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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the "FASB." The FASB sets Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), which we follow to ensure that we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. References to GAAP in the United States issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the "Codification").
(a) | Basis of Consolidation
We consolidate our majority-owned Subsidiaries in which we have the ability to control the operations of our Subsidiaries and all variable interest entities with respect to which we are the primary beneficiary. We also consolidate entities in which we have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For business combinations, the purchase price of Properties is accounted for in accordance with the Codification Topic Business Combinations ("FASB ASC 805"). We have applied the Codification Sub-Topic "Variable Interest Entities" ("FASB ASC 810-10-15"). The objective of FASB ASC 810-10-15 is to provide guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity ("VIE") and determine when the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests, and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a company's consolidated financial statements. Generally, an entity is determined to be a VIE when either (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest, (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (1) the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We consider a variety of factors in identifying the entity that holds the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance including, but not limited to, the ability to direct financing, and other operating decisions and activities. In addition, we consider the rights of other investors to participate in policy making decisions, to replace or remove the manager of the entity and to liquidate or sell the entity. The obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits when a reporting entity is affiliated with a VIE must be based on ownership, contractual, and/or other pecuniary interests in that VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIE's. We have also applied the Codification Sub-Topic "Control of Partnerships and Similar Entities" ("FASB ASC 810-20"), which determines whether a general partner or the general partners as a group controls a limited partnership or similar entity and therefore should consolidate the entity. We apply FASB ASC 810-10-15 and FASB ASC 810-20 to all types of entity ownership (general and limited partnerships and corporate interests). In February 2015, the FASB issued ("ASU 2015-02") Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are currently in the process of completing our evaluation, but we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We apply the equity method of accounting to entities in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest or for variable interest entities where we are not considered the primary beneficiary, but can exercise influence over the entity with respect to our operations and major decisions. The cost method is applied when (i) the investment is minimal (typically less than 5%) and (ii) our investment is passive. Our exposure to losses associated with unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily limited to the carrying value of these investments. Accordingly, distributions from a joint venture in excess of our carrying value are recognized in earnings.
(b) | Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All property, Site counts and acreage amounts are unaudited. (c) Real Estate Real estate is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Our policy is to estimate useful lives associated with our real estate assets and to depreciate the assets on a straight-line basis based on our estimates. In January 2014, we completed a review of the useful lives and salvage values of manufactured homes. During the first quarter of 2014, we prospectively modified the depreciable life estimate of our new manufactured homes to 25 years and our used homes to 10-25 years. We continue to use a 30-year estimated life for buildings and structural and land improvements acquired (including Site development), a 10-year estimated life for building upgrades, a five-year estimated life for furniture, fixtures and equipment and lease intangibles over the average life of acquired in-place leases. The change in estimate related to our new and used manufactured homes did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Land improvements consist primarily of improvements such as grading, landscaping and infrastructure items such as streets, sidewalks or water mains. Buildings and other depreciable property consist of permanent buildings in the Properties such as clubhouses, laundry facilities, maintenance storage facilities, rental units and furniture, fixtures, equipment, and in-place leases. The values of above and below-market leases are amortized and recorded as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income over the remaining term of the applicable lease. The value associated with in-place leases is amortized over the expected term, which includes an estimated probability of lease renewal. In accordance with the Codification Sub-Topic "Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets" ("FASB ASC 360-10-35"), we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to be held and used, including our investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, enviromental and legal factors. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted. If an impairment indicator exists related to long-lived assets that are held and used, we compare the expected future undiscounted cash flows against the carrying amount of that asset. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would record an impairment loss for the carrying amount in excess of the estimated fair value, if any, of the asset. For the periods presented, no impairment losses were recorded. For Properties to be disposed of, an impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the Property, less the estimated cost to sell, is less than the carrying amount of the Property measured at the time we have made the decision to dispose of the Property, have an agreement to sell the Property within a year and due diligence has been completed. A Property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. Subsequent to the date that a Property is held for disposition, depreciation expense is not recorded. In April 2014, the FASB issued ("ASU 2014-08") Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 became effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, but could be early-adopted. We elected to early adopt ASU 2014-08, effective January 1, 2014 and are applying the revised definition to all disposals on a prospective basis, including the gain on sale of property recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014. The results of assets sold continue to be classified as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, within our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. (d) Acquisitions In accordance with Codification Topic "Business Combinations" ("FASB ASC 805"), we recognize all the assets acquired and all the liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value. We also expense transaction costs as they are incurred. The results of operations of acquired assets are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income from the dates of acquisition. Purchase price allocations may be finalized within one year following any acquisition and applied retroactively to the date of acquisition. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals or valuations that may be available in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective Property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each Property as a result of our due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of asset acquired and liability assumed: Land – Market approach based on similar, but not identical, transactions in the market. Adjustments to comparable sales based on both the quantitative and qualitative data. Depreciable property – Cost approach based on market comparable data to replace adjusted for local variations, inflation and other factors. Manufactured homes – Sales comparison approach based on market prices for similar homes adjusted for differences in age or size. Manufactured homes are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in buildings and other depreciable property. In-place leases – Lease in place values are determined via a combination of estimates of market rental rates and expense reimbursement levels as well as an estimate of the length of time required to replace each lease. Notes receivable – Income approach based on discounted cash flows discounting contractual cash flows at a market rate adjusted based on particular notes' or note holders' down payment, credit score and delinquency status. Mortgage notes payable – Income approach based on discounted cash flows comparing contractual cash flows to cash flows of similar debt discounted based on market rates. (e) Restricted Cash Cash as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 included approximately $5.0 million, respectively, of restricted cash for the payment of capital improvements, insurance or real estate taxes. (f) Deferred Financing Costs, net Deferred financing costs, net include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. The costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a basis that approximates level yield. Unamortized deferred financing fees are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon amendment of the line of credit or refinancing of mortgage debt, unamortized deferred financing fees are accounted for in accordance with Codification Sub-Topic "Modifications and Extinguishments" ("FASB ASC 470-50-40"). Accumulated amortization for such costs was $33.7 million and $29.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In April 2015, the FASB issued ("ASU 2015-03") Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be deducted from the carrying value of the financial liability and not recorded as separate assets, currently classified as deferred financing costs. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by ASU 2015-03. In August 2015, the FASB issued ("ASU 2015-15") Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. ASU 2015-15 expands guidance provided in ASU 2015-03 and states that presentation of costs associated with securing a revolving line of credit as an asset is permitted, regardless of whether a balance is outstanding. The new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 will only affect the presentation of our Consolidated Balance Sheet. (g) Identified Intangibles and Goodwill We record acquired intangible assets at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. We amortize identified intangible assets and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives over the period the assets and liabilities are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired. In accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35, intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. In accordance with Codification Topic "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FASB ASC 350"), goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the gross carrying amounts of identified intangible assets and goodwill were approximately $12.1 million, which is reported as a component of Escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, this amount was comprised of approximately $4.3 million of identified intangible assets and approximately $7.8 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangibles assets was approximately $2.6 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense for the identified intangible assets was approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. (h) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments include notes receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses, interest rate swaps and mortgage notes payable. We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Level 1, 2 and 3). Codification Topic "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("FASB ASC 820") establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The 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 (unadjusted) 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. Level 3-Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Our mortgage notes payable and term loan had a carrying value of approximately $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a fair value of approximately $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value is measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities (Level 2). At December 31, 2015 and 2014, our cash flow hedge of interest rate risk included in accrued expenses and accounts payable was measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar assets and liabilities (Level 2). We consider our own credit risk as well as the credit risk of our counterparties when evaluating the fair value of our derivative. The fair values of our notes receivable approximate their carrying or contract values. We also utilize Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as part of our determination of the purchase price allocation for our acquisitions, as discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (i) Revenue Recognition We account for leases with our customers as operating leases. Rental income is recognized over the term of the respective lease or the length of a customer's stay, the majority of which are for a term of not greater than one year. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, approximately 41.0%, 40.9%, and 40.7%, respectively, of our revenue was generated by Properties located in Florida, approximately 10.1%, 9.6%, and 9.8%, respectively, by Properties located in Arizona and approximately 14.7%, 15.2%, and 15.7%, respectively, by Properties located in California. We adopted a revenue recognition policy for the right-to-use contracts in accordance with the Codification Topic Revenue Recognition ("FASB ASC 605"). A right-to-use contract gives the customer the right to a set schedule of usage at a specified group of Properties. A contract requires the customer to make annual payments during the term of the contract and may require an upfront nonrefundable payment. The stated term of a right-to-use contract is at least one year and the customer may renew his contract by continuing to make the annual payments. We will recognize the upfront non-refundable payments over the estimated customer life which are based on historical attrition rates. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the customer life was estimated to be 31 years. Right-to-use annual payments by customers under the terms of the right-to-use contracts are deferred and recognized ratably over the one year period in which access to Sites at certain Properties are provided. Income from home sales is recognized when the earnings process is complete. The earnings process is complete when the home has been delivered, the purchaser has accepted the home and title has transferred. In May 2014, the FASB issued ("ASU 2014-09") Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to lease contracts accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The FASB will permit early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. (j) Non-Controlling Interests A non-controlling interest is the portion of equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. The ownership interests in the subsidiary that are held by owners other than the parent are non-controlling interests. Under Codification Topic "Consolidation" ("FASB ASC 810"), such non-controlling interests are reported on the consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from our equity. However, securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder, not solely within the control of the issuer, must be classified outside of permanent equity. This would result in certain outside ownership interests being included as redeemable non-controlling interests outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets. We make this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions. Additionally, with respect to non-controlling interests for which we have a choice to settle the contract by delivery of our own shares, we considered the guidance in the Codification Topic "Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity's Own Equity" ("FASB ASC 815-40") to evaluate whether we control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under share settlement of the contract. Net income is allocated to Common OP Unitholders based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership. Such ownership percentage is calculated by dividing the number of Common OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders by the total OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders and us. Issuance of additional shares of common stock or Common OP Units changes the percentage ownership of both the Non-controlling interests – Common OP Units and the Company. Due in part to the exchange rights (which provide for the conversion of Common OP Units into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis), such transactions and the proceeds therefrom are treated as capital transactions and result in an allocation between stockholders' equity and Non-controlling Interests to account for the change in the respective percentage ownership of the underlying equity of the Operating Partnership. In accordance with FASB ASC 810, we present the non-controlling interest for Common OP Units in the Equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The caption Common OP Units on the consolidated balance sheets also includes $0.3 million of private REIT Subsidiaries preferred stock. (k) Income Taxes Due to our structure as a REIT, the results of operations contain no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT. As of December 31, 2015, the REIT had a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $88 million. The REIT would be entitled to utilize the net operating loss carryforward only to the extent that the REIT taxable income exceeds our deduction for dividends paid. Due to the uncertainty regarding the use of the REIT net operating loss carryforward, no tax benefit has been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. In addition, we have several taxable REIT Subsidiaries ("TRSs"), which are subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. Overall, the TRSs have federal net operating loss carryforwards. Due to the uncertainty regarding the realization of these deferred tax assets, we have maintained a full valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The REIT is still subject to certain foreign, state and local income, excise or franchise taxes; however, they are not material to our operating results or financial position. We do not have unrecognized tax benefit items. We, or one of our Subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and Canada. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. As of December 31, 2015, net investment in real estate and notes receivable had a U.S. federal tax basis of approximately $2.8 billion (unaudited) and $38.4 million (unaudited), respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our tax treatment of common stock distributions were as follows (unaudited):
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2013
Tax status of Common Shares distributions deemed paid during the year: |  |  |  |  |
Ordinary income | $ | 1.169 |  |  | $ | 1.217 |  |  | $ | 0.680 |
Long-term capital gain | — |  |  | — |  |  | 0.211 |
Nondividend distributions | 0.081 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Unrecaptured section 1250 gain | — |  |  | — |  |  | 0.067 |
Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding | $ | 1.250 |  |  | $ | 1.217 |  |  | $ | 0.958 |
The quarterly distribution paid on January 8, 2016 of $0.375 (unaudited) per common share will all be allocable to 2016 for federal tax purposes.

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