ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Background BRT Apartments Corp. (“BRT” or the “Company”) is the successor to BRT Realty Trust pursuant to the conversion of BRT Realty Trust from a Massachusetts business trust to a Maryland corporation on March 18, 2017. BRT owns, operates and develops multi-family properties. Generally, these multi-family properties are owned by unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company contributes a significant portion of the equity. At December 31, 2020, BRT: (i) wholly owns eight multi-family properties located in six states with an aggregate of 1,880 units and a carrying value of $153.6 million; and (ii) has ownership interests, through unconsolidated entities, in 31 multi-family properties located in nine states with an aggregate of 9,162 units , and the carrying value of its net equity investment is $169.4 million. In total, the Company has properties in 11 states, most of which are located in the Southeast United States and Texas. The Company also owns and operates various other real estate assets. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the other real estate assets was $6,667,000. BRT conducts its operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for Federal income tax purposes. Substantially all of the Company's assets are comprised of multi-family real estate assets generally leased to tenants on a one-year basis. Therefore, the Company aggregates real estate assets for reporting purposes and operates in one reportable segment. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The joint venture that owns a property in Yonkers, New York was determined not to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") but is consolidated because the Company has controlling rights in such entity. The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. For each venture, the Company evaluated the rights provided to each party in the venture to assess the consolidation of the venture. All investments in unconsolidated joint ventures have sufficient equity at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and, as a group, the holders of the equity at risk have power through voting rights to direct the activities of these ventures. As a result, none of these joint ventures are VIEs. Additionally, the Company does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities, and therefore the entities are not consolidated. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for their share of equity in earnings, cash contributions and distributions. The distributions to each joint venture partner are determined pursuant to the applicable operating agreement and may not be pro-rata to the percentage equity interest each partner has in the applicable venture. Certain items on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation including classifying Deposits and escrows within Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Income Tax Status The Company qualifies as a real estate investment trust under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The board of directors may, at its option, elect to revoke or terminate the Company's election to qualify as a real estate investment trust. The Company will not be subject to federal, and generally state and local taxes on amounts it distributes to stockholders, provided it distributes 90% of its ordinary taxable income and meets other conditions. The Company currently has net operating loss carryforwards which it can use to reduce taxable income. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740 - "Income Taxes", the Company believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and, as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that, if successfully challenged, could result in a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company's income tax returns for the previous six years are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service. Revenue Recognition Rental revenue from multi-family properties is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Rental payments are due in advance. Leases on residential properties are generally for terms that do not exceed one year. Rental revenue from commercial properties, including the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases, net of any rent concessions and lease incentives, is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease. Real Estate Properties Real estate properties are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and include properties acquired through acquisition, development or foreclosure. The Company assesses the fair value of real estate acquired (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as acquired in-place leases) and acquired liabilities and allocates the acquisition price, including transaction costs, based on these assessments. Depreciation for multi-family properties is computed on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 30 years. Intangible assets (and liabilities) are amortized over the remaining life of the related leases at the time of acquisition and is usually less than one year. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Real estate is classified as held for sale when management has determined that the applicable criteria have been met. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis. Real estate classified as held for sale is not depreciated. The Company accounts for the sale of real estate when title passes to the buyer, sufficient equity payments have been received, there is no continuing involvement by the Company and there is reasonable assurance that the remaining receivable, if any, will be collected. Asset Impairments The Company reviews each real estate asset owned to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Company determines whether the carrying amount of the asset can be recovered. Recognition of impairment is required if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the asset are less than the asset's carrying amount and that carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. The estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows through the useful life of the property. The analysis includes an estimate of the future cash flows that are expected to result from the real estate investment’s use and eventual disposition. These cash flows consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends, the effects of leasing demands, and other factors. In evaluating a property for impairment, various factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate in the ordinary course of business. Valuation adjustments may be necessary in the event that effective interest rates, rent-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. If future evaluations result in a decrease in the value of the property below its carrying value, the reduction will be recognized as an impairment charge. The fair values related to the impaired real estate assets are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy. For investment in real estate ventures, if indicators of impairment are present, the Company determines if the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows through the useful life of the asset. The fair values related to the impaired investments in real estate ventures are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Equity Based Compensation Compensation expense for grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and dividend equivalent rights are amortized over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the estimated fair value of such award at the grant date. The Company recognizes the effect of forfeitures when they occur and previously recognized compensation expense is reversed in the period the grant or unit is forfeited. The deferred compensation related to the RSUs to be recognized as expense is net of certain performance assumptions which are re-evaluated quarterly. For accounting purposes, the restricted shares and the RSUs are not included in the outstanding shares shown on the consolidated balance sheets until they vest; however, the restricted shares are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share as they participate in the earnings of the Company. Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company's objective in using derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk related to variable rate debt. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Those amounts are reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which they occur. Per Share Data Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to holders of common stock for the applicable year by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock or resulted in the issuance of shares of common stock that share in the earnings of the Company. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined using the treasury stock method by dividing net income (loss) applicable to the holders of common stock for the applicable year by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of the Company's unvested RSUs. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments; primarily, direct United States treasury obligations with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Restricted Cash Restricted cash consists of cash held for construction costs and property improvements for specific joint venture properties as may be required by contractual arrangements. Deferred Costs Fees and costs incurred in connection with multi-family property financings are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt obligations. Fees and costs paid related to the successful negotiation of commercial leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Use of Estimates The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) New Pronouncements In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, lease, derivatives and other contracts. This guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which removes, modifies, and adds certain disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements in ASC Topic 820. This guidance is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update provides specific guidance for transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees and specifies that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (i) financing to the issuer or (ii) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020. the adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) establishing ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic. ASU 2016-13 changes how entities will account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” model that requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements.

ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Background

BRT Apartments Corp. (“BRT” or the “Company”) is the successor to BRT Realty Trust pursuant to the conversion of BRT Realty Trust from a Massachusetts business trust to a Maryland corporation on March 18, 2017. BRT owns, operates and develops multi-family properties. Generally, these multi-family properties are owned by unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company contributes a significant portion of the equity. At December 31, 2020, BRT: (i) wholly owns eight multi-family properties located in six states with an aggregate of 1,880 units and a carrying value of $153.6 million; and (ii) has ownership interests, through unconsolidated entities, in 31 multi-family properties located in nine states with an aggregate of 9,162 units , and the carrying value of its net equity investment is $169.4 million. In total, the Company has properties in 11 states, most of which are located in the Southeast United States and Texas.

The Company also owns and operates various other real estate assets. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the other real estate assets was $6,667,000.

BRT conducts its operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for Federal income tax purposes.

Substantially all of the Company's assets are comprised of multi-family real estate assets generally leased to tenants on a one-year basis. Therefore, the Company aggregates real estate assets for reporting purposes and operates in one reportable segment.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The joint venture that owns a property in Yonkers, New York was determined not to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") but is consolidated because the Company has controlling rights in such entity.

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. For each venture, the Company evaluated the rights provided to each party in the venture to assess the consolidation of the venture. All investments in unconsolidated joint ventures have sufficient equity at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and, as a group, the holders of the equity at risk have power through voting rights to direct the activities of these ventures. As a result, none of these joint ventures are VIEs. Additionally, the Company does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities, and therefore the entities are not consolidated. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for their share of equity in earnings, cash contributions and distributions. The distributions to each joint venture partner are determined pursuant to the applicable operating agreement and may not be pro-rata to the percentage equity interest each partner has in the applicable venture.

Certain items on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation including classifying Deposits and escrows within Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company qualifies as a real estate investment trust under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The board of directors may, at its option, elect to revoke or terminate the Company's election to qualify as a real estate investment trust.

The Company will not be subject to federal, and generally state and local taxes on amounts it distributes to stockholders, provided it distributes 90% of its ordinary taxable income and meets other conditions. The Company currently has net operating loss carryforwards which it can use to reduce taxable income.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740 - "Income Taxes", the Company believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and, as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that, if successfully challenged, could result in a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company's income tax returns for the previous six years are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service.

Rental revenue from multi-family properties is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Rental payments are due in advance. Leases on residential properties are generally for terms that do not exceed one year.

Rental revenue from commercial properties, including the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases, net of any rent concessions and lease incentives, is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease.

Real Estate Properties

Real estate properties are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and include properties acquired through acquisition, development or foreclosure.

The Company assesses the fair value of real estate acquired (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as acquired in-place leases) and acquired liabilities and allocates the acquisition price, including transaction costs, based on these assessments. Depreciation for multi-family properties is computed on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 30 years. Intangible assets (and liabilities) are amortized over the remaining life of the related leases at the time of acquisition and is usually less than one year. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Real estate is classified as held for sale when management has determined that the applicable criteria have been met. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis. Real estate classified as held for sale is not depreciated.

The Company accounts for the sale of real estate when title passes to the buyer, sufficient equity payments have been received, there is no continuing involvement by the Company and there is reasonable assurance that the remaining receivable, if any, will be collected.

The Company reviews each real estate asset owned to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Company determines whether the carrying amount of the asset can be recovered. Recognition of impairment is required if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the asset are less than the asset's carrying amount and that carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. The estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows through the useful life of the property. The analysis includes an estimate of the future cash flows that are expected to result from the real estate investment’s use and eventual disposition. These cash flows consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends, the effects of leasing demands, and other factors. In evaluating a property for impairment, various factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate in the ordinary course of business. Valuation adjustments may be necessary in the event that effective interest rates, rent-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. If future evaluations result in a decrease in the value of the property below its carrying value, the reduction will be recognized as an impairment charge. The fair values related to the impaired real estate assets are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy.

For investment in real estate ventures, if indicators of impairment are present, the Company determines if the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows through the useful life of the asset. The fair values related to the impaired investments in real estate ventures are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Equity Based Compensation

Compensation expense for grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and dividend equivalent rights are amortized over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the estimated fair value of such award at the grant date. The Company recognizes the effect of forfeitures when they occur and previously recognized compensation expense is reversed in the period the grant or unit is forfeited. The deferred compensation related to the RSUs to be recognized as expense is net of certain performance assumptions which are re-evaluated quarterly. For accounting purposes, the restricted shares and the RSUs are not included in the outstanding shares shown on the consolidated balance sheets until they vest; however, the restricted shares are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share as they participate in the earnings of the Company.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company's objective in using derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk related to variable rate debt. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Those amounts are reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which they occur.

Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to holders of common stock for the applicable year by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock or resulted in the issuance of shares of common stock that share in the earnings of the Company. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined using the treasury stock method by dividing net income (loss) applicable to the holders of common stock for the applicable year by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of the Company's unvested RSUs.

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments; primarily, direct United States treasury obligations with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted cash consists of cash held for construction costs and property improvements for specific joint venture properties as may be required by contractual arrangements.

Fees and costs incurred in connection with multi-family property financings are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt obligations. Fees and costs paid related to the successful negotiation of commercial leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, lease, derivatives and other contracts. This guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which removes, modifies, and adds certain disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements in ASC Topic 820. This guidance is effective for public companies in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update provides specific guidance for transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees and specifies that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (i) financing to the issuer or (ii) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020. the adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) establishing ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic. ASU 2016-13 changes how entities will account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” model that requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements.