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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation | NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Recent Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform ("Topic 848"), which was amended in December 2022 by ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). Topic 848 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in Topic 848 is optional and may be elected through December 31, 2024 as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2023, we executed an amendment to the $700.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) to convert the benchmark interest rate from LIBOR to an adjusted SOFR ("Secured Overnight Financing Rate"). We elected to apply the optional expedients in Topic 848 to (i) assert that the hedged interest payments remain probable regardless of any expected modification in terms related to reference rate reform, and (ii) continue the method of assessing effectiveness as documented in the original hedge documentation so that the reference rate on the hypothetical derivative matches the reference rate on the hedging instrument. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The impact of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Elme Communities and our subsidiaries and entities in which Elme Communities has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain immaterial amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. The primary changes to the consolidated statements of operations are reclassifications between property operating and maintenance expense and real estate taxes and insurance expense. We have prepared the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") requires management to make certain 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 those estimates. Revenue Recognition We primarily lease residential properties under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenues are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases, using a method that represents straight-line basis over the term of the leases. In circumstances where a lease concession is provided to the resident, primarily in lease-up, we recognize a reduction of rental revenues on a straight-line basis. We also generate other property-related revenue associated with the leasing of apartment homes, including parking income, move-in charges, pet rent and other miscellaneous revenue. Similar to rental income, such revenues are recorded when due from residents and recognized monthly as they are earned. We recognize cost reimbursement income at our residential properties from pass-through expenses on an accrual basis over the periods in which the expenses were incurred. Pass-through expenses are primarily comprised of utility costs which are reimbursed by residents in accordance with specific allowable costs per resident lease agreements. We recognize gains on sales of real estate when we have executed a contract for sale of the asset, transferred controlling financial interest in the asset to the buyer and determined that it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration for the asset. Our real estate sale transactions typically meet these criteria at closing. Rents and Other Receivables Lease related receivables, which include contractual amounts accrued and unpaid from residents and accrued straight-line rents receivable, are reduced for credit losses. Such amounts are recognized as a reduction to real estate rental revenues. We evaluate the collectability of lease receivables on a lease-by-lease basis. We recognize the credit loss on lease related receivables when, in the opinion of management, collection of substantially all lease payments is not probable. When collectability is determined not probable, any lease income recognized subsequent to recognizing the credit loss is limited to the lesser of the lease income reflected on a straight-line basis or cash collected. Debt Issuance Costs We amortize external debt issuance costs using the effective interest rate method or the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method over the estimated life of the related debt. We record debt issuance costs related to notes, net of amortization, on our consolidated balance sheets as an offset to their related debt. We record debt issuance costs related to revolving lines of credit on our consolidated balance sheets with Prepaid expenses and other assets, regardless of whether a balance on the line of credit is outstanding. We record the amortization of all debt issuance costs as interest expense. Real Estate and Depreciation We depreciate buildings on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 26 to 40 years. We capitalize all capital improvements associated with replacements, improvements or major repairs to real property that extend its useful life and depreciate them using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. We also capitalize costs incurred in connection with our development projects, including interest incurred on borrowing obligations and other internal costs during periods in which qualifying expenditures have been made and activities necessary to get the development projects ready for their intended use are in progress. Capitalization of these costs begins when the activities and related expenditures commence and ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, at which time the project is placed into service and depreciation commences. Real estate depreciation expense from continuing operations was $82.7 million, $77.2 million and $66.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We charge maintenance and repair costs that do not extend an asset’s useful life to expense as incurred. Interest expense from continuing operations and interest capitalized to real estate assets related to development and major renovation activities for the three years ended December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2023 |  | 2022 |  | 2021
Total interest incurred | $ | 30,429 |  |  | $ | 25,223 |  |  | $ | 34,813 |
Capitalized interest | — |  |  | (283) |  |  | (750) |
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest | $ | 30,429 |  |  | $ | 24,940 |  |  | $ | 34,063 |
We recognize impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations, development assets or land held for future development if indicators of impairment are present and the net undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. Estimates of undiscounted cash flows are based on forward-looking assumptions, including annual and residual cash flows and our estimated holding period for each property. Such assumptions involve a high degree of judgment and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. When determining if a property has indicators of impairment, we evaluate the property's occupancy, our expected holding period for the property, strategic decisions regarding the property's future operations or development and other market factors. If such carrying amount is in excess of the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the operation and disposal of the property, we would recognize an impairment loss equivalent to an amount required to adjust the carrying amount to its estimated fair value, calculated in accordance with current GAAP fair value provisions. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. Asset Acquisitions The properties we acquire typically are not businesses as defined by ASC 805 ("Topic 805") - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. Per this definition, a set of transferred assets and activities is not a business when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. We therefore account for such acquisitions as asset acquisitions. Acquisition costs are capitalized and identifiable assets (including physical assets and in-place leases), liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests are measured by allocating the cost of the acquisition on a relative fair value basis. We determine the fair values of acquired buildings on an “as-if-vacant” basis considering a variety of factors, including the replacement cost of the property, estimated rental and absorption rates, estimated future cash flows and valuation assumptions consistent with current market conditions. We determine the fair value of land acquired based on comparisons to similar properties that have been recently marketed for sale or sold. The fair value of in-place leases are based upon our evaluation of the specific characteristics of the leases. Factors considered in the fair value analysis include the estimated cost to replace the leases, including foregone rent and expense reimbursements during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods (referred to as “absorption cost”), consideration of current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. We classify leasing absorption costs as other assets and amortize absorption costs as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the underlying leases. Software Developed for Internal Use The costs of software developed for internal use that qualify for capitalization are included with Prepaid expenses and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. These capitalized costs include external direct costs utilized in developing or obtaining the applications and expenses for employees who are directly associated with the development of the applications. Capitalization of such costs begins when the preliminary project stage is complete and continues until the project is substantially complete and is ready for its intended purpose. Completed projects are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations We classify properties as held for sale when they meet the necessary criteria, which include: (a) senior management commits to a plan to sell the assets; (b) the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the assets has been initiated; (d) the sale of the assets is probable and transfer of the assets is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year; (e) the assets are being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation on these properties is discontinued at the time they are classified as held for sale, but operating revenues, operating expenses and interest expense continue to be recognized until the date of sale. Revenues and expenses of properties that are either sold or classified as held for sale are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of operations if the dispositions represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results. Interest on debt that can be identified as specifically attributed to these properties is included in discontinued operations. If the dispositions do not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results, then the revenues and expenses of the properties that are classified as sold or held for sale are presented as continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Segments We evaluate performance based upon net operating income from the combined properties in each segment. Our reportable operating segment is a consolidation of similar properties. GAAP requires that segment disclosures present the measure(s) used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing segments’ performance. Net operating income is a key measurement of our segment profit and loss. Net operating income is defined as segment real estate rental revenue less segment real estate expenses. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash and commercial paper with original maturities of 90 days or less. We maintain cash deposits with financial institutions that at times exceed applicable insurance limits. We reduce this risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are credit-worthy. Restricted cash includes funds escrowed for tenant security deposits. Transformation Costs Transformation costs include costs related to the strategic shift away from the commercial sector to residential sector, including the allocation of internal costs, consulting, advisory and termination benefits. Earnings Per Common Share We determine “Basic earnings per share” using the two-class method as our unvested restricted share awards and units have non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore considered participating securities. We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income less the allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards and units by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. We also determine “Diluted earnings per share” under the two-class method with respect to the unvested restricted share awards. We further evaluate any other potentially dilutive securities at the end of the period and adjust the basic earnings per share calculation for the impact of those securities that are dilutive. Our dilutive earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive impact of operating partnership units under the if-converted method and our share based awards with performance conditions prior to the grant date and all market condition awards under the contingently issuable method. Share-Based Compensation We currently maintain equity based compensation plans for trustees, officers and employees. We recognize compensation expense for service-based share awards ratably over the period from the service inception date through the vesting period based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. We account for forfeitures as they occur. If an award's service inception date precedes the grant date, we initially measure compensation expense for awards with performance conditions at fair value at the service inception date based on probability of payout, and we remeasure compensation expense at subsequent reporting dates until all of the award’s key terms and conditions are known and the grant date is established. We amortize awards with performance conditions using the graded expense method. We measure compensation expense for awards with market conditions based on the grant date fair value, as determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, and we amortize the expense ratably over the requisite service period, regardless of whether the market conditions are achieved and the awards ultimately vest. Compensation expense for the trustee grants, which fully vest immediately, is fully recognized upon issuance based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes We can recognize a tax benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. To the extent that the “more likely than not” standard has been satisfied, the benefit associated with a tax position is measured as the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being recognized upon settlement. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. We do not believe that there will be any material changes to our uncertain tax positions over the next twelve months. We are subject to federal income tax as well as income tax of the states of Maryland, Virginia and Georgia, and the District of Columbia. However, as a REIT, we generally are not subject to income tax on our taxable income to the extent it is distributed as dividends to our shareholders. Tax returns filed for 2020 through 2022 tax years are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our financial statements as a component of general and administrative expenses. Derivatives We borrow funds at a combination of fixed and variable rates. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility and term loans bear interest at variable rates. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to minimize interest rate fluctuation on long-term indebtedness and limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. To achieve these objectives, from time to time, we may enter into interest rate hedge contracts such as collars, swaps, caps and treasury lock agreements in order to mitigate our interest rate risk with respect to various debt instruments. We generally do not hold or issue these derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes. The interest rate swaps we enter into are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We assess the effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The effective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with our cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Our cash flow hedges become ineffective if critical terms of the hedging instrument and the debt instrument, such as notional amounts, settlement dates, reset dates, calculation period and SOFR do not perfectly match. In addition, we evaluate the default risk of the counterparty by monitoring its creditworthiness. When ineffectiveness of a cash flow hedge exists, the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with our cash flow hedges is recognized in earnings in the period affected.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the basis of presentation and significant accounting policies concepts. Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Accounting policies describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//235/tableOfContent + Details
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