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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
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 direct or indirect controlling or voting interest. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated. For business combinations, the purchase price of Properties is accounted for in accordance with the Codification Topic Business Combinations ("FASB ASC 805"). Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted (“ASU 2015-02”) Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 required us to evaluate whether we should consolidate certain legal entities. Principally, the new consolidation standard modified the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIE") or voting interest entities. The adoption of this standard did not result in any changes to our accounting of interests in less than wholly-owned joint ventures; however, the Operating Partnership now meets the criteria as a VIE. We concluded that the Operating Partnership is a VIE because we are the general partner and controlling owner of approximately 92.3% of the Operating Partnership and the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. Our sole significant asset is our investment in the Operating Partnership, and consequently, substantially all of our assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership. The Company has the power to direct the VIE's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits, which are significant to the VIE. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary and we will continue to consolidate the Operating Partnership under this new guidance. We apply the equity method of accounting to entities in which we do not have a direct or indirect controlling interest or for variable interest entities where we are not considered the primary beneficiary, but can exercise influence over the entity with respect to its operations and major decisions. The cost method is applied when (i) the investment is minimal (typically less than 5.0%) 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 the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 during the first quarter of 2014 related to our new and used manufactured homes did not have a material impact on our consolidated 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. 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, environmental 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, an impairment loss is recorded 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, subject to Board and management approval. 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. We adopted 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.
(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. Certain purchase price adjustments may be made within one year following the acquisition and applied prospectively in accordance with ASU 2015-16 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. 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 comparing 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 included approximately $5.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of restricted cash for the payment of capital improvements, insurance or real estate taxes pursuant to certain loan agreements.
(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 $31.4 million and $33.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted (“ASU 2015-03”) Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs and (“ASU 2015-15”) Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be deducted from the carrying value of the financial liability and not recorded as separate assets, previously classified as deferred financing costs. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-15 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. ASU 2015-03 and 2015-15 require retrospective adoption and as a result we reclassified deferred financing costs, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 as a reduction of debt, as presented herein (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details).
(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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016 and 2015, 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 $2.8 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 amortization expense for the identified intangible assets was approximately $0.2 million, $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 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and a fair value of approximately $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value is measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities (Level 2). At December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(i) | Revenue Recognition
Our revenue streams are predominantly derived from customers renting our Sites or entering right-to-use contracts. Our MH community Sites and annual RV resort Sites are leased on an annual basis. Seasonal Sites are leased to customers generally for one to six months. Transient Sites are leased to customers on a short-term basis. Leases with the Company's customers are accounted for as operating leases. Rental income is recognized over the term of the respective lease or the length of a customer's stay. Right-to-use annual payments are accounted for 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. Payments are deferred and recognized ratably over the one year period in which access to Sites at certain Properties are provided. Right-to-use upfront non-refundable payments supplement the right-to-use contract and grant certain additional access rights to the customer and are recognized over the the estimated customer life. The estimated customer life is based on historical attrition rates. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the customer life was estimated to be 40 years. For the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, the customer life was estimated to be 31 years. This change did not have a material impact on revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016. 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.
(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 the Company's 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, 2016, the REIT had a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $88.1 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 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, 2016, net investment in real estate and notes receivable had a U.S. federal tax basis of approximately $2.8 billion (unaudited) and $36.5 million (unaudited), respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, our tax treatment of common stock distributions were as follows (unaudited):
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Tax status of Common Shares distributions deemed paid during the year: |  |  |  |  |
Ordinary income | $ | 1.471 |  |  | $ | 1.169 |  |  | $ | 1.217 |
Nondividend distributions | 0.179 |  |  | 0.081 |  |  | — |
Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding | $ | 1.650 |  |  | $ | 1.250 |  |  | $ | 1.217 |
The quarterly distribution paid on January 13, 2017 of $0.425 (unaudited) per common share will all be allocable to 2017 for federal tax purposes.
(l) | Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ("ASU 2017-01") Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 will be effective for annual reporting beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued (“ASU 2016-15”) Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments are to be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact, if any, that adoption of this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued (“ASU 2016-13”) Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact, if any, that adoption of this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ("ASU 2016-09") Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). Under ASU 2016-09, entities will be required to recognize the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The guidance of employers' accounting for (1) an employee's use of shares to satisfy the employer's statutory income tax withholding obligation and (2) forfeitures has changed. For public business entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09 as of October 1, 2016. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ("ASU 2016-02") Leases. ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. ASU 2016-02 will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact this standard may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ("ASU 2014-15") Presentation of Financial Statements. ASU 2014-15 explicitly requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. In connection with each annual and interim period, management will assess whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the issuance date. Disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt. However, to determine the specific disclosures, management will need to assess whether its plans will alleviate substantial doubt. Effective December 31, 2016 we adopted ASU 2014-15. Adoption has had no effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position and no additional disclosures were required. In May 2014, the FASB issued ("ASU 2014-09") Revenue from Contracts with Customers which along with related subsequent amendments 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. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018, however early application beginning on January 1, 2017 is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. We expect to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. We are evaluating the complete impact of the adoption to our consolidated financial results. Our primary source of revenue is generated through leasing arrangements, which are excluded from ASU 2014-09. We continue to evaluate and are in the process of quantifying the impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our non-lease revenue streams, including right-to-use annual payments, right-to-use contracts, and utility and other income.

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