cumulative probability model under which the largest amount of tax benefit recognized is the amount with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority having full knowledge of all the relevant information. As of December 31, 2013, there were no unrecognized tax benefits. We do not anticipate a significant change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. Significant accounting policies Investment in real estate Transactions in which single-family properties that are not subject to an existing lease are purchased are treated as asset acquisitions, and as such are recorded at their purchase price, including acquisition costs, which is allocated to land and building based upon their relative fair values at the date of acquisition. Single-family properties that are acquired either subject to an existing lease or as part of a portfolio level transaction are treated as a business combination under ASC 805, Business Combinations, and as such are recorded at fair value, allocated to land, building and the existing lease, if applicable, based upon their fair values at the date of acquisition, with acquisition fees and other costs expensed as incurred. Fair value is determined based on ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, primarily based on unobservable data inputs. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating the purchase price of individually acquired properties subject to an existing lease, the Company utilizes its own market knowledge and published market data. In this regard, the Company also utilizes information obtained from county tax assessment records to assist in the determination of the fair value of the land and building. The Company engages a third party valuation specialist to assist management in the determination of fair value for purposes of allocating the purchase price of properties acquired as part of portfolio level transactions. The fair value of acquired lease related intangibles is estimated based upon the costs we would have incurred to lease the property under similar terms. Such costs are capitalized and amortized over the remaining life of the lease. Acquired leases are generally short-term in nature (less than one year). We do not record intangible assets or liabilities for above or below market leases, as any such amounts are insignificant. The nature of our business requires that in certain circumstances we acquire single-family properties subject to existing liens. Liens that we expect to be extinguished in cash are estimated and accrued on the date of acquisition. We incur costs to prepare our acquired properties to be rented. These costs, along with related holding costs, are capitalized to the cost of the property during the period the property is undergoing activities to prepare it for its intended use. We capitalize interest cost as a cost of the property only during the period for which activities necessary to prepare the property for its intended use are ongoing, provided that expenditures for the property have been made and interest cost has been incurred. Upon completion of the renovation of our properties, all costs of operations, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred. Single-family properties held for sale and discontinued operations Single-family properties are classified as held for sale when they meet the applicable GAAP criteria, including but not limited to, the availability of the home for immediate sale in its present condition, the existence of an active program to locate a buyer and the probable sale of the home within one year. Single-family properties classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell, and are presented separately in the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of leased and operating single-family properties that have either been sold or classified as held for sale, if material, are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as discontinued operations for both current and prior periods presented through the date of applicable disposition. Gains on dispositions of single-family properties that have been in operation are included in income from discontinued operations, whereas gains on dispositions of single-family properties with no historical operating results are included in other revenues in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 44 single-family properties classified as held for sale. These properties did not have material historical operating results under the Company’s ownership. Impairment of long-lived assets We evaluate our single-family properties for impairment periodically or whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Significant indicators of impairment may include, but are not limited to, declines in home values, rental rates and occupancy of the property and significant changes in the economy. If an impairment indicator exists, we compare the expected future undiscounted cash flows against its net carrying amount. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the net carrying amount, we would record an impairment loss for the difference between the estimated fair value of the individual property and the carrying amount of the property at that date. No material impairments have been recorded since the inception of the Company. Leasing costs Direct and incremental costs that we incur to lease our properties are capitalized and amortized over the term of the leases, which generally have a term of one year. Prior to the Management Internalization, we paid the Property Manager a leasing fee equal to one-half of one month’s rent for each lease. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the buildings and improvements; buildings are depreciated over 30 years and improvements are depreciated over their estimated economic useful lives, generally five to fifteen years. We consider the value of in-place leases in the allocation of the purchase price, and amortize such amounts on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the leases. The unamortized portion of the value of in-place leases is included in deferred costs and other intangibles, net. Intangible assets Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated economic life and are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The identified intangible assets acquired as part of the Management Internalization (see Note 10) are being amortized over the following estimated economic lives:
|  | Amortizable Life |
Trademark |  |  | 4.7 years |
Database |  |  | 7 years |
The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than its net book value, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of an asset. No impairments have been recorded as of December 31, 2013. Goodwill Goodwill represents the fair value in excess of the tangible and separately identifiable intangible assets that were acquired as part of the Management Internalization (see Note 10). Goodwill has an indefinite life and is therefore not amortized. The Company analyzes goodwill for impairment on an annual basis pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which permits us to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount as a basis to determine whether the two-step impairment test is necessary. We also have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step in the impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, the second step is required to determine the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Impairment charges, if any, are recognized in operating results. No impairments have been recorded as of December 31, 2013. Deferred financing costs Financing costs related to the origination of the Company’s credit facility are deferred and amortized as interest expense on an effective interest method over the contractual term of the applicable financing, and have been included in deferred costs and other intangibles, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Cash and cash equivalents We consider all demand deposits, cashier’s checks, money market accounts and certificates of deposit with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and escrow deposits at financial institutions. The combined account balances typically exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance coverage, and, as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts on deposit. We believe that the risk is not significant. Restricted cash Restricted cash primarily consists of funds held related to resident security deposits for leases. Escrow deposits Escrow deposits include refundable and non-refundable cash earnest money deposits for the purchase of properties. In addition, escrow deposits include amounts paid for single-family properties in certain states which require a judicial order when the risk and rewards of ownership of the property are transferred and the purchase is finalized. Allowance for doubtful accounts We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of tenants to make required rent or other payments. This allowance is estimated based on, among other considerations, payment histories, overall delinquencies and available security deposits. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,200,000 as of December 31, 2013. The Company did not have any allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2012. Rescinded properties In certain jurisdictions, our purchases of single-family properties at foreclosure and judicial auctions are subject to the right of rescission. When we are notified of a rescission, the amount of the purchase price is reclassified as a receivable. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, rescission receivables totaled $1,257,000 and $1,612,000, respectively, and have been included in rent and other receivables, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenue and expense recognition We lease single-family properties that we own directly to tenants who occupy the properties under operating leases, generally, with a term of one year. Rental revenue, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which is not materially different than if it were recorded when due from tenants and recognized monthly as it is earned. We accrue for property taxes and homeowners’ association (“HOA”) assessments based on amounts billed, and, in some circumstances, estimates and historical trends when bills or assessments are not available. The actual assessment may differ from the estimates, resulting in a change in estimate in a subsequent period. Accrued and other liabilities Accrued and other liabilities consist primarily of trade payables, HOA fees and property tax accruals as of the end of the respective period presented. It also consists of contingent loss accruals, if any. Such losses are accrued when they are probable and estimable. When it is reasonably possible that a significant contingent loss has occurred, we disclose the nature of the potential loss and, if estimable, a range of exposure. Share-based compensation Our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan is accounted for under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, and ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Noncash share-based compensation expense related to options to purchase our Class A common shares issued to members of our board of trustees is based on the fair value of the options on the grant date and amortized over the service period. Noncash share-based compensation expense related to options granted to employees of the Sponsor who were considered non-employees was based on the estimated fair value of the options and was re-measured each period. As certain of these former employees of the Sponsor became employees of the Company in connection with the Management Internalization on June 10, 2013, stock options for 485,000 Class A common shares were reclassified as grants to employees and re-measured as of the date of the Management Internalization. These options are recognized in expense over the service period. Fair value of financial instruments Fair value is a market-based measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The GAAP valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
| • |  | Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
| • |  | Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
| • |  | Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The carrying amount of rent and other receivables, restricted cash for resident security deposits, escrow deposits, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses and amounts payable to affiliates approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these amounts. As the Company’s credit facility bears variable interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 2.75% and was recently entered into on March 7, 2013 and further amended on September 30, 2013 (see Note 5), management believes the carrying value of the credit facility as of December 31, 2013 reasonably approximates fair value, which has been estimated by discounting future cash flows at market rates (Level 2). The Company’s contingently convertible series E units liability and preferred shares derivative liability are the only financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis within our consolidated financial statements (see Note 14). Allocated general and administrative expense Allocated general and administrative expense represents general and administrative expenses incurred by our Sponsor that are either clearly applicable to or have been reasonably allocated to the operations of the properties contributed by our Sponsor in connection with 2012 Offering and the 2,770 Property Contribution. In making these allocations, we have considered the guidance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1B. We have allocated expenses for each operating division of our Sponsor based on an allocation methodology we believe is reasonable for such operating division. Allocations have been based on the estimated portion of our Sponsor’s overall activity associated with the properties contributed by our Sponsor in connection with the 2012 Offering and the 2,770 Property Contribution. In general, the operating metric utilized in making these allocations was the number of single-family properties. Allocated general and administrative expenses were $993,000, $6,949,000 and $47,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from June 23, 2011 to December 31, 2011, respectively, and includes salaries, rent, consulting services, travel expenses, temporary services, and accounting and legal services. Management believes that the allocation methodology used to allocate general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and the period from June 23, 2011 to December 31, 2011 results in a reasonable estimate for allocated general and administrative expense. Segment reporting Under the provision of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the Company has determined that it has one reportable segment with activities related to acquiring, renovating, leasing and operating single-family homes as rental properties. The Company’s properties are geographically dispersed and management evaluates operating performance at the market level. The Company did not have any geographic market concentrations representing over 10% of total net book value of single-family properties. Recently issued and adopted accounting standards In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The revised standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, which permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate, also referred to as the “Overnight Index Swap Rate,” to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to the U.S. government and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) swap rate. The update also removes the restriction on the use of different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This ASU was applicable to us for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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