We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the “FASB.” The FASB sets Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), which we follow to ensure that we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. References to GAAP in the United States issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”).


(a)	Basis of Consolidation

We consolidate our majority-owned Subsidiaries in which we have the ability to control the operations of our Subsidiaries and all variable interest entities with respect to which we are the primary beneficiary. We also consolidate entities in which we have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For business combinations, the purchase price of Properties is accounted for in accordance with the Codification Topic “Business Combinations” (“FASB ASC 805”).

We have applied the Codification Sub-Topic “Variable Interest Entities” (“FASB ASC 810-10-15”). The objective of FASB ASC 810-10-15 is to provide guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and determine when the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests, and results of operations of a VIE need to be included in a company’s consolidated financial statements. We have also applied the Codification Sub-Topic “Control of Partnerships and Similar Entities” (“FASB ASC 810-20”), which determines whether a general partner or the general partners as a group controls a limited partnership or similar entity and therefore should consolidate the entity. The Codification Sub-Topic FASB ASC 810-10-15 adopted amendments to the variable interest consolidation model described above. The requirement to consolidate a VIE as revised in this amendment is based on the qualitative analysis considerations for primary beneficiary determination which requires a company consolidate an entity determined to be a VIE if it has both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the principal activities of the entity and (2) the obligation to absorb the expected losses or the right to receive the residual returns that could be significant to the entity. We apply FASB ASC 810-10-15 and FASB ASC 810-20 to all types of entity ownership (general and limited partnerships and corporate interests).

We apply the equity method of accounting to entities in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest or for variable interest entities where we are not considered the primary beneficiary, but can exercise influence over the entity with respect to our operations and major decisions. The cost method is applied when (i) the investment is minimal (typically less than 5%) and (ii) our investment is passive.


(b)	Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 these estimates. All property, Site counts and acreage amounts are unaudited.


(c)	Markets

We have two reportable segments which are: (i) Property Operations and (ii) Home Sales and Rental Operations segments. The Property Operations segment owns and operates land lease Properties and the Home Sales and Rental Operations segment purchases, sells and leases homes at the Properties. The distribution of the Properties throughout the United States reflects our belief that geographic diversification helps insulate the portfolio from regional economic influences. We intend to target new acquisitions in or near markets where the Properties are located and will also consider acquisitions of Properties outside such markets.


(d)	Real Estate

Real estate is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We generally use a 30-year estimated life for buildings and structural and land improvements acquired (including Site development), a ten-year estimated life for building upgrades, a five-year estimated life for furniture, fixtures and equipment and over the average life of acquired in-place leases. New rental units are generally depreciated using a 20-year estimated life from each model year down to a salvage value of 40% of the original costs. Used rental units are generally depreciated based on the estimated life of the unit with no estimated salvage value.

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred and significant renovations and improvements that improve the asset and extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Land improvements consist primarily of improvements such as grading, landscaping and infrastructure items such as streets, sidewalks or water mains. Buildings and other depreciable property consist of permanent buildings in the Properties such as clubhouses, laundry facilities, maintenance storage facilities, rental units and furniture, fixtures, equipment, and in-place leases.

The values of above and below-market leases are amortized and recorded as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income over the remaining term of the applicable lease. The value associated with in-place leases is amortized over the expected term, which includes an estimated probability of lease renewal.

In accordance with the Codification Sub-Topic “Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets” (“FASB ASC 360-10-35”), we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to be held and used, including our investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal factors. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.

For long-lived assets to be held and used, if an impairment indicator exists, we compare the expected future undiscounted cash flows against the carrying amount of that asset. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would record an impairment loss for the carrying amount in excess of the estimated fair value, if any, of the asset. For the periods presented, no impairment losses were recorded.

For Properties to be disposed of, an impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the Property, less the estimated cost to sell, is less than the carrying amount of the Property measured at the time we have made the decision to dispose of the Property, have an agreement to sell the Property within a year period and due diligence has been completed. A Property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. Subsequent to the date that a Property is held for disposition, depreciation expense is not recorded. We account for our Properties held for disposition in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35. Accordingly, the results of operations for all assets sold or held for sale are classified as discontinued operations in all periods presented, as applicable.


(e)	Acquisitions

In accordance with FASB ASC 805, we recognize all the assets acquired and all the liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value. We also expense transaction costs as they are incurred. The results of operations of acquired assets are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income from the dates of acquisition. Certain purchase price adjustments may be made within one year following any acquisition and applied retroactively to the date of acquisition.

In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals or valuations that may be available in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective Property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each Property as a result of our due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of asset acquired and liability assumed:

Land – Market approach based on similar, but not identical, transactions in the market. Adjustments to comparable sales based on both the quantitative and qualitative data.

Depreciable property – Cost approach based on market comparable data to replace adjusted for local variations, inflation and other factors.

Manufactured homes – Sales comparison approach based on market prices for similar homes adjusted for differences in age or size. Manufactured homes are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in buildings and other depreciable property.

In-place leases – Lease in place was determined via a combination of estimates of market rental rates and expense reimbursement levels as well as an estimate of the length of time required to replace each lease.

Notes receivable – Income approach based on discounted cash flows discounting contractual cash flows at a market rate adjusted based on particular notes’ or note holders’ down payment, credit score and delinquency status.

Below-market ground leases – Value of asset (below-market lease) based on contract rent and option price against market rent and land value. Market rent determined applying a reasonable rate of return to the value of the land as if owned. Land value is estimated and then inflated until it is anticipated that the option will be exercised. Below-market ground leases are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets, net.

Mortgage notes payable – Income approach based on discounted cash flows comparing contractual cash flows to cash flows of similar debt discounted based on market rates.


(f)	Identified Intangibles and Goodwill

We record acquired intangible assets at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. We amortize identified intangible assets and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives over the period the assets and liabilities are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired. In accordance with the Codification Sub-Topic “Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets” (“FASB ASC 360-10-35”), intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.

The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. In accordance with Codification Topic “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“FASB ASC 350”), goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the gross carrying amounts of identified intangible assets and goodwill, a component of Escrow deposits, goodwill and other assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets, were approximately $12.1 million. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, this amount was comprised of approximately $4.3 million of identified intangible assets and approximately $7.8 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangibles assets was approximately $1.9 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amortization expense for the identified intangible assets was approximately $0.3 million.

Estimated amortization of identified intangible assets for each of the next five years are as follows (amounts in thousands):



Year ending December 31,	Amount
2014	$	349
2015	349
2016	251
2017	87
2018	87


(g)	Restricted Cash

Cash as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 included approximately $5.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, of restricted cash for the payment of capital improvements, insurance or real estate taxes.


(h)	Notes and Contracts Receivable

Notes receivable generally are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances net of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, unamortized discounts or premiums, and an allowance. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Discounts or premiums are amortized to income using the interest method. In certain cases we finance the sales of homes to our customers (referred to as “Chattel Loans”) with loans secured by the homes.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we purchased Chattel Loans that were recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition under the Codification Topic “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“FASB ASC 310-30”). (See Note 5 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K for a detailed description of our 2011 Acquisition.) The fair value of these Chattel Loans included an estimate of losses that are expected to be incurred over the estimated remaining lives of the receivables, and therefore no allowance for losses was recorded for these Chattel Loans. The fair value is estimated based on a number of factors including customer delinquency status, credit scores, the original down payment amount and below-market stated interest rates. Through December 31, 2013, the short-term historical performance of these loans has indicated a default rate of 16% and a recovery rate of 25%, which are slightly higher than originally estimated and resulted in a higher yield for the portfolio. Management regularly reviews these assumptions and may adjust its estimates as needed as more information becomes available. A probable decrease in management’s expectation of future cash collections related to these Chattel Loans could result in the need to record an allowance for credit losses in the future. Due to the size of the Chattel Loan pool and maturity dates ranging up to 28 years, future credit losses or changes to interest income could be significant.

Financial instruments that potentially could subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of notes receivable. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to notes receivable are limited due to the size of the receivable and geographic diversity of the underlying Properties.


(i)	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is comprised of our reserves for Chattel Loans, Contracts Receivables and amounts receivable from tenants. The valuation of an allowance for doubtful accounts for the Chattel Loans is calculated based on delinquency trends, average annual default rates, loss rates, and the current estimated market value of the underlying manufactured home collateral. An allowance is established for a portion of the Contracts Receivable when an up-front payment is financed. The Contracts Receivable allowance is based upon historical collection rates and current economic trends. The allowance and the rate at which we provide for losses on our Contracts Receivable could be increased or decreased in the future based on our actual collection experience. We evaluate all amounts receivable from residents and an allowance is established for amounts greater than 30 days past due. Our allowance for uncollectible rents receivable was approximately $4.9 million and $4.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2013			2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	6,987		$	7,700		$	6,580
Provision for losses	5,152			4,860			4,156
Write-offs	(4,212		)	(5,573		)	(3,036		)
Balance, end of period	$	7,927		$	6,987		$	7,700


(j)	Investments in Joint Ventures

Investments in joint ventures in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest, but can exercise significant influence over the entity with respect to our operations and major decisions, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereby the cost of an investment is adjusted for our share of the equity in net income or loss from the date of acquisition and reduced by distributions received. The income or loss of each entity is allocated in accordance with the provisions of the applicable operating agreements. The allocation provisions in these agreements may differ from the ownership interests held by each investor. (See Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K.)


(k)	Insurance Claims

The Properties are covered against losses caused by various events including fire, flood, property damage, earthquake, windstorm and business interruption by insurance policies containing various deductible requirements and coverage limits. Recoverable costs are classified in other assets as incurred. Insurance proceeds are applied against the asset when received. Recoverable costs relating to capital items are treated in accordance with our capitalization policy. The book value of the original capital item is written off when the loss is incurred. Insurance proceeds relating to the capital costs are recorded as income in the period they are received. (For a detailed discussion on hurricane claims, see Note 18 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K).


(l)	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Codification Topic “Derivatives and Hedging” (“FASB ASC 815”) provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain our objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

As required by FASB ASC 815, we record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Our objective in utilizing interest rate derivatives is to add stability to our interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in our exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the designated derivative designated and that qualifies as a cash flow hedge is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative will be recognized directly in earnings. (See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K.)


(m)	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include notes receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses, interest rate swaps and mortgage notes payable. We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Level 1, 2 and 3).

Codification Topic “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“FASB ASC 820”) establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1-Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2-Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3-Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Our mortgage notes payable and term loan had a fair value and carrying value of approximately $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities (Level 2). At December 31, 2013 and 2012, our cash flow hedge of interest rate risk included in accrued payroll and other operating expenses was measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar assets and liabilities (Level 2). We consider our own credit risk as well as the credit risk of our counterparties when evaluating the fair value of our derivative. The fair values of our notes receivable approximate their carrying or contract values.


(n)	Deferred Financing Costs, net

Deferred financing costs, net include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. The costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a basis that approximates level yield. Unamortized deferred financing fees are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon amendment of the line of credit or refinancing of mortgage debt, unamortized deferred financing fees are accounted for in accordance with Codification Sub-Topic “Modifications and Extinguishments” (“FASB ASC 470-50-40”). Accumulated amortization for such costs was $25.4 million and $20.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


(o)	Revenue Recognition

We account for leases with our customers as operating leases. Rental income is recognized over the term of the respective lease or the length of a customer’s stay, the majority of which are for a term of not greater than one year. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, approximately 40.7%, 39.4%, and 38.5%, respectively, of our revenue was generated by Properties located in Florida, approximately 9.8%, 9.4%, and 10.8%, respectively, by Properties located in Arizona and approximately 15.7%, 15.2%, and 17.8%, respectively, by Properties located in California.

In conjunction with the acquisition of the Thousand Trails business, we adopted a revenue recognition policy for the right-to-use contracts in accordance with the Codification Topic “Revenue Recognition” (“FASB ASC 605”) after we corresponded with the Office of the Chief Accountant at the SEC. A right-to-use contract gives the customer the right to a set schedule of usage at a specified group of Properties. Customers may choose to upgrade their contracts to increase their usage and the number of Properties they may access. A contract requires the customer to make annual payments during the term of the contract and may require an upfront nonrefundable payment. The stated term of a right-to-use contract is at least one year and the customer may renew his contract by continuing to make the annual payments. We will recognize the upfront non-refundable payments over the estimated customer life which, based on historical attrition rates, we have estimated to be from one to 31 years.

Right-to-use annual payments by customers under the terms of the right-to-use contracts are deferred and recognized ratably over the one year period in which access to Sites at certain Properties are provided.

Income from home sales is recognized when the earnings process is complete. The earnings process is complete when the home has been delivered, the purchaser has accepted the home and title has transferred.


(p)	Non-Controlling Interests

A non-controlling interest is the portion of equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. The ownership interests in the subsidiary that are held by owners other than the parent are non-controlling interests. Under Codification Topic “Consolidation” (“FASB ASC 810”), such non-controlling interests are reported on the consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from our equity. However, securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder, not solely within the control of the issuer, must be classified outside of permanent equity. This would result in certain outside ownership interests being included as redeemable non-controlling interests outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets. We make this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions. Additionally, with respect to non-controlling interests for which we have a choice to settle the contract by delivery of our own shares, we considered the guidance in the Codification Topic “Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” (“FASB ASC 815-40”) to evaluate whether we control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under share settlement of the contract.

Net income is allocated to Common OP Unitholders based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership. Such ownership percentage is calculated by dividing the number of Common OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders by the total OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders and us. Issuance of additional shares of common stock or Common OP Units changes the percentage ownership of both the Non-controlling interests – Common OP Units and the Company.

Due in part to the exchange rights (which provide for the conversion of Common OP Units into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis), such transactions and the proceeds therefrom are treated as capital transactions and result in an allocation between stockholders’ equity and Non-controlling Interests to account for the change in the respective percentage ownership of the underlying equity of the Operating Partnership.

In accordance with FASB ASC 810, we present the non-controlling interest for Common OP Units in the Equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The caption Common OP Units on the consolidated balance sheets also includes $0.7 million of private REIT Subsidiaries preferred stock.


(q)	Preferred Stock

We account for the Preferred Stock in accordance with the Codification Topic “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity—SEC Materials” (“FASB ASC 480-10-S99”). Holders of the 6.75% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) have certain preference rights with respect to the common stock and the Series C Preferred Stock is classified as redeemable interests inside of permanent equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the ability to issue shares upon conversion.


(r)	Income and Other Taxes

Due to our structure as a REIT, the results of operations contain no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT, but we are still subject to certain foreign, state and local income, excise or franchise taxes. In addition, we have several taxable REIT Subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which are subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. Overall, the TRSs have federal net operating loss carryforwards. No net tax benefits have been recorded by the TRSs since it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax asset related to the TRSs net operating loss carryforwards will be utilized. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the REIT had a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $88 million. The REIT will be entitled to utilize the net operating loss carryforward only to the extent that the REIT taxable income exceeds our deduction for dividends paid. Due to the uncertainty regarding the use of the REIT net operating loss carryforward, we have not recorded any net tax benefit to the REIT net operating loss carryforward.

We or one of our Subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and Canada. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.

As of December 31, 2013, net investment in real estate and notes receivable had a U.S. federal tax basis of approximately $2.7 billion (unaudited) and $47.7 million (unaudited), respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our tax treatment of common stock distributions were as follows (unaudited, adjusted for stock split):



	2013		2012		2011
Tax status of Common Shares distributions deemed paid during the year:
Ordinary income	$	0.680	$	0.810	$	0.563
Long-term capital gain	0.211		0.069		—
Nondividend distributions	—		0.186		—
Unrecaptured section 1250 gain	0.067		—		—
Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding	$	0.958	$	1.065	$	0.563

The quarterly distribution paid on January 10, 2014 of $0.25 per common share will be considered a split-year distribution with $0.2087 (unaudited) considered a distribution made in 2013 for U.S. federal income tax purposes and $0.0413 (unaudited) allocable to 2014 for federal tax purposes.

(s)Stock-Based Compensation

We follow Codification Topic “Stock Compensation” (“FASB ASC 718”) in accounting for our share-based payments. This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards. This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee’s requisite service period. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date must be recognized when incurred. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton formula to estimate the value of stock options granted to employees, consultants and directors. (See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K.) No stock options were issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011.


(t)	Reclassifications

Certain 2012 and 2011 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation. Balance sheet amounts as of December 31, 2012 for Properties held for disposition, have been reclassified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to “Assets held for disposition” and “Liabilities held for disposition.” Income statement amounts for disposed Properties have been reclassified to “Discontinued operations” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for all periods presented. In addition, certain prior period disclosures in the accompanying footnotes have been revised to exclude amounts which have been reclassified to discontinued operations. These reclassifications had no material effect on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.