Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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


(a)	Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidation of our accounts. We do not have controlling interests in any of our joint ventures (“JV”), which are therefore treated under the equity method of accounting and not consolidated in our financial statements. The holders of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“Common OP Unitholders”) receive an allocation of net income that is based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership which is shown in our Consolidated Financial Statements as Non-controlling interests-Common OP Units. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


(b)	Identified Intangibles and Goodwill

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, this amount was comprised of approximately $4.3 million of identified intangible assets and approximately $7.8 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangible assets was approximately $2.3 million and $2.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. For each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense for the identified intangible assets was approximately $0.1 million.


(c)	Restricted Cash

Cash as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included approximately $5.0 million of restricted cash for the payment of capital improvements, insurance or real estate taxes.


(d)	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).

Our mortgage notes payable and term loan had a carrying value of approximately $2.2 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and a fair value of approximately $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair value is measured using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities (Level 2). At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other accrued expenses and interest rate swaps approximate their carrying or contract values.


(e)	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 $30.8 million and $29.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


(f)	Reclassifications

Certain 2014 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications had no material effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.


(g)	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to lease contracts accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also proposed permitting early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of ASU 2015-02 on our consolidated financial statements.