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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Lease Commitments
 
Barnwell has several non-cancelable operating leases for office space, contract drilling base yard space and leasehold land, and records rent on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rental expense was $511,000 and $426,000 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the difference between the recognized rent expense and the amounts paid totaled $107,000 and $21,000, respectively, and was reported as a non-current liability within "Deferred rent" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Barnwell is committed under these leases for minimum rental payments summarized by fiscal year as follows:
Fiscal year ending
 

2019
$
274,000

2020
274,000

2021
274,000

2022
218,000

2023
208,000

Thereafter through 2047
6,274,000

Total
$
7,522,000


 
The lease payments for the Lot 4C leasehold land were subject to renegotiation as of January 1, 2006. Per the lease agreement, the lease payments will remain unchanged pending an appraisal, whereupon the lease rent could be adjusted to fair market value. Barnwell does not know the amount of the new lease payments which could be effective upon performance of the appraisal; they may remain unchanged or increase, and Barnwell currently expects the adjustment, if any, to not be material. The future rental payment disclosures above assume the minimum lease payments for leasehold land in effect at December 31, 2005 remain unchanged through December 2025, the end of the lease term.

Environmental Matters

Because of the inherent uncertainties associated with environmental assessment and remediation activities, future expenses to remediate sites identified in the future, if any, could be incurred. Barnwell's management is not currently aware of any significant environmental contingent liabilities requiring disclosure or accrual.

Legal and Regulatory Matters
 
Barnwell is routinely involved in disputes with third parties that occasionally require litigation. In addition, Barnwell is required to maintain compliance with all current governmental controls and regulations in the ordinary course of business. Barnwell’s management is not aware of any claims or litigation involving Barnwell that are likely to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Other Matters
 
Barnwell is obligated to pay Nearco Enterprises Ltd. 10.4%, net of non-controlling interests' share, of Kaupulehu Developments’ gross receipts from real estate transactions. The fees represent compensation for promotion and marketing of Kaupulehu Developments’ property and were determined based on the estimated fair value of such services. These fees are included in general and administrative expenses.
 
Barnwell is obligated to pay its external real estate legal counsel 1.2%, net of non-controlling interests' share, of all Increment II payments received by Kaupulehu Developments for services provided by its external real estate legal counsel in the negotiation and closing of the Increment II transaction. These fees are included in general and administrative expenses.