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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

The consolidated financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of ELS, its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which ELS is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Operating Partnership meets the criteria as a VIE, where we are the general partner and controlling owner of approximately 95.2%. The limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. Our sole significant asset is our investment in the Operating Partnership, and consequently, substantially all of our assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership. Additionally, we have the power to direct the Operating Partnership's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary and we have continued to consolidate the Operating Partnership.

Equity method of accounting is applied to entities in which ELS does not have a controlling interest or for VIEs in which ELS is not considered the primary beneficiary, but with respect to which it can exercise significant influence over the operations and major decisions. Our exposure to losses associated with unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily limited to the carrying value of these investments. Accordingly, distributions from a joint venture in excess of our carrying value are recognized in earnings.

On October 15, 2019, we effected a two-for-one-stock split of our common stock. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provision in the Operating Partnership's Agreement of Limited Partnership, the stock split also effected a two-for-one unit split of the outstanding OP Units. All shares of common stock and OP Units and per share data in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes, for all periods presented, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split.

Use of Estimates

Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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 and site counts and acreage amounts are unaudited.

Investment in Real Estate

Investment in real estate is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Direct and indirect costs related to real estate improvement projects are capitalized, including salaries and related benefits of employees who are directly responsible for and spend their time on the execution and supervision of such projects. Land improvements consist primarily of improvements such as grading, landscaping and infrastructure items, such as streets, sidewalks or water mains. Improvements to buildings and other depreciable property include clubhouses, laundry facilities, maintenance storage facilities, rental units and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

For development and expansion projects, we capitalize direct project costs, such as construction, architectural and legal, as well as, indirect project costs such as interest, real estate taxes and salaries and related benefits of employees who are directly involved in the project. Capitalization of these costs begins when the activities and related expenditures commence and cease when the project, or a portion of the project, is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis based on the estimated useful lives of the associated real estate assets.


						Useful Lives (in years)
Land and Building Improvements						10-30
Manufactured Homes						10-25
Furniture, Fixture and Equipment						5
In-place leases						Expected term
Above and below-market leases						Applicable lease term

Long-lived assets to be held and used, including our investment in real estate, are evaluated for impairment indicators quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, environmental and legal factors. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.

If an impairment indicator exists related to a long-lived asset that is held and used, the expected future undiscounted cash flows are compared against the carrying amount of that asset. Forecasting cash flows requires us to make estimates and assumptions on various inputs including, but not limited to, rental revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, levels of capital expenditure and capitalization rates. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded 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.

Acquisitions

On January 1, 2018, we adopted (“ASU 2017-01”) Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805) on a prospective basis. We apply a screen test to evaluate if substantially all the fair value of the acquired property is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. As most of our real estate acquisitions are concentrated in either a single or a group of similar identifiable assets, our real estate transactions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions, which permits the capitalization of transaction costs to the basis of the acquired property.

In estimating the fair values for purposes of allocating the purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals or internal 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 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.

In-place leases – In-place leases are 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.

Above-market assets/below-market liabilities – Income approach based on discounted cash flows comparing contractual cash flows to be paid pursuant to the leases and our estimate of fair market lease rates over the remaining non-cancelable lease terms. For below-market leases, we also consider remaining initial lease terms plus any renewal periods.

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

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.

Intangible and Goodwill

Intangibles and GoodwillWe 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. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying

amounts 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 in a business combination is recorded as goodwill. 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, 2021 and 2020, the gross carrying amount of identified intangible assets and goodwill was $55.4 million and $12.5 million, respectively, which is reported as a component of other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, this amount was comprised of $38.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively of identified intangible assets and $17.4 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangibles assets was $3.3 million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The estimated annual aggregated amortization expense to be recognized over each of the next five years is $3.2 million. The weighted average remaining useful life is approximately 15 years.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for SaleIn determining whether to classify a real estate asset held for sale, we consider whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell the asset; (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary; (iii) we have initiated a program to locate a buyer; (iv) we believe that the sale of the real estate asset is probable within one year; (v) we are actively marketing the investment property for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value and (vi) actions required for us to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made. If all of the above criteria are met, we classify the real estate asset as held for sale. When all of the above criteria are met, we discontinue depreciation or amortization of the asset, measure it at the lower of its carrying amount or its fair value less estimated cost to sell and present it separately as assets held for sale, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also present the liabilities related to assets held for sale, if any, separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In connection with the held for sale evaluation, if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the consolidation financial statement, then the transaction is presented as discontinued operations.

Restricted Cash

Restricted CashAs of December 31, 2021 and 2020, restricted cash consists of $29.3 million and $24.1 million, respectively, primarily related to cash reserved for customer deposits and escrows for insurance and real estate taxes.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of the lowest level of input that is significant to the valuation of an asset or a liability as of the measurement date. 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.

The carrying values of cash and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair market values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of the notes receivable approximates the fair market value as the interest rates are generally comparable to current market rates. 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.

The fair market value of mortgage notes payable, the term loan and interest rate derivative are measured with Level 2 inputs using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities as disclosed in Note 9. Borrowing Arrangements and Note 10, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

We also utilize Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as part of our determination of the purchase price allocation for our acquisitions as disclosed in Note 6. Acquisitions.

Deferred Financing Costs, Net

Deferred Financing Costs, NetDeferred financing costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a straight-line basis. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful AccountsOur allowance for doubtful accounts is comprised of our reserves for receivable from tenants, receivable for annual membership subscriptions, Contracts Receivable and Chattel Loans (See Note 8. Notes Receivable, Net for definition of these terms).

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue streams are predominantly derived from customers renting our Sites or entering into membership subscriptions. Our MH Sites and annual RV and marina Sites are leased on an annual basis. Seasonal RV and marina Sites are leased to customers generally for one to six months. Transient RV and marina Sites are leased to customers on a short-term basis. Leases with our customers are accounted for as operating leases. Rental income is accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 842, Leases, and is recognized over the term of the respective lease or the length of a customer's stay. We do not separate expenses reimbursed by our customers (“utility recoveries”) from the associated rental revenue as we meet the practical expedient criteria to combine these lease and non-lease components. We assessed the criteria and concluded that the timing and pattern of transfer for rental revenue and the associated utility recoveries are the same and as our leases qualify as operating leases, we account for and present rental revenue and utility recoveries as a single component under Rental income in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

A membership subscription gives the customer the right to a set schedule of usage at a specified group of Properties. Payments are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the one-year period in which access to Sites at certain Properties are provided. Membership upgrades grant certain additional access rights to the customer and require non-refundable upfront payments. The non-refundable upfront payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over 20 years, which is our estimated membership upgrade contract term. 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. Sales from membership subscriptions, upgrades and home sales are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards with service conditions is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual grants.

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards with performance conditions is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period of the individual grants, when achieving the performance targets is considered probable. We estimate and revisit the probability of achieving the performance targets periodically by updating our forecasts throughout the performance period as necessary.

We also issue stock options by estimating the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognizing over the vesting period for options that are expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on historical experience, updated for changes in facts and circumstances, as appropriate, and in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The expected volatility assumption is calculated based on our historical volatility, which is calculated over a period of time commensurate with the expected term of the options being valued. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield assumption is based on our expectation of dividend payouts.

Non-Controlling Interests

The OP Units are exchangeable for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis at the option of the Common OP Unitholders, which we may, in our discretion, cause the Operating Partnership to settle in cash. The exchange is treated as a capital transaction, which results 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.

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 OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders by the total OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders and the shares of common stock held by the common stockholders. Issuance of additional shares of common stock or OP Units would change the percentage ownership of both the Non-controlling interests – Common OP Units and the common stockholders.

Income Taxes

Due to our structure as a REIT, the results of operations contain no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the REIT had a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $50.9 million and $74.1 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company utilized approximately $23.2 million of the net operating loss carryforward to offset its tax and distribution requirements. The REIT is 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, no net tax asset has been recorded as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

In addition, we own certain TRSs, which are subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. Overall, the TRSs have federal net operating loss carryforwards. Due to the uncertainty regarding the realization of these deferred tax assets, we have maintained a full valuation allowance as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The REIT remains subject to certain foreign, state and local income, excise or franchise taxes; however, they are not material to our operating results or financial position. We do not have unrecognized tax benefit items.

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 2017.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2020, we adopted FASB (“ASU 2016-13”) Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) using the modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities should use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates.

We are exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of annual membership subscriptions and membership upgrades and home sales. We have developed an allowance for credit losses, which represents an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life of our receivables. The estimate is a result of our ongoing assessments and evaluations of collectability including historical loss experience, current market conditions and future expectations in forecasting credit losses in each of our receivable portfolios. We recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $3.9 million, which decreased opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.

The cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020, was as follows:


Balance net of allowance	Balance Sheet Location	Balance at December 31, 2019		Adjustment due to ASU 2016-13 Adoption		Balance at January 1, 2020		Balance at December 31, 2021
(amounts in thousands)
Annual membership subscriptions	Other assets, net	$	2,394	$	(1,361)	$	1,033	$	2,054
Membership upgrades	Notes receivable, net	$	25,236	$	(2,514)	$	22,722	$	30,949

Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

We record all derivatives 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 changes in the fair value of the designated derivative that qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified into earnings on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into a three-year LIBOR Swap Agreement (the “Swap”) allowing us to trade the variable interest rate associated with our variable rate debt for a fixed interest rate. The 2021 Swap has a notional amount of $300.0 million of outstanding principal with a fixed interest rate of 0.39% per annum and matures on March 25, 2024. Based on the leverage as of December 31, 2021, our spread over LIBOR was 1.40% resulting in an estimated all-in interest rate of 1.79% per annum.