10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-37351

National Storage Affiliates Trust

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland	46-5053858
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8400 East Prentice Avenue, 9th Floor

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(720) 630-2600

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading symbols	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share	NSA	New York Stock Exchange
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share	NSA Pr A	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange

Act.

Large Accelerated Filer	☒	Accelerated Filer	☐
Non-accelerated Filer	☐	Smaller Reporting Company	☐
		Emerging Growth Company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    

Yes ☐  No ☒

As of August 3, 2021, 88,650,615 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-Q
		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Financial Statements	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	7
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	11
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	13
ITEM 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	49
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures	50
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings	50
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	50
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	50
ITEM 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	51
ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	51
ITEM 5.	Other Information	51
ITEM 6.	Exhibits	52
Signatures		53

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
ASSETS
Real estate
Self storage properties	$	4,077,016	$	3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)		(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	3,572,518		3,195,569
Cash and cash equivalents	22,410		18,723
Restricted cash	3,565		2,978
Debt issuance costs, net	2,113		2,496
Investment in unconsolidated real estate ventures	195,567		202,533
Other assets, net	72,399		68,149
Operating lease right-of-use assets	22,674		23,129
Total assets	$	3,891,246	$	3,513,577
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Debt financing	$	2,058,573	$	1,916,971
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	48,058		47,043
Interest rate swap liabilities	53,638		77,918
Operating lease liabilities	24,379		24,756
Deferred revenue	19,072		16,414
Total liabilities	2,203,720		2,083,102
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Equity
Preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. 50,000,000 authorized, 8,736,719 and 8,732,719 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, at liquidation preference	218,418		218,318
Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. 250,000,000 authorized, 77,708,831 and 71,293,117 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	777		713
Additional paid-in capital	1,244,269		1,050,714
Distributions in excess of earnings	(263,117)		(251,704)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(33,046)		(49,084)
Total shareholders' equity	1,167,301		968,957
Noncontrolling interests	520,225		461,518
Total equity	1,687,526		1,430,475
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,891,246	$	3,513,577

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
REVENUE
Rental revenue	$	127,310	$	95,302	$	240,437	$	190,704
Other property-related revenue	4,829		3,418		8,966		6,789
Management fees and other revenue	6,107		5,697		11,835		11,146
Total revenue	138,246		104,417		261,238		208,639
OPERATING EXPENSES
Property operating expenses	36,654		30,257		71,258		60,849
General and administrative expenses	12,450		10,329		23,688		21,423
Depreciation and amortization	36,051		29,309		68,475		58,414
Other	310		462		707		851
Total operating expenses	85,465		70,357		164,128		141,537
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(17,339)		(15,513)		(34,131)		(31,141)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated real estate ventures	1,174		52		1,933		(288)
Acquisition costs	(118)		(252)		(410)		(1,085)
Non-operating expense	(148)		(317)		(321)		(509)
Other expense	(16,431)		(16,030)		(32,929)		(33,023)
Income before income taxes	36,350		18,030		64,181		34,079
Income tax expense	(675)		(243)		(871)		(529)
Net income	35,675		17,787		63,310		33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		(13,754)		(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		49,556		17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(6,551)		(6,547)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	25,442	$	7,148	$	43,005	$	10,523
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$	0.33	$	0.10	$	0.58	$	0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.25	$	0.10	$	0.44	$	0.16
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	76,712		68,210		74,267		64,004
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	129,578		68,210		126,396		64,004
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.38	$	0.33	$	0.73	$	0.66

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	(6,725)		(10,423)		14,175		(76,792)
Reclassification of other comprehensive loss to interest expense	5,124		3,934		10,081		4,546
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,601)		(6,489)		24,256		(72,246)
Comprehensive income (loss)	34,074		11,298		87,566		(38,696)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,481)		(5,172)		(21,295)		9,177
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	$	27,593	$	6,126	$	66,271	$	(29,519)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

											Accumulated
							Additional		Distributions		Other
	Preferred Shares			Common Shares			Paid-in		In Excess Of		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Total
	Number	Amount		Number	Amount		Capital		Earnings		(Loss) Income		Interests		Equity
Balances, December 31, 2019	8,727,119	$	218,178	59,659,108	$	597	$	905,763	$	(197,075)	$	(7,833)	$	532,471	$	1,452,101
OP equity issued for property acquisitions:
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		6,206		6,206
LTIP units	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		1,011		1,011
Redemptions of OP units	—	—		118,961	1		1,437		—		(62)		(1,376)		—
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	—	—		125,000	1		4,248		—		—		—		4,249
Merger and internalization of PRO, net of issuance costs	—	—		8,105,192	81		43,499		—		(402)		(33,583)		9,595
Redemptions of Series A-1 preferred units	5,600	140		—	—		—		—		—		(140)		—
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	—	—		—	—		15,857		—		(2,265)		(13,592)		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		76		—		—		698		774
Issuance of LTIP units for acquisition expenses	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		40		40
Issuance of restricted common shares	—	—		21,861	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	—	—		(2,910)	—		(94)		—		—		—		(94)
Preferred share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(3,273)		—		—		(3,273)
Common share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(19,747)		—		—		(19,747)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		(19,813)		(19,813)
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—	—		—		—		(42,293)		(23,464)		(65,757)
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		6,648		—		9,115		15,763
Balances, March 31, 2020	8,732,719	$	218,318	68,027,212	$	680	$	970,786	$	(213,447)	$	(52,855)	$	457,573	$	1,381,055
OP equity issued for property acquisitions:
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		5,842		5,842
Redemptions of OP units	—	—		292,291	3		3,438		—		(238)		(3,203)		—

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

											Accumulated
							Additional		Distributions		Other
	Preferred Shares			Common Shares			Paid-in		In Excess Of		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Total
	Number	Amount		Number	Amount		Capital		Earnings		(Loss) Income		Interests		Equity
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	—	—		387,000	4		11,912		—		—		—		11,916
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	—	—		—	—		(1,286)		—		(73)		1,359		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		100		—		—		1,051		1,151
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	—	—		(2,770)	—		—		—		—		—		—
Reduction in receivables from partners of the operating partnership	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		225		225
Preferred share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(3,274)		—		—		(3,274)
Common share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(22,625)		—		—		(22,625)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		(16,843)		(16,843)
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—	—		—				(4,296)		(2,193)		(6,489)
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		10,422		—		7,365		17,787
Balances, June 30, 2020	8,732,719	$	218,318	68,703,733	$	687	$	984,950	$	(228,924)	$	(57,462)	$	451,176	$	1,368,745

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

											Accumulated
							Additional		Distributions		Other
	Preferred Shares			Common Shares			Paid-in		In Excess Of		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Total
	Number	Amount		Number	Amount		Capital		Earnings		(Loss) Income		Interests		Equity
Balances, December 31, 2020	8,732,719	$	218,318	71,293,117	$	713	$	1,050,714	$	(251,704)	$	(49,084)	$	461,518	$	1,430,475
OP equity issued for property acquisitions:
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		22,897		22,897
Redemptions of OP units	—	—		190,248	2		2,332		—		(108)		(2,226)		—
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	—	—		3,692,216	37		122,375		—		—		—		122,412
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		103		103
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	—	—		—	—		(18,983)		—		(290)		19,273		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		92		—		—		1,194		1,286
Issuance of restricted common shares	—	—		15,369	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	—	—		(4,823)	—		(152)		—		—		—		(152)
Preferred share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(3,275)		—		—		(3,275)
Common share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(25,014)		—		—		(25,014)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		(20,604)		(20,604)
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—	—		—		—		17,840		8,017		25,857
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		20,838		—		6,797		27,635
Balances, March 31, 2021	8,732,719	$	218,318	75,186,127	$	752	$	1,156,378	$	(259,155)	$	(31,642)	$	496,969	$	1,581,620
OP equity issued for property acquisitions:
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		24,102		24,102
Redemptions of OP units	—	—		121,923	1		1,554		—		(52)		(1,503)		—
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	—	—		2,390,000	24		103,646		—		—		—		103,670
Redemptions of Series A-1 preferred units	4,000	100		—	—		—		—		—		(100)		—
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	—	—		—	—		(17,420)		—		(227)		17,647		—

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

											Accumulated
							Additional		Distributions		Other
	Preferred Shares			Common Shares			Paid-in		In Excess Of		Comprehensive		Noncontrolling		Total
	Number	Amount		Number	Amount		Capital		Earnings		(Loss) Income		Interests		Equity
Equity-based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		113		—		—		1,235		1,348
Issuance of restricted common shares	—	—		13,255	—		—		—		—		—		—
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	—	—		(2,474)	—		(2)		—		—		—		(2)
Preferred share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(3,276)		—		—		(3,276)
Common share dividends	—	—		—	—		—		(29,404)		—		—		(29,404)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—	—		—		—		—		(24,606)		(24,606)
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—	—		—		—		(1,125)		(476)		(1,601)
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		28,718		—		6,957		35,675
Balances, June 30, 2021	8,736,719	$	218,418	77,708,831	$	777	$	1,244,269	$	(263,117)	$	(33,046)	$	520,225	$	1,687,526

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

9

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	63,310	$	33,550
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68,475		58,414
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,626		1,521
Amortization of debt discount and premium, net	(357)		(711)
Mark-to-market changes in value on equity securities	—		142
Equity-based compensation expense	2,634		1,925
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated real estate ventures	(1,933)		288
Distributions from unconsolidated real estate ventures	8,899		6,761
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of self storage property acquisitions:
Other assets	(715)		1,212
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,526		3,093
Deferred revenue	794		(512)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	144,259		105,683
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of self storage properties	(383,702)		(239,138)
Capital expenditures	(13,187)		(8,583)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate ventures	—		(3,125)
Deposits and advances for self storage property and other acquisitions	(1,100)		(294)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	—		7,560
Expenditures for corporate furniture, equipment and other	(147)		(318)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	(398,136)		(243,898)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	226,082		16,165
Borrowings under debt financings	546,000		311,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	103		661
Principal payments under debt financings	(405,073)		(103,911)
Payment of dividends to common shareholders	(54,418)		(42,372)
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(6,551)		(6,547)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(45,336)		(36,431)
Debt issuance costs	(495)		(835)
Equity offering costs	(2,161)		(885)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities	258,151		136,845
Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	4,274		(1,370)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Beginning of period	21,701		24,276
End of period	$	25,975	$	22,906

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

10

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Supplemental Cash Flow and Noncash Information
Cash paid for interest	$	31,612	$	30,366
Merger and internalization of PRO:
Redemptions and conversions of partnership interests	—		33,583
Issuance of common shares for management platform	—		10,301

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

11

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

National Storage Affiliates Trust was organized in the state of Maryland on May 16, 2013 and is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the self storage sector. As used herein, "NSA," the "Company," "we," "our," and "us" refers to National Storage Affiliates Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise. The Company has elected and believes that it has qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes ("REIT") commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2015.

Through its controlling interest as the sole general partner of NSA OP, LP (its "operating partnership"), a Delaware limited partnership formed on February 13, 2013, the Company is focused on the ownership, operation, and acquisition of self storage properties located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States. Pursuant to the Agreement of Limited Partnership (as amended, the "LP Agreement") of its operating partnership, the Company's operating partnership is authorized to issue preferred units, Class A Units ("OP units"), different series of Class B Units ("subordinated performance units"), and Long-Term Incentive Plan Units ("LTIP units"). The Company also owns certain of its self storage properties through other consolidated limited partnership subsidiaries of its operating partnership, which the Company refers to as "DownREIT partnerships." The DownREIT partnerships issue equity ownership interests that are intended to be economically equivalent to the Company's OP units ("DownREIT OP units") and subordinated performance units ("DownREIT subordinated performance units").

The Company owned 687 consolidated self storage properties in 33 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 42.5 million rentable square feet in approximately 334,000 storage units as of June 30, 2021. These properties are managed with local operational focus and expertise by the Company and its participating regional operators ("PROs"). These PROs are Kevin Howard Real Estate Inc., d/b/a Northwest Self Storage and its controlled affiliates ("Northwest"), Optivest Properties LLC and its controlled affiliates ("Optivest"), Guardian Storage Centers LLC and its controlled affiliates ("Guardian"), Move It Self Storage and its controlled affiliates ("Move It"), Arizona Mini Storage Management Company d/b/a Storage Solutions and its controlled affiliates ("Storage Solutions"), Hide-Away Storage Services, Inc. and its controlled affiliates ("Hide-Away"), an affiliate of Shader Brothers Corporation d/b/a Personal Mini Storage ("Personal Mini"), Southern Storage Management Systems, Inc. d/b/a Southern Self Storage ("Southern"), affiliates of Investment Real Estate Management, LLC d/b/a Moove In Self Storage of York, Pennsylvania ("Moove In") and Blue Sky Self Storage, a strategic partnership between Argus Professional Storage Management and GYS Development LLC ("Blue Sky").

As of June 30, 2021, the Company also managed through its property management platform an additional portfolio of 177 properties owned by the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures. These properties contain approximately 12.7 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 104,000 storage units and located across 21 states. The Company owns a 25% equity interest in each of its unconsolidated real estate ventures.

As of June 30, 2021, in total, the Company operated and held ownership interests in 864 self storage properties located across 36 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 55.2 million rentable square feet in approximately 438,000 storage units.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The Company's results of operations for the quarterly and year to date periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

12

Principles of Consolidation

The Company's financial statements include the accounts of its operating partnership and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation of entities.

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether the general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates all entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that its operating partnership is a VIE. The sole significant asset of National Storage Affiliates Trust is its investment in its operating partnership, and consequently, substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of its operating partnership.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's operating partnership was the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidated, 22 partnerships that are considered VIEs, which owned 48 self storage properties. As of December 31, 2020, the Company's operating partnership was the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidated, 21 partnerships that are considered VIEs, which owned 34 self storage properties. The net book value of the real estate owned by these VIEs was $434.0 million and $225.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For certain DownREIT partnerships which are subject to fixed rate mortgages payable, the carrying value of such fixed rate mortgages payable held by these VIEs was $100.7 million and $100.7 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the Company's general credit.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue

Rental revenue consists of space rentals and related fees. Management has determined that all of the Company's leases are operating leases. Substantially all leases may be terminated on a month-to-month basis and rental income is recognized ratably over the lease term using the straight-line method. Rents received in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term associated with the prepayment. Promotional discounts and other incentives are recognized as a reduction to rental income over the applicable lease term.

Other property-related revenue

Other property-related revenue primarily consists of ancillary revenues such as tenant insurance and/or tenant warranty protection-related access fees, sales of storage supplies and truck rentals which are recognized in the period earned.

The Company and certain of the Company’s PROs have tenant insurance- and/or tenant warranty protection plan-related arrangements with insurance companies and the Company’s tenants. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $6.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues.

The Company sells boxes, packing supplies, locks, other retail merchandise and rents moving trucks at its properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Management fees and other revenue

Management fees and other revenue consist of property management fees, platform fees, call center fees, acquisition fees, and a portion of tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance proceeds that the Company earns for managing and operating its unconsolidated real estate ventures.

With respect to both the 2018 Joint Venture and the 2016 Joint Venture (as each is defined in Note 5), the Company provides supervisory and administrative property management services, centralized call center services,

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and technology platform and revenue management services to the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The property management fees are equal to 6% of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the assets of the unconsolidated real estate ventures, and the platform fees are equal to $1,250 per month per unconsolidated real estate venture property. With respect to the 2016 Joint Venture only, the call center fees are equal to 1% of each of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the 2016 Joint Venture properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $7.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

For acquisition fees, the Company provides sourcing, underwriting and administration services to the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The 2016 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.1 million acquisition fee equal to 0.65% of the gross capitalization (including debt and equity) of the original 66-property 2016 Joint Venture portfolio (the "Initial 2016 JV Portfolio") in 2016, at the time of the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio acquisition. The 2018 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.0 million acquisition fee related to the initial acquisition of properties by the 2018 Joint Venture (the "Initial 2018 JV Portfolio") in 2018, at the time of the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio acquisition. These fees are refundable to the unconsolidated real estate ventures, on a prorated basis, if the Company is removed as the managing member during the initial four year life of the unconsolidated real estate ventures and as such, the Company's performance obligation for these acquisition fees are satisfied over a four year period. Accordingly, the Company's performance obligation related to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio was satisfied during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had deferred revenue related to the acquisition fees of $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The Company also earns acquisition fees for properties acquired by the unconsolidated real estate ventures subsequent to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio and the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio. These fees are based on a percentage of the gross capitalization of the acquired assets determined by the members of the 2016 Joint Venture and the 2018 Joint Venture, and are generally earned when the unconsolidated real estate ventures obtain title and control of an acquired property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

An affiliate of the Company facilitates tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance programs for tenants of the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures in exchange for 50% of all proceeds from such programs at each unconsolidated real estate venture property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $4.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities.

Gain on sale of self storage properties

The Company recognizes gains from disposition of facilities only upon closing in accordance with the guidance on sales of nonfinancial assets. Profit on real estate sold is recognized upon closing when all, or substantially all, of the promised consideration has been received and is nonrefundable and the Company has transferred control of the facilities to the purchaser.

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

The Company’s investments in its unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded under the equity method of accounting in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Under the equity method, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are stated at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of net earnings or losses and reduced by distributions. Equity in earnings (losses) is recognized based on the Company’s ownership interest in the earnings (losses) of the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The Company follows the "nature of the distribution approach" for classification of distributions from its unconsolidated real estate ventures in its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Under this approach, distributions are reported on the basis of the nature of the activity or activities that generated the distributions as either a return on investment, which are classified as operating cash flows, or a return of investment (e.g., proceeds from the unconsolidated real estate ventures' sale of assets) which are reported as investing cash flows.

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Noncontrolling Interests

All of the limited partner equity interests ("OP equity") in the operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than the operating partnership or its subsidiaries. In the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the Company allocates net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust.

For transactions that result in changes to the Company's ownership interest in its operating partnership, the carrying amount of noncontrolling interests is adjusted to reflect such changes. The difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest is adjusted is reflected as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Allocation of Net Income (Loss)

The distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests of the unitholders. Accordingly, the Company allocates GAAP income (loss) utilizing the hypothetical liquidation at book value ("HLBV") method, in which the Company allocates income or loss based on the change in each unitholders’ claim on the net assets of its operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. The HLBV method is commonly applied to equity investments where cash distribution percentages vary at different points in time and are not directly linked to an equity holder’s ownership percentage.

The HLBV method is a balance sheet-focused approach to income (loss) allocation. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that unitholders would receive if the operating partnership were to liquidate all of its assets (at GAAP net book value) and distribute the resulting proceeds to its creditors and unitholders based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is used to derive each unitholder's share of the income (loss) for the period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership, and net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust could be more or less net income than actual cash distributions received and more or less income or loss than what may be received in the event of an actual liquidation. Additionally, the HLBV method could result in net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust during a period when the Company reports consolidated net loss (or net income), or net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust in excess of the Company's consolidated net income (or net loss). The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share may be materially affected by these disproportionate income (loss) allocations, resulting in volatile fluctuations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has cash flow hedge derivative instruments that are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within equity, as discussed further in Note 12. Under the HLBV method of allocating income (loss) discussed above, a calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date by applying the HLBV method including, and excluding, the assets and liabilities resulting from the Company's cash flow hedge derivative instruments to determine comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust. As a result of the distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement, in any given period, other comprehensive income (loss) may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership and as compared to their respective allocation of net income (loss).

Restricted Cash

The Company's restricted cash consists of escrowed funds deposited with financial institutions for real estate taxes, insurance and other reserves for capital improvements in accordance with the Company's loan agreements.

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 those estimates.

3. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Shareholders' Equity

Forward Equity Offering

On September 22, 2020, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, as well as certain forward sale agreements, with a syndicate of banks acting as underwriters, forward sellers, and/or forward purchasers in connection with an underwritten public offering of 4,500,000 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share of the Company ("common shares") at a public offering price of $33.15 per share (the "forward offering"). The underwriters were granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 675,000 common shares at the same price, which they partially exercised for an additional 400,000 common shares on October 6, 2020. Therefore, the forward sellers or their affiliates, at the Company's request, borrowed from third parties and sold to the underwriters an aggregate of 4,900,000 common shares, which the underwriters sold at an offering price of $33.15 per share, for proceeds of approximately $162.4 million. As a result of this forward construct, the Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of such shares at closing. The Company has determined that the forward sale agreements are not considered to be derivative instruments under the guidance within ASC 815.

On December 30, 2020, the Company settled a portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 1,850,510 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $60.0 million. On March 22, 2021, the Company settled the remaining portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 3,049,490 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $97.3 million.

Common Share Offering

As discussed in Note 13, on July 23, 2021, the Company closed a follow-on public offering of 10,120,000 of its common shares, which included 1,320,000 common shares sold upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional common shares, at a public offering price of $51.25 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds from the offering of approximately $497.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and additional expenses associated with the offering.

At the Market ("ATM") Program

On February 27, 2019, the Company entered into a sales agreement with certain sales agents, pursuant to which the Company may sell from time to time up to an aggregate of $250.0 million common shares and 6.000% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred shares of beneficial interest ("Series A preferred shares") in sales deemed to be "at the market" offerings (the "sales agreement"). The sales agreement contemplates that, in addition to the issuance and sale by the Company of offered shares to or through the sale agents, the Company may enter into separate forward sale agreements with any forward purchaser. Forward sale agreements, if any, will include only the Company's common shares and will not include any Series A preferred shares. If the Company enters into a forward sale agreement with any forward purchaser, such forward purchaser will attempt to borrow from third parties and sell, through the related agent, acting as sales agent for such forward purchaser (each, a "forward seller"), offered shares, in an amount equal to the offered shares subject to such forward sale agreement, to hedge such forward purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. The Company may offer the common shares and Series A preferred shares through the agents, as the Company's sales agents, or, as applicable, as forward seller, or directly to the agents or forward sellers, acting as principals, by means of, among others, ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.

Under the sales agreement, the Company offered and sold shares having an aggregate gross sales price of approximately $219.0 million from February 27, 2019 through May 19, 2021, leaving offered shares having an aggregate gross sales price of up to approximately $31.0 million available for offer and sale under the sales agreement (the "remaining available offered shares"). On May 19, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the sales agreement with certain sales agents, whereby the Company increased the aggregate gross sale price under the program to $400.0 million, which includes the remaining available offered shares.

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During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company sold 2,390,000 common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $43.86 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $103.7 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company sold 3,032,726 common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $42.92 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $129.1 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses.

Noncontrolling Interests

All of the OP equity in the Company's operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than the Company's operating partnership. NSA is the general partner of its operating partnership and is authorized to cause its operating partnership to issue additional partner interests, including OP units and subordinated performance units, at such prices and on such other terms as it determines in its sole discretion.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, units reflecting noncontrolling interests consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021	December 31, 2020
Series A-1 preferred units	633,382	637,382
OP units	30,069,539	29,616,809
Subordinated performance units	9,510,894	9,030,872
LTIP units	778,362	734,196
DownREIT units
DownREIT OP units	1,924,918	1,924,918
DownREIT subordinated performance units	4,337,111	4,337,111
Total	47,254,206	46,281,288

Series A-1 Preferred Units

The 6.000% Series A-1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units ("Series A-1 preferred units") rank senior to OP units and subordinated performance units in the Company's operating partnership with respect to distributions and liquidation. The Series A-1 preferred units have a stated value of $25.00 per unit and receive distributions at an annual rate of 6.000%. These distributions are cumulative. The Series A-1 preferred units are redeemable at the option of the holder after the first anniversary of the date of issuance, which redemption obligations may be satisfied at the Company’s option in cash in an amount equal to the market value of an equivalent number of the Series A preferred shares or the issuance of Series A preferred shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustments. The Series A preferred shares are redeemable by the Company for a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The decrease in Series A-1 preferred units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the redemption of 4,000 Series A-1 preferred units for an equal number of Series A preferred shares.

OP Units and DownREIT OP units

OP units in the Company's operating partnership are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for the Company's common shares on a one-for-one basis, and DownREIT OP units are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for OP units in its operating partnership on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments in each case. The holders of OP units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until one year after the issuance of the OP units. The holders of DownREIT OP units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until five years after the date of the contributor's initial contribution.

The increase in OP units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 559,463 OP units in connection with the acquisition of self storage properties, 142,405 LTIP units which were converted into an equivalent number of OP units and 63,033 OP units issued upon the conversion of 32,741 subordinated performance units (as discussed further below) partially offset by the redemption of 312,171 OP units for an equal number of common shares.

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Subordinated Performance Units and DownREIT Subordinated Performance Units

Subordinated performance units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units which are exchangeable for common shares as described above, and DownREIT subordinated performance units may, under certain circumstances, be exchangeable for subordinated performance units on a one-for-one basis. Subordinated performance units are only convertible into OP units after a two year lock-out period and then generally (i) at the holder’s election only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds relating to the properties to which such subordinated performance units relate or (ii) at the Company's election upon a retirement event of a PRO that holds such subordinated performance units or upon certain qualifying terminations. The holders of DownREIT subordinated performance units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until at least five years after the date of the contributor's initial contribution.

Following such lock-out period, a holder of subordinated performance units in the Company's operating partnership may elect a voluntary conversion one time each year on or prior to December 1st to convert a pre-determined portion of such subordinated performance units into OP units in the Company's operating partnership, with such conversion effective January 1st of the following year, with each subordinated performance unit being converted into the number of OP units determined by dividing the average cash available for distribution, or CAD, per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units over the one-year period prior to conversion by 110% of the CAD per unit on the OP units determined over the same period. CAD per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units and OP units is determined by the Company based generally upon the application of the provisions of the LP Agreement applicable to the distributions of operating cash flow and capital transactions proceeds.

The increase in subordinated performance units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 512,763 subordinated performance units for co-investment by the Company's PROs in connection with the acquisition of self storage properties partially offset by the voluntary conversion of 32,741 subordinated performance units into 63,033 OP units.

LTIP Units

LTIP units are a special class of partnership interest in the Company's operating partnership that allow the holder to participate in the ordinary and liquidating distributions received by holders of the OP units (subject to the achievement of specified levels of profitability by the Company's operating partnership or the achievement of certain events). LTIP units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units on a one-for-one basis, which are then exchangeable for common shares as described above.

The increase in LTIP units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 186,571 compensatory LTIP units to employees and trustees, net of forfeitures, partially offset by the conversion of 142,405 LTIP units into an equivalent number of OP units.

4. SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES

Self storage properties are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Land	$	790,748	$	738,863
Buildings and improvements	3,277,794		2,892,490
Furniture and equipment	8,474		7,839
Total self storage properties	4,077,016		3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)		(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	$	3,572,518	$	3,195,569

Depreciation expense related to self storage properties amounted to $31.5 million and $26.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $60.9 million and $52.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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5. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES

2018 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unconsolidated real estate venture, formed in September 2018 with an affiliate of Heitman America Real Estate REIT LLC (the "2018 Joint Venture"), owned and operated a portfolio of 103 self storage properties containing approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 64,000 storage units and located across 17 states.

2016 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unconsolidated real estate venture, formed in September 2016 with a state pension fund advised by Heitman Capital Management LLC (the "2016 Joint Venture"), owned and operated a portfolio of 74 properties containing approximately 4.9 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 40,000 storage units and located across 13 states.

The following table presents the combined condensed financial position of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Self storage properties, net	$	1,769,759	$	1,799,522
Other assets	25,969		24,397
Total assets	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt financing	$	1,000,916	$	1,000,464
Other liabilities	20,951		21,612
Equity	773,861		801,843
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919

The following tables present the combined condensed operating information of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	46,086	$	39,730
Property operating expenses	12,523		11,371
Net operating income	33,563		28,359
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(3,014)		(2,640)
Depreciation and amortization	(15,360)		(15,245)
Interest expense	(10,415)		(10,300)
Acquisition and other expenses	(136)		(20)
Net income	$	4,638	$	154

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	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	89,781	$	79,968
Property operating expenses	24,311		24,549
Net operating income	65,470		55,419
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(5,896)		(5,309)
Depreciation and amortization	(30,882)		(30,391)
Interest expense	(20,820)		(20,564)
Acquisition and other expenses	(257)		(419)
Net income (loss)	$	7,615	$	(1,264)

6. ACQUISITIONS

The Company acquired 43 self storage properties with an estimated fair value of $435.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Of these acquisitions, seven self storage properties with an estimated fair value of $48.5 million were acquired by the Company from its PROs. The 43 self storage property acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions and accordingly, $2.8 million of transaction costs related to the acquisitions were capitalized as part of the basis of the acquired properties. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities on the respective dates of such acquisitions. The Company allocated the total purchase price to the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets consisting of customer in-place leases which were recorded at estimated fair value of $10.8 million, resulting in a total fair value of $424.6 million allocated to real estate.

The following table summarizes the investment in self storage property acquisitions completed by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Acquisitions Closed During the Three Months Ended:	Number of Properties	Summary of Investment
		Cash and Acquisition Costs		Value of OP Equity(1)		Other Liabilities		Total
March 31, 2021	23	$	141,928	$	22,897	$	1,138	$	165,963
June 30, 2021	20	243,580		24,102		1,711		269,393
Total	43	$	385,508	$	46,999	$	2,849	$	435,356

(1)Value of OP equity represents the fair value of OP units and subordinated performance units.

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7. OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Customer in-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $6,327 and $5,322, respectively	$	10,854	$	6,460
Receivables:
Trade, net	2,800		2,734
PROs and other affiliates	2,848		2,974
Receivables from unconsolidated real estate ventures	4,691		5,825
Property acquisition and other deposits	1,100		1,087
Prepaid expenses and other	9,129		7,099
Corporate furniture, equipment and other, net	1,481		1,673
Trade names	6,380		6,380
Management contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $3,730 and $3,222, respectively	11,490		11,998
Tenant reinsurance intangible, net of accumulated amortization of $1,196 and $903, respectively	13,444		13,737
Goodwill	8,182		8,182
Total	$	72,399	$	68,149

Amortization expense related to customer in-place leases amounted to $4.0 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6.4 million and $5.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to management contracts amounted to $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to the tenant reinsurance intangible amounted to $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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8. DEBT FINANCING

The Company's outstanding debt as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate(1)	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Credit Facility:
Revolving line of credit	1.40%	$	265,500	$	174,000
Term loan A	3.74%	125,000		125,000
Term loan B	2.91%	250,000		250,000
Term loan C	2.91%	225,000		225,000
Term loan D	3.57%	175,000		175,000
2023 Term loan facility	2.83%	175,000		175,000
2028 Term loan facility	4.62%	75,000		75,000
2029 Term loan facility	4.27%	100,000		100,000
2029 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.98%	100,000		100,000
2030 Senior Unsecured Notes	2.99%	150,000		150,000
August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes	4.08%	50,000		50,000
2032 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.09%	100,000		100,000
2033 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.10%	55,000		—
Fixed rate mortgages payable	4.24%	218,041		223,614
Total principal		2,063,541		1,922,614
Unamortized debt issuance costs and debt premium, net		(4,968)		(5,643)
Total debt		$	2,058,573	$	1,916,971

(1)Represents the effective interest rate as of June 30, 2021. Effective interest rate incorporates the stated rate plus the impact of interest rate cash flow hedges and discount and premium amortization, if applicable. For the revolving line of credit, the effective interest rate excludes fees for unused borrowings.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unsecured credit facility provided for total borrowings of $1.275 billion (the "credit facility"). The credit facility consists of the following components: (i) a revolving line of credit (the "Revolver") which provides for a total borrowing commitment up to $500.0 million, under which the Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts, (ii) a $125.0 million tranche A term loan facility (the "Term Loan A"), (iii) a $250.0 million tranche B term loan facility (the "Term Loan B"), (iv) a $225.0 million tranche C term loan facility (the "Term Loan C"), and (v) a $175.0 million tranche D term loan facility (the "Term Loan D"). As of June 30, 2021, the Company had an expansion option under the credit facility, which, if exercised in full, would provide for a total credit facility of $1.750 billion.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.7 million and would have had the capacity to borrow remaining Revolver commitments of $228.8 million while remaining in compliance with the credit facility's financial covenants. At June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

As discussed in Note 13, in July 2021, the Company received commitments from a syndicated group of lenders to partially exercise the expansion option under its unsecured credit facility for a $100.0 million tranche E term loan facility.

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2026, May 2031 and 2033 Senior Unsecured Notes

On May 3, 2021, the operating partnership as issuer, and the Company, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") which provides for the private placement of $35.0 million of 2.16% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2026 (the "2026 Notes"), $90.0 million of 3.00% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2031 (the "May 2031 Notes") and $55.0 million of 3.10% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2033 (the "2033 Notes" and together with the 2026 Notes and May 2031 Notes the "Senior Unsecured Notes") to certain institutional investors. The Senior Unsecured Notes are governed by the Note Purchase Agreement and on May 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2033 Notes. As discussed in Note 13, on July 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes.

Interest is paid semiannually, on May 31st and November 30th of each year, commencing on November 30, 2021. The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors. The Senior Unsecured Notes rank pari passu with the credit facility, 2023 Term Loan Facility, 2028 Term Loan Facility, 2029 Term Loan Facility, 2029 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2030 Senior Unsecured Notes, August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes and 2032 Senior Unsecured Notes. The Note Purchase Agreement contains financial covenants that are substantially similar to those of the Company's credit facility. In addition, the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to make distributions or certain investments, incur debt, incur liens and enter into certain transactions.

Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable

As discussed in Note 13, on July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with a single lender for an $88.0 million debt financing secured by a first lien on eight of the Company's self storage properties. This interest-only loan matures in July 2028 and has a fixed interest rate of 2.77%.

Future Debt Obligations

Based on existing debt agreements in effect as of June 30, 2021, the scheduled principal and maturity payments for the Company's outstanding borrowings are presented in the table below (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Scheduled Principal and Maturity Payments		Amortization of Premium and Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	2,096	$	(843)	$	1,253
2022	4,374		(1,689)		2,685
2023	376,813		(1,333)		375,480
2024	537,464		(960)		536,504
2025	227,185		(384)		226,801
2026	177,322		(260)		177,062
Thereafter	738,287		501		738,788
	$	2,063,541	$	(4,968)	$	2,058,573

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9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
Numerator
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		(13,754)		(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		49,556		17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(6,551)		(6,547)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(16)		(11)		(27)		(23)
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic	25,426		7,137		42,978		10,500
Effect of assumed conversion of dilutive securities	6,593		—		13,045		—
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted	$	32,019	$	7,137	$	56,023	$	10,500
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	76,712		68,210		74,267		64,004
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of outstanding forward offering agreement	—		—		199		—
Weighted average OP units outstanding	29,963		—		29,857		—
Weighted average DownREIT OP unit equivalents outstanding	1,925		—		1,925		—
Weighted average LTIP units outstanding	91		—		112		—
Weighted average subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance unit equivalents	20,887		—		20,036		—
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	129,578		68,210		126,396		64,004
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$	0.33	$	0.10	$	0.58	$	0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.25	$	0.10	$	0.44	$	0.16

As discussed in Note 2, the Company allocates GAAP income (loss) utilizing the HLBV method, in which the Company allocates income or loss based on the change in each unitholders' claim on the net assets of its operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to National Storage Affiliates Trust and noncontrolling interests, resulting in volatile fluctuations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

Outstanding equity interests of the Company's operating partnership and DownREIT partnerships are considered potential common shares for purposes of calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share as the unitholders

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may, through the exercise of redemption rights, obtain common shares, subject to various restrictions. Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by further adjusting for the dilutive impact using the treasury stock method for unvested LTIP units subject to a service condition outstanding during the period and the if-converted method for any convertible securities outstanding during the period.

Generally, following certain lock-out periods, OP units in the Company's operating partnership are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for common shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments and DownREIT OP units are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for OP units in its operating partnership on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments in each case.

LTIP units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units on a one-for-one basis, which are then exchangeable for common shares as described above. Certain LTIP units vested prior to or upon the completion of the Company's initial public offering and certain LTIP units have vested upon the satisfaction of a service or market condition or will vest upon the satisfaction of future service and market conditions. Vested LTIP units and unvested LTIP units that vest based on a service or market condition are allocated income or loss in a similar manner as OP units. Unvested LTIP units subject to a service or market condition are evaluated for dilution using the treasury stock method. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 445,618 unvested LTIP units that vest based on a service or market condition are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as they are not dilutive to earnings (loss) per share. In addition, certain LTIP units vest upon the future acquisition of properties sourced by PROs or the completion of expansion projects. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 252,894 unvested LTIP units that vest upon the future acquisition of properties, or the completion of expansion projects, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the contingency for the units to vest has not been attained as of the end of the reported periods.

Subordinated performance units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units which are exchangeable for common shares as described above, and DownREIT subordinated performance units may, under certain circumstances, be exchangeable for subordinated performance units on a one-for-one basis. Subordinated performance units are only convertible into OP units, after a two year lock-out period and then generally (i) at the holder’s election only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds relating to the properties to which such subordinated performance units relate or (ii) at the Company's election upon a retirement event of a PRO that holds such subordinated performance units or upon certain qualifying terminations. Although subordinated performance units may only be convertible after a two year lock-out period, the Company assumes a hypothetical conversion of each subordinated performance unit (including each DownREIT subordinated performance unit) into OP units (with subsequently assumed redemption into common shares) for the purposes of calculating diluted weighted average common shares. This hypothetical conversion is calculated using historical financial information, and as a result, is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company upon expiration of the two-year lock out period on conversions.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, potential common shares totaling 46.9 million and 49.0 million, respectively, related to OP units, DownREIT OP units, subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units and vested LTIP units have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as they are not dilutive to earnings (loss) per share.

Participating securities, which consist of unvested restricted common shares, receive dividends equal to those received by common shares. The effect of participating securities for the periods presented above is calculated using the two-class method of allocating distributed and undistributed earnings.

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Supervisory and Administrative Fees

For the self storage properties that are managed by the PROs, the Company has entered into asset management agreements with the PROs to provide leasing, operating, supervisory and administrative services. The asset management agreements generally provide for fees ranging from 5% to 6% of gross revenue for the managed self storage properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $4.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively, for supervisory and administrative fees to the PROs and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $9.1 million and $8.8 million, respectively, for supervisory and administrative fees to the PROs. Such fees are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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Payroll Services

For the self storage properties that are managed by the PROs, the employees responsible for operations are employees of the PROs who charge the Company for the costs associated with the respective employees. For the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $6.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, for payroll and related costs reimbursable to these PROs and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $13.0 million and $14.3 million, respectively, for payroll and related costs reimbursable to these PROs. Such costs are included in property operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Due Diligence Costs

During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $0.1 million of expenses payable to certain PROs related to self storage property acquisitions sourced by the PROs and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of expenses payable to certain PROs related to self storage property acquisitions sourced by the PROs. These expenses, which are based on the volume of transactions sourced by the PROs, are intended to reimburse the PROs for due diligence costs incurred in the sourcing and underwriting process. These due diligence costs are capitalized as part of the basis of the acquired self storage properties.

Self Storage Property Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired one self storage property from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. The total consideration payable by the Company for this property was subject to an earnout payable in three tranches based on the performance of the property over six, 12 and 18 month periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, in connection with the 12 month tranche of the earnout, the Company paid aggregate consideration totaling approximately $2.0 million, and the interest of Mr. Warren's children was 13,105 OP Units with a value of approximately $0.6 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired one self storage property for $8.8 million from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. Of the total consideration paid, the interest of Mr. Warren's children was approximately 29,123 OP Units with a value of $1.1 million.

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to litigation, claims, and assessments that may arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. Such matters include contractual matters, employment related issues, and regulatory proceedings. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company sometimes limits its exposure to interest rate fluctuations by entering into interest rate swap agreements. The interest rate swap agreements moderate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk by effectively converting the interest on variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The Company measures its interest rate swap derivatives at fair value on a recurring basis. The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings.

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Information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps measured at fair value, which are classified within Level 2 of the GAAP fair value hierarchy, is presented below (dollars in thousands):

Fair value at December 31, 2019	$	(18,963)
Swap ineffectiveness	34
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,546
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(76,792)
Fair value at June 30, 2020	$	(91,175)
Fair value at December 31, 2020	$	(77,918)
Swap ineffectiveness	24
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,081
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	14,175
Fair value at June 30, 2021	$	(53,638)

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with aggregate notional amounts of $1,125.0 million and $1,125.0 million, respectively, designated as cash flow hedges. As of June 30, 2021, the Company's swaps had a weighted average remaining term of approximately 3.3 years. The fair value of these swaps are presented as interest rate swap liabilities in the Company's balance sheets, and the Company recognizes any changes in the fair value as an adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within equity. If the forward rates at June 30, 2021 remain constant, the Company estimates that during the next 12 months, the Company would reclassify into earnings approximately $20.2 million of the unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If market interest rates increase above the 1.92% weighted average fixed rate under these interest rate swaps, the Company will benefit from net cash payments due from its counterparties to the interest rate swaps.

There were no transfers between levels of the three-tier fair value measurement hierarchy during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. For financial assets and liabilities that utilize Level 2 inputs, the Company utilizes both direct and indirect observable price quotes, including LIBOR yield curves. The Company uses valuation techniques for Level 2 financial assets and liabilities which include LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date as well as assessing counterparty credit risk. Counterparties to these contracts are highly rated financial institutions. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with the Company's derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and the counterparties. As of June 30, 2021, the Company determined that the effect of credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Therefore, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are appropriately classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Disclosures

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities reflected in the balance sheets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these financial assets and liabilities. The carrying value of variable rate debt financing reflected in the balance sheets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 approximates fair value as the changes in their associated interest rates reflect the current market and credit risk is similar to when the loans were originally obtained.

The combined principal balance of the Company's fixed rate mortgages payable was approximately $218.0 million as of June 30, 2021 with a fair value of approximately $239.5 million (categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). In determining the fair value, the Company estimated a weighted average market interest rate of approximately 2.23%, compared to the weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.67%. The combined principal

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balance of the Company's fixed rate mortgages was approximately $223.6 million as of December 31, 2020 with a fair value of approximately $249.7 million. In determining the fair value as of December 31, 2020, the Company estimated a weighted average market interest rate of approximately 2.12%, compared to the weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.69%.

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Self Storage Property Acquisitions

Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the Company acquired seven self storage properties for approximately $68.6 million. Consideration for these acquisitions included approximately $57.1 million of net cash, the assumption of approximately $0.2 million of other working capital liabilities and OP equity of approximately $11.3 million (consisting of the issuance of 189,322 OP units and 10,870 subordinated performance units). Of these acquisitions, one self storage property for $11.7 million was acquired from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. Of the total consideration paid, the interest of Mr. Warren's children was approximately 9,290 OP Units with a value of $0.5 million.

Common Share Offering

On July 23, 2021, the Company closed a follow-on public offering of 10,120,000 of its common shares, which included 1,320,000 common shares sold upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional common shares, at a public offering price of $51.25 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds from the offering of approximately $497.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and additional expenses associated with the offering. The Company used the net proceeds for self storage property acquisitions, general corporate purposes and to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

ATM Program

Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the Company sold 782,000 of its common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $51.82 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $40.0 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds for self storage property acquisitions and to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

2026 and May 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes

On July 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes. See Note 8 for additional detail regarding the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes. The Company used the proceeds to repay outstanding amounts on its revolving line of credit and for general corporate purposes.

Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with a single lender for an $88.0 million debt financing secured by a first lien on eight of the Company's self storage properties. This interest-only loan matures in July 2028 and has a fixed interest rate of 2.77%. The Company used the net proceeds to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

Term Loan Commitment

The Company received commitments in July 2021 from a syndicated group of lenders to partially exercise the expansion option under its unsecured credit facility for a $100.0 million tranche E term loan facility (the "Term Loan E"). The Term Loan E is expected to close during the third quarter of 2021 and mature in early 2027. The credit facility's existing financial covenants are not expected to change as a result of the expansion. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the Term Loan E for self storage property acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

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ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

We make forward-looking statements in this report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When we use the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. One of the most significant factors is the ongoing and potential impact of the current outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, the self storage industry and the broader financial markets, which may have a significant negative impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Company is unable to predict whether the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will trigger a further economic slowdown or a recession and to what extent the Company will experience disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the remainder of 2021 or thereafter. In particular, it is difficult to fully assess the impact of COVID-19 at this time due to, among other factors, uncertainty regarding the severity and duration of the outbreak domestically and internationally, uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of federal, state and local governments' efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and respond to its direct and indirect impact on the U.S. economy and economic activity, including the timing of the successful distribution of an effective vaccine, the rate and level of persons receiving vaccinations and the efficacy of such vaccines. The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted, and is likely to continue to impact, directly or indirectly, many of the other important factors below and the risks described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC (the "Annual Report"), and the Company's subsequent filings under the Exchange Act.

Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking:

•market trends in our industry, interest rates, the debt and lending markets or the general economy;

•our business and investment strategy;

•the acquisition of properties, including those under contract, and the ability of our acquisitions to achieve underwritten capitalization rates and our ability to execute on our acquisition pipeline;

•the timing of acquisitions;

•the internalization of retiring PROs into the Company;

•our relationships with, and our ability and timing to attract additional, PROs;

•our ability to effectively align the interests of our PROs with us and our shareholders;

•the integration of our PROs and their managed portfolios into the Company, including into our financial and operational reporting infrastructure and internal control framework;

•our operating performance and projected operating results, including our ability to achieve market rents and occupancy levels, reduce operating expenditures and increase the sale of ancillary products and services;

•our ability to access additional off-market acquisitions;

•actions and initiatives of the U.S. federal, state and local government and changes to U.S. federal, state and local government policies and the execution and impact of these actions, initiatives and policies;

•the state of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions, states, territories or municipalities;

•economic trends and economic recoveries;

•our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on favorable terms;

•general volatility of the securities markets in which we participate;

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•the negative impacts from the continued spread of COVID-19 on the economy, the self storage industry, the broader financial markets, the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and the ability of the Company's tenants to pay rent;

•changes in the value of our assets;

•projected capital expenditures;

•the impact of technology on our products, operations, and business;

•the implementation of our technology and best practices programs (including our ability to effectively implement our integrated Internet marketing strategy);

•changes in interest rates and the degree to which our hedging strategies may or may not protect us from interest rate volatility;

•impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters;

•our ability to continue to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

•availability of qualified personnel;

•the timing of conversions of subordinated performance units in our operating partnership and subsidiaries of our operating partnership into OP units in our operating partnership, the conversion ratio in effect at such time and the impact of such convertibility on our diluted earnings (loss) per share;

•the risks of investing through joint ventures, including whether the anticipated benefits from a joint venture are realized or may take longer to realize than expected;

•estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our shareholders in the future; and

•our understanding of our competition.

The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. Readers should carefully review our financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the sections entitled "Business," "Risk Factors," "Properties," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," described in the Company's Annual Report, and the other documents we file from time to time with the SEC. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

National Storage Affiliates Trust is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust organized in the state of Maryland on May 16, 2013. We have elected and we believe that we have qualified to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015. We serve as the sole general partner of our operating partnership, a Delaware limited partnership formed on February 13, 2013 to conduct our business, which is focused on the ownership, operation, and acquisition of self storage properties located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States.

Our executive chairman of the board of trustees and former chief executive officer, Arlen D. Nordhagen, co-founded SecurCare Self Storage, Inc. in 1988 to invest in and manage self storage properties. While growing SecurCare to over 150 self storage properties, Mr. Nordhagen recognized a market opportunity for a differentiated public self storage REIT that would leverage the benefits of national scale by integrating multiple experienced regional self storage operators with local operational focus and expertise. We believe that his vision, which is the foundation of the Company, aligns the interests of our participating regional operators ("PROs"), with those of our

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public shareholders by allowing our PROs to participate alongside our shareholders in our financial performance and the performance of our PROs' managed portfolios. This structure offers our PROs a unique opportunity to serve as regional property managers for their managed portfolios and directly participate in the potential upside of those properties while simultaneously diversifying their investment to include a broader portfolio of self storage properties.

Our Structure

Our structure promotes operator accountability as subordinated performance units issued to our PROs in exchange for the contribution of their properties are entitled to distributions only after those properties satisfy minimum performance thresholds. In the event of a material reduction in operating cash flow, distributions on our subordinated performance units will be reduced before or disproportionately to distributions on our common shares held by our common shareholders. In addition, we expect our PROs will generally co-invest subordinated equity in the form of subordinated performance units in each acquisition that they source, and the value of these subordinated performance units will fluctuate with the performance of their managed portfolios. Therefore, our PROs are incentivized to select acquisitions that are expected to exceed minimum performance thresholds, thereby increasing the value of their subordinated equity stake. We expect that our shareholders will benefit from the higher levels of property performance that our PROs are incentivized to deliver.

Our Property Management Platform

Through our property management platform, we direct, manage and control the day-to-day operations and affairs of certain consolidated properties and our unconsolidated real estate ventures. As of June 30, 2021, our property management platform managed and controlled 293 of our consolidated properties and 177 of our unconsolidated real estate venture properties.

We earn certain customary fees for managing and operating the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures and we facilitate tenant insurance and/or tenant warranty protection programs for tenants at these properties in exchange for half of all proceeds from such programs.

Our PROs

The Company had ten PROs as of June 30, 2021: Northwest, Optivest, Guardian, Move It, Storage Solutions, Hide Away, Personal Mini, Southern, Moove In and Blue Sky. We seek to further expand our platform by continuing to recruit additional established self storage operators, while integrating our operations through the implementation of centralized initiatives, including management information systems, revenue enhancement, and cost optimization programs. Our national platform allows us to capture cost savings by eliminating redundancies and utilizing economies of scale across the property management platforms of our PROs while also providing greater access to lower-cost capital.

Our Consolidated Properties

We seek to own properties that are well located in high quality sub-markets with highly accessible street access and attractive supply and demand characteristics, providing our properties with strong and stable cash flows that are less sensitive to the fluctuations of the general economy. Many of these markets have multiple barriers to entry against increased supply, including zoning restrictions against new construction and new construction costs that we believe are higher than our properties' fair market value. We have an attractive, high quality potential acquisition pipeline that we expect will continue to drive our future growth.

As of June 30, 2021, we owned a geographically diversified portfolio of 687 self storage properties, located in 33 states and Puerto Rico, comprising approximately 42.5 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 334,000 storage units. Of these properties, 283 were acquired by us from our PROs, 403 were acquired from third-party sellers and one was acquired from the 2016 Joint Venture.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we acquired 43 self storage properties for $435.4 million, comprising approximately 3.2 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 25,000 storage units. Of these acquisitions, seven were acquired from our PROs and 36 were acquired from third-party sellers.

Our Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

We seek to opportunistically partner with institutional funds and other institutional investors to acquire attractive portfolios utilizing a promoted return structure. We believe there is significant opportunity for continued

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external growth by partnering with institutional investors seeking to deploy capital in the self storage industry. In addition, we consider the 75% third-party interest in the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures, which currently own 177 properties, to present a potential acquisition opportunity. This 75% third-party share of gross real estate assets is approximately $1.5 billion based on the historical book value of the joint ventures. Were we to pursue an acquisition of these interests, it could potentially drive our future growth.

2018 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, our 2018 Joint Venture, in which we have a 25% interest, owned and operated a portfolio of 103 properties containing approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 64,000 storage units and located across 17 states.

2016 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, our 2016 Joint Venture, in which we have a 25% ownership interest, owned and operated a portfolio of 74 properties containing approximately 4.9 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 40,000 storage units and located across 13 states.

COVID-19

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business. The outbreak of COVID-19 in many countries, including the United States, has adversely impacted economic activity. As cases of COVID-19 have increased, most states and municipalities have reacted by instituting, extending or reinstating quarantines, mandating business and school closures, requiring restrictions on travel, "shelter-in-place" and/or "stay-at-home" orders, and imposing restrictions on the types of businesses that may continue to operate. These containment measures generally do not apply to businesses, like ours, which are designated as "essential," but may apply to certain of our tenants, employees, vendors, lenders and joint venture partners.

As of the date of this report, our stores continue to operate and we are in compliance with federal, state and local COVID-19 guidelines and mandates. In response to the pandemic, we have continued to maintain increased levels and frequency of cleaning and sanitation of our self storage facilities and the recommended social distancing guidelines. Many of our stores feature online rental capabilities whereby a customer can complete the entire rental process online and receive an access code to the storage facility. For the remainder of our stores that do not yet benefit from the online rental feature, the combination of call center and email communication eliminates the need for any physical contact between customers and employees.

Due to the pandemic, we experienced a slowdown in overall business activity during the second quarter of 2020. However, we observed sustained improvement in our property operating results during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 and continuing through the second quarter of 2021.

Results of Operations

When reviewing our results of operations it is important to consider the timing of acquisition activity. We acquired 43 self storage properties during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 77 self storage properties during the year ended December 31, 2020. As a result of these and other factors, we do not believe that our historical results of operations discussed and analyzed below are comparable or necessarily indicative of our future results of operations or cash flows.

To help analyze the operating performance of our self storage properties, we also discuss and analyze operating results relating to our same store portfolio. Our same store portfolio is defined as those properties owned and operated on a stabilized basis since the first day of the earliest year presented. We consider a property to be stabilized once it has achieved an occupancy rate that is representative of similar properties in the applicable market. We exclude any properties sold, expected to be sold or subject to significant changes such as expansions or casualty events which cause the portfolio's year-over-year operating results to no longer be comparable. As of June 30, 2021, our same store portfolio consisted of 560 consolidated self storage properties.

The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1. Certain figures, such as interest rates and other percentages, included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this section have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this section may vary slightly from

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those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our condensed consolidated financial statements or in the associated text. Certain other amounts that appear in this section may similarly not sum due to rounding.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

Net income was $35.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $17.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $17.9 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net operating income ("NOI") generated from 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and same store NOI growth, partially offset by increases in depreciation and amortization. For a description of NOI, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures – NOI".

The following table illustrates the changes in rental revenue, other property-related revenue, management fees and other revenue, property operating expenses, and other expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		Change
Rental revenue
Same store portfolio	$	103,470	$	89,174	$	14,296
Non-same store portfolio	23,840		6,128		17,712
Total rental revenue	127,310		95,302		32,008
Other property-related revenue
Same store portfolio	3,912		3,153		759
Non-same store portfolio	917		265		652
Total other property-related revenue	4,829		3,418		1,411
Property operating expenses
Same store portfolio	28,859		27,676		1,183
Non-same store portfolio	7,795		2,581		5,214
Total property operating expenses	36,654		30,257		6,397
Net operating income
Same store portfolio	78,523		64,651		13,872
Non-same store portfolio	16,962		3,812		13,150
Total net operating income	95,485		68,463		27,022
Management fees and other revenue	6,107		5,697		410
General and administrative expenses	(12,450)		(10,329)		(2,121)
Depreciation and amortization	(36,051)		(29,309)		(6,742)
Other	(310)		(462)		152
Other (expense) income
Interest expense	(17,339)		(15,513)		(1,826)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures	1,174		52		1,122
Acquisition costs	(118)		(252)		134
Non-operating expense	(148)		(317)		169
Other expense	(16,431)		(16,030)		(401)
Income before income taxes	36,350		18,030		18,320
Income tax expense	(675)		(243)		(432)
Net income	35,675		17,787		17,888
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		408
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		18,296

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	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		Change
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(2)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	25,442	$	7,148	$	18,294

Total Revenue

Our total revenue increased by $33.8 million, or 32.4%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to incremental revenue from 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and an increase in total portfolio average occupancy from 87.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to 94.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Average occupancy is calculated based on the average of the month-end occupancy immediately preceding the period presented and the month-end occupancies included in the respective period presented.

Rental Revenue

Rental revenue increased by $32.0 million, or 33.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in rental revenue was due to a $17.7 million increase in non-same store rental revenue which was primarily attributable to incremental rental revenue of $10.4 million from 60 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and $5.2 million from 20 self storage properties acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2021. Same store portfolio rental revenues increased $14.3 million, or 16.0%, due to an increase in average occupancy from 87.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to 95.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and a 6.8% increase, from $11.97 to $12.78, in annualized same store rental revenue (including fees and net of any discounts and uncollectible customer amounts) divided by average occupied square feet ("average annualized rental revenue per occupied square foot"), driven primarily by increased contractual lease rates for in-place tenants.

Other Property-Related Revenue

Other property-related revenue represents ancillary income from our self storage properties, such as tenant insurance-related access fees and sales of storage supplies. Other property-related revenue increased by $1.4 million, or 41.3%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. This increase primarily resulted from a $0.8 million increase in same store other property-related revenue and a $0.7 million increase in non-same store other property-related revenue which was primarily attributable to incremental other property-related revenue of $0.4 million from 60 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and $0.2 million from 20 self storage properties acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

Management Fees and Other Revenue

Management fees and other revenue, which are primarily related to managing and operating the unconsolidated real estate ventures, were $6.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $5.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $0.4 million. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in tenant insurance fees and dividends.

Property Operating Expenses

Property operating expenses were $36.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $30.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $6.4 million, or 21.1%. The increase in property operating expenses primarily resulted from a $5.2 million increase in non-same store property operating expenses that was primarily attributable to incremental property operating expenses of $3.8 million from 60 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and $1.2 million from 20 self storage properties acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2021. Same store portfolio operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 4.3%, due to increases in personnel expense, property taxes and repairs and maintenance expense offset by decreases in marketing expense.

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $2.1 million, or 20.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was attributable to increases in supervisory and administrative fees charged by our PROs and personnel costs.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $6.7 million, or 23.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to incremental depreciation expense related to the 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, and an increase in amortization of customer in-place leases from $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $1.8 million, or 11.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to additional borrowings in October 2020 consisting of the issuance of $150.0 million of 2.99% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2030 and $100.0 million of 3.09% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2032.

Equity In Earnings Of Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures represents our share of earnings and losses incurred through our 25% ownership interests in the 2018 Joint Venture and the 2016 Joint Venture. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recorded $1.2 million of equity in earnings from our unconsolidated real estate ventures compared to $0.1 million of earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

As discussed in Note 2 in Item 1, we allocate GAAP income (loss) utilizing the HLBV method, in which we allocate income or loss based on the change in each unitholders' claim on the net assets of our operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period.

Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $7.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Net income was $63.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $33.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $29.7 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in NOI generated from 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and same store NOI growth, partially offset by increases in depreciation and amortization.

The following table illustrates the changes in rental revenue, other property-related revenue, management fees and other revenue, property operating expenses, and other expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 (dollars in thousands):

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		Change
Rental revenue
Same store portfolio	$	201,374	$	179,854	$	21,520
Non-same store portfolio	39,063		10,850		28,213
Total rental revenue	240,437		190,704		49,733
Other property-related revenue
Same store portfolio	7,525		6,347		1,178
Non-same store portfolio	1,441		442		999
Total other property-related revenue	8,966		6,789		2,177

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	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		Change
Property operating expenses
Same store portfolio	57,692		56,337		1,355
Non-same store portfolio	13,566		4,512		9,054
Total property operating expenses	71,258		60,849		10,409
Net operating income
Same store portfolio	151,207		129,864		21,343
Non-same store portfolio	26,938		6,780		20,158
Total net operating income	178,145		136,644		41,501
Management fees and other revenue	11,835		11,146		689
General and administrative expenses	(23,688)		(21,423)		(2,265)
Depreciation and amortization	(68,475)		(58,414)		(10,061)
Other	(707)		(851)		144
Other (expense) income
Interest expense	(34,131)		(31,141)		(2,990)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated real estate ventures	1,933		(288)		2,221
Acquisition costs	(410)		(1,085)		675
Non-operating expense	(321)		(509)		188
Other expense	(32,929)		(33,023)		94
Income before income taxes	64,181		34,079		30,102
Income tax expense	(871)		(529)		(342)
Net income	63,310		33,550		29,760
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13,754)		(16,480)		2,726
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	49,556		17,070		32,486
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(6,551)		(6,547)		(4)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	43,005	$	10,523	$	32,482

Total Revenue

Our total revenue increased by $52.6 million, or 25.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to incremental revenue from 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and an increase in total portfolio average occupancy from 87.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to 93.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Rental Revenue

Rental revenue increased by $49.7 million, or 26.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in rental revenue was due to a $28.2 million increase in non-same store rental revenue which was primarily attributable to incremental rental revenue of $12.8 million from 37 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and $10.4 million from 43 self storage properties acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Same store portfolio rental revenues increased $21.5 million, or 12.0%, due to an increase in average occupancy from 87.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to 94.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and a 4.1% increase, from $12.12 to $12.62, in average annualized rental revenue per occupied square foot, driven primarily by increased contractual lease rates for in-place tenants.

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Other Property-Related Revenue

Other property-related revenue represents ancillary income from our self storage properties, such as tenant insurance-related access fees and sales of storage supplies. Other property-related revenue increased by $2.2 million, or 32.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase primarily resulted from a $1.2 million increase in same store other property-related revenue and a $1.0 million increase in non-same store other property-related revenue which was primarily attributable to incremental other property-related revenue of $0.4 million from 37 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and $0.3 million from 43 self storage properties acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Management Fees and Other Revenue

Management fees and other revenue, which are primarily related to managing and operating the unconsolidated real estate ventures, were $11.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $11.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $0.7 million. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in tenant insurance fees and dividends.

Property Operating Expenses

Property operating expenses were $71.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $60.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $10.4 million, or 17.1%. The increase in property operating expenses primarily resulted from a $9.1 million increase in non-same store property operating expenses that was primarily attributable to incremental property operating expenses of $4.7 million from 37 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and $3.2 million from 43 self storage properties acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Same store portfolio operating expenses increased $1.4 million, or 2.4%, due to increases in personnel expense, property taxes and repairs and maintenance expense offset by decreases in marketing expense.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $2.3 million, or 10.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was attributable to increases in equity based compensation expense and personnel costs.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $10.1 million, or 17.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to incremental depreciation expense related to the 80 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, and an increase in amortization of customer in-place leases from $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to $6.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $3.0 million, or 9.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to higher outstanding borrowings including additional borrowings in October 2020 consisting of the issuance of $150.0 million of 2.99% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2030 and $100.0 million of 3.09% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2032.

Equity In Earnings (Losses) Of Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated real estate ventures represents our share of earnings and losses incurred through our 25% ownership interests in the 2018 Joint Venture and the 2016 Joint Venture. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we recorded $1.9 million of equity in earnings from our unconsolidated real estate ventures compared to $0.3 million of losses for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

As discussed in Note 2 in Item 1, we allocate GAAP income (loss) utilizing the HLBV method, in which we allocate income or loss based on the change in each unitholders' claim on the net assets of our operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period.

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Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $13.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $16.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

FFO and Core FFO

Funds from operations, or FFO, is a widely used performance measure for real estate companies and is provided here as a supplemental measure of our operating performance. The December 2018 Nareit Funds From Operations White Paper - 2018 Restatement, which we refer to as the White Paper, defines FFO as net income (as determined under GAAP), excluding: real estate depreciation and amortization, gains and losses from the sale of certain real estate assets, gains and losses from change in control, mark-to-market changes in value recognized on equity securities, impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and impairment of investments in entities when it is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity and after items to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis. Distributions declared on subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance units represent our allocation of FFO to noncontrolling interests held by subordinated performance unitholders and DownREIT subordinated performance unitholders. For purposes of calculating FFO attributable to common shareholders, OP unitholders, and LTIP unitholders, we exclude distributions declared on subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units, preferred shares and preferred units. We define Core FFO as FFO, as further adjusted to eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance. These further adjustments consist of acquisition costs, organizational and offering costs, gains on debt forgiveness, gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.

Management uses FFO and Core FFO as key performance indicators in evaluating the operations of our properties. Given the nature of our business as a real estate owner and operator, we consider FFO and Core FFO as key supplemental measures of our operating performance that are not specifically defined by GAAP. We believe that FFO and Core FFO are useful to management and investors as a starting point in measuring our operational performance because FFO and Core FFO exclude various items included in net income (loss) that do not relate to or are not indicative of our operating performance such as gains (or losses) from sales of self storage properties and depreciation, which can make periodic and peer analyses of operating performance more difficult. Our computation of FFO and Core FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies.

FFO and Core FFO should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues, operating income and net income (loss). FFO and Core FFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and are not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO and Core FFO should be compared with our reported net income (loss) and considered in addition to cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to FFO and Core FFO for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share and unit amounts):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Add (subtract):
Real estate depreciation and amortization	35,698		28,955		67,768		57,719
Company's share of unconsolidated real estate venture real estate depreciation and amortization	3,840		3,811		7,721		7,598
Mark-to-market changes in value on equity securities	—		—		—		142
Distributions to preferred shareholders and unitholders	(3,517)		(3,514)		(7,034)		(7,028)
FFO attributable to subordinated performance unitholders(1)	(12,093)		(6,030)		(21,255)		(14,694)
FFO attributable to common shareholders, OP unitholders, and LTIP unitholders	59,603		41,009		110,510		77,287
Add:
Acquisition costs	118		252		410		1,085
Core FFO attributable to common shareholders, OP unitholders, and LTIP unitholders	$	59,721	$	41,261	$	110,920	$	78,372
Weighted average shares and units outstanding - FFO and Core FFO:(2)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	76,712		68,210		74,267		64,004
Weighted average restricted common shares outstanding	33		34		29		29
Weighted average effect of forward offering agreement(3)	—		—		199		—
Weighted average OP units outstanding	29,963		29,720		29,858		30,215
Weighted average DownREIT OP unit equivalents outstanding	1,925		1,925		1,925		1,887
Weighted average LTIP units outstanding	536		534		561		576
Total weighted average shares and units outstanding - FFO and Core FFO	109,169		100,423		106,839		96,711
FFO per share and unit	$	0.55	$	0.41	$	1.03	$	0.80
Core FFO per share and unit	$	0.55	$	0.41	$	1.04	$	0.81

(1) Amounts represent distributions declared for subordinated performance unitholders and DownREIT subordinated performance unitholders for the periods presented.

(2) NSA combines OP units and DownREIT OP units with common shares because, after the applicable lock-out periods, OP units in the Company's operating partnership are redeemable for cash or, at NSA's option, exchangeable for common shares on a one-for-one basis and DownREIT OP units are also redeemable for cash or, at NSA's option, exchangeable for OP units in our operating partnership on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments in each case. Subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units, and LTIP units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into or exchangeable for common shares (or other units that are convertible into or exchangeable for common shares). See footnote(1) in the following table for additional discussion of subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units, and LTIP units in the calculation of FFO and Core FFO per share and unit.

(3) Represents the dilutive effect of the forward offering from the application of the treasury stock method.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of earnings (loss) per share - diluted to FFO and Core FFO per share and unit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.25	$	0.10	$	0.44	$	0.16
Impact of the difference in weighted average number of shares(1)	0.04		(0.03)		0.09		(0.06)
Impact of GAAP accounting for noncontrolling interests, two-class method and treasury stock method(2)	—		0.07		—		0.17
Add real estate depreciation and amortization	0.33		0.29		0.63		0.60
Add Company's share of unconsolidated venture real estate depreciation and amortization	0.04		0.04		0.07		0.08
FFO attributable to subordinated performance unitholders	(0.11)		(0.06)		(0.20)		(0.15)
FFO per share and unit	0.55		0.41		1.03		0.80
Add acquisition costs	—		—		0.01		0.01
Core FFO per share and unit	$	0.55	$	0.41	$	1.04	$	0.81

(1) Adjustment accounts for the difference between the weighted average number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share and the weighted average number of shares used to calculate FFO and Core FFO per share and unit. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method for the company's restricted common shares and the treasury stock method for certain unvested LTIP units, and assumes the conversion of vested LTIP units into OP units on a one-for-one basis and the hypothetical conversion of subordinated performance units, and DownREIT subordinated performance units into OP units, even though such units may only be convertible into OP units (i) after a lock-out period and (ii) upon certain events or conditions. For additional information about the conversion of subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units and LTIP units into OP units, see Note 9 in Item 1. The computation of weighted average shares and units for FFO and Core FFO per share and unit includes all restricted common shares and LTIP units that participate in distributions and excludes all subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance units because their effect has been accounted for through the allocation of FFO to the related unitholders based on distributions declared.

(2) Represents the effect of adjusting the numerator to consolidated net income (loss) prior to GAAP allocations for noncontrolling interests, after deducting preferred share and unit distributions, and before the application of the two-class method and treasury stock method, as described in footnote(1).

NOI

Net operating income, or NOI, represents rental revenue plus other property-related revenue less property operating expenses. NOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP.

We believe NOI is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because:

•NOI is one of the primary measures used by our management and our PROs to evaluate the economic productivity of our properties, including our ability to lease our properties, increase pricing and occupancy and control our property operating expenses;

•NOI is widely used in the real estate industry and the self storage industry to measure the performance and value of real estate assets without regard to various items included in net income that do not relate to or are not indicative of operating performance, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods, the book value of assets, and the impact of our capital structure; and

•We believe NOI helps our investors to meaningfully compare the results of our operating performance from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest expense on our outstanding indebtedness) and depreciation of the cost basis of our assets from our operating results.

There are material limitations to using a non-GAAP measure such as NOI, including the difficulty associated with comparing results among more than one company and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, that directly affect our net income (loss). We compensate for these

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limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with our analysis of net income (loss). NOI should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues and net income (loss).

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to NOI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
(Subtract) Add:
Management fees and other revenue	(6,107)		(5,697)		(11,835)		(11,146)
General and administrative expenses	12,450		10,329		23,688		21,423
Other	310		462		707		851
Depreciation and amortization	36,051		29,309		68,475		58,414
Interest expense	17,339		15,513		34,131		31,141
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated real estate ventures	(1,174)		(52)		(1,933)		288
Acquisition costs	118		252		410		1,085
Income tax expense	675		243		871		529
Non-operating expense	148		317		321		509
Net Operating Income	$	95,485	$	68,463	$	178,145	$	136,644

Our consolidated NOI shown in the table above does not include our proportionate share of NOI for our unconsolidated real estate ventures. For additional information about our 2018 Joint Venture and 2016 Joint Venture see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

We define EBITDA as net income (loss), as determined under GAAP, plus interest expense, loss on early extinguishment of debt, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense and the Company's share of unconsolidated real estate venture depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus acquisition costs, organizational and offering expenses, equity-based compensation expense, losses on sale of properties and impairment of long-lived assets, minus gains on sale of properties and debt forgiveness, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. These further adjustments eliminate the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance. In evaluating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we believe they assist investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:

•EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures, contractual commitments or working capital needs;

•EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts;

•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

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•Adjusted EBITDA excludes equity-based compensation expense, which is and will remain a key element of our overall long-term incentive compensation package, although we exclude it as an expense when evaluating our ongoing operating performance for a particular period;

•EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; and

•other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

We compensate for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with our analysis of net income (loss). EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues and net income (loss).

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Add:
Depreciation and amortization	36,051		29,309		68,475		58,414
Company's share of unconsolidated real estate venture depreciation and amortization	3,840		3,811		7,721		7,598
Interest expense	17,339		15,513		34,131		31,141
Income tax expense	675		243		871		529
EBITDA	93,580		66,663		174,508		131,232
Add:
Acquisition costs	118		252		410		1,085
Equity-based compensation expense	1,348		1,151		2,634		1,925
Adjusted EBITDA	$	95,046	$	68,066	$	177,552	$	134,242

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Overview

Liquidity is the ability to meet present and future financial obligations. Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from our operations. Additional sources are proceeds from equity and debt offerings, and debt financings including borrowings under the credit facility, 2023 Term Loan Facility, 2028 Term Loan Facility and 2029 Term Loan Facility.

Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of property operating expenses, property acquisitions, capital expenditures, general and administrative expenses and principal and interest on our outstanding indebtedness. A further short-term liquidity requirement relates to distributions to our common and preferred shareholders and holders of preferred units, OP units, LTIP units, subordinated performance units, DownREIT OP units and DownREIT subordinated performance units. We expect to fund short-term liquidity requirements from our operating cash flow, cash on hand and borrowings under our credit facility.

Our long-term liquidity needs consist primarily of the repayment of debt, property acquisitions, and capital expenditures. We acquire properties through the use of cash, preferred units, OP units and subordinated performance units in our operating partnership or DownREIT partnerships. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements with operating cash flow, cash on hand, secured and unsecured indebtedness, and the issuance of equity and debt securities.

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The availability of credit and its related effect on the overall economy may affect our liquidity and future financing activities, both through changes in interest rates and access to financing. Currently, interest rates are low compared to historical levels. Our ability to access capital on favorable terms as well as to use cash from operations to continue to meet our liquidity needs, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, could be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that, as a publicly-traded REIT, we will have access to multiple sources of capital to fund our long-term liquidity requirements, including the incurrence of additional debt and the issuance of debt and additional equity securities. However, we cannot assure you that this will be the case.

Cash Flows

At June 30, 2021, we had $22.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $3.6 million of restricted cash, an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 million and an increase in restricted cash of $0.6 million from December 31, 2020. Restricted cash primarily consists of escrowed funds deposited with financial institutions for real estate taxes, insurance, and other reserves for capital improvements in accordance with our loan agreements. The following discussion relates to changes in cash due to operating, investing, and financing activities, which are presented in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows included in Item 1 of this report.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by our operating activities was $144.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $105.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $38.6 million. Our operating cash flow increased primarily due to the 37 self storage properties acquired between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 that generated cash flow for the entire six months ended June 30, 2021, an additional 43 self storage properties acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and same store NOI growth. Because 80 self storage properties were acquired after June 30, 2020, our operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were not impacted by them. The increase in our operating cash flows was partially offset by higher cash payments for interest expense.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $398.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $243.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The primary uses of cash for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were for our acquisition of 43 self storage properties for cash consideration of $383.7 million, capital expenditures of $13.2 million, and deposits for potential acquisitions of $1.1 million. The primary uses of cash for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were for our acquisition of 40 self storage properties for cash consideration of $239.1 million, capital expenditures of $8.6 million, investments in our 2016 Joint Venture of $3.1 million, expenditures for corporate furniture, equipment and other of $0.3 million and deposits for potential acquisitions of $0.3 million partially offset by $7.6 million of proceeds from the sale of equity securities.

Capital expenditures totaled $13.2 million and $8.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We generally fund post-acquisition capital additions from cash provided by operating activities.

We categorize our capital expenditures broadly into three primary categories:

•recurring capital expenditures, which represent the portion of capital expenditures that are deemed to replace the consumed portion of acquired capital assets and extend their useful life;

•value enhancing capital expenditures, which represent the portion of capital expenditures that are made to enhance the revenue and value of an asset from its original purchase condition; and

•acquisitions capital expenditures, which represent the portion of capital expenditures capitalized during the current period that were identified and underwritten prior to a property's acquisition.

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A summary of the capital expenditures for these categories, along with a reconciliation of the total for these categories to the capital expenditures reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, are presented below (dollars in thousands):

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Recurring capital expenditures	$	4,359	$	3,438
Value enhancing capital expenditures	4,880		2,037
Acquisitions capital expenditures	4,051		3,600
Total capital expenditures	13,290		9,075
Change in accrued capital spending	(103)		(492)
Capital expenditures per statement of cash flows	$	13,187	$	8,583

Financing Activities

Cash provided by our financing activities was $258.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $136.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Our sources of financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 primarily consisted of $491.0 million of borrowings under our Revolver, the $55.0 million 2033 Notes and $226.1 million of proceeds from the issuance of common shares. Our primary uses of financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were for principal payments on existing debt of $405.1 million (which included $399.5 million of principal repayments under the Revolver, a $3.5 million payoff of a fixed rate mortgage and $2.1 million of fixed rate mortgage principal payments), distributions to noncontrolling interests of $45.3 million, payments of dividends to common shareholders of $54.4 million and distributions to preferred shareholders of $6.6 million. Our sources of financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily consisted of $311.0 million of borrowings under our Revolver and $16.2 million of proceeds from the issuance of common shares. Our primary uses of financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were for principal payments on existing debt of $103.9 million (which included $100.0 million of principal repayments under the Revolver and $3.9 million of fixed rate mortgage principal payments), distributions to noncontrolling interests of $36.4 million, payments of dividends to common shareholders of $42.4 million and distributions to preferred shareholders of $6.5 million.

Credit Facility and Term Loan Facilities

As of June 30, 2021, our credit facility provided for total borrowings of $1.275 billion, consisting of five components: (i) a Revolver which provides for a total borrowing commitment up to $500.0 million, whereby we may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts under the Revolver, (ii) a $125.0 million Term Loan A, (iii) a $250.0 million Term Loan B, (iv) a $225.0 million Term Loan C and (v) a $175.0 million Term Loan D. The Revolver matures in January 2024; provided that we may elect to extend the maturity to July 2024 by paying an extension fee of 0.075% of the total borrowing commitment thereunder at the time of extension and meeting other customary conditions with respect to compliance. The Term Loan A matures in January 2023, the Term Loan B matures in July 2024, the Term Loan C matures in January 2025 and the Term Loan D matures in July 2026. The Revolver, Term Loan A, Term Loan B, Term Loan C and Term Loan D are not subject to any scheduled reduction or amortization payments prior to maturity. As of June 30, 2021, we have an expansion option under the credit facility, which, if exercised in full, would provide for a total credit facility of $1.750 billion. As of June 30, 2021, we would have had the capacity to borrow remaining Revolver commitments of $228.8 million while remaining in compliance with the credit facility's financial covenants.

As discussed in Note 13 in Item 1, in July 2021, we received commitments from a syndicated group of lenders to partially exercise the expansion option under our unsecured credit facility for a $100.0 million Term Loan E.

We have a 2023 Term Loan Facility that matures in June 2023 and is separate from the credit facility in an aggregate amount of $175.0 million. As of June 30, 2021 the entire amount was outstanding under the 2023 Term Loan Facility with an effective interest rate of 2.83%. We have an expansion option under the 2023 Term Loan Facility, which, if exercised in full, would provide for total borrowings in an aggregate amount of $400.0 million.

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We have a 2028 Term Loan Facility that matures in December 2028 and is separate from the credit facility and 2023 Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount of $75.0 million. As of June 30, 2021 the entire amount was outstanding under the 2028 Term Loan Facility with an effective interest rate of 4.62%. We have an expansion option under the 2028 Term Loan Facility, which, if exercised in full, would provide for total borrowings in an aggregate amount up to $125.0 million.

We have a 2029 Term Loan Facility that matures in April 2029 and is separate from the credit facility, 2023 Term Loan Facility and 2028 Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount of $100.0 million. As of June 30, 2021 the entire amount was outstanding under the 2029 Term Loan Facility with an effective interest rate of 4.27%.

2029 and August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes

On August 30, 2019, our operating partnership issued $100.0 million of 3.98% senior unsecured notes due August 30, 2029 and $50.0 million of 4.08% senior unsecured notes due August 30, 2031 in a private placement to certain institutional investors.

2030 and 2032 Senior Unsecured Notes

On October 22, 2020, our operating partnership issued $150.0 million of 2.99% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2030 and $100.0 million of 3.09% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2032 in a private placement to certain institutional investors.

2026, May 2031 and 2033 Senior Unsecured Notes

As discussed in Note 8 in Item 1, on May 3, 2021, our operating partnership entered into an agreement to issue the 2026 Notes, the May 2031 Notes and the 2033 Notes to certain institutional investors. On May 26, 2021, the operating partnership issued the 2033 Notes and as discussed in Note 13 on July 26, 2021 our operating partnership issued the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes.

Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable

On July 9, 2021, we entered into an agreement with a single lender for an $88.0 million debt financing secured by eight of our self storage properties. This interest-only loan matures in July 2028 and has a fixed interest rate of 2.77%.

Equity Transactions

Issuance of Common Shares

As discussed in Note 13 in Item 1, on July 23, 2021, we closed a follow-on public offering of 10,120,000 of common shares, which included 1,320,000 common shares sold upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional common shares, at a public offering price of $51.25 per share. We received aggregate net proceeds from the offering of approximately $497.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and additional expenses associated with the offering.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we sold 3,032,726 of our common shares through at the market offerings. The common shares were sold at an average offering price of $42.92 per share, resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately $129.1 million after deducting compensation payable by us to the agents and offering expenses. As discussed in Note 13 in Item 1, subsequent to June 30, 2021, we sold 782,000 common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $51.82 per share, resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately $40.0 million, after deducting compensation payable by us to the agents and offering expenses.

During September 2020, we completed an underwritten public offering of 4,500,000 common shares under forward sale agreements at a public offering price of $33.15 per share. The underwriters were granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 675,000 common shares at the same price, which they partially exercised for an additional 400,000 common shares on October 6, 2020. On December 30, 2020, the Company settled a portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 1,850,510 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $60.0 million. On March 22, 2021 the Company settled the remaining portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 3,049,490 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $97.3 million.

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During the six months ended June 30, 2021, after receiving notices of redemption from certain OP unitholders, we elected to issue 312,171 common shares to such holders in exchange for 312,171 OP units in satisfaction of the operating partnership's redemption obligations.

Issuance of OP Equity

In connection with the 43 properties acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2021, we issued $47.0 million of OP equity (consisting of 559,463 OP units and 512,763 subordinated performance units).

As discussed in Note 3 in Item 1, during the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company issued 63,033 OP units issued upon the conversion of 32,741 subordinated performance units and 142,405 OP units upon the conversion of an equivalent number of LTIP units.

Dividends and Distributions

On May 27, 2021, our board of trustees declared a cash dividend and distribution, respectively, of $0.38 per common share and OP unit to shareholders and OP unitholders of record as of June 15, 2021. On May 27, 2021, our board of trustees also declared cash distributions of $0.375 per Series A Preferred Share and Series A-1 preferred unit to shareholders and unitholders of record as of June 15, 2021. On June 14, 2021, our board of trustees declared cash distributions of $12.1 million, in aggregate, to subordinated performance unitholders of record as of June 15, 2021. Such dividends and distributions were paid on June 30, 2021.

Cash Distributions from our Operating Partnership

Under the LP Agreement of our operating partnership, to the extent that we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, determine to make distributions to the partners of our operating partnership out of the operating cash flow or capital transaction proceeds generated by a real property portfolio managed by one of our PROs, the holders of the series of subordinated performance units that relate to such portfolio are entitled to share in such distributions. Under the LP Agreement of our operating partnership, operating cash flow with respect to a portfolio of properties managed by one of our PROs is generally an amount determined by us, as general partner of our operating partnership, equal to the excess of property revenues over property related expenses from that portfolio. In general, property revenue from the portfolio includes:

(i)all receipts, including rents and other operating revenues;

(ii)any incentive, financing, break-up and other fees paid to us by third parties;

(iii)amounts released from previously set aside reserves; and

(iv)any other amounts received by us, which we allocate to the particular portfolio of properties.

In general, property-related expenses include all direct expenses related to the operation of the properties in that portfolio, including real property taxes, insurance, property-level general and administrative expenses, employee costs, utilities, property marketing expense, property maintenance and property reserves and other expenses incurred at the property level. In addition, other expenses incurred by our operating partnership will also be allocated by us, as general partner, to the property portfolio and will be included in the property-related expenses of that portfolio. Examples of such other expenses include:

(i)corporate-level general and administrative expenses;

(ii)out-of-pocket costs, expenses and fees of our operating partnership, whether or not capitalized;

(iii)the costs and expenses of organizing and operating our operating partnership;

(iv)amounts paid or due in respect of any loan or other indebtedness of our operating partnership during such period;

(v)extraordinary expenses of our operating partnership not previously or otherwise deducted under item (ii) above;

(vi)any third-party costs and expenses associated with identifying, analyzing, and presenting a proposed property to us and/or our operating partnership; and

(vii)reserves to meet anticipated operating expenditures, debt service or other liabilities, as determined by us.

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To the extent that we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, determine to make distributions to the partners of our operating partnership out of the operating cash flow of a real property portfolio managed by one of our PROs, operating cash flow from a property portfolio is required to be allocated to OP unitholders and to the holders of series of subordinated performance units that relate to such property portfolio as follows:

First, an amount is allocated to OP unitholders in order to provide OP unitholders (together with any prior allocations of capital transaction proceeds) with a cumulative preferred allocation on the unreturned capital contributions attributed to the OP units in respect of such property portfolio. The preferred allocation for all of our existing portfolios is 6%. As of June 30, 2021, our operating partnership had an aggregate of $2,101.6 million of unreturned capital contributions with respect to common shareholders and OP unitholders, with respect to the various property portfolios.

Second, an amount is allocated to the holders of the series of subordinated performance units relating to such property portfolio in order to provide such holders with an allocation (together with prior distributions of capital transaction proceeds) on their unreturned capital contributions. Although the subordinated allocation for the subordinated performance units is non-cumulative from period to period, if the operating cash flow from a property portfolio related to a series of subordinated performance units is sufficient, in the judgment of the general partner (with the approval of a majority of our independent trustees), to fund distributions to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units, but we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, decline to make distributions to such holders, the amount available but not paid as distributions will be added to the subordinated allocation corresponding to such series of subordinated performance units. The subordinated allocation for the outstanding subordinated performance units is 6%. As of June 30, 2021, an aggregate of $151.5 million of unreturned capital contributions has been allocated to the various series of subordinated performance units.

Thereafter, any additional operating cash flow is allocated to OP unitholders and the applicable series of subordinated performance units equally.

Following the allocation described above, we as the general partner of our operating partnership, will generally cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to the relevant series of subordinated performance units to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units. We, as the general partner, may cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to OP unitholders or may cause our operating partnership to retain such amounts to be used by our operating partnership for any purpose. Any operating cash flow that is attributable to amounts retained by our operating partnership pursuant to the preceding sentence will generally be available to be allocated as an additional capital contribution to the various property portfolios.

The foregoing description of the allocation of operating cash flow between the OP unitholders and subordinated performance unitholders is used for purposes of determining distributions to holders of subordinated performance units but does not necessarily represent the operating cash flow that will be distributed to OP unitholders (or paid as dividends to holders of our common shares). Any distribution of operating cash flow allocated to the OP unitholders will be made at our discretion (and paid as dividends to holders of our common shares at the discretion of our board of trustees).

Under the LP Agreement of our operating partnership, capital transactions are transactions that are outside the ordinary course of our operating partnership's business, involve the sale, exchange, other disposition, or refinancing of any property, and are designated as capital transactions by us, as the general partner. To the extent the general partner determines to distribute capital transaction proceeds, the proceeds from capital transactions involving a particular property portfolio are required to be allocated to OP unitholders and to the series of subordinated performance units that relate to such property portfolio as follows:

First, an amount determined by us, as the general partner, of such capital transaction proceeds is allocated to OP unitholders in order to provide OP unitholders (together with any prior allocations of operating cash flow) with a cumulative preferred allocation on the unreturned capital contributions attributed to the OP unitholders in respect of such property portfolio that relate to such capital transaction plus an additional amount equal to such unreturned capital contributions.

Second, an amount determined by us, as the general partner, is allocated to the holders of the series of subordinated performance units relating to such property portfolio in order to provide such holders with a non-cumulative subordinated allocation on the unreturned capital contributions made by such holders in respect of such property portfolio that relate to such capital transaction plus an additional amount equal to such unreturned capital contributions.

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The preferred allocation and subordinated allocation with respect to capital transaction proceeds for each portfolio is equal to the preferred allocation and subordinated allocation for distributions of operating cash flow with respect to that portfolio.

Thereafter, any additional capital transaction proceeds are allocated to OP unitholders and the applicable series of subordinated performance units equally.

Following the allocation described above, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, will generally cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to the relevant series of subordinated performance units to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units. We, as general partner of our operating partnership, may cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to the OP unitholders or may cause our operating partnership to retain such amounts to be used by our operating partnership for any purpose. Any capital transaction proceeds that are attributable to amounts retained by our operating partnership pursuant to the preceding sentence will generally be available to be allocated as an additional capital contribution to the various property portfolios.

The foregoing allocation of capital transaction proceeds between the OP unitholders and subordinated performance unitholders is used for purposes of determining distributions to holders of subordinated performance units but does not necessarily represent the capital transaction proceeds that will be distributed to OP unitholders (or paid as dividends to holders of our common shares). Any distribution of capital transaction proceeds allocated to the OP unitholders will be made at our discretion (and paid as dividends to holders of our common shares at the discretion of our board of trustees).

Allocation of Capital Contributions

We, as the general partner of our operating partnership, in our discretion, have the right to increase or decrease, as appropriate, the amount of capital contributions allocated to our operating partnership in general and to each series of subordinated performance units to reflect capital expenditures made by our operating partnership in respect of each portfolio, the sale or refinancing of all or a portion of the properties comprising the portfolio, the distribution of capital transaction proceeds by our operating partnership, the retention by our operating partnership of cash for working capital purposes and other events impacting the amount of capital contributions allocated to the holders. In addition, to avoid conflicts of interests, any decision by us to increase or decrease allocations of capital contributions must also be approved by a majority of our independent trustees.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Except as disclosed in the notes to our financial statements, as of June 30, 2021, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purposes entities, which typically are established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, except as disclosed in the notes to our financial statements, as of June 30, 2021, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities, nor made any commitments to provide funding to any such entities, that creates any material exposure to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk.

Seasonality

The self storage business is subject to minor seasonal fluctuations. A greater portion of revenues and profits are generally realized from May through September. Historically, our highest level of occupancy has typically been in July, while our lowest level of occupancy has typically been in February. Results for any quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our future income, cash flows, and fair values of financial instruments are dependent upon prevailing market interest rates. The primary market risk to which we believe we are exposed is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations, and other factors beyond our control. We use interest rate swaps to moderate our exposure to interest rate risk by effectively converting the interest on variable rate debt to a fixed rate. We make limited use of other derivative financial instruments and we do not use them for trading or other speculative purposes.

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As of June 30, 2021, we had $265.5 million of debt subject to variable interest rates (excluding variable-rate debt subject to interest rate swaps). If one-month LIBOR were to increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the increase or decrease in interest expense on the variable-rate debt (excluding variable-rate debt subject to interest rate swaps) would decrease or increase future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.7 million annually.

Interest rate risk amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur. Further, in the event of a change of that magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended June 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings that we consider to be material.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC under the heading Item 1A. "Risk Factors" beginning on page 15, which is accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company, in its capacity as general partner of its operating partnership, caused the operating partnership to issue 121,923 common shares to satisfy redemption requests from certain limited partners.

On April 23, 2021, the operating partnership issued 43,430 OP units to unrelated third parties and certain affiliates of Northwest, one of the Company's existing PROs, representing OP units earned pursuant to an earnout agreement in connection with the acquisition of one self storage property. The issuance included 13,105 OP units to an affiliate of J. Timothy Warren, a trustee the Company.

On May 19, 2021, the operating partnership issued 113,717 OP units to unrelated third parties as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property.

On May 18, 2021, the operating partnership issued 6,312 subordinated performance units to an affiliate of Moove In, one of the Company's existing PROs, in exchange for cash.

On May 20, 2021, the operating partnership issued 15,258 subordinated performance units to an affiliate of Moove In, one of the Company's existing PROs, in exchange for cash.

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On May 24, 2021, the operating partnership issued 50,859 OP units to an unrelated third party as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property.

On June 18, 2021, the operating partnership issued 52,142 subordinated performance units to an affiliate of Personal Mini, one of the Company's existing PROs, in exchange for cash.

On July 15, 2021, the operating partnership issued 117,021 OP units to unrelated third parties as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property.

On July 16, 2021, the operating partnership issued 44,370 OP units to unrelated third parties as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property.

On July 16, 2021, the operating partnership issued 10,870 subordinated performance units to an affiliate of Moove In, one of the Company's existing PROs, as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property.

On July 28, 2021, the operating partnership issued 27,931 OP units to unrelated third parties and certain affiliates of Northwest, one of the Company's existing PROs, as partial consideration for the acquisition of a self storage property. The issuance included 9,290 OP units to an affiliate of J. Timothy Warren, a trustee the Company.

Following a specified lock up period after the date of issuance set forth above, the OP units issued by the operating partnership may be redeemed from time to time by holders for a cash amount per OP unit equal to the market value of an equivalent number of common shares. The Company has the right, but not the obligation, to assume and satisfy the redemption obligation of the operating partnership described above by issuing one common share in exchange for each OP unit tendered for redemption.

The Company has elected to report early the private placement of its common shares that may occur if the Company elects to assume the redemption obligation of the operating partnership as described above in the event that OP units are in the future tendered for redemption.

Following a two-year lock-up period, holders of subordinated performance units may elect, only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds relating to the properties to which such subordinated performance units relate, to convert all or a portion of such subordinated performance units into OP units one time each year by submitting a completed conversion notice prior to December 1 of such year. All duly submitted conversion notices will become effective on the immediately following January 1. For additional information about the conversion or exchange of subordinated performance units into OP units, see Note 9 in Item 1 of this report.

As of August 3, 2021, other than those OP units held by the Company, after reflecting the transactions described herein, 32,918,141 OP units of its operating partnership were outstanding (including 778,362 outstanding LTIP units in the operating partnership and 1,924,918 outstanding OP units ("DownREIT OP units") in certain consolidated subsidiaries of the operating partnership, which are convertible into, or exchangeable for, OP units on a one-for-basis, subject to certain conditions) and 13,858,875 subordinated performance units (including 4,337,111 subordinated performance units in certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership ("DownREIT subordinated performance units").

These issuances were exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

50

ITEM 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with this report:
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description
3.1	Articles of Amendment and Restatement of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on June 5, 2015, is incorporated herein by this reference)
3.2	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 3, 2018, is incorporated herein by this reference)
3.3	Articles Supplementary designating the Series A Preferred Shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.3 to the Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017, is incorporated herein by this reference)
3.4	Articles Supplementary designating the Series A Preferred Shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.4 to the Form S-3ASR, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018, is incorporated herein by this reference)
3.5	Articles Supplementary designating the Series A Preferred Shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 3, 2019, is incorporated herein by this reference)
3.6	Articles Supplementary designating the Series A Preferred Shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2021, is incorporated herein by this reference)
4.1	Specimen Common Share Certificate of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11/A filed with the SEC on April 20, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference)
4.2	Form of Specimen Certificate of Series A Preferred Shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on October 10, 2017, is incorporated herein by this reference)
4.3	Description of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest and 6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Exhibit 4.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020, is incorporated herein by this reference)
10.1	Amendment No. 1 to the Sales Agreement (Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 19, 2021, is incorporated herein by this reference)
31.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE*	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
104*	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*	Filed herewith.
**	Furnished herewith.

51

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	National Storage Affiliates Trust
By:	/s/ TAMARA D. FISCHER
	Tamara D. Fischer
	president and chief executive officer
	(principal executive officer)
By:	/s/ BRANDON S. TOGASHI
	Brandon S. Togashi
	chief financial officer
	(principal accounting and financial officer)

Date: August 4, 2021

52

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Tamara D. Fischer, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of National Storage Affiliates Trust;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and    

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 4, 2021

By:	/s/ Tamara D. Fischer
	Tamara D. Fischer
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Brandon S. Togashi, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of National Storage Affiliates Trust;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and    

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 4, 2021

By:	/s/ Brandon S. Togashi
	Brandon S. Togashi
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant To

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Storage Affiliates Trust (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Tamara D. Fischer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and I, Brandon S. Togashi, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: August 4, 2021

By:	/s/ Tamara D. Fischer
	Tamara D. Fischer
	President and Chief Executive Officer

By:	/s/ Brandon S. Togashi
	Brandon S. Togashi
	Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Release 33-8238, dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

COVER PAGE - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Aug. 03, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-37351
Entity Registrant Name	National Storage Affiliates Trust
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	46-5053858
Entity Address, Address Line One	8400 East Prentice Avenue, 9th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	Greenwood Village
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80111
City Area Code	720
Local Phone Number	630-2600
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		88,650,615
Entity Central Index Key	0001618563
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	NSA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	NSA Pr A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Real estate
Self storage properties	$ 4,077,016	$ 3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)	(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	3,572,518	3,195,569
Cash and cash equivalents	22,410	18,723
Restricted cash	3,565	2,978
Debt issuance costs, net	2,113	2,496
Investment in unconsolidated real estate ventures	195,567	202,533
Other assets, net	72,399	68,149
Operating lease right-of-use assets	22,674	23,129
Total assets	3,891,246	3,513,577
Liabilities
Debt financing	2,058,573	1,916,971
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	48,058	47,043
Interest rate swap liabilities	53,638	77,918
Operating lease liabilities	24,379	24,756
Deferred revenue	19,072	16,414
Total liabilities	2,203,720	2,083,102
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Equity
Preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. 50,000,000 authorized, 8,736,719 and 8,732,719 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, at liquidation preference	218,418	218,318
Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. 250,000,000 authorized, 77,708,831 and 71,293,117 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	777	713
Additional paid-in capital	1,244,269	1,050,714
Distributions in excess of earnings	(263,117)	(251,704)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(33,046)	(49,084)
Total shareholders' equity	1,167,301	968,957
Noncontrolling interests	520,225	461,518
Total equity	1,687,526	1,430,475
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,891,246	$ 3,513,577

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Series A Preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Preferred shares of beneficial interest, authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred shares of beneficial interest, issued (in shares)	8,736,719	8,732,719
Series A Preferred shares of beneficial interest, outstanding (in shares)	8,736,719	8,732,719
Common shares of beneficial interest, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares of beneficial interest, authorized (in shares)	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common shares of beneficial interest, issued (in shares)	77,708,831	71,293,117
Common shares of beneficial interest, outstanding (in shares)	77,708,831	71,293,117

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
REVENUE
Rental revenue	$ 127,310	$ 95,302	$ 240,437	$ 190,704
Total revenue	138,246	104,417	261,238	208,639
OPERATING EXPENSES
Property operating expenses	36,654	30,257	71,258	60,849
General and administrative expenses	12,450	10,329	23,688	21,423
Depreciation and amortization	36,051	29,309	68,475	58,414
Other	310	462	707	851
Total operating expenses	85,465	70,357	164,128	141,537
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(17,339)	(15,513)	(34,131)	(31,141)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated real estate ventures	1,174	52	1,933	(288)
Acquisition costs	(118)	(252)	(410)	(1,085)
Non-operating expense	(148)	(317)	(321)	(509)
Other expense	(16,431)	(16,030)	(32,929)	(33,023)
Income before income taxes	36,350	18,030	64,181	34,079
Income tax expense	(675)	(243)	(871)	(529)
Net income	35,675	17,787	63,310	33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)	(7,365)	(13,754)	(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718	10,422	49,556	17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)	(3,274)	(6,551)	(6,547)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 25,442	$ 7,148	$ 43,005	$ 10,523
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
Earnings (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.10	$ 0.58	$ 0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.10	$ 0.44	$ 0.16
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	76,712	68,210	74,267	64,004
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	129,578	68,210	126,396	64,004
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.33	$ 0.73	$ 0.66
Other property-related revenue
REVENUE
Revenue	$ 4,829	$ 3,418	$ 8,966	$ 6,789
Management fees and other revenue
REVENUE
Revenue	$ 6,107	$ 5,697	$ 11,835	$ 11,146

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,675	$ 17,787	$ 63,310	$ 33,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	(6,725)	(10,423)	14,175	(76,792)
Reclassification of other comprehensive loss to interest expense	5,124	3,934	10,081	4,546
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,601)	(6,489)	24,256	(72,246)
Comprehensive income (loss)	34,074	11,298	87,566	(38,696)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,481)	(5,172)	(21,295)	9,177
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	$ 27,593	$ 6,126	$ 66,271	$ (29,519)

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common shares	OP units and subordinated performance units	Preferred Shares	Common Shares	Common Shares Common shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital Common shares	Distributions In Excess Of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests OP units and subordinated performance units
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				8,727,119
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019					59,659,108
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,452,101			$ 218,178	$ 597		$ 905,763		$ (197,075)	$ (7,833)	$ 532,471
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs			$ 6,206									$ 6,206
LTIP units	1,011										1,011
Redemptions of OP units (in shares)					118,961
Redemptions of OP units	0				$ 1		1,437			(62)	(1,376)
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs (in shares)						125,000
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs		$ 4,249				$ 1		$ 4,248
Merger and internalization of PRO, net of issuance costs (in shares)					8,105,192
Merger and internalization of PRO, net of issuance costs	9,595				$ 81		43,499			(402)	(33,583)
Redemption of Series A-1 preferred units (in shares)				5,600
Redemption of Series A-1 preferred units	0			$ 140							(140)
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	0						15,857			(2,265)	(13,592)
Equity-based compensation expense	774						76				698
Issuance of LTIP units for acquisition expenses	40										40
Issuance of restricted common shares (in shares)					21,861
Issuance of restricted common shares	0
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net (in shares)					(2,910)
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	(94)						(94)
Preferred share dividends	(3,273)								(3,273)
Common share dividends	(19,747)								(19,747)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(19,813)										(19,813)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(65,757)									(42,293)	(23,464)
Net income	15,763								6,648		9,115
Ending balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020				8,732,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020					68,027,212
Ending balances at Mar. 31, 2020	1,381,055			$ 218,318	$ 680		970,786		(213,447)	(52,855)	457,573
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				8,727,119
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019					59,659,108
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2019	1,452,101			$ 218,178	$ 597		905,763		(197,075)	(7,833)	532,471
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(72,246)
Net income	33,550
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020				8,732,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020					68,703,733
Ending balances at Jun. 30, 2020	1,368,745			$ 218,318	$ 687		984,950		(228,924)	(57,462)	451,176
Beginning balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020				8,732,719
Beginning balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020					68,027,212
Beginning balances at Mar. 31, 2020	1,381,055			$ 218,318	$ 680		970,786		(213,447)	(52,855)	457,573
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs			5,842									5,842
Redemptions of OP units (in shares)					292,291
Redemptions of OP units	0				$ 3		3,438			(238)	(3,203)
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs (in shares)						387,000
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs		11,916				$ 4		11,912
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	0						(1,286)			(73)	1,359
Equity-based compensation expense	1,151						100				1,051
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net (in shares)					(2,770)
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	0						0
Reduction in receivables from partners of the operating partnership	225										225
Preferred share dividends	(3,274)								(3,274)
Common share dividends	(22,625)								(22,625)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(16,843)										(16,843)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,489)									(4,296)	(2,193)
Net income	17,787								10,422		7,365
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020				8,732,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020					68,703,733
Ending balances at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 1,368,745			$ 218,318	$ 687		984,950		(228,924)	(57,462)	451,176
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	8,732,719			8,732,719
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	71,293,117				71,293,117
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,430,475			$ 218,318	$ 713		1,050,714		(251,704)	(49,084)	461,518
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs			22,897									22,897
Redemptions of OP units (in shares)					190,248
Redemptions of OP units	0				$ 2		2,332			(108)	(2,226)
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs (in shares)						3,692,216
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs		122,412				$ 37		122,375
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	103										103
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	0						(18,983)			(290)	19,273
Equity-based compensation expense	1,286						92				1,194
Issuance of restricted common shares (in shares)					15,369
Issuance of restricted common shares	0
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net (in shares)					(4,823)
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	(152)						(152)
Preferred share dividends	(3,275)								(3,275)
Common share dividends	(25,014)								(25,014)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(20,604)										(20,604)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25,857									17,840	8,017
Net income	27,635								20,838		6,797
Ending balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021				8,732,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021					75,186,127
Ending balances at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 1,581,620			$ 218,318	$ 752		1,156,378		(259,155)	(31,642)	496,969
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	8,732,719			8,732,719
Beginning balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	71,293,117				71,293,117
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,430,475			$ 218,318	$ 713		1,050,714		(251,704)	(49,084)	461,518
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	24,256
Net income	$ 63,310
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	8,736,719			8,736,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	77,708,831				77,708,831
Ending balances at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 1,687,526			$ 218,418	$ 777		1,244,269		(263,117)	(33,046)	520,225
Beginning balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021				8,732,719
Beginning balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021					75,186,127
Beginning balances at Mar. 31, 2021	1,581,620			$ 218,318	$ 752		1,156,378		(259,155)	(31,642)	496,969
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
OP units and subordinated performance units, net of offering costs			$ 24,102									$ 24,102
Redemptions of OP units (in shares)					121,923
Redemptions of OP units	0				$ 1		1,554			(52)	(1,503)
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs (in shares)						2,390,000
Issuance of shares, net of offering costs		$ 103,670				$ 24		$ 103,646
Redemption of Series A-1 preferred units (in shares)				4,000
Redemption of Series A-1 preferred units	0			$ 100							(100)
Effect of changes in ownership for consolidated entities	0						(17,420)			(227)	17,647
Equity-based compensation expense	1,348						113				1,235
Issuance of restricted common shares (in shares)					13,255
Issuance of restricted common shares	0
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net (in shares)					(2,474)
Vesting and forfeitures of restricted common shares, net	(2)						(2)
Preferred share dividends	(3,276)								(3,276)
Common share dividends	(29,404)								(29,404)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(24,606)										(24,606)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,601)									(1,125)	(476)
Net income	$ 35,675								28,718		6,957
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	8,736,719			8,736,719
Ending balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	77,708,831				77,708,831
Ending balances at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 1,687,526			$ 218,418	$ 777		$ 1,244,269		$ (263,117)	$ (33,046)	$ 520,225

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 63,310	$ 33,550
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68,475	58,414
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,626	1,521
Amortization of debt discount and premium, net	(357)	(711)
Mark-to-market changes in value on equity securities	0	142
Equity-based compensation expense	2,634	1,925
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated real estate ventures	(1,933)	288
Distributions from unconsolidated real estate ventures	8,899	6,761
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of self storage property acquisitions:
Other assets	(715)	1,212
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,526	3,093
Deferred revenue	794	(512)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	144,259	105,683
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of self storage properties	(383,702)	(239,138)
Capital expenditures	(13,187)	(8,583)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate ventures	0	(3,125)
Deposits and advances for self storage property and other acquisitions	(1,100)	(294)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	0	7,560
Expenditures for corporate furniture, equipment and other	(147)	(318)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	(398,136)	(243,898)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	226,082	16,165
Borrowings under debt financings	546,000	311,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	103	661
Principal payments under debt financings	(405,073)	(103,911)
Payment of dividends to common shareholders	(54,418)	(42,372)
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(6,551)	(6,547)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(45,336)	(36,431)
Debt issuance costs	(495)	(835)
Equity offering costs	(2,161)	(885)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities	258,151	136,845
Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	4,274	(1,370)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Beginning of period	21,701	24,276
End of period	25,975	22,906
Supplemental Cash Flow and Noncash Information
Cash paid for interest	31,612	30,366
Redemptions and conversions of partnership interests	0	33,583
Issuance of common shares for management platform	$ 0	$ 10,301

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ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

National Storage Affiliates Trust was organized in the state of Maryland on May 16, 2013 and is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the self storage sector. As used herein, "NSA," the "Company," "we," "our," and "us" refers to National Storage Affiliates Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise. The Company has elected and believes that it has qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes ("REIT") commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2015.

Through its controlling interest as the sole general partner of NSA OP, LP (its "operating partnership"), a Delaware limited partnership formed on February 13, 2013, the Company is focused on the ownership, operation, and acquisition of self storage properties located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States. Pursuant to the Agreement of Limited Partnership (as amended, the "LP Agreement") of its operating partnership, the Company's operating partnership is authorized to issue preferred units, Class A Units ("OP units"), different series of Class B Units ("subordinated performance units"), and Long-Term Incentive Plan Units ("LTIP units"). The Company also owns certain of its self storage properties through other consolidated limited partnership subsidiaries of its operating partnership, which the Company refers to as "DownREIT partnerships." The DownREIT partnerships issue equity ownership interests that are intended to be economically equivalent to the Company's OP units ("DownREIT OP units") and subordinated performance units ("DownREIT subordinated performance units").

The Company owned 687 consolidated self storage properties in 33 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 42.5 million rentable square feet in approximately 334,000 storage units as of June 30, 2021. These properties are managed with local operational focus and expertise by the Company and its participating regional operators ("PROs"). These PROs are Kevin Howard Real Estate Inc., d/b/a Northwest Self Storage and its controlled affiliates ("Northwest"), Optivest Properties LLC and its controlled affiliates ("Optivest"), Guardian Storage Centers LLC and its controlled affiliates ("Guardian"), Move It Self Storage and its controlled affiliates ("Move It"), Arizona Mini Storage Management Company d/b/a Storage Solutions and its controlled affiliates ("Storage Solutions"), Hide-Away Storage Services, Inc. and its controlled affiliates ("Hide-Away"), an affiliate of Shader Brothers Corporation d/b/a Personal Mini Storage ("Personal Mini"), Southern Storage Management Systems, Inc. d/b/a Southern Self Storage ("Southern"), affiliates of Investment Real Estate Management, LLC d/b/a Moove In Self Storage of York, Pennsylvania ("Moove In") and Blue Sky Self Storage, a strategic partnership between Argus Professional Storage Management and GYS Development LLC ("Blue Sky").

As of June 30, 2021, the Company also managed through its property management platform an additional portfolio of 177 properties owned by the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures. These properties contain approximately 12.7 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 104,000 storage units and located across 21 states. The Company owns a 25% equity interest in each of its unconsolidated real estate ventures.

As of June 30, 2021, in total, the Company operated and held ownership interests in 864 self storage properties located across 36 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 55.2 million rentable square feet in approximately 438,000 storage units.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The Company's results of operations for the quarterly and year to date periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

Principles of Consolidation

The Company's financial statements include the accounts of its operating partnership and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation of entities.

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether the general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates all entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that its operating partnership is a VIE. The sole significant asset of National Storage Affiliates Trust is its investment in its operating partnership, and consequently, substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of its operating partnership.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's operating partnership was the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidated, 22 partnerships that are considered VIEs, which owned 48 self storage properties. As of December 31, 2020, the Company's operating partnership was the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidated, 21 partnerships that are considered VIEs, which owned 34 self storage properties. The net book value of the real estate owned by these VIEs was $434.0 million and $225.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For certain DownREIT partnerships which are subject to fixed rate mortgages payable, the carrying value of such fixed rate mortgages payable held by these VIEs was $100.7 million and $100.7 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the Company's general credit.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue

Rental revenue consists of space rentals and related fees. Management has determined that all of the Company's leases are operating leases. Substantially all leases may be terminated on a month-to-month basis and rental income is recognized ratably over the lease term using the straight-line method. Rents received in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term associated with the prepayment. Promotional discounts and other incentives are recognized as a reduction to rental income over the applicable lease term.

Other property-related revenue

Other property-related revenue primarily consists of ancillary revenues such as tenant insurance and/or tenant warranty protection-related access fees, sales of storage supplies and truck rentals which are recognized in the period earned.

The Company and certain of the Company’s PROs have tenant insurance- and/or tenant warranty protection plan-related arrangements with insurance companies and the Company’s tenants. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $6.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues.

The Company sells boxes, packing supplies, locks, other retail merchandise and rents moving trucks at its properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Management fees and other revenue

Management fees and other revenue consist of property management fees, platform fees, call center fees, acquisition fees, and a portion of tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance proceeds that the Company earns for managing and operating its unconsolidated real estate ventures.

With respect to both the 2018 Joint Venture and the 2016 Joint Venture (as each is defined in Note 5), the Company provides supervisory and administrative property management services, centralized call center services,

and technology platform and revenue management services to the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The property management fees are equal to 6% of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the assets of the unconsolidated real estate ventures, and the platform fees are equal to $1,250 per month per unconsolidated real estate venture property. With respect to the 2016 Joint Venture only, the call center fees are equal to 1% of each of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the 2016 Joint Venture properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $7.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

For acquisition fees, the Company provides sourcing, underwriting and administration services to the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The 2016 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.1 million acquisition fee equal to 0.65% of the gross capitalization (including debt and equity) of the original 66-property 2016 Joint Venture portfolio (the "Initial 2016 JV Portfolio") in 2016, at the time of the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio acquisition. The 2018 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.0 million acquisition fee related to the initial acquisition of properties by the 2018 Joint Venture (the "Initial 2018 JV Portfolio") in 2018, at the time of the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio acquisition. These fees are refundable to the unconsolidated real estate ventures, on a prorated basis, if the Company is removed as the managing member during the initial four year life of the unconsolidated real estate ventures and as such, the Company's performance obligation for these acquisition fees are satisfied over a four year period. Accordingly, the Company's performance obligation related to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio was satisfied during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had deferred revenue related to the acquisition fees of $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The Company also earns acquisition fees for properties acquired by the unconsolidated real estate ventures subsequent to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio and the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio. These fees are based on a percentage of the gross capitalization of the acquired assets determined by the members of the 2016 Joint Venture and the 2018 Joint Venture, and are generally earned when the unconsolidated real estate ventures obtain title and control of an acquired property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

An affiliate of the Company facilitates tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance programs for tenants of the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures in exchange for 50% of all proceeds from such programs at each unconsolidated real estate venture property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $4.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities.

Gain on sale of self storage properties

The Company recognizes gains from disposition of facilities only upon closing in accordance with the guidance on sales of nonfinancial assets. Profit on real estate sold is recognized upon closing when all, or substantially all, of the promised consideration has been received and is nonrefundable and the Company has transferred control of the facilities to the purchaser.

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

The Company’s investments in its unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded under the equity method of accounting in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Under the equity method, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are stated at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of net earnings or losses and reduced by distributions. Equity in earnings (losses) is recognized based on the Company’s ownership interest in the earnings (losses) of the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The Company follows the "nature of the distribution approach" for classification of distributions from its unconsolidated real estate ventures in its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Under this approach, distributions are reported on the basis of the nature of the activity or activities that generated the distributions as either a return on investment, which are classified as operating cash flows, or a return of investment (e.g., proceeds from the unconsolidated real estate ventures' sale of assets) which are reported as investing cash flows.

Noncontrolling Interests

All of the limited partner equity interests ("OP equity") in the operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than the operating partnership or its subsidiaries. In the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the Company allocates net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust.

For transactions that result in changes to the Company's ownership interest in its operating partnership, the carrying amount of noncontrolling interests is adjusted to reflect such changes. The difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest is adjusted is reflected as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Allocation of Net Income (Loss)

The distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests of the unitholders. Accordingly, the Company allocates GAAP income (loss) utilizing the hypothetical liquidation at book value ("HLBV") method, in which the Company allocates income or loss based on the change in each unitholders’ claim on the net assets of its operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. The HLBV method is commonly applied to equity investments where cash distribution percentages vary at different points in time and are not directly linked to an equity holder’s ownership percentage.

The HLBV method is a balance sheet-focused approach to income (loss) allocation. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that unitholders would receive if the operating partnership were to liquidate all of its assets (at GAAP net book value) and distribute the resulting proceeds to its creditors and unitholders based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is used to derive each unitholder's share of the income (loss) for the period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership, and net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust could be more or less net income than actual cash distributions received and more or less income or loss than what may be received in the event of an actual liquidation. Additionally, the HLBV method could result in net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust during a period when the Company reports consolidated net loss (or net income), or net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust in excess of the Company's consolidated net income (or net loss). The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share may be materially affected by these disproportionate income (loss) allocations, resulting in volatile fluctuations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has cash flow hedge derivative instruments that are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within equity, as discussed further in Note 12. Under the HLBV method of allocating income (loss) discussed above, a calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date by applying the HLBV method including, and excluding, the assets and liabilities resulting from the Company's cash flow hedge derivative instruments to determine comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust. As a result of the distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement, in any given period, other comprehensive income (loss) may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership and as compared to their respective allocation of net income (loss).

Restricted Cash

The Company's restricted cash consists of escrowed funds deposited with financial institutions for real estate taxes, insurance and other reserves for capital improvements in accordance with the Company's loan agreements.

Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 those estimates.

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Shareholders' Equity

Forward Equity Offering

On September 22, 2020, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, as well as certain forward sale agreements, with a syndicate of banks acting as underwriters, forward sellers, and/or forward purchasers in connection with an underwritten public offering of 4,500,000 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share of the Company ("common shares") at a public offering price of $33.15 per share (the "forward offering"). The underwriters were granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 675,000 common shares at the same price, which they partially exercised for an additional 400,000 common shares on October 6, 2020. Therefore, the forward sellers or their affiliates, at the Company's request, borrowed from third parties and sold to the underwriters an aggregate of 4,900,000 common shares, which the underwriters sold at an offering price of $33.15 per share, for proceeds of approximately $162.4 million. As a result of this forward construct, the Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of such shares at closing. The Company has determined that the forward sale agreements are not considered to be derivative instruments under the guidance within ASC 815.

On December 30, 2020, the Company settled a portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 1,850,510 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $60.0 million. On March 22, 2021, the Company settled the remaining portion of the forward offering by physically delivering 3,049,490 common shares to the forward purchasers for net proceeds of approximately $97.3 million.

Common Share Offering

As discussed in Note 13, on July 23, 2021, the Company closed a follow-on public offering of 10,120,000 of its common shares, which included 1,320,000 common shares sold upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional common shares, at a public offering price of $51.25 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds from the offering of approximately $497.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and additional expenses associated with the offering.

At the Market ("ATM") Program

On February 27, 2019, the Company entered into a sales agreement with certain sales agents, pursuant to which the Company may sell from time to time up to an aggregate of $250.0 million common shares and 6.000% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred shares of beneficial interest ("Series A preferred shares") in sales deemed to be "at the market" offerings (the "sales agreement"). The sales agreement contemplates that, in addition to the issuance and sale by the Company of offered shares to or through the sale agents, the Company may enter into separate forward sale agreements with any forward purchaser. Forward sale agreements, if any, will include only the Company's common shares and will not include any Series A preferred shares. If the Company enters into a forward sale agreement with any forward purchaser, such forward purchaser will attempt to borrow from third parties and sell, through the related agent, acting as sales agent for such forward purchaser (each, a "forward seller"), offered shares, in an amount equal to the offered shares subject to such forward sale agreement, to hedge such forward purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. The Company may offer the common shares and Series A preferred shares through the agents, as the Company's sales agents, or, as applicable, as forward seller, or directly to the agents or forward sellers, acting as principals, by means of, among others, ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.

Under the sales agreement, the Company offered and sold shares having an aggregate gross sales price of approximately $219.0 million from February 27, 2019 through May 19, 2021, leaving offered shares having an aggregate gross sales price of up to approximately $31.0 million available for offer and sale under the sales agreement (the "remaining available offered shares"). On May 19, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the sales agreement with certain sales agents, whereby the Company increased the aggregate gross sale price under the program to $400.0 million, which includes the remaining available offered shares.

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company sold 2,390,000 common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $43.86 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $103.7 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company sold 3,032,726 common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $42.92 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $129.1 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses.

Noncontrolling Interests

All of the OP equity in the Company's operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than the Company's operating partnership. NSA is the general partner of its operating partnership and is authorized to cause its operating partnership to issue additional partner interests, including OP units and subordinated performance units, at such prices and on such other terms as it determines in its sole discretion.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, units reflecting noncontrolling interests consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021	December 31, 2020
Series A-1 preferred units	633,382	637,382
OP units	30,069,539	29,616,809
Subordinated performance units	9,510,894	9,030,872
LTIP units	778,362	734,196
DownREIT units
DownREIT OP units	1,924,918	1,924,918
DownREIT subordinated performance units	4,337,111	4,337,111
Total	47,254,206	46,281,288

Series A-1 Preferred Units

The 6.000% Series A-1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units ("Series A-1 preferred units") rank senior to OP units and subordinated performance units in the Company's operating partnership with respect to distributions and liquidation. The Series A-1 preferred units have a stated value of $25.00 per unit and receive distributions at an annual rate of 6.000%. These distributions are cumulative. The Series A-1 preferred units are redeemable at the option of the holder after the first anniversary of the date of issuance, which redemption obligations may be satisfied at the Company’s option in cash in an amount equal to the market value of an equivalent number of the Series A preferred shares or the issuance of Series A preferred shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustments. The Series A preferred shares are redeemable by the Company for a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The decrease in Series A-1 preferred units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the redemption of 4,000 Series A-1 preferred units for an equal number of Series A preferred shares.

OP Units and DownREIT OP units

OP units in the Company's operating partnership are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for the Company's common shares on a one-for-one basis, and DownREIT OP units are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for OP units in its operating partnership on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments in each case. The holders of OP units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until one year after the issuance of the OP units. The holders of DownREIT OP units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until five years after the date of the contributor's initial contribution.

The increase in OP units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 559,463 OP units in connection with the acquisition of self storage properties, 142,405 LTIP units which were converted into an equivalent number of OP units and 63,033 OP units issued upon the conversion of 32,741 subordinated performance units (as discussed further below) partially offset by the redemption of 312,171 OP units for an equal number of common shares.

Subordinated Performance Units and DownREIT Subordinated Performance Units

Subordinated performance units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units which are exchangeable for common shares as described above, and DownREIT subordinated performance units may, under certain circumstances, be exchangeable for subordinated performance units on a one-for-one basis. Subordinated performance units are only convertible into OP units after a two year lock-out period and then generally (i) at the holder’s election only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds relating to the properties to which such subordinated performance units relate or (ii) at the Company's election upon a retirement event of a PRO that holds such subordinated performance units or upon certain qualifying terminations. The holders of DownREIT subordinated performance units are generally not entitled to elect redemption until at least five years after the date of the contributor's initial contribution.

Following such lock-out period, a holder of subordinated performance units in the Company's operating partnership may elect a voluntary conversion one time each year on or prior to December 1st to convert a pre-determined portion of such subordinated performance units into OP units in the Company's operating partnership, with such conversion effective January 1st of the following year, with each subordinated performance unit being converted into the number of OP units determined by dividing the average cash available for distribution, or CAD, per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units over the one-year period prior to conversion by 110% of the CAD per unit on the OP units determined over the same period. CAD per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units and OP units is determined by the Company based generally upon the application of the provisions of the LP Agreement applicable to the distributions of operating cash flow and capital transactions proceeds.

The increase in subordinated performance units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 512,763 subordinated performance units for co-investment by the Company's PROs in connection with the acquisition of self storage properties partially offset by the voluntary conversion of 32,741 subordinated performance units into 63,033 OP units.

LTIP Units

LTIP units are a special class of partnership interest in the Company's operating partnership that allow the holder to participate in the ordinary and liquidating distributions received by holders of the OP units (subject to the achievement of specified levels of profitability by the Company's operating partnership or the achievement of certain events). LTIP units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units on a one-for-one basis, which are then exchangeable for common shares as described above.

The increase in LTIP units outstanding from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was due to the issuance of 186,571 compensatory LTIP units to employees and trustees, net of forfeitures, partially offset by the conversion of 142,405 LTIP units into an equivalent number of OP units.

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SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Real Estate [Abstract]

SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES

SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES

Self storage properties are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Land	$	790,748	$	738,863
Buildings and improvements	3,277,794		2,892,490
Furniture and equipment	8,474		7,839
Total self storage properties	4,077,016		3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)		(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	$	3,572,518	$	3,195,569

Depreciation expense related to self storage properties amounted to $31.5 million and $26.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $60.9 million and $52.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES

2018 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unconsolidated real estate venture, formed in September 2018 with an affiliate of Heitman America Real Estate REIT LLC (the "2018 Joint Venture"), owned and operated a portfolio of 103 self storage properties containing approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 64,000 storage units and located across 17 states.

2016 Joint Venture

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unconsolidated real estate venture, formed in September 2016 with a state pension fund advised by Heitman Capital Management LLC (the "2016 Joint Venture"), owned and operated a portfolio of 74 properties containing approximately 4.9 million rentable square feet, configured in approximately 40,000 storage units and located across 13 states.

The following table presents the combined condensed financial position of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Self storage properties, net	$	1,769,759	$	1,799,522
Other assets	25,969		24,397
Total assets	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt financing	$	1,000,916	$	1,000,464
Other liabilities	20,951		21,612
Equity	773,861		801,843
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919

The following tables present the combined condensed operating information of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	46,086	$	39,730
Property operating expenses	12,523		11,371
Net operating income	33,563		28,359
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(3,014)		(2,640)
Depreciation and amortization	(15,360)		(15,245)
Interest expense	(10,415)		(10,300)
Acquisition and other expenses	(136)		(20)
Net income	$	4,638	$	154

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	89,781	$	79,968
Property operating expenses	24,311		24,549
Net operating income	65,470		55,419
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(5,896)		(5,309)
Depreciation and amortization	(30,882)		(30,391)
Interest expense	(20,820)		(20,564)
Acquisition and other expenses	(257)		(419)
Net income (loss)	$	7,615	$	(1,264)

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ACQUISITIONS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS

The Company acquired 43 self storage properties with an estimated fair value of $435.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Of these acquisitions, seven self storage properties with an estimated fair value of $48.5 million were acquired by the Company from its PROs. The 43 self storage property acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions and accordingly, $2.8 million of transaction costs related to the acquisitions were capitalized as part of the basis of the acquired properties. The Company recognized the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities on the respective dates of such acquisitions. The Company allocated the total purchase price to the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets consisting of customer in-place leases which were recorded at estimated fair value of $10.8 million, resulting in a total fair value of $424.6 million allocated to real estate.

The following table summarizes the investment in self storage property acquisitions completed by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Acquisitions Closed During the Three Months Ended:	Number of Properties	Summary of Investment
		Cash and Acquisition Costs		Value of OP Equity(1)		Other Liabilities		Total
March 31, 2021	23	$	141,928	$	22,897	$	1,138	$	165,963
June 30, 2021	20	243,580		24,102		1,711		269,393
Total	43	$	385,508	$	46,999	$	2,849	$	435,356

(1)Value of OP equity represents the fair value of OP units and subordinated performance units.

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OTHER ASSETS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

OTHER ASSETS

OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Customer in-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $6,327 and $5,322, respectively	$	10,854	$	6,460
Receivables:
Trade, net	2,800		2,734
PROs and other affiliates	2,848		2,974
Receivables from unconsolidated real estate ventures	4,691		5,825
Property acquisition and other deposits	1,100		1,087
Prepaid expenses and other	9,129		7,099
Corporate furniture, equipment and other, net	1,481		1,673
Trade names	6,380		6,380
Management contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $3,730 and $3,222, respectively	11,490		11,998
Tenant reinsurance intangible, net of accumulated amortization of $1,196 and $903, respectively	13,444		13,737
Goodwill	8,182		8,182
Total	$	72,399	$	68,149

Amortization expense related to customer in-place leases amounted to $4.0 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6.4 million and $5.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to management contracts amounted to $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to the tenant reinsurance intangible amounted to $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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DEBT FINANCING

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

DEBT FINANCING

DEBT FINANCING

The Company's outstanding debt as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate(1)	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Credit Facility:
Revolving line of credit	1.40%	$	265,500	$	174,000
Term loan A	3.74%	125,000		125,000
Term loan B	2.91%	250,000		250,000
Term loan C	2.91%	225,000		225,000
Term loan D	3.57%	175,000		175,000
2023 Term loan facility	2.83%	175,000		175,000
2028 Term loan facility	4.62%	75,000		75,000
2029 Term loan facility	4.27%	100,000		100,000
2029 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.98%	100,000		100,000
2030 Senior Unsecured Notes	2.99%	150,000		150,000
August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes	4.08%	50,000		50,000
2032 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.09%	100,000		100,000
2033 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.10%	55,000		—
Fixed rate mortgages payable	4.24%	218,041		223,614
Total principal		2,063,541		1,922,614
Unamortized debt issuance costs and debt premium, net		(4,968)		(5,643)
Total debt		$	2,058,573	$	1,916,971

(1)Represents the effective interest rate as of June 30, 2021. Effective interest rate incorporates the stated rate plus the impact of interest rate cash flow hedges and discount and premium amortization, if applicable. For the revolving line of credit, the effective interest rate excludes fees for unused borrowings.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company's unsecured credit facility provided for total borrowings of $1.275 billion (the "credit facility"). The credit facility consists of the following components: (i) a revolving line of credit (the "Revolver") which provides for a total borrowing commitment up to $500.0 million, under which the Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts, (ii) a $125.0 million tranche A term loan facility (the "Term Loan A"), (iii) a $250.0 million tranche B term loan facility (the "Term Loan B"), (iv) a $225.0 million tranche C term loan facility (the "Term Loan C"), and (v) a $175.0 million tranche D term loan facility (the "Term Loan D"). As of June 30, 2021, the Company had an expansion option under the credit facility, which, if exercised in full, would provide for a total credit facility of $1.750 billion.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.7 million and would have had the capacity to borrow remaining Revolver commitments of $228.8 million while remaining in compliance with the credit facility's financial covenants. At June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

As discussed in Note 13, in July 2021, the Company received commitments from a syndicated group of lenders to partially exercise the expansion option under its unsecured credit facility for a $100.0 million tranche E term loan facility.

2026, May 2031 and 2033 Senior Unsecured Notes

On May 3, 2021, the operating partnership as issuer, and the Company, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") which provides for the private placement of $35.0 million of 2.16% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2026 (the "2026 Notes"), $90.0 million of 3.00% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2031 (the "May 2031 Notes") and $55.0 million of 3.10% senior unsecured notes due May 4, 2033 (the "2033 Notes" and together with the 2026 Notes and May 2031 Notes the "Senior Unsecured Notes") to certain institutional investors. The Senior Unsecured Notes are governed by the Note Purchase Agreement and on May 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2033 Notes. As discussed in Note 13, on July 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes.

Interest is paid semiannually, on May 31st and November 30th of each year, commencing on November 30, 2021. The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors. The Senior Unsecured Notes rank pari passu with the credit facility, 2023 Term Loan Facility, 2028 Term Loan Facility, 2029 Term Loan Facility, 2029 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2030 Senior Unsecured Notes, August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes and 2032 Senior Unsecured Notes. The Note Purchase Agreement contains financial covenants that are substantially similar to those of the Company's credit facility. In addition, the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to make distributions or certain investments, incur debt, incur liens and enter into certain transactions.

Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable

As discussed in Note 13, on July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with a single lender for an $88.0 million debt financing secured by a first lien on eight of the Company's self storage properties. This interest-only loan matures in July 2028 and has a fixed interest rate of 2.77%.

Future Debt Obligations

Based on existing debt agreements in effect as of June 30, 2021, the scheduled principal and maturity payments for the Company's outstanding borrowings are presented in the table below (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Scheduled Principal and Maturity Payments		Amortization of Premium and Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	2,096	$	(843)	$	1,253
2022	4,374		(1,689)		2,685
2023	376,813		(1,333)		375,480
2024	537,464		(960)		536,504
2025	227,185		(384)		226,801
2026	177,322		(260)		177,062
Thereafter	738,287		501		738,788
	$	2,063,541	$	(4,968)	$	2,058,573

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
Numerator
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		(13,754)		(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		49,556		17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(6,551)		(6,547)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(16)		(11)		(27)		(23)
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic	25,426		7,137		42,978		10,500
Effect of assumed conversion of dilutive securities	6,593		—		13,045		—
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted	$	32,019	$	7,137	$	56,023	$	10,500
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	76,712		68,210		74,267		64,004
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of outstanding forward offering agreement	—		—		199		—
Weighted average OP units outstanding	29,963		—		29,857		—
Weighted average DownREIT OP unit equivalents outstanding	1,925		—		1,925		—
Weighted average LTIP units outstanding	91		—		112		—
Weighted average subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance unit equivalents	20,887		—		20,036		—
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	129,578		68,210		126,396		64,004
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$	0.33	$	0.10	$	0.58	$	0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.25	$	0.10	$	0.44	$	0.16

As discussed in Note 2, the Company allocates GAAP income (loss) utilizing the HLBV method, in which the Company allocates income or loss based on the change in each unitholders' claim on the net assets of its operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to National Storage Affiliates Trust and noncontrolling interests, resulting in volatile fluctuations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

Outstanding equity interests of the Company's operating partnership and DownREIT partnerships are considered potential common shares for purposes of calculating diluted earnings (loss) per share as the unitholders

may, through the exercise of redemption rights, obtain common shares, subject to various restrictions. Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by further adjusting for the dilutive impact using the treasury stock method for unvested LTIP units subject to a service condition outstanding during the period and the if-converted method for any convertible securities outstanding during the period.

Generally, following certain lock-out periods, OP units in the Company's operating partnership are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for common shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments and DownREIT OP units are redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, exchangeable for OP units in its operating partnership on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments in each case.

LTIP units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units on a one-for-one basis, which are then exchangeable for common shares as described above. Certain LTIP units vested prior to or upon the completion of the Company's initial public offering and certain LTIP units have vested upon the satisfaction of a service or market condition or will vest upon the satisfaction of future service and market conditions. Vested LTIP units and unvested LTIP units that vest based on a service or market condition are allocated income or loss in a similar manner as OP units. Unvested LTIP units subject to a service or market condition are evaluated for dilution using the treasury stock method. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 445,618 unvested LTIP units that vest based on a service or market condition are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as they are not dilutive to earnings (loss) per share. In addition, certain LTIP units vest upon the future acquisition of properties sourced by PROs or the completion of expansion projects. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 252,894 unvested LTIP units that vest upon the future acquisition of properties, or the completion of expansion projects, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the contingency for the units to vest has not been attained as of the end of the reported periods.

Subordinated performance units may also, under certain circumstances, be convertible into OP units which are exchangeable for common shares as described above, and DownREIT subordinated performance units may, under certain circumstances, be exchangeable for subordinated performance units on a one-for-one basis. Subordinated performance units are only convertible into OP units, after a two year lock-out period and then generally (i) at the holder’s election only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds relating to the properties to which such subordinated performance units relate or (ii) at the Company's election upon a retirement event of a PRO that holds such subordinated performance units or upon certain qualifying terminations. Although subordinated performance units may only be convertible after a two year lock-out period, the Company assumes a hypothetical conversion of each subordinated performance unit (including each DownREIT subordinated performance unit) into OP units (with subsequently assumed redemption into common shares) for the purposes of calculating diluted weighted average common shares. This hypothetical conversion is calculated using historical financial information, and as a result, is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company upon expiration of the two-year lock out period on conversions.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, potential common shares totaling 46.9 million and 49.0 million, respectively, related to OP units, DownREIT OP units, subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units and vested LTIP units have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share as they are not dilutive to earnings (loss) per share.

Participating securities, which consist of unvested restricted common shares, receive dividends equal to those received by common shares. The effect of participating securities for the periods presented above is calculated using the two-class method of allocating distributed and undistributed earnings.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Supervisory and Administrative Fees

For the self storage properties that are managed by the PROs, the Company has entered into asset management agreements with the PROs to provide leasing, operating, supervisory and administrative services. The asset management agreements generally provide for fees ranging from 5% to 6% of gross revenue for the managed self storage properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $4.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively, for supervisory and administrative fees to the PROs and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $9.1 million and $8.8 million, respectively, for supervisory and administrative fees to the PROs. Such fees are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Payroll Services

For the self storage properties that are managed by the PROs, the employees responsible for operations are employees of the PROs who charge the Company for the costs associated with the respective employees. For the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $6.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, for payroll and related costs reimbursable to these PROs and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $13.0 million and $14.3 million, respectively, for payroll and related costs reimbursable to these PROs. Such costs are included in property operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Due Diligence Costs

During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0.2 million and $0.1 million of expenses payable to certain PROs related to self storage property acquisitions sourced by the PROs and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of expenses payable to certain PROs related to self storage property acquisitions sourced by the PROs. These expenses, which are based on the volume of transactions sourced by the PROs, are intended to reimburse the PROs for due diligence costs incurred in the sourcing and underwriting process. These due diligence costs are capitalized as part of the basis of the acquired self storage properties.

Self Storage Property Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired one self storage property from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. The total consideration payable by the Company for this property was subject to an earnout payable in three tranches based on the performance of the property over six, 12 and 18 month periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, in connection with the 12 month tranche of the earnout, the Company paid aggregate consideration totaling approximately $2.0 million, and the interest of Mr. Warren's children was 13,105 OP Units with a value of approximately $0.6 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company acquired one self storage property for $8.8 million from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. Of the total consideration paid, the interest of Mr. Warren's children was approximately 29,123 OP Units with a value of $1.1 million.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESLegal Proceedings The Company is subject to litigation, claims, and assessments that may arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. Such matters include contractual matters, employment related issues, and regulatory proceedings. Although occasional adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company sometimes limits its exposure to interest rate fluctuations by entering into interest rate swap agreements. The interest rate swap agreements moderate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk by effectively converting the interest on variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The Company measures its interest rate swap derivatives at fair value on a recurring basis. The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings.

Information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps measured at fair value, which are classified within Level 2 of the GAAP fair value hierarchy, is presented below (dollars in thousands):

Fair value at December 31, 2019	$	(18,963)
Swap ineffectiveness	34
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,546
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(76,792)
Fair value at June 30, 2020	$	(91,175)
Fair value at December 31, 2020	$	(77,918)
Swap ineffectiveness	24
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,081
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	14,175
Fair value at June 30, 2021	$	(53,638)

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with aggregate notional amounts of $1,125.0 million and $1,125.0 million, respectively, designated as cash flow hedges. As of June 30, 2021, the Company's swaps had a weighted average remaining term of approximately 3.3 years. The fair value of these swaps are presented as interest rate swap liabilities in the Company's balance sheets, and the Company recognizes any changes in the fair value as an adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within equity. If the forward rates at June 30, 2021 remain constant, the Company estimates that during the next 12 months, the Company would reclassify into earnings approximately $20.2 million of the unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If market interest rates increase above the 1.92% weighted average fixed rate under these interest rate swaps, the Company will benefit from net cash payments due from its counterparties to the interest rate swaps.

There were no transfers between levels of the three-tier fair value measurement hierarchy during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. For financial assets and liabilities that utilize Level 2 inputs, the Company utilizes both direct and indirect observable price quotes, including LIBOR yield curves. The Company uses valuation techniques for Level 2 financial assets and liabilities which include LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date as well as assessing counterparty credit risk. Counterparties to these contracts are highly rated financial institutions. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with the Company's derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and the counterparties. As of June 30, 2021, the Company determined that the effect of credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Therefore, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are appropriately classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Disclosures

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities reflected in the balance sheets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximate fair value due to the short term nature of these financial assets and liabilities. The carrying value of variable rate debt financing reflected in the balance sheets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 approximates fair value as the changes in their associated interest rates reflect the current market and credit risk is similar to when the loans were originally obtained.

The combined principal balance of the Company's fixed rate mortgages payable was approximately $218.0 million as of June 30, 2021 with a fair value of approximately $239.5 million (categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). In determining the fair value, the Company estimated a weighted average market interest rate of approximately 2.23%, compared to the weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.67%. The combined principal

balance of the Company's fixed rate mortgages was approximately $223.6 million as of December 31, 2020 with a fair value of approximately $249.7 million. In determining the fair value as of December 31, 2020, the Company estimated a weighted average market interest rate of approximately 2.12%, compared to the weighted average contractual interest rate of 4.69%.

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Self Storage Property Acquisitions

Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the Company acquired seven self storage properties for approximately $68.6 million. Consideration for these acquisitions included approximately $57.1 million of net cash, the assumption of approximately $0.2 million of other working capital liabilities and OP equity of approximately $11.3 million (consisting of the issuance of 189,322 OP units and 10,870 subordinated performance units). Of these acquisitions, one self storage property for $11.7 million was acquired from a company in which an entity controlled by J. Timothy Warren, a trustee of the Company, was an investor. Mr. Warren's adult children held an ownership interest in such investor entity. Of the total consideration paid, the interest of Mr. Warren's children was approximately 9,290 OP Units with a value of $0.5 million.

Common Share Offering

On July 23, 2021, the Company closed a follow-on public offering of 10,120,000 of its common shares, which included 1,320,000 common shares sold upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional common shares, at a public offering price of $51.25 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds from the offering of approximately $497.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and additional expenses associated with the offering. The Company used the net proceeds for self storage property acquisitions, general corporate purposes and to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

ATM Program

Subsequent to June 30, 2021, the Company sold 782,000 of its common shares through the ATM program at an average offering price of $51.82 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $40.0 million, after deducting compensation payable by the Company to such agents and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds for self storage property acquisitions and to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

2026 and May 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes

On July 26, 2021 the operating partnership issued the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes. See Note 8 for additional detail regarding the 2026 Notes and the May 2031 Notes. The Company used the proceeds to repay outstanding amounts on its revolving line of credit and for general corporate purposes.

Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with a single lender for an $88.0 million debt financing secured by a first lien on eight of the Company's self storage properties. This interest-only loan matures in July 2028 and has a fixed interest rate of 2.77%. The Company used the net proceeds to repay borrowings outstanding under its Revolver.

Term Loan Commitment

The Company received commitments in July 2021 from a syndicated group of lenders to partially exercise the expansion option under its unsecured credit facility for a $100.0 million tranche E term loan facility (the "Term Loan E"). The Term Loan E is expected to close during the third quarter of 2021 and mature in early 2027. The credit facility's existing financial covenants are not expected to change as a result of the expansion. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the Term Loan E for self storage property acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The Company's results of operations for the quarterly and year to date periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of ConsolidationThe Company's financial statements include the accounts of its operating partnership and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation of entities.

Variable Interest Entities

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether the general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates all entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that its operating partnership is a VIE. The sole significant asset of National Storage Affiliates Trust is its investment in its operating partnership, and consequently, substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of its operating partnership.

Revenue Recognition - Rental revenue

Rental revenueRental revenue consists of space rentals and related fees. Management has determined that all of the Company's leases are operating leases. Substantially all leases may be terminated on a month-to-month basis and rental income is recognized ratably over the lease term using the straight-line method. Rents received in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term associated with the prepayment. Promotional discounts and other incentives are recognized as a reduction to rental income over the applicable lease term.

Revenue Recognition - Other property-related revenue, management fees and other revenue

Other property-related revenue

Other property-related revenue primarily consists of ancillary revenues such as tenant insurance and/or tenant warranty protection-related access fees, sales of storage supplies and truck rentals which are recognized in the period earned.

The Company and certain of the Company’s PROs have tenant insurance- and/or tenant warranty protection plan-related arrangements with insurance companies and the Company’s tenants. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $6.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of tenant insurance and tenant warranty protection plan revenues.

The Company sells boxes, packing supplies, locks, other retail merchandise and rents moving trucks at its properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized retail sales of $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Management fees and other revenue

Management fees and other revenue consist of property management fees, platform fees, call center fees, acquisition fees, and a portion of tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance proceeds that the Company earns for managing and operating its unconsolidated real estate ventures.

With respect to both the 2018 Joint Venture and the 2016 Joint Venture (as each is defined in Note 5), the Company provides supervisory and administrative property management services, centralized call center services,

and technology platform and revenue management services to the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The property management fees are equal to 6% of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the assets of the unconsolidated real estate ventures, and the platform fees are equal to $1,250 per month per unconsolidated real estate venture property. With respect to the 2016 Joint Venture only, the call center fees are equal to 1% of each of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenues from the 2016 Joint Venture properties. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized property management fees, call center fees and platform fees of $7.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

For acquisition fees, the Company provides sourcing, underwriting and administration services to the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The 2016 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.1 million acquisition fee equal to 0.65% of the gross capitalization (including debt and equity) of the original 66-property 2016 Joint Venture portfolio (the "Initial 2016 JV Portfolio") in 2016, at the time of the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio acquisition. The 2018 Joint Venture paid the Company a $4.0 million acquisition fee related to the initial acquisition of properties by the 2018 Joint Venture (the "Initial 2018 JV Portfolio") in 2018, at the time of the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio acquisition. These fees are refundable to the unconsolidated real estate ventures, on a prorated basis, if the Company is removed as the managing member during the initial four year life of the unconsolidated real estate ventures and as such, the Company's performance obligation for these acquisition fees are satisfied over a four year period. Accordingly, the Company's performance obligation related to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio was satisfied during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had deferred revenue related to the acquisition fees of $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The Company also earns acquisition fees for properties acquired by the unconsolidated real estate ventures subsequent to the Initial 2016 JV Portfolio and the Initial 2018 JV Portfolio. These fees are based on a percentage of the gross capitalization of the acquired assets determined by the members of the 2016 Joint Venture and the 2018 Joint Venture, and are generally earned when the unconsolidated real estate ventures obtain title and control of an acquired property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized acquisition fees of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

An affiliate of the Company facilitates tenant warranty protection or tenant insurance programs for tenants of the properties in the unconsolidated real estate ventures in exchange for 50% of all proceeds from such programs at each unconsolidated real estate venture property. During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $4.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of revenue related to these activities.

Gain on sale of self storage properties

Gain on sale of self storage propertiesThe Company recognizes gains from disposition of facilities only upon closing in accordance with the guidance on sales of nonfinancial assets. Profit on real estate sold is recognized upon closing when all, or substantially all, of the promised consideration has been received and is nonrefundable and the Company has transferred control of the facilities to the purchaser.

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

The Company’s investments in its unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded under the equity method of accounting in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Under the equity method, the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are stated at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of net earnings or losses and reduced by distributions. Equity in earnings (losses) is recognized based on the Company’s ownership interest in the earnings (losses) of the unconsolidated real estate ventures. The Company follows the "nature of the distribution approach" for classification of distributions from its unconsolidated real estate ventures in its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Under this approach, distributions are reported on the basis of the nature of the activity or activities that generated the distributions as either a return on investment, which are classified as operating cash flows, or a return of investment (e.g., proceeds from the unconsolidated real estate ventures' sale of assets) which are reported as investing cash flows.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests

All of the limited partner equity interests ("OP equity") in the operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than the operating partnership or its subsidiaries. In the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the Company allocates net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust.

For transactions that result in changes to the Company's ownership interest in its operating partnership, the carrying amount of noncontrolling interests is adjusted to reflect such changes. The difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interest is adjusted is reflected as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Allocation of Net Income (Loss)

Allocation of Net Income (Loss)

The distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests of the unitholders. Accordingly, the Company allocates GAAP income (loss) utilizing the hypothetical liquidation at book value ("HLBV") method, in which the Company allocates income or loss based on the change in each unitholders’ claim on the net assets of its operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. The HLBV method is commonly applied to equity investments where cash distribution percentages vary at different points in time and are not directly linked to an equity holder’s ownership percentage.

The HLBV method is a balance sheet-focused approach to income (loss) allocation. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that unitholders would receive if the operating partnership were to liquidate all of its assets (at GAAP net book value) and distribute the resulting proceeds to its creditors and unitholders based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is used to derive each unitholder's share of the income (loss) for the period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership, and net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust could be more or less net income than actual cash distributions received and more or less income or loss than what may be received in the event of an actual liquidation. Additionally, the HLBV method could result in net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust during a period when the Company reports consolidated net loss (or net income), or net income (or net loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust in excess of the Company's consolidated net income (or net loss). The computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share may be materially affected by these disproportionate income (loss) allocations, resulting in volatile fluctuations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)The Company has cash flow hedge derivative instruments that are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within equity, as discussed further in Note 12. Under the HLBV method of allocating income (loss) discussed above, a calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date by applying the HLBV method including, and excluding, the assets and liabilities resulting from the Company's cash flow hedge derivative instruments to determine comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust. As a result of the distribution rights and priorities set forth in the operating partnership's LP Agreement, in any given period, other comprehensive income (loss) may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in the operating partnership and as compared to their respective allocation of net income (loss).

Restricted Cash

Restricted CashThe Company's restricted cash consists of escrowed funds deposited with financial institutions for real estate taxes, insurance and other reserves for capital improvements in accordance with the Company's loan agreements

Use of Estimates

Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 those estimates.

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of noncontrolling interests

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, units reflecting noncontrolling interests consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021	December 31, 2020
Series A-1 preferred units	633,382	637,382
OP units	30,069,539	29,616,809
Subordinated performance units	9,510,894	9,030,872
LTIP units	778,362	734,196
DownREIT units
DownREIT OP units	1,924,918	1,924,918
DownREIT subordinated performance units	4,337,111	4,337,111
Total	47,254,206	46,281,288

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SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Real Estate [Abstract]

Schedule of self storage properties

Self storage properties are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Land	$	790,748	$	738,863
Buildings and improvements	3,277,794		2,892,490
Furniture and equipment	8,474		7,839
Total self storage properties	4,077,016		3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)		(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	$	3,572,518	$	3,195,569

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INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of condensed financial information of unconsolidated real estate ventures

The following table presents the combined condensed financial position of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Self storage properties, net	$	1,769,759	$	1,799,522
Other assets	25,969		24,397
Total assets	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt financing	$	1,000,916	$	1,000,464
Other liabilities	20,951		21,612
Equity	773,861		801,843
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,795,728	$	1,823,919

The following tables present the combined condensed operating information of the Company's unconsolidated real estate ventures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	46,086	$	39,730
Property operating expenses	12,523		11,371
Net operating income	33,563		28,359
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(3,014)		(2,640)
Depreciation and amortization	(15,360)		(15,245)
Interest expense	(10,415)		(10,300)
Acquisition and other expenses	(136)		(20)
Net income	$	4,638	$	154

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Total revenue	$	89,781	$	79,968
Property operating expenses	24,311		24,549
Net operating income	65,470		55,419
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(5,896)		(5,309)
Depreciation and amortization	(30,882)		(30,391)
Interest expense	(20,820)		(20,564)
Acquisition and other expenses	(257)		(419)
Net income (loss)	$	7,615	$	(1,264)

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ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Summary of self storage property acquisitions

The following table summarizes the investment in self storage property acquisitions completed by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Acquisitions Closed During the Three Months Ended:	Number of Properties	Summary of Investment
		Cash and Acquisition Costs		Value of OP Equity(1)		Other Liabilities		Total
March 31, 2021	23	$	141,928	$	22,897	$	1,138	$	165,963
June 30, 2021	20	243,580		24,102		1,711		269,393
Total	43	$	385,508	$	46,999	$	2,849	$	435,356

(1)Value of OP equity represents the fair value of OP units and subordinated performance units.

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OTHER ASSETS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of other assets

Other assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Customer in-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $6,327 and $5,322, respectively	$	10,854	$	6,460
Receivables:
Trade, net	2,800		2,734
PROs and other affiliates	2,848		2,974
Receivables from unconsolidated real estate ventures	4,691		5,825
Property acquisition and other deposits	1,100		1,087
Prepaid expenses and other	9,129		7,099
Corporate furniture, equipment and other, net	1,481		1,673
Trade names	6,380		6,380
Management contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $3,730 and $3,222, respectively	11,490		11,998
Tenant reinsurance intangible, net of accumulated amortization of $1,196 and $903, respectively	13,444		13,737
Goodwill	8,182		8,182
Total	$	72,399	$	68,149

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DEBT FINANCING (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of debt

The Company's outstanding debt as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Interest Rate(1)	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Credit Facility:
Revolving line of credit	1.40%	$	265,500	$	174,000
Term loan A	3.74%	125,000		125,000
Term loan B	2.91%	250,000		250,000
Term loan C	2.91%	225,000		225,000
Term loan D	3.57%	175,000		175,000
2023 Term loan facility	2.83%	175,000		175,000
2028 Term loan facility	4.62%	75,000		75,000
2029 Term loan facility	4.27%	100,000		100,000
2029 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.98%	100,000		100,000
2030 Senior Unsecured Notes	2.99%	150,000		150,000
August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes	4.08%	50,000		50,000
2032 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.09%	100,000		100,000
2033 Senior Unsecured Notes	3.10%	55,000		—
Fixed rate mortgages payable	4.24%	218,041		223,614
Total principal		2,063,541		1,922,614
Unamortized debt issuance costs and debt premium, net		(4,968)		(5,643)
Total debt		$	2,058,573	$	1,916,971

(1)Represents the effective interest rate as of June 30, 2021. Effective interest rate incorporates the stated rate plus the impact of interest rate cash flow hedges and discount and premium amortization, if applicable. For the revolving line of credit, the effective interest rate excludes fees for unused borrowings.

Schedule of future debt maturities

Based on existing debt agreements in effect as of June 30, 2021, the scheduled principal and maturity payments for the Company's outstanding borrowings are presented in the table below (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Scheduled Principal and Maturity Payments		Amortization of Premium and Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	2,096	$	(843)	$	1,253
2022	4,374		(1,689)		2,685
2023	376,813		(1,333)		375,480
2024	537,464		(960)		536,504
2025	227,185		(384)		226,801
2026	177,322		(260)		177,062
Thereafter	738,287		501		738,788
	$	2,063,541	$	(4,968)	$	2,058,573

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
Numerator
Net income	$	35,675	$	17,787	$	63,310	$	33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		(13,754)		(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		49,556		17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(6,551)		(6,547)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(16)		(11)		(27)		(23)
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic	25,426		7,137		42,978		10,500
Effect of assumed conversion of dilutive securities	6,593		—		13,045		—
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted	$	32,019	$	7,137	$	56,023	$	10,500
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	76,712		68,210		74,267		64,004
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of outstanding forward offering agreement	—		—		199		—
Weighted average OP units outstanding	29,963		—		29,857		—
Weighted average DownREIT OP unit equivalents outstanding	1,925		—		1,925		—
Weighted average LTIP units outstanding	91		—		112		—
Weighted average subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance unit equivalents	20,887		—		20,036		—
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	129,578		68,210		126,396		64,004
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$	0.33	$	0.10	$	0.58	$	0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.25	$	0.10	$	0.44	$	0.16

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of interest rate swap derivatives measured at fair value

Information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps measured at fair value, which are classified within Level 2 of the GAAP fair value hierarchy, is presented below (dollars in thousands):

Fair value at December 31, 2019	$	(18,963)
Swap ineffectiveness	34
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,546
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(76,792)
Fair value at June 30, 2020	$	(91,175)
Fair value at December 31, 2020	$	(77,918)
Swap ineffectiveness	24
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,081
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	14,175
Fair value at June 30, 2021	$	(53,638)

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ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details) storage_unit in Thousands, ft² in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 ft² state property storage_unit metropolitan_statistical_area	Dec. 31, 2016 property
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of top metropolitan statistical areas for focus of operations | metropolitan_statistical_area	100
Number of self storage properties | property	864
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	36
Total rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	55.2
Number of storage units | storage_unit	438
2016 Joint Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's equity interest in unconsolidated real estate ventures (percent)	25.00%
2018 Joint Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's equity interest in unconsolidated real estate ventures (percent)	25.00%
Consolidated properties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	687
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	33
Total rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	42.5
Number of storage units | storage_unit	334
Unconsolidated properties | Unconsolidated real estate ventures | Joint venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	177
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	21
Total rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	12.7
Number of storage units | storage_unit	104
Unconsolidated properties | 2016 Joint Venture | Joint venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	74	66
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	13
Total rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	4.9
Number of storage units | storage_unit	40
Unconsolidated properties | 2018 Joint Venture | Joint venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	103
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	17
Total rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	7.8
Number of storage units | storage_unit	64

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) partnership property	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) property partnership
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	864
Net book value of real estate owned	$ 3,572,518	$ 3,195,569
Carrying value of fixed rate mortgages	2,063,541	1,922,614
Fixed rate mortgages payable | Fixed rate mortgages payable
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying value of fixed rate mortgages	$ 218,041	$ 223,614
VIE, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of partnerships considered to be VIEs | partnership	22	21
Number of self storage properties | property	48	34
Net book value of real estate owned	$ 434,000	$ 225,100
VIE, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed rate mortgages payable | Fixed rate mortgages payable
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying value of fixed rate mortgages	$ 100,700	$ 100,700

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue Recognition (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) property	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	864		864
Initial term of unconsolidated real estate venture agreements			4 years
Performance obligation period of recognition			4 years
Joint venture | 2016 Joint Venture | Unconsolidated properties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	74		74			66
Tenant Insurance and Tenant Warranty Protection Plan Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,600,000	$ 2,700,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 5,300,000
Retail Products and Supplies
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	700,000	400,000	1,200,000	800,000
Property Management, Call Center, and Platform Fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	3,600,000	3,200,000	$ 7,100,000	6,400,000
Property management fees as percent of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenue of unconsolidated real estate venture assets			6.00%
Platform fees per unconsolidated real estate venture property per month			$ 1,250
Call center fees as percent of monthly gross revenues and net sales revenue of unconsolidated real estate venture assets			1.00%
Acquisition Fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	200,000	400,000	$ 400,000	900,000
Acquisition fee					$ 4,000,000.0	$ 4,100,000
Acquisition fees received as a percent of gross capitalization of Initial 2016 JV Portfolio						0.65%
Deferred revenue related to acquisition fees	900,000		900,000				$ 1,300,000
Tenant Warranty Protection or Tenant Insurance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,200,000	$ 1,900,000	$ 4,100,000	$ 3,500,000
Percent of total warranty protection plan proceeds received per unconsolidated real estate venture property			50.00%

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)							1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	27 Months Ended
	Jul. 23, 2021	Mar. 22, 2021	Dec. 30, 2020	Oct. 06, 2020	Sep. 22, 2020	Feb. 27, 2019	Aug. 04, 2021	Oct. 06, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	May 19, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common shares of beneficial interest, par value (in dollars per share)					$ 0.01				$ 0.01				$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Preferred units stated value (in dollars per share)									$ 0.01				$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemptions/conversions of units (in shares)									121,923	190,248	292,291	118,961
Series A-1 preferred units | NSA OP, LP
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred share/unit dividend rate (percent)													6.00%
Preferred units stated value (in dollars per share)									$ 25.00				$ 25.00
Unit conversion ratio													1
Redemptions/conversions of units (in shares)													4,000
OP units | NSA OP, LP
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio													1
Minimum conversion period (in years)													1 year
Issuance of shares/units (in shares)													63,033
OP units | NSA OP, LP | Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemptions/conversions of units (in shares)													312,171
OP units | NSA OP, LP | Self Storage Properties
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of shares/units (in shares)													559,463
OP units | DownREIT Partnership
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio													1
Minimum conversion period (in years)													5 years
LTIP units | NSA OP, LP
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio													1
Issuance of shares/units (in shares)													186,571
Conversion of units (in shares)													142,405
Subordinated performance units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Time frame prior to conversion for conversion metric (in years)													1 year
Percentage of cash available for distribution used in conversion ratio calculation													110.00%
Subordinated performance units | NSA OP, LP
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemptions/conversions of units (in shares)													32,741
Unit conversion, lock out period (in years)													2 years
Subordinated performance units | NSA OP, LP | Self Storage Properties
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of shares/units (in shares)													512,763
Subordinated performance units | DownREIT Partnership
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio													1
Minimum conversion period (in years)													5 years
Prior Sales Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Value of common and preferred shares authorized under ATM program						$ 250,000,000.0
Preferred share/unit dividend rate (percent)						6.00%
Aggregate gross sales price of shares														$ 219,000,000.0
Value of remaining available offered shares														31,000,000.0
Amended At The Market Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Value of common and preferred shares authorized under ATM program														$ 400,000,000.0
Common shares | Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of shares/units (in shares)									2,390,000	3,692,216	387,000	125,000
Common shares | Public Stock Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)					4,500,000
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share)					$ 33.15
Sale of stock, additional number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)				400,000
Common shares | Public Stock Offering - From Third Parties
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)		3,049,490	1,850,510					4,900,000
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 33.15				$ 33.15
Proceeds from sale of stock		$ 97,300,000	$ 60,000,000.0					$ 162,400,000
Common shares | Follow-On Public Offering | Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)	10,120,000
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 51.25
Proceeds from sale of stock	$ 497,400,000
Common shares | At the Market Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)									2,390,000				3,032,726
Proceeds from sale of stock									$ 103,700,000				$ 129,100,000
Average price per share (in dollars per share)									$ 43.86				$ 42.92
Common shares | At the Market Program | Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)							782,000
Proceeds from sale of stock							$ 40,000,000.0
Average price per share (in dollars per share)							$ 51.82
Underwriter option to purchase | Public Stock Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)					675,000
Underwriter option to purchase | Follow-On Public Offering | Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)	1,320,000
Series A preferred shares | NSA OP, LP
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred units cash redemption price (in dollars per share)									$ 25.00				$ 25.00

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Equity Interests (Details) - shares	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Partnership Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	47,254,206	46,281,288
Series A-1 preferred units | NSA OP, LP
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	633,382	637,382
OP units | NSA OP, LP
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	30,069,539	29,616,809
OP units | DownREIT Partnership
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	1,924,918	1,924,918
Subordinated performance units | NSA OP, LP
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	9,510,894	9,030,872
Subordinated performance units | DownREIT Partnership
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	4,337,111	4,337,111
LTIP units | NSA OP, LP
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Outstanding equity interest (in shares)	778,362	734,196

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SELF STORAGE PROPERTIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Real Estate [Abstract]
Land	$ 790,748		$ 790,748		$ 738,863
Buildings and improvements	3,277,794		3,277,794		2,892,490
Furniture and equipment	8,474		8,474		7,839
Total self storage properties	4,077,016		4,077,016		3,639,192
Less accumulated depreciation	(504,498)		(504,498)		(443,623)
Self storage properties, net	3,572,518		3,572,518		$ 3,195,569
Depreciation expense related to self storage properties	$ 31,500	$ 26,300	$ 60,900	$ 52,000

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INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES - Narrative (Details) storage_unit in Thousands, ft² in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021 ft² state property storage_unit	Dec. 31, 2016 property
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	864
Rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	55.2
Number of storage units | storage_unit	438
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	36
Unconsolidated properties | Joint venture | 2018 Joint Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	103
Rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	7.8
Number of storage units | storage_unit	64
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	17
Unconsolidated properties | Joint venture | 2016 Joint Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of self storage properties | property	74	66
Rentable square feet in self storage properties | ft²	4.9
Number of storage units | storage_unit	40
Number of states in which self storage properties are located | state	13

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INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES - Condensed Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
ASSETS
Self storage properties, net	$ 3,572,518		$ 3,195,569
Other assets	72,399		68,149
Total assets	3,891,246		3,513,577
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt financing	2,058,573		1,916,971
Equity	1,687,526	$ 1,581,620	1,430,475	$ 1,368,745	$ 1,381,055	$ 1,452,101
Total liabilities and equity	3,891,246		3,513,577
Joint venture | Unconsolidated real estate ventures
ASSETS
Self storage properties, net	1,769,759		1,799,522
Other assets	25,969		24,397
Total assets	1,795,728		1,823,919
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt financing	1,000,916		1,000,464
Other liabilities	20,951		21,612
Equity	773,861		801,843
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,795,728		$ 1,823,919

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INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE VENTURES - Condensed Operating Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 138,246	$ 104,417	$ 261,238	$ 208,639
Property operating expenses	36,654	30,257	71,258	60,849
Depreciation and amortization	(36,051)	(29,309)	(68,475)	(58,414)
Interest expense	(17,339)	(15,513)	(34,131)	(31,141)
Acquisition costs	(118)	(252)	(410)	(1,085)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718	10,422	49,556	17,070
Joint venture | Unconsolidated real estate ventures
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total revenue	46,086	39,730	89,781	79,968
Property operating expenses	12,523	11,371	24,311	24,549
Net operating income	33,563	28,359	65,470	55,419
Supervisory, administrative and other expenses	(3,014)	(2,640)	(5,896)	(5,309)
Depreciation and amortization	(15,360)	(15,245)	(30,882)	(30,391)
Interest expense	(10,415)	(10,300)	(20,820)	(20,564)
Acquisition costs	(136)	(20)	(257)	(419)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	$ 4,638	$ 154	$ 7,615	$ (1,264)

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ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 property	Mar. 31, 2021 property	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired | property	20	23	43
Estimated fair value of net assets acquired			$ 435.4
Acquisition-related costs capitalized			2.8
Real estate
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognized fair value allocated to real estate			424.6
Customer in-place leases
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognized fair value allocated to intangible assets			$ 10.8
Assets acquired from PROs | Affiliated entity
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired | property			7
Estimated fair value of net assets acquired			$ 48.5

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ACQUISITIONS - Summary of Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property
Asset Acquisitions During Period
Number of Properties | property	20	23	43
Cash and Acquisition Costs	$ 243,580	$ 141,928	$ 385,508
Value of OP Equity	24,102	22,897	46,999
Other Liabilities	1,711	1,138	2,849
Total	$ 269,393	$ 165,963	$ 435,356

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OTHER ASSETS - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables:
Trade, net	$ 2,800	$ 2,734
PROs and other affiliates	2,848	2,974
Receivables from unconsolidated real estate ventures	4,691	5,825
Property acquisition and other deposits	1,100	1,087
Prepaid expenses and other	9,129	7,099
Corporate furniture, equipment and other, net	1,481	1,673
Goodwill	8,182	8,182
Total	72,399	68,149
Customer in-place leases
Other Assets
Intangibles	10,854	6,460
Accumulated amortization	6,327	5,322
Management contract
Other Assets
Intangibles	11,490	11,998
Accumulated amortization	3,730	3,222
Tenant reinsurance intangible
Other Assets
Intangibles	13,444	13,737
Accumulated amortization	1,196	903
Trade name
Receivables:
Trade names	$ 6,380	$ 6,380

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OTHER ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Customer in-place leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 4.0	$ 2.4	$ 6.4	$ 5.3
Management contract
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	0.2	0.3	0.5	0.5
Tenant reinsurance intangible
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 0.2	$ 0.1	$ 0.3	$ 0.2

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DEBT FINANCING - Debt Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 2,063,541	$ 1,922,614
Unamortized debt issuance costs and debt premium, net	(4,968)	(5,643)
Total debt	$ 2,058,573	1,916,971
Revolving line of credit | Credit Facility | Revolving line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	1.40%
Principal amount	$ 265,500	174,000
Unsecured debt | Credit Facility | Term loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	3.74%
Principal amount	$ 125,000	125,000
Unsecured debt | Credit Facility | Term loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	2.91%
Principal amount	$ 250,000	250,000
Unsecured debt | Credit Facility | Term loan C
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	2.91%
Principal amount	$ 225,000	225,000
Unsecured debt | Credit Facility | Term loan D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	3.57%
Principal amount	$ 175,000	175,000
Unsecured debt | 2023 Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	2.83%
Principal amount	$ 175,000	175,000
Unsecured debt | 2028 Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	4.62%
Principal amount	$ 75,000	75,000
Unsecured debt | 2029 Term loan facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	4.27%
Principal amount	$ 100,000	100,000
Unsecured debt | 2029 Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	3.98%
Principal amount	$ 100,000	100,000
Unsecured debt | 2030 Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	2.99%
Principal amount	$ 150,000	150,000
Unsecured debt | August 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	4.08%
Principal amount	$ 50,000	50,000
Unsecured debt | 2032 Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	3.09%
Principal amount	$ 100,000	100,000
Unsecured debt | 2033 Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	3.10%
Principal amount	$ 55,000	0
Fixed rate mortgages payable | Fixed rate mortgages payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (percent)	4.24%
Principal amount	$ 218,041	$ 223,614

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DEBT FINANCING - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jul. 09, 2021 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	May 03, 2021 USD ($)
Unsecured debt | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,275,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity if expansion option is exercised			1,750,000,000
Unsecured debt | 2026 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 35,000,000.0
Interest rate				2.16%
Unsecured debt | 2031 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 90,000,000.0
Interest rate				3.00%
Unsecured debt | 2033 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 55,000,000.0
Interest rate				3.10%
Fixed rate mortgages payable | 2028 Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued		$ 88,000,000.0
Interest rate		2.77%
Number of properties securing debt | property		8
Revolving line of credit | Revolving line of credit | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			500,000,000.0
Revolving line of credit remaining borrowing capacity			228,800,000
Term loan A | Unsecured debt | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			125,000,000.0
Term loan B | Unsecured debt | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			250,000,000.0
Term loan C | Unsecured debt | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			225,000,000.0
Term loan D | Unsecured debt | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			175,000,000.0
Term loan E | Unsecured debt | Credit Facility | Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000.0
Letter of credit | Revolving line of credit | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding			$ 5,700,000

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DEBT FINANCING - Future Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Scheduled Principal and Maturity Payments
Remainder of 2021	$ 2,096
2022	4,374
2023	376,813
2024	537,464
2025	227,185
2026	177,322
Thereafter	738,287
Total principal	2,063,541	$ 1,922,614
Amortization of Premium and Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
Remainder of 2021	(843)
2022	(1,689)
2023	(1,333)
2024	(960)
2025	(384)
2026	(260)
Thereafter	501
Total unamortized debt issuance costs and debt premium, net	(4,968)	(5,643)
Total
Remainder of 2021	1,253
2022	2,685
2023	375,480
2024	536,504
2025	226,801
2026	177,062
Thereafter	738,788
Total debt	$ 2,058,573	$ 1,916,971

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EARNINGS PER SHARE - Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Numerator
Net income	$ 35,675	$ 27,635	$ 17,787	$ 15,763	$ 63,310	$ 33,550
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,957)		(7,365)		(13,754)	(16,480)
Net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust	28,718		10,422		49,556	17,070
Distributions to preferred shareholders	(3,276)		(3,274)		(6,551)	(6,547)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	(16)		(11)		(27)	(23)
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic	25,426		7,137		42,978	10,500
Effect of assumed conversion of dilutive securities	6,593		0		13,045	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted	$ 32,019		$ 7,137		$ 56,023	$ 10,500
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	76,712		68,210		74,267	64,004
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of outstanding forward offering agreement (in shares)	0		0		199	0
Weighted average OP units outstanding (in shares)	29,963		0		29,857	0
Weighted average DownREIT OP unit equivalents outstanding (in shares)	1,925		0		1,925	0
Weighted average LTIP units outstanding (in shares)	91		0		112	0
Weighted average subordinated performance units and DownREIT subordinated performance unit equivalents (in shares)	20,887		0		20,036	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	129,578		68,210		126,396	64,004
Earnings (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33		$ 0.10		$ 0.58	$ 0.16
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25		$ 0.10		$ 0.44	$ 0.16

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EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 shares	Jun. 30, 2020 shares	Jun. 30, 2021 shares	Jun. 30, 2020 shares
NSA OP, LP And DownREIT Partnership | Subordinated performance units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio			1
Minimum conversion period (in years)			2 years
NSA OP, LP | OP units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio			1
Minimum conversion period (in years)			1 year
NSA OP, LP | LTIP units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio			1
DownREIT Partnership | OP units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio			1
Minimum conversion period (in years)			5 years
DownREIT Partnership | Subordinated performance units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unit conversion ratio			1
Minimum conversion period (in years)			5 years
LTIP units with vesting based on service or market condition
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Equity interests excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	445,618		445,618
LTIP units with vesting based on future acquisitions
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Equity interests excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	252,894		252,894
OP units, DownREIT OP units, Subordinated performance units, DownREIT subordinated performance units, Vested LTIP units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Equity interests excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)		46,900,000		49,000,000.0

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) property	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) property shares	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 property tranche
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payroll and related costs reimbursed to the PROs by the Company	$ 36,654		$ 30,257	$ 71,258	$ 60,849
Number of properties acquired | property	20	23		43
Consideration in acquisition transaction	$ 269,393	$ 165,963		$ 435,356
Value of OP Equity	24,102	$ 22,897		46,999
Supervisory and Administrative Fee Agreement | Management | Participating Regional Operator (PRO)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Supervisory and administrative fees paid to the PROs	4,900		3,500	$ 9,100	8,800
Supervisory and Administrative Fee Agreement | Management | Participating Regional Operator (PRO) | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Supervisory and administrative fee agreement of gross revenue, percent				5.00%
Supervisory and Administrative Fee Agreement | Management | Participating Regional Operator (PRO) | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Supervisory and administrative fee agreement of gross revenue, percent				6.00%
Payroll Services | Management | Participating Regional Operator (PRO)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payroll and related costs reimbursed to the PROs by the Company	6,600		5,500	$ 13,000	14,300
Due Diligence Costs | Management | Participating Regional Operator (PRO)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due diligence expenses payable to the PROs	$ 200		$ 100	$ 500	$ 200
Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired | property				1		1
Number of earnout tranches | tranche						3
Consideration in acquisition transaction				$ 8,800
Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | Six month tranche
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Earnout performance periods						6 months
Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | 12 month tranche
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Earnout performance periods						12 months
Consideration in acquisition transaction				$ 2,000
Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | 18 month tranche
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Earnout performance periods						18 months
OP units | Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | Mr. J. Timothy Warren
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares				29,123
Value of OP Equity				$ 1,100
OP units | Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | Mr. J. Timothy Warren | 12 month tranche
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares				13,105
Value of OP Equity				$ 600

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Interest Swap Derivatives (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - Level 2 - Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	$ (77,918)	$ (18,963)
Swap ineffectiveness	24	34
Losses on interest rate swaps reclassified into interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,081	4,546
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	14,175	(76,792)
Fair value of end of period	$ (53,638)	$ (91,175)

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate cash flow hedge losses to be reclassified during next 12 months	$ 20,200,000
Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed rate mortgages, fair value disclosure	$ 239,500,000	$ 249,700,000
Weighted average market interest rate (percent)	2.23%	2.12%
Weighted average contractual interest rate (percent)	4.67%	4.69%
Reported Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed rate mortgages, fair value disclosure	$ 218,000,000.0	$ 223,600,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,125,000,000.0	$ 1,125,000,000.0
Weighted average remaining term	3 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average fixed rate (percent)	1.92%

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 23, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Aug. 04, 2021 USD ($) property $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jul. 09, 2021 USD ($) property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration in acquisition transaction			$ 269,393,000	$ 165,963,000	$ 435,356,000
Cash paid in asset acquisition			243,580,000	141,928,000	385,508,000
Other liabilities assumed in asset acquisition			1,711,000	1,138,000	2,849,000
Value of OP equity issued in asset acquisition			24,102,000	$ 22,897,000	46,999,000
Credit Facility | Unsecured debt
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,275,000,000		$ 1,275,000,000
Credit Facility | Unsecured debt | Term loan E | Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 100,000,000.0
Common shares | At the Market Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares			2,390,000		3,032,726
Proceeds from sale of stock			$ 103,700,000		$ 129,100,000
Average price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 43.86		$ 42.92
Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration in acquisition transaction					$ 8,800,000
OP units | Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | Mr. J. Timothy Warren
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Value of OP equity issued in asset acquisition					$ 1,100,000
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares					29,123
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired | property		7
Consideration in acquisition transaction		$ 68,600,000
Cash paid in asset acquisition		57,100,000
Other liabilities assumed in asset acquisition		200,000
Value of OP equity issued in asset acquisition		$ 11,300,000
Subsequent Event | 2028 Fixed Rate Mortgage Payable | Fixed rate mortgages payable
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt issued							$ 88,000,000.0
Number of properties securing debt | property							8
Interest rate							2.77%
Subsequent Event | Common shares | Follow-On Public Offering
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares	10,120,000
Sale of stock, price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 51.25
Proceeds from sale of stock	$ 497,400,000
Subsequent Event | Common shares | At the Market Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares		782,000
Proceeds from sale of stock		$ 40,000,000.0
Average price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 51.82
Subsequent Event | Underwriter option to purchase | Follow-On Public Offering
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares	1,320,000
Subsequent Event | Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of properties acquired | property		1
Consideration in acquisition transaction		$ 11,700,000
Subsequent Event | OP units
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares		189,322
Subsequent Event | OP units | Self storage property purchase from affiliate of trustee | Affiliated entity | Mr. J. Timothy Warren
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Value of OP equity issued in asset acquisition		$ 500,000
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares		9,290
Subsequent Event | Subordinated performance units
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of OP Units in acquisition (in shares) | shares		10,870