SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2015 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation |
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
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| Principles of Consolidation and Noncontrolling Interest |
Principles of Consolidation and Combination
The Company's financial statements include the accounts of our operating partnership and its controlled subsidiaries. The combined financial statements of NSA Predecessor include the accounts of NSA Predecessor and all entities which were under common control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation and combination of entities.
When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity ("VIE"), and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether the general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company controls and for which limited partners lack both substantive participating rights and the ability to dissolve or remove the Company without cause.
Noncontrolling Interests
All of the limited partner equity interests in our operating partnership not held by the Company are reflected as noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests also include ownership interests in DownREIT partnerships held by entities other than our operating partnership. In the consolidated statements of operations, we allocate net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests to arrive at net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust.
For transactions that result in changes to the Company's ownership interest in our operating partnership, the carrying amount of noncontrolling interests is adjusted to reflect such changes. The difference between the fair value of the consideration received or paid and the amount by which the noncontrolling interests is adjusted is reflected as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets.
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| Self Storage Properties |
Self Storage Properties
Self storage properties are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred and are included in property operating expenses. Estimated depreciable lives of self storage properties are determined by considering the age and other indicators about the condition of the assets at the respective dates of acquisition, resulting in a range of estimated useful lives for assets within each category. All self storage property assets are depreciated using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives primarily between seven and 40 years; furniture and equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives primarily between three and 10 years.
When a self storage property is acquired in a business combination, the purchase price of the acquired self storage property is allocated to land, buildings and improvements, furniture and equipment, customer in-place leases, assumed real estate leasehold interests, other assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on the estimated fair value of each component. When a portfolio of self storage properties is acquired, the purchase price is allocated to the individual self storage properties based on the fair value determined using an income approach with appropriate risk-adjusted capitalization rates, which take into account the relative size, age and location of the individual self storage properties.
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. From time to time, the Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.
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| Restricted Cash |
Restricted Cash
The Company's restricted cash consists of escrowed funds deposited with financial institutions for real estate taxes, insurance and other reserves for capital improvements in accordance with our loan agreements.
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| Customer In-place Leases |
Customer In-place Leases
In allocating the purchase price for an acquisition accounted for as a business combination, the Company determines whether the acquisition includes intangible assets. The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to an intangible asset attributed to the value of customer in-place leases. This intangible asset is amortized to expense using the straight-line method over 12 months, the estimated average rental period for our customers. Amortization expense for customer in-place leases amounted to $12.0 million and $8.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2013. Substantially all of the leases in place at acquired properties are at market rates, as the leases are month-to-month contracts.
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| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that there may be impairment. When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company's long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the carrying value of these long-lived assets is compared to the undiscounted future net operating cash flows, plus a terminal value attributable to the assets. If an asset's carrying value is not considered recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the net carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value.
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| Debt Issuance Costs |
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are amortized over the estimated life of the related debt using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations.
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| Revenue Recognition |
Revenue Recognition
Management has determined that all of our leases are operating leases. Substantially all leases may be terminated on a month-to-month basis and rental income is recognized ratably over the lease term using the straight-line method. Rents received in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term associated with the prepayment. Promotional discounts and other incentives are recognized as a reduction to rental income over the applicable lease term. Other property-related revenue consists of ancillary revenues such as tenant insurance-related access fees and commissions and sales of storage supplies which are recognized in the period earned.
The Company recognizes gains from disposition of facilities only upon closing in accordance with the guidance on sales of real estate. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits. Profit on real estate sold is recognized using the full accrual method upon closing when the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the Company is not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale. Profit may be deferred in whole or part until the sale meets the requirements of profit recognition on sales under this guidance.
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| Advertising Costs |
Advertising Costs
The Company incurs advertising costs primarily attributable to internet, directory and other advertising. Advertising costs are included in property operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations. These costs are expensed in the period in which the cost is incurred.
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| Acquisition, Organizational And Offering Costs |
Acquisition Costs, Organizational and Offering Expenses
The Company incurs title, legal and consulting fees, and other costs associated with the completion of self storage property acquisitions. Such costs are included in acquisition costs in the accompanying statements of operations in the period in which they are incurred. The Company also incurs legal fees and filing fees in connection with the organization of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are charged to expense in the period incurred.
Commissions, legal fees and other costs that are directly associated with equity offerings are capitalized as deferred offering costs, pending a determination of the success of the offering. Deferred offering costs related to successful offerings are charged to equity in the period it is determined that the offering was successful. Deferred offering costs related to unsuccessful offerings are recorded as expense in the period when it is determined that the offering is unsuccessful. Other costs related to equity offerings, such as audit fees associated with the operations of our self storage properties for periods preceding the related contribution and formation transactions, are charged to expense in the period incurred.
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| Income Taxes |
Income Taxes
NSA Predecessor was comprised of a limited partnership and a limited liability company. Under applicable federal and state income tax rules, the allocated share of net income or loss from the limited partnership and the limited liability company was reported in the income tax returns of the respective partners and members. Accordingly, NSA Predecessor did not generate an income tax benefit or expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Through December 31, 2014, the Company did not have a profit and loss sharing interest in our operating partnership and did not have any other operations that were subject to taxation. Accordingly, the Company did not generate an income tax benefit or expense for the period from its inception through December 31, 2014.
The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a REIT under sections 856 through 860 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2015. To qualify as a REIT, among other things, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of its income and assets. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax on the earnings distributed currently to its shareholders that it derives from its REIT qualifying activities. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and is unable to avail itself of certain provisions set forth in the Code, all of the Company's taxable income would be subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate rates, including any applicable alternative minimum tax.
The Company will not be required to make distributions with respect to income derived from the activities conducted through subsidiaries that the Company elects to treat as taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS") for federal income tax purposes. Certain activities that the Company undertakes must be conducted by a TRS, such as performing non-customary services for its customers and holding assets that the Company is not permitted to hold directly. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes.
The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Future amounts of accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as a component of income tax expense. The Company does not expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.
The Company's material taxing jurisdiction is the U.S. federal jurisdiction; due to the Company's recent formation, the 2015, 2014 and 2013 tax years are the only periods that remain open to examination by these taxing jurisdictions. Tax years prior to 2012 for the limited partnership and limited liability company that comprise NSA Predecessor are no longer subject to examination.
On June 25, 2014, the Company formed NSA TRS, LLC ("NSA TRS"), a Delaware limited liability company. The Company has elected to treat NSA TRS as a TRS, and consequently, NSA TRS is subject to U.S. federal and state corporate income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized to the extent of any differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
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| Earnings Per Share and Allocation of Net Income (Loss) |
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by further adjusting for the dilutive impact using the treasury stock method for any share options and unvested share equivalents outstanding during the period and the if-converted method for any convertible securities outstanding during the period.
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| Equity-Based Awards |
Equity-Based Awards
The measurement and recognition of compensation cost for all equity-based awards granted to officers, employees and consultants is based on estimated fair values. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of each award with non-graded vesting. For awards granted which contain a graded vesting schedule and the only condition for vesting is a service condition, compensation cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period as if the award was, in substance, a single award. For awards granted for which vesting is subject to a performance condition, including awards that vested upon completion of the Company's initial public offering, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period if and when the Company concludes it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
The estimated fair value of all equity-based awards issued to PROs and their affiliates in connection with self storage property acquisitions is included in the cost of the respective acquisitions. The estimated fair value of such awards is measured at the date the self storage properties are acquired, as this date represents satisfaction of the performance condition and coincides with the award vesting.
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| Derivatives, Financial Instruments |
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company carries all derivative financial instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value of derivatives is determined by reference to observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The use of derivative instruments has been limited to interest rate swap and cap agreements. The fair values of derivative instruments are included in other assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. For derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, the unrealized gains and losses are included in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivatives is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our balance sheets and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.
The valuation of interest rate swap and cap agreements is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate forward curves. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.
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| Fair Value Measurements |
Fair Value Measurements
When measuring fair value of financial instruments that are required to be recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company uses a three-tier measurement hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used to calculate fair value. These tiers include Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
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| Segment Reporting |
Segment Reporting
The Company manages its business as one reportable segment consisting of investments in self storage properties located in the United States. Although we operate in several markets, these operations have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar economic characteristics amongst all markets.
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| Reclassifications |
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications do not impact our previously reported financial position or net income (loss).
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| Allocation of Net Income (Loss) |
Allocation of Net Income (Loss)
The distribution rights and priorities set forth in our operating partnership's LP Agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests of the unitholders. Accordingly, we allocate GAAP income (loss) utilizing the hypothetical liquidation at book value ("HLBV") method, in which we allocate income or loss based on the change in each unitholders' claim on the net assets of our operating partnership at period end after adjusting for any distributions or contributions made during such period. The HLBV method is commonly applied to equity investments where cash distribution percentages vary at different points in time and are not directly linked to an equity holder's ownership percentage.
The HLBV method is a balance sheet-focused approach. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that unitholders would receive if our operating partnership were to liquidate all of its assets (at GAAP net book value) and distribute the resulting proceeds to its creditors and unitholders based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is used to derive each unitholder's share of the income (loss) for the period. Due to the stated liquidation priorities and because the HLBV method incorporates non-cash items such as depreciation expense, in any given period, income or loss may be allocated disproportionately to unitholders as compared to their respective ownership percentage in our operating partnership, and net income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust could be more or less net income than actual cash distributions received and more or less income or loss than what may be received in the event of an actual liquidation. Additionally, the HLBV method could result in net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust during a period when the Company reports a consolidated net loss, or net income attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust in excess of the Company's consolidated net income.
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| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company has cash flow hedge derivative instruments that are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss within equity, as discussed further in Note 13. Under the HLBV method of allocating income (loss) discussed above, a calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date by applying the HLBV method including, and excluding, the assets and liabilities resulting from our cash flow hedge derivative instruments to determine comprehensive income (loss) attributable to National Storage Affiliates Trust. As a result of the distribution rights and priorities set forth in our operating partnership's LP Agreement, all amounts of consolidated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015 were allocated to noncontrolling interests, as presented within the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss).
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| Use of Estimates |
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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| Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early application permitted for the Company on January 1, 2017. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which modifies the current consolidation guidance. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2015-02 for annual and interim financial statements issued for the year ending December 31, 2016. Upon adoption by the Company, ASU 2015-02 permits the use of either the modified retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is finalizing its analysis of ASU 2015-02 and does not expect ASU 2015-02 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest, which requires the presentation of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities. The Company does not expect ASU 2015-03 to have a material impact on the Company's results from operations, however, adoption will result in the reclassification of certain debt issuance costs as an asset and a corresponding reduction in the carrying amount of the Company's debt financings applied retrospectively to all periods. The Company is required to adopt this ASU for annual and interim financial statements issued for the year ending December 31, 2016.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations—Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires an acquirer of a business to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the business combination's measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined rather than retrospectively. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with early application permitted. The Company elected to adopt ASU 2015-16 during the year ended December 31, 2015 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amends the existing guidance for accounting for leases, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on-balance sheet as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early application permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach, with entities applying the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which they first apply the new standard, with certain elective transition relief. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its operating leases, consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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