Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant of these estimates include: (i) the underlying cash flows used in assessing impairment and (ii) the determination of useful lives for tangible and intangible assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Acquisitions and Business Combinations

We account for asset acquisitions, which includes the consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate ventures, at cost, including transaction costs, plus the fair value of any assumed debt. We estimate the fair values of acquired tangible assets (consisting of real estate, cash and cash equivalents, tenant and other receivables, investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures and other assets, as applicable), identified intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of the value of in-place leases, above- and below-market leases, options to enter into ground leases and management contracts, as applicable), assumed debt and other liabilities, and noncontrolling interests, as applicable, based on our evaluation of information and estimates available at the date of acquisition. Based on these estimates, we allocate the purchase price, including all transaction costs related to the acquisition, to the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair value.

We similarly account for business combinations by estimating the fair values of acquired tangible assets, identified intangible assets and liabilities, assumed debt and other liabilities, and noncontrolling interests, as applicable, based on our evaluation of information and estimates. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill, and any excess of the fair value of assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a gain on bargain purchase. If, up to one year from the acquisition date, information regarding the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is received and the estimates are refined, appropriate adjustments are made on a prospective basis to the purchase price allocation, which may include adjustments to identified assets, assumed liabilities, and goodwill or the gain on bargain purchase, as applicable. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred and included in "Transaction and other costs" in our statements of operations.

For both asset acquisitions and business combinations, the results of operations of acquisitions are prospectively included in our financial statements beginning with the date of the acquisition.

The fair values of buildings are determined using the "as-if vacant" approach whereby we use discounted cash flow models with inputs and assumptions that we believe are consistent with current market conditions for similar assets. The most significant assumptions in determining the allocation of the purchase price to buildings are the exit capitalization rate, discount rate, estimated market rents and hypothetical expected lease-up periods. We assess fair value of land based on market comparisons and development projects using an income approach of cost plus a margin.

The fair values of identified intangible assets are determined based on the following:

• The value allocable to the above- or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the acquired lease) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be received using market rates over the remaining term of the lease. Amounts allocated to above- market leases are recorded as lease intangible assets in "Other assets, net" in our balance sheets, and amounts allocated to below-market leases are recorded as lease intangible liabilities in "Other liabilities, net" in our balance sheets. These intangibles are amortized to "Property rentals revenue" in our statements of operations over the remaining terms of the respective leases;

• Factors considered in determining the value allocable to in-place leases during hypothetical lease-up periods related to space that is leased at the time of acquisition include (i) lost rent and operating cost recoveries during the hypothetical lease-up period and (ii) theoretical leasing commissions required to execute similar leases. These intangible assets are recorded as lease intangible assets in "Other assets, net" in our balance sheets and are amortized to "Depreciation and amortization expense" in our statements of operations over the remaining term of the existing lease; and

• The fair value of the in-place property management, leasing, asset management, and development and construction management contracts is based on revenue and expense projections over the estimated life of each contract discounted using a market discount rate. These management contract intangibles are amortized to "Depreciation and amortization expense" in our statements of operations over the weighted average life of the management contracts.

The fair value of investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures and related noncontrolling interests is based on the estimated fair values of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed of each venture, including future expected cash flows from promote interests.

The fair value of the mortgages payable assumed is determined using current market interest rates for comparable debt financings. The fair values of the interest rate swaps and caps are based on the estimated amounts we would receive or pay to terminate the contract at the acquisition date and are determined using interest rate pricing models and observable inputs. The carrying value of cash, restricted cash, working capital balances, leasehold improvements and equipment, and other assets acquired and liabilities assumed approximates fair value.

Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate

Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and are included in "Property operating expenses" in our statements of operations. As real estate is undergoing redevelopment activities, all property operating expenses directly associated with and attributable to the redevelopment, including interest expense, are capitalized to the extent that we believe such costs are recoverable through the value of the property. The capitalization period ends when the asset is ready for its intended use, but no later than one year from substantial completion of major construction activities. General and administrative costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization require an estimate of the useful life of each property and improvement as well as an allocation of the costs associated with a property to its various components. Depreciation and amortization are recognized on a straight‑line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from three to 40 years. Tenant improvements are amortized on a straight‑line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the tenant improvements. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

Construction in progress, including land, is carried at cost, and no depreciation is recorded. Real estate undergoing significant renovations and improvements is considered to be under development. All direct and indirect costs related to development activities are capitalized into "Construction in progress, including land" on our balance sheets, except for certain demolition costs, which are expensed as incurred. Direct development costs incurred include: pre-development expenditures directly related to a specific project, development and construction costs, interest, insurance and real estate taxes. Indirect development costs include: employee salaries and benefits, travel and other related costs that are directly associated with the development. Our method of calculating capitalized interest expense is based upon applying our weighted average borrowing rate to the actual accumulated expenditures if the property does not have property specific debt. If the property is encumbered by specific debt, we will capitalize both the interest incurred applicable to that debt and additional interest expense using our weighted average borrowing rate for any accumulated expenditures in excess of the principal balance of the debt encumbering the property. The capitalization of such expenses ceases when the real estate is ready for its intended use, but no later than one-year from substantial completion of major construction activities.

Our assets and related intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Estimates of future cash flows are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. If our estimates of future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or fair values change, based on market conditions or otherwise, our evaluation of impairment charges may be different and such differences could be material to our financial statements. Estimates of future cash flows are subjective and are based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a purchase date life to maturity of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short‑term maturities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of proceeds from property dispositions held in escrow, security deposits held on behalf of our tenants and cash escrowed under loan agreements for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements.

Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]

Investments in Real Estate Ventures

We analyze our real estate ventures to determine whether the entities should be consolidated. If it is determined that these entities are VIEs in which we have a variable interest, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE to determine whether it should be consolidated. We are not the primary beneficiary of entities when we do not have voting control, lack the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, or the limited partners (or non-managing members) have substantive participatory rights. If it is determined that these entities are not VIEs, then the determination as to whether we consolidate is based on whether we have a controlling financial interest in the entity, which is based on our voting interests and the degree of influence we have over the entity. Management uses its judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of, or have a controlling financial interest in, an entity in which we have a variable interest. Factors considered in determining whether we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance include voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions and the extent of our involvement in the entity.

We use the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures when we have significant influence but do not have a controlling financial interest. Significant influence is typically indicated through ownership of 20% or more of the voting interests. Under the equity method, we record our investments in these entities in "Investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures" on our balance sheets, and our proportionate share of earnings or losses earned by the real estate venture is recognized in "Income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate ventures, net" in the accompanying statements of operations. We earn revenues from the management services we provide to unconsolidated entities. These fees are determined in accordance with the terms specific to each arrangement and may include property and asset management fees or transactional fees for leasing, acquisition, development and construction, financing and legal services provided. We account for this revenue gross of our ownership interest in each respective real estate venture and recognize such revenue in "Third-party real estate services, including reimbursements" in our statements of operations when earned. Our proportionate share of related expenses is recognized in "Income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate ventures, net" in our statements of operations.

We may also earn incremental promote distributions if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved upon ultimate disposition of the underlying properties. Promote fees are recognized when certain earnings events have occurred, and the amount is determinable and collectible. Any promote fees are reflected in "Income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate ventures, net" in our statements of operations.

With regard to distributions from unconsolidated real estate ventures, we use the information that is available to us to determine the nature of the underlying activity that generated the distributions. Using the nature of distribution approach, cash flows generated from the operations of an unconsolidated real estate venture are classified as a return on investment (cash inflow from operating activities) and cash flows from property sales, debt refinancing or sales of our investments are classified as a return of investment (cash inflow from investing activities).

On a periodic basis, we evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment. We assess whether there are any indicators, including underlying property operating performance and general market conditions, that the value of our investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures may be impaired. An investment in a real estate venture is considered impaired if we determine that its fair value is less than the net carrying value of the investment in that real estate venture on an other-than-temporary basis. Cash flow projections for the investments consider property level factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. We consider various qualitative factors to determine if a decrease in the value of our investment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the venture, our intent and ability to retain our investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity and relationships with our partners and banks. If we believe that the decline in the fair value of the investment is temporary, no impairment charge is recorded. If our analysis indicates that there is an other-than temporary impairment related to the investment in a particular real estate venture, the carrying value of the venture will be adjusted to an amount that reflects the estimated fair value of the investment.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangibles

Intangible assets consist of in-place leases, below-market ground rent obligations, above-market real estate leases and options to enter into ground leases that were recorded in connection with the acquisition of properties. Intangible assets also include management and leasing contracts acquired in the Combination. Intangible liabilities consist of above-market ground rent obligations and below-market real estate leases that are also recorded in connection with the acquisition of properties. Both intangible assets and liabilities are amortized and accreted using the straight-line method over their applicable remaining useful life. When a lease or contract is terminated early, any remaining unamortized or unaccreted balances are charged to earnings. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated each reporting period with any changes in estimated useful lives being accounted for over the revised remaining useful life.

Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Assets Held for Sale

Assets, primarily consisting of real estate, are classified as held for sale when all the necessary criteria are met. The criteria include (i) management, having the authority to approve action, commits to a plan to sell the property in its present condition, (ii) the sale of the property is at a price reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (iii) the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of carrying amounts or estimated fair value less disposal costs. Depreciation and amortization is not recognized on real estate classified as held for sale.

Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Costs

Deferred financing costs consist of loan issuance costs directly related to financing transactions that are deferred and amortized over the term of the related loan as a component of interest expense. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to our mortgages payable and unsecured term loan are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amounts of the related debt instruments, while such costs related to our revolving credit facility are included in other assets.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Noncontrolling Interests

We identify our noncontrolling interests separately on our balance sheets. Amounts of consolidated net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests and to the noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately in our statements of operations.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Redeemable noncontrolling interests consists of OP Units issued in conjunction with the Formation Transaction and our venture partner's interest in 965 Florida Avenue. The OP Units became redeemable for our common shares or cash beginning August 1, 2018, subject to certain limitations. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are generally redeemable at the option of the holder and are presented in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and shareholders' equity on our balance sheets. The carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests is adjusted to its redemption value at the end of each reporting period, but no less than its initial carrying value, with such adjustments recognized in "Additional paid-in capital." See Note 12 for additional information.

Noncontrolling Interests - Noncontrolling interests represents the portion of equity that we do not own in entities we consolidate, including interests in consolidated real estate ventures.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting

Derivative financial instruments are used at times to manage exposure to variable interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges - Certain derivative financial instruments, consisting of interest rate swap and cap agreements, are designated as cash flow hedges, and are carried at their estimated fair value on a recurring basis. We assess the effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. If the hedges are deemed to be effective, the fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified into "Interest expense" in the period that the hedged forecasted transactions affect earnings. Our cash flow hedges become less than perfectly effective if the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the forecasted transactions do not perfectly match such as notional amounts, settlement dates, reset dates, calculation period and interest rates. In addition, we evaluate the default risk of the counterparty by monitoring the creditworthiness of the counterparty.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities require management to make judgments on the nature of its derivatives and their effectiveness as hedges. These judgments determine if the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are reported in our statements of operations or as a component of comprehensive income and as a component of shareholders’ equity on our balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated as Hedges - Certain derivative financial instruments, consisting of interest rate swap and cap agreements, are considered economic hedges, but not designated as accounting hedges, and are carried at their estimated fair value on a recurring basis. Realized and unrealized gains are recorded in "Interest expense" in our statements of operations in the period in which the change occurs.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 ("Topic 820"), Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels:

Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets, but corroborated by market data; and

Level 3 — unobservable inputs that are used when little or no market data is available.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We have leases with various tenants across our portfolio of properties, which generate rental income and operating cash flows for our benefit. Through these leases, we provide tenants with the right to control the use of our real estate, which tenants agree to use and control. The right to control our real estate conveys to our tenants substantially all of the economic benefits and the right to direct how and for what purpose the real estate is used throughout the period of use, thereby meeting the definition of a lease. Leases will be classified as either operating, sales-type or direct finance leases based on whether the lease is structured in effect as a financed purchase.

Property rentals revenue includes base rent each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of its respective lease and is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease, which includes the effects of periodic step-ups in rent and rent abatements under the lease. When a renewal option is included within the lease, we assess whether the option is reasonably certain of being exercised against relevant economic factors to determine whether the option period should be included as part of the lease term. Further, property rentals revenue includes tenant reimbursements revenue from the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes of the respective assets. Tenant reimbursements, which vary each period, are non-lease components that are not the predominant activity within the contract. We combine certain lease and non-lease components of our operating leases. Non-lease components are recognized together with fixed base rent in "Property rentals revenue", as variable lease income in the same periods as the related expenses are incurred. Certain commercial leases may also provide for the payment by the lessee of additional rents based on a percentage of sales, which are recorded as variable lease income in the period the additional rents are earned.

We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space or controls the physical use of the leased space and when the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. In circumstances where we provide a tenant improvement allowance for improvements that are owned by the tenant, we recognize the allowance as a reduction of property rentals revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease when the tenant takes possession of the space. Differences between rental revenue recognized and amounts due under the respective lease agreements are recorded as an increase or decrease to "Deferred rent receivable, net" on our balance sheets. Property rentals revenue also includes the amortization or accretion of acquired above-and below-market leases. We periodically evaluate the collectability of amounts due from tenants and recognize an adjustment to property rental revenue for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under lease agreements. Any changes to the provision for lease revenue determined to be not probable of collection are included in "Property rentals revenue" in our statements of operations. We exercise judgment in assessing the probability of collection and consider payment history and current credit status in making this determination.

Third-party real estate services revenue, including reimbursements, includes property and asset management fees, and transactional fees for leasing, acquisition, development and construction, financing, and legal services. These fees are determined in accordance with the terms specific to each arrangement and are recognized as the related services are performed. Development fees are earned from providing services to third-party property owners and our unconsolidated real estate ventures. The performance obligations associated with our development services contracts are satisfied over time and we recognize our development fee revenue using a time based measure of progress over the course of the development project due to the stand-ready nature of the promised services. The transaction prices for our performance obligations that are expected to be completed in greater than twelve months are variable based on the costs ultimately incurred to develop the underlying assets. Judgments impacting the timing and amount of revenue recognized from our development services contracts include the determination of the nature and number of performance obligations within a contract, estimates of total development project costs, from which the fees are typically derived, and estimates of the

period of time over which the development services are expected to be performed, which is the period over which the revenue is recognized. We recognize development fees earned from unconsolidated joint venture projects to the extent of the third-party partners’ ownership interest.

Third-Party Real Estate Services Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Third-Party Real Estate Services Expenses

Third-party real estate services expenses include the costs associated with the management services provided to our unconsolidated real estate ventures and other third parties, including amounts paid to third-party contractors for construction management projects. We allocate personnel and other overhead costs using the estimates of the time spent performing services for our third-party real estate services and other allocation methodologies.

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

Lessee Accounting

We are obligated under non-cancellable operating leases, including ground leases on certain of our properties through 2061. When a renewal option is included within a lease, we assess whether the option is reasonably certain of being exercised against relevant economic factors to determine whether the option period should be included as part of the lease term. Lease payments associated with renewal periods that we are reasonably certain will be exercised are included in the measurement of the corresponding lease liability and right-of-use asset. Lease expense for our operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term and is included in our statements of operations in either "Property operating expenses" or "General and administrative expense" depending on the nature of the lease.

Certain lease agreements include variable lease payments that, in the future, will vary based on changes in inflationary measures, market rates or our share of expenditures of the leased premises. Such variable payments are recognized in lease expense in the period in which the variability is determined. Certain lease agreements may also include various non-lease components that primarily relate to property operating expenses associated with our office leases, which also vary each period. We have elected the practical expedient which allows us not to separate lease and non-lease components for our ground and office leases and recognize variable non-lease components in lease expense when incurred.

We discount our future lease payments for each lease to calculate the related lease liability using an estimated incremental borrowing rate computed based on observable corporate borrowing rates reflective of the general economic environment, taking into consideration our creditworthiness and various financing and asset specific considerations, adjusted to approximate a secured borrowing for the lease term.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as dividends to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Prior to the Separation, Vornado operated as a REIT and distributed 100% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders; accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements for the periods prior to the Separation. We currently adhere and intend to continue to adhere to these requirements and to maintain our REIT status in future periods.

As a REIT, we can reduce our taxable income by distributing all or a portion of such taxable income to shareholders. Future distributions will be declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and will depend upon cash generated by operating activities, our financial condition, capital requirements, annual dividend requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as our Board of Trustees deems relevant.

We also participate in the activities conducted by our subsidiary entities that have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS") under the Code. As such, we are subject to federal, state, and local taxes on the income from these activities. Income taxes attributable to our TRSs are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in our financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. We provide for a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets if we believe all or some portion of the deferred tax asset may not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances that causes a change in the estimated ability to realize the related deferred tax asset is included in deferred tax benefit (expense).

Accounting Standards Codification 740 ("Topic 740"), Income Taxes, provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in our financial statements. Topic 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken in the course of preparing our tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are "more-likely-than-not" of being sustained

by the applicable tax authority. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax expense in the current year.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Unvested share-based compensation awards that entitle holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends, which include long-term incentive partnership units ("LTIP Units"), are considered participating securities. Consequently, we are required to apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings that would otherwise have been available to common shareholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common shareholders and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. During periods of net loss, losses are allocated only to the extent the participating securities are required to absorb their share of such losses. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share reflects the potential dilution of the assumed exchange of various unit and share-based compensation awards into common shares to the extent they are dilutive.

Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

The fair value of share-based compensation awards granted to our trustees, management or employees is determined, depending on the type of award, using the Monte Carlo or Black-Scholes methods, which is intended to estimate the fair value of the awards at the grant date using dividend yields, expected volatilities that are primarily based on available implied data and peer group companies' historical data and post-vesting restriction periods. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The shortcut method is used for determining the expected life used in the valuation method.

Compensation expense is based on the fair value of our common shares at the date of the grant and is recognized ratably over the vesting period using a graded vesting attribution model. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Distributions paid on unvested OP Units, LTIP Units, LTIP Units with time-based vesting requirements ("Time-Based LTIP Units"), LTIP Units with performance-based vesting requirements ("Performance-Based LTIP Units") are recorded to "Redeemable noncontrolling interests" in our balance sheets.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases ("Topic 842")

We enter into various lease agreements to make our properties available for use by third parties in exchange for cash consideration or to obtain the right to use properties owned by third parties to administer our business operations. We account for these leases under Topic 842, which we adopted as of January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective approach and by applying the several transitional practical expedients including the Comparatives Under 840 expedient, the Relief Package for existing leases and the Easement expedient for existing easements, but not the Hindsight expedient. The Comparatives Under 840 expedient allows us not to recast our comparative periods in the period of adoption, and the Relief Package and Easement expedients allow us to maintain our historical accounting conclusions on current leases as of the date of adoption with respect to whether a contract contains a lease, what a lease’s classification should be, what initial direct costs are capitalizable and whether a land easement constituted a lease.

The adoption of Topic 842 did not result in a material change to our recognition of property rental revenue and did not impact our opening accumulated deficit balance, but resulted in:

(i) the inclusion of tenant reimbursements in "Property rentals revenue" in our statements of operations. Such amounts were previously separately presented as "Tenant reimbursements" in our statements of operations;

(ii) the recognition, as of January 1, 2019, of right-of-use assets totaling $35.3 million in "Other assets, net" and lease liabilities totaling $37.9 million in "Other liabilities, net" in our accompanying balance sheet, associated with our corporate office lease and various ground leases for which we are the lessee. The initial right-of-use assets comprised $37.9 million of lease liabilities, $3.5 million of ground lease deferred rent payable reclassified from "Other liabilities, net" and $767,000 of identified net intangible assets and $140,000 of prepaid expenses both reclassified from "Other assets, net;"

(iii) the inclusion as a deduction to revenue, as of January 1, 2019, of the impact of revenue deemed improbable of collection. Such amounts were previously recognized within "Property operating expenses" in our statements of operations; and

(iv) the change, as of January 1, 2019, in our capitalization policy for direct leasing costs to include only incremental costs associated with successful leasing arrangements, which would not have been incurred if the leasing arrangements had not been obtained. As a result, we no longer capitalize internal leasing costs, which are now expensed as incurred within "General and administrative expense: corporate and other" in our statements of operations. Internal leasing costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 totaled $6.5 million and $2.9 million.

Lessor Accounting

The following is a summary of revenue from our non-cancellable leases:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
Property rentals:
Fixed	$	458,329
Variable	34,944
Total	$	493,273

As of December 31, 2019, the undiscounted cash flows to be received from lease payments under our operating leases on an annual basis for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Year ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2020	$	371,332
2021	297,603
2022	265,150
2023	220,722
2024	191,946
Thereafter	933,143

As of December 31, 2018, future base rental revenue under our non-cancellable operating leases, as determined under ASC Topic 840, were as follows:

Year ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2019	$	377,427
2020	321,205
2021	287,463
2022	256,352
2023	215,203
Thereafter	1,188,767

Lessee Accounting

As of December 31, 2019, the weighted average discount rate used in calculating lease liabilities for our active operating leases was 5.4%, which had a weighted average remaining lease term of 23.9 years.

As of December 31, 2019, future minimum lease payments under our non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Year ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2020	$	5,999
2021	3,348
2022	3,064
2023	2,000
2024	2,061
Thereafter	36,580
Total future minimum lease payments	53,052
Imputed interest	(24,576		)
Total (1)	$	28,476

______________

⁽¹⁾  The total for operating leases of $28.5 million corresponds to lease liabilities related to operating right-of-use assets, which was included in "Other liabilities, net" as of December 31, 2019. See Note 10 for additional information.

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments under our non-cancellable operating leases, capital leases and lease assumption liabilities, as determined under Topic 840, were as follows:

Year ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2019	$	13,991
2020	13,710
2021	13,395
2022	12,554
2023	9,489
Thereafter	55,780
Total	$	118,919

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we incurred $2.3 million of fixed operating and finance lease costs and $1.3 million of variable operating lease costs.