Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-31568
New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 783-0039
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class ALimited Partnership Units(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐No☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐No☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Emerging growth company ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the regisitered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
At June 30, 2020, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s securities held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $107,198,436 based on the closing price of the registrant’s traded securities on the NYSE MKT Exchange on such date. For this computation, the Registrant has excluded the market value of all Depositary Receipts reported as beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the General Partner of the Registrant; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an affiliate of the Registrant.
Title of each class: Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered:
Class A NEN NYSE MKT Exchange
As of March 2, 2021, there were 97,405 of the registrant’s Class A units (2,922,151 Depositary Receipts) of limited partnership issued and outstanding and 23,134 Class B units issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.
Table of Contents
NEW ENGLAND REALTY ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I
Item 1. Business 3
Item 1A. Risk Factors 9
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 16
Item 2. Properties 16
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 25
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure 25
PART II
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 27
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 43
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 44
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 44
Item 9B. Other Information 44
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 45
Item 11. Executive Compensation 49
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 53
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 54
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 54
Exhibit Index S-1
SIGNATURES S-5
2
Table of Contents
NEW ENGLAND REALTY ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (“NERA” or the “Partnership”), a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, was formed on August 12, 1977 as the successor to five real estate limited partnerships (collectively, the “Colonial Partnerships”), which filed for protection under Chapter XII of the Federal Bankruptcy Act in September 1974. The bankruptcy proceedings were terminated in late 1984. In July 2004, the General Partner extended the termination date of the Partnership until 2057, as allowed in the Partnership Agreement.
The authorized capital of the Partnership is represented by three classes of partnership units (“Units”). There are two categories of limited partnership interests (“Class A Units” and “Class B Units”) and one category of general partnership interests (the “General Partnership Units”). The Class A Units were initially issued to creditors and limited partners of the Colonial Partnerships and have been registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Each Class A Unit is exchangeable for 30 publicly traded depositary receipts (“Receipts”), which are currently listed on the NYSE American and are registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. The Class B Units were issued to the original general partners of the Partnership. The General Partnership Units are held by the current general partner of the Partnership, NewReal, Inc. (the “General Partner” or “New Real”). The Class A Units represent an 80% ownership interest, the Class B Units represent a 19% ownership interest, and the General Partnership Units represent a 1% ownership interest.
The Partnership is engaged in the business of acquiring, developing, holding for investment, operating and selling real estate. The Partnership, directly or through 29 subsidiary limited partnerships or limited liability companies, owns and operates various residential apartments, condominium units and commercial properties located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As used herein, the Partnership’s subsidiary limited partnerships and limited liabilities companies are each referred to as a “Subsidiary Partnership” and are collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Partnerships.”
The Partnership owns between a 99.67% and 100% interest in each of the Subsidiary Partnerships, except in seven limited liability companies (the “Investment Properties” or “Joint Ventures”) in which the Partnership has between a 40% and 50% ownership interest. The majority shareholder of the General Partner indirectly owns between 47.6% and 59%, and five other current and past employees of Hamilton own collectively between 0% and 2.4%, respectively of Joint Ventures . The Partnership’s interest in the Investment Properties is accounted for on the equity method in the Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—“Principles of Consolidation.” See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—“Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures” for a description of the properties and their operations. Of those Subsidiary Partnerships not wholly owned by the Partnership, except for the Investment Properties, the remaining ownership interest is held by an unaffiliated third party. In each such case, the third party has entered into an agreement with the Partnership, pursuant to which any benefit derived from its ownership interest in the applicable Subsidiary Partnerships will be returned to the Partnership.
The long-term goals of the Partnership are to manage, rent and improve its properties and to acquire additional properties with income and capital appreciation potential as suitable opportunities arise. When appropriate, the Partnership may sell or refinance selected properties. Proceeds from any such sales or refinancing will be used to reduce debt, reinvested in acquisitions of other properties, distributed to the partners, repurchase equity interests, or used for operating expenses or reserves, as determined by the General Partner.
Operations of the Partnership
On February 24, 2019, Harold Brown, the owner of 75% of the outstanding voting securities of NewReal Inc., the general partner, of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership passed away. As a result, Brown family
3
Table of Contents
related entities currently hold voting control over the NewReal shares.
Effective as of February 24, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, NewReal Inc., elected Jameson Brown as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of New Real to fill the vacancy created by the death of Harold Brown, who served as both the Treasurer and a director of NewReal.
Effective as of May 3, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, New Real, Inc. elected Andrew Bloch as a member of the Board. Mr. Bloch is the Co-CEO and CFO of the Hamilton Company, Inc. the Manager of the Partnership’s properties.
Effective as of August 5, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, New Real, Inc. elected Sally Michael and Robert Somma as members of the Board. Ms. Michael and Mr. Somma are Trustees of the Estate of Harold Brown.
As of December 31, 2020, the Partnership was managed by the General Partner, NewReal, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation wholly owned by Brown family related entities and Ronald Brown. The General Partner has engaged The Hamilton Company, Inc. (the “Hamilton Company” or “Hamilton”) to perform general management functions for the Partnership’s properties in exchange for management fees. The Hamilton Company is wholly owned and employed by the Brown family related entities and Ronald Brown. The Partnership, Subsidiary Partnerships, and the Investment Properties currently contract with the management company for 49 individuals at the Properties and 17 individuals at the Joint Ventures who are primarily involved in the supervision and maintenance of specific properties. The General Partner has no employees.
As of February 1, 2021, the Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships owned 2,892 residential apartment units in 25 residential and mixed-use complexes (collectively, the “Apartment Complexes”). The Partnership also owns 19 condominium units in a residential condominium complex, all of which are leased to residential tenants (collectively referred to as the “Condominium Units”). The Apartment Complexes, the Condominium Units and the Investment Properties are located primarily in the metropolitan Boston area of Massachusetts.
As of February 1, 2021, the Subsidiary Partnerships also owned a commercial shopping center in Framingham, Massachusetts, one commercial building in Newton and one in Brookline, Massachusetts and commercial space in mixed-use buildings in Boston, Brockton and Newton, Massachusetts. These properties are referred to collectively as the “Commercial Properties.” See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included as a part of this Form 10-K.
Additionally, as of February 1, 2021, the Partnership owned a 40-50% interest in 7 residential and mixed use complexes, the Investment Properties, with a total of 688 residential units, one commercial unit, and a 50 car parking lot. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these investments.
The Apartment Complexes, Investment Properties, Condominium Units and Commercial Properties are referred to collectively as the “Properties.”
The Brown family entities, and, in certain cases, Ronald Brown, and officers and employees of the Hamilton Company own or have owned interests in certain of the Properties, Subsidiary Partnerships and Joint Ventures. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence.”
The leasing of real estate in the metropolitan Boston area of Massachusetts is highly competitive. The Apartment Complexes, Condominium Units and the Investment Properties must compete for tenants with other residential apartments and condominium units in the areas in which they are located. The Commercial Properties must compete for commercial tenants with other shopping malls and office buildings in the areas in which they are located. Thus, the level of competition at each Property depends on how many other similarly situated properties are in its vicinity. In addition to Item 1A, Risk Factors, See “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors that May Affect Future Results.”
4
Table of Contents
The Second Amended and Restated Contract of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”) authorizes the General Partner to acquire real estate and real estate related investments from or in participation with either or both of the Brown family related entities and Ronald Brown, or their affiliates, upon the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions, including the approval of the Partnership’s Advisory Committee and limitations on the price paid by the Partnership for such investments. The Partnership Agreement also permits the Partnership’s limited partners and the General Partner to make loans to the Partnership, subject to certain limitations on the rate of interest that may be charged to the Partnership. Except for the foregoing, the Partnership does not have any policies prohibiting any limited partner, General Partner or any other person from having any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by the Partnership or in any transaction to which the Partnership is a party or has an interest in or from engaging, for their own account, in business activities of the types conducted or to be conducted by the Partnership. The General Partner is not limited in the number or amount of mortgages which may be placed on any Property, nor is there a policy limiting the percentage of Partnership assets which may be invested in any specific Property.
The ongoing coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread present material uncertainty and risk and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The global outbreak of COVID-19 across many countries around the globe, including the United States, has significantly slowed global economic activity, caused significant volatility in financial markets, and resulted in unprecedented job losses causing many to fear an imminent global recession. Certain states and cities, including all of the jurisdictions in which our properties are located, have taken measures to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19, including by instituting quarantines, restrictions on travel, "stay-at-home" rules, restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate and/or restrictions on the types of construction projects that may continue. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting almost every industry directly or indirectly, including industries in which we and our customers operate. We have modified, and might further modify, our business practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic and social ramification of the disease, and the societal and governmental responses in the communities in which we operate. In addition, we have adapted our operations to protect our employees, including by implementing a work from home policy. As a result, many of our employees are currently working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could strain our business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to manage our business.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance. The COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact our business in a number of ways, including:
5
Table of Contents
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our business will depend on future developments, including, among others, the severity and duration of the pandemic, the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness in curbing the spread of the virus, the nature and duration of other measures taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic impact of the pandemic and containment measures on the industries in which we and our customers operate. Among other things COVID-19 and government and our responses to the virus could (1) adversely affect the ability of our suppliers and vendors to provide products and services to us; (2) make it more difficult for us to serve our tenants, including as a result of delays or suspensions in the issuance of permits or other authorizations needed to conduct our business; and (3) increase our cost of capital and adversely impact our access to capital. Due to factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of COVID-19, as well as third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects, at this time we cannot estimate or predict with certainty the impact of COVID-19 or the measures the government and we take in response thereto on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may be adversely affected by the potential discontinuation of LIBOR.
In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York organized the Alternative Reference Rates Committee which identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative to USD-LIBOR. We are not able to predict when LIBOR will cease to be published or precisely how SOFR will be calculated and published. Any changes adopted by the FCA or other governing bodies in the method used for determining LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR. If that were to occur, our interest payments could change. In addition, uncertainty about the extent and manner of future changes may result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than if LIBOR were to remain available in its current form.
We have contracts that are indexed to LIBOR and are monitoring and evaluating the related risks, which include interest amounts on our variable rate debt, our unconsolidated joint ventures’ variable rate debt and the swap rate for our unconsolidated joint ventures’ interest rate swaps. In the event that LIBOR is discontinued, the interest rates will be based on an alternative variable rate specified in the applicable documentation governing such debt or swaps or as otherwise agreed upon. Such an event would not affect our ability to borrow or maintain already outstanding borrowings or swaps, but the alternative variable rate could be higher and more volatile than LIBOR prior to its discontinuance.
Certain risks arise in connection with transitioning contracts to an alternative variable rate, including any resulting value transfer that may occur. The value of loans, securities, or derivative instruments tied to LIBOR could also be impacted if LIBOR is limited or discontinued. For some instruments, the method of transitioning to an alternative rate may be challenging, as they may require substantial negotiation with each respective counterparty. If a contract is not transitioned to an alternative variable rate and LIBOR is discontinued, the impact is likely to vary by contract. If LIBOR is discontinued or if the method of calculating LIBOR changes from its current form, interest rates on our current or future indebtedness may be adversely affected.
While we expect LIBOR to be available in substantially its current form until the end of 2021, it is possible that LIBOR will become unavailable prior to that point. This could result, for example, if sufficient banks decline to make
6
Table of Contents
submissions to the LIBOR administrator. In that case, the risks associated with the transition to an alternative variable rate will be accelerated and magnified.
Unit Distributions
In January 2021, the Partnership approved a quarterly distribution of $9.60 per Unit ($0.32 per Receipt), payable on March 31, 2021. In 2020 the Partnership paid a total distribution of an aggregate $ 38.40 per Unit ($1.28 per Receipt) for a total payment of $4,675,754 in 2020. In 2019 the Partnership paid a total distribution of an aggregate $38.40 per Unit ($1.28 per Receipt) for a total payment of $4,696,893.
On August 20, 2007, NewReal, Inc., the General Partner authorized an equity repurchase program (“Repurchase Program”) under which the Partnership was permitted to purchase, over a period of twelve months, up to 300,000 Depositary Receipts (each of which is one-tenth of a Class A Unit). Over time, the General Partner has authorized increases in the equity repurchase program. On March 10, 2015, the General Partner authorized an increase in the Repurchase Program to 2,000,000 Depository Receipts and extended the Program for an additional five years from March 31, 2015 until March 31, 2020. On March 9, 2020, the General Partner extended the program for an additional five years, from March 31,2020, until March 31,2025.The Repurchase Program requires the Partnership to repurchase a proportionate number of Class B Units and General Partner Units in connection with any repurchases of any Depositary Receipts by the Partnership based upon the 80%, 19% and 1% fixed distribution percentages of the holders of the Class A, Class B and General Partner Units under the Partnership’s Second Amended and Restate Contract of Limited Partnership. Repurchases of Depositary Receipts or Partnership Units pursuant to the Repurchase Program may be made by the Partnership from time to time in its sole discretion in open market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions. From August 20, 2007 through December 31, 2020, the Partnership has repurchased 1,428,437 Depositary Receipts at an average price of $28.43 per receipt (or $852.90 per underlying Class A Unit), 3,572 Class B Units and 188 General Partnership Units, both at an average price of $ 1,033.00 per Unit, totaling approximately $44,718,000 including brokerage fees paid by the Partnership. Given the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, as of April 15, 2020, the Partnership has elected to temporarily suspend the repurchase program.
Property Transactions
On March 31, 2020, Nera Brookside Associates, LLC (“Brookside Apartments”), entered into a Mortgage Note with KeyBank National Associates ( KeyBank) in the principal amount of $6,175,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 3.53% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on April 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Brookside apartment complex located at 5-12 Totman Drive, Woburn, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated March 31, 2020. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated March 31, 2020. Brookside Apartments used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $2,390,000, with the remaining portion of the proceeds added to cash reserves. In connection with this refinancing, there were closing costs of approximately $136,000.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street Gardens, LLC and Mill Street Development LLC, collectively referred to as Mill Street, wholly-owned subsidiaries of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership closed on a Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2019 with Ninety-Three Realty Limited Partnership (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Mill Street acquired Country Club Garden Apartments, a 181 unit apartment complex located at 57 Mill Street, Woburn, Massachusetts (the “Property”) for an aggregate purchase price of $59,550,000. Mill Street funded $18,000,000 of the purchase price out of an existing line of credit, $10,550,000 of the cash portion of the purchase price out of cash reserves and the remaining $31,000,000 from the proceeds of the Loan. The closing costs were approximately $237,000. From the purchase price, the Partnership allocated approximately $1,282,000 for in- place leases, and approximately $136,000 to the value of tenant relationships. These amounts are being amortized over 12 and 36 months respectively.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street Gardens, LLC entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Insurance Strategy Funding Corp. LLC providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in the maximum principal amount of
7
Table of Contents
$35,000,000, consisting of an initial advance of $31,000,000 and a subsequent advance of up to $4,000,000 if certain conditions are met. Interest on the Note is payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of: (i) 3.586% per annum with respect to the initial advance and (ii) the greater of (A) the sum of the market spread rate and the interpolated (based on the remaining term of the Loan) US Treasury rate at the time of the advance and (B) 3.500% with respect to any subsequent advance. The principal amount of the Note is due and payable on January 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Property and is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated December 20, 2019 (the “Guaranty”).
On May 31, 2019, Residences at Captain Parker, LLC (“Captain Parker”), entered into a Mortgage Note with Strategy Funding Corp., LLC in the principal amount of $20,750,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 4.05% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on June 1, 2029. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Captain Parker apartment complex located at 125 Worthen Road and Ryder Lane, Lexington, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated May 31, 2019. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated May 31, 2019. Captain Parker used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $20,071,000. In connection with this refinancing, the property incurred a prepayment penalty of approximately $202,000. This expense is included in other expense on the consolidated statement of income.
On March 29, 2018, Hamilton Highlands, LLC (“Hamilton Highlands”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”), purchased Webster Green Apartments, a 79 unit apartment complex located at 755-757 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts. The sale was consummated pursuant to the terms of a Purchase and Sale Contract by and between Webster Green Apartments, LLC, the prior owner of the Property, and The Hamilton Companies, Inc., an affiliate of the Partnership, which agreement was subsequently assigned by Hamilton to Hamilton Highlands.
In connection with the purchase, the Hamilton Highlands entered into an Assumption and Modification Agreement dated as of March 29, 2018 with Brookline Bank pursuant to which the Hamilton Highlands assumed a note dated as of January 14, 2016 in the principal amount of $21,500,000 and various agreements relating to the Note including a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement, Fixture Filing dated as of January 14, 2016. The purchase price was $34,500,000, consisting of a payment of approximately $13,000,000 in cash and the assumption of the note and mortgage. Hamilton Highlands funded $5,000,000 of the cash portion of the purchase price out of cash reserves and the remaining $8,000,000 by drawing on an existing line of credit. The closing costs were approximately $141,000. From the purchase price, the Partnership allocated approximately $502,000 for in- place leases, and approximately $40,000 to the value of tenant relationships. These amounts were amortized over 12 and 24 months respectively.
During 2020, the Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships completed improvements to certain of the Properties at a total cost of approximately $3,240,000. These improvements were funded from cash reserves and, to some extent, escrow accounts established in connection with the financing or refinancing of the applicable Properties. These sources have been adequate to fully fund improvements. The most significant improvements were made at 62 Boylston Street, 1144 Commonwealth, Hamilton Oaks, Captain Parker, Hamilton Green, and Redwood Hills a cost of $697,000, $343,000, $331,000, $307,000, $257,000, and $250,000 respectively. The Partnership plans to invest approximately $4,200,000 in capital improvements in 2021.
During 2019, two Joint Venture Partnerships sold 5 units at a gain of approximately $735,000. Hamilton 1025 LLC sold 2 units with a gain on the sales of approximately $306,000, and Hamilton Bay Apartments LLC sold 3 units at a gain of approximately $429,000.
Line of Credit
On July 31, 2014, the Partnership entered into an agreement for a $25,000,000 revolving line of credit. The term of the line was for three years with a floating interest rate equal to a base rate of the greater of (a) the Prime Rate (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half of one percent per annum, or (c) the LIBOR Rate for a period of one month plus 1% per annum, plus the applicable margin of 2.5%. The agreement originally expired on July 31, 2017, and was extended until October 31, 2020. The costs associated with the line of credit extension were approximately $128,000.
8
Table of Contents
Management is currently working with the lender on a three year renewal of the line of credit. As of December 31, 2020, the Partnership had not completed the renewal and exercised a one year extension. The Partnership paid an extension fee of approximately $37,500 in association with the extension. Management continues to discuss with the lender the renewal of the line of credit for an additional three years.
On December 19, 2019, the Partnership drew down on the line of credit in the amount of $20,000,000, used in conjunction with the purchase of Mill Street. On December 20, 2019, the Partnership paid down $2,000,000. On January 22, 2020, the Partnership paid down an additional $1,000,000. As of December 31, 2020, the line of credit had an outstanding balance of $17,000,000.
The line of credit may be used for acquisition, refinancing, improvements, working capital and other needs of the Partnership. The line may not be used to pay distributions, make distributions or acquire equity interests of the Partnership.
The line of credit is collateralized by varying percentages of the Partnership’s ownership interest in 24 of its subsidiary properties and joint ventures. Pledged interests range from 49% to 100% of the Partnership’s ownership interest in the respective entities.
The Partnership paid fees to secure the line of credit. Any unused balance of the line of credit is subject to a fee ranging from 15 to 20 basis points per annum. The Partnership paid approximately $12,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
The line of credit agreement has several covenants, such as providing cash flow projections and compliance certificates, as well as other financial information. The covenants include, but are not limited to the following: maintain a leverage ratio that does not exceed 65%; aggregate increase in indebtedness of the subsidiaries and joint ventures should not exceed $15,000,000; maintain a tangible net worth (as defined in the agreement) of a minimum of $150,000,000; a minimum ratio of net operating income to total indebtedness of at least 9.5%; debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.6 to 1, as well as other items. The Partnership is in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2020.
Advisory Committee
As of December 31, 2020, the Advisory Committee members were limited partners Gregory Dube, Robert Nahigian, and David Ross. These Advisory Committee members are not affiliated with the General Partner. The Advisory Committee meets with the General Partner to review the progress of the Partnership, assist the General Partner with policy formation, review the appropriateness, timing and amount of proposed distributions, approve or reject proposed acquisitions and investments with affiliates, and advise the General Partner on various other Partnership affairs. Per the Partnership Agreement, the Advisory Committee has no binding power except that it must approve certain investments and acquisitions or sales by the Partnership from or with affiliates of the Partnership.
Available Information
The Partnership’s website is www.thehamiltoncompany.com. On its website, the Partnership makes available, free of charge, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forms are made available as soon as reasonably practical after the Partnership electronically files or furnishes such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any shareholder may obtain copies of these documents, free of charge, by sending a request in writing to: Director of Investor Relations, New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership, 39 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described below. These risks and uncertainties may not be the only ones we face; there may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently consider immaterial. All of these risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
9
Table of Contents
flows. Our ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our equity securities may be adversely affected if any of such risks are realized. All investors should consider the following risk factors before deciding to purchase or sell securities of the Partnership.
We are subject to risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. We own and manage multifamily apartment complexes and commercial properties that are subject to varying degrees of risk generally incident to the ownership of real estate. Our financial condition, the value of our properties and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders will be dependent upon our ability to operate our properties in a manner sufficient to generate income in excess of operating expenses and debt service charges, which may be affected by the following risks, some of which are discussed in more detail below:
● a lessening of demand for the multifamily and commercial units that we own;
● development by competitors of competing multi-family communities;
● increases in property and liability insurance costs;
● weather and other conditions that might adversely affect operating expenses;
● our inability to control operating expenses or achieve increases in revenues;
● the results of litigation filed or to be filed against us;
● risks related to our joint ventures;
● catastrophic property damage losses that are not covered by our insurance;
10
Table of Contents
● the Partnership does not carry directors and officers insurance.
We are dependent on rental income from our multifamily apartment complexes and commercial properties. If we are unable to attract and retain tenants or if our tenants are unable to pay their rental obligations, our financial condition and funds available for distribution to our shareholders will be adversely affected.
The ongoing coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread present material uncertainty and risk and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The global outbreak of COVID-19 across many countries around the globe, including the United States, has significantly slowed global economic activity, caused significant volatility in financial markets, and resulted in unprecedented job losses causing many to fear an imminent global recession. Certain states and cities, including all of the jurisdictions in which our properties are located, have taken measures to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19, including by instituting quarantines, restrictions on travel, "stay-at-home" rules, restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate and/or restrictions on the types of construction projects that may continue. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting almost every industry directly or indirectly, including industries in which we and our customers operate. We have modified, and might further modify, our business practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic and social ramification of the disease, and the societal and governmental responses in the communities in which we operate. In addition, we have adapted our operations to protect our employees, including by implementing a work from home policy. As a result, many of our employees are currently working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could strain our business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to manage our business.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance. The COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact our business in a number of ways, including:
11
Table of Contents
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our business will depend on future developments, including, among others, the severity and duration of the pandemic, the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness in curbing the spread of the virus, the nature and duration of other measures taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic impact of the pandemic and containment measures on the industries in which we and our customers operate. Among other things COVID-19 and government and our responses to the virus could (1) adversely affect the ability of our suppliers and vendors to provide products and services to us; (2) make it more difficult for us to serve our tenants, including as a result of delays or suspensions in the issuance of permits or other authorizations needed to conduct our business; and (3) increase our cost of capital and adversely impact our access to capital. Due to factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of COVID-19, as well as third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects, at this time we cannot estimate or predict with certainty the impact of COVID-19 or the measures the government and we take in response thereto on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our multifamily apartment complexes and commercial properties are subject to competition. Our properties and joint venture investments are located in developed areas that include other properties. The properties also compete with other rental alternatives, such as condominiums, single and multifamily rental homes, owner occupied single and multifamily homes, and commercial properties in attracting tenants. This competition may affect our ability to attract and retain residents and to increase or maintain rental rates.
The properties we own are concentrated in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Our performance, therefore, is linked to economic conditions and the market for available rental housing and commercial space in these states. A decline in the market for apartment housing and/or commercial properties may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
Our insurance may not be adequate to cover certain risks. There are certain types of risks, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, windstorms, act of war and terrorist attacks that may be uninsurable, or are not economically insurable, or are not fully covered by insurance. Moreover, certain risks, such as mold and environmental exposures, generally are not covered by our insurance. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose our equity in the affected property as well as the anticipated future cash flow from that property. Any such loss could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt financing could adversely affect our performance. The vast majority of our assets are encumbered by project specific, non-recourse, non-cross-collateralized mortgage debt. There is a risk that these properties will not have sufficient cash flow from operations for payments of required principal and interest. We may not be able to refinance these loans at an amount equal to the loan balance and the terms of any refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness. If we are unable to make required payments on indebtedness that is secured by a mortgage, the Partnership will either invest additional money in the property or the property securing the mortgage may be foreclosed with a consequent loss of income and value to us.
We may be adversely affected by the potential discontinuation of LIBOR. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York organized the Alternative Reference Rates Committee which identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative to USD-LIBOR. We are not able to predict when LIBOR will cease to be published or precisely how SOFR will be calculated and published. Any changes adopted by the FCA or other governing bodies in the method used for determining LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR. If that were to occur,
12
Table of Contents
our interest payments could change. In addition, uncertainty about the extent and manner of future changes may result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than if LIBOR were to remain available in its current form.
We have contracts that are indexed to LIBOR and are monitoring and evaluating the related risks, which include interest amounts on our variable rate debt, our unconsolidated joint ventures’ variable rate debt and the swap rate for our unconsolidated joint ventures’ interest rate swaps. In the event that LIBOR is discontinued, the interest rates will be based on an alternative variable rate specified in the applicable documentation governing such debt or swaps or as otherwise agreed upon. Such an event would not affect our ability to borrow or maintain already outstanding borrowings or swaps, but the alternative variable rate could be higher and more volatile than LIBOR prior to its discontinuance.
Certain risks arise in connection with transitioning contracts to an alternative variable rate, including any resulting value transfer that may occur. The value of loans, securities, or derivative instruments tied to LIBOR could also be impacted if LIBOR is limited or discontinued. For some instruments, the method of transitioning to an alternative rate may be challenging, as they may require substantial negotiation with each respective counterparty. If a contract is not transitioned to an alternative variable rate and LIBOR is discontinued, the impact is likely to vary by contract. If LIBOR is discontinued or if the method of calculating LIBOR changes from its current form, interest rates on our current or future indebtedness may be adversely affected.
While we expect LIBOR to be available in substantially its current form until the end of 2021, it is possible that LIBOR will become unavailable prior to that point. This could result, for example, if sufficient banks decline to make submissions to the LIBOR administrator. In that case, the risks associated with the transition to an alternative variable rate will be accelerated and magnified.
We are obligated to comply with financial covenants in our indebtedness that could restrict our range of operating activities. The mortgages on our properties contain customary negative covenants, including limitations on our ability, without prior consent of the lender and other items. Failure to comply with these covenants could cause a default under the agreements and, in certain circumstances; our lenders may be entitled to accelerate our debt obligations. Defaults under our debt agreements could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Real estate investments are generally illiquid, and we may not be able to sell our properties when it is economically or strategically advantageous to do so. Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly, and our ability to sell properties may be affected by market conditions. We may not be able to diversify or vary our portfolio promptly in accordance with our strategies or in response to economic or other conditions.
Our access to public debt markets is limited. Substantially all of our debt financings are secured by mortgages on our properties because of our limited access to public debt markets.
Litigation may result in unfavorable outcomes. Like many real estate operators, we may be involved in lawsuits involving premises liability claims, housing discrimination claims and alleged violations of landlord-tenant laws, which may give rise to class action litigation or governmental investigations. Any material litigation not covered by insurance, such as a class action, could result in substantial costs being incurred.
Our financial results may be adversely impacted if we are unable to sell properties and employ the proceeds in accordance with our strategic plan. Our ability to pay down debt, reduce our interest costs, repurchase Depositary Receipts and acquire properties is dependent upon our ability to sell the properties we have selected for disposition at the prices and within the deadlines we have established for each respective property.
The costs of complying with laws and regulations could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make distributions to our shareholders. Our properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) to the extent that they are “public accommodations” or “commercial facilities” as defined in the ADA. The ADA does not consider apartment complexes to be public accommodations or commercial facilities, except for portions of such properties that are open to the public. In addition, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (the “FHAA”) requires apartment complexes first occupied after March 13, 1990, to be accessible to the handicapped. Other laws also
13
Table of Contents
require apartment communities to be handicap accessible. Noncompliance with these laws could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. We may be subject to lawsuits alleging violations of handicap design laws in connection with certain of our developments. If compliance with these laws involves substantial expenditures or must be made on an accelerated basis, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected.
Under various federal, state and local laws, an owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in the property. This liability may be imposed without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the substances. Other law imposes on owners and operators certain requirements regarding conditions and activities that may affect human health or the environment. Failure to comply with applicable requirements could complicate our ability to lease or sell an affected property and could subject us to monetary penalties, costs required to achieve compliance and potential liability to third parties. We are not aware of any material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances or other environmental matters in connection with any of our properties. Nonetheless, it is possible that material environmental contamination or conditions exist, or could arise in the future, in the apartment communities or on the land upon which they are located.
We are subject to the risks associated with investments through joint ventures. Sevenof our properties are owned by joint ventures in which we do not have a direct controlling interest. We may enter into joint ventures, including joint ventures that we do not control, in the future. Any joint venture investment involves risks such as the possibility that the co-venturer may seek relief under federal or state insolvency laws, or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals. While the bankruptcy or insolvency of our co-venturer generally should not disrupt the operations of the joint venture, we could be forced to purchase the co-venturer’s interest in the joint venture or the interest could be sold to a third party. We also may guarantee the indebtedness of our joint ventures. If we do not have control over a joint venture, the value of our investment may be affected adversely by a third party that may have different goals and capabilities than ours.
We are subject to risks associated with development, acquisition and expansion of multifamily apartment complexes and commercial properties. Development projects and acquisitions and expansions of apartment complexes are subject to a number of risks, including:
● availability of acceptable financing;
● competition with other entities for investment opportunities;
● failure by our properties to achieve anticipated operating results;
● construction costs of a property exceeding original estimates;
● delays in construction; and
We are subject to control by our directors and officers. The directors and executive officers of the General Partner and members of their families and related entities owned approximately 31% of our depositary receipts as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, management decisions rest with our General Partner without limited partner approval.
Competition for skilled personnel could increase our labor costs. We and our management company compete with various other companies in attracting and retaining qualified and skilled personnel who are responsible for the day- to-day operations of our properties. Competitive pressures may require that we enhance our pay and benefits package to compete effectively for such personnel. We may not be able to offset such added costs by increasing the rates we charge our tenants. If there is an increase in these costs or if we fail to attract and retain qualified and skilled personnel, our business and operating results could be harmed.
14
Table of Contents
We depend on our key personnel. Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contribution of key members of the management company, who may be difficult to replace. The loss of services of these executives could have a material adverse effect on us. There can be no assurance that the services of such personnel will continue to be available to us. We do not hold key-man life insurance on any of our key personnel.
Changes in market conditions could adversely affect the market price of our Depositary Receipts. As with other publicly traded equity securities, the value of our depositary receipts depends on various market conditions, which may change from time to time. Among the market conditions that may affect the value of our depositary receipts are the following:
● the extent of investor interest in us;
● our financial performance; and
● general stock and bond market conditions.
The market value of our depositary is based primarily upon the market’s perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions. Consequently, our depositary receipts may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per depositary receipt.
We face possible risks associated with the physical effects of climate change. We cannot predict with the certainty whether climate change is occurring and, if so at what rate. However, the physical effects of climate change could have a material effect on our properties, operations, and business. To the extent climate change causes changes in weather patterns, our markets could experience increases in storm intensity and rising sea levels. Over time, these conditions could result in declining demand for our buildings or the inability of us to operate the buildings at all. Climate change may also have indirect effects on our business by increasing the cost of (or making unavailable) property insurance on terms we find acceptable, increasing the cost of energy and increasing the cost of snow removal at our properties. Proposed federal legislation to address climate change could increase utility and other costs of operating our properties which, if not offset by rising rental income, would reduce our net income. There can be no assurance that climate change will not have a material adverse effect on our properties, operations or business.
Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our tenants and business partners, including personally identifiable information of our tenants and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business.
Risk of changes in the tax law applicable to real estate partnerships. Since the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review federal income legislation, we cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any such legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and therefore, may adversely affect taxation to us, and/or our partners.
If the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after December 31, 2018, it may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us, in which case our cash available for distribution to our unitholders might be reduced.
15
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, if the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns, it may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustments directly from the Partnership. If, as a result of any such audit adjustment, we are required to make payments of taxes, penalties and interest, our cash available for distribution to our partners might be substantially reduced. These rules are not applicable to us for tax years beginning on or prior to December 31, 2017.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships own the Apartment Complexes, the Condominium Units, the Commercial Properties and a 40-50% interest in seven Investment Properties. See also “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence” for information concerning affiliated transactions.
16
Table of Contents
Apartment Complexes
The table below lists the location of the 2,892 Apartment Units, the number and type of units in each complex, the range of rents and vacancies as of February 1, 2021, the principal amount outstanding under any mortgages as of December 31, 2020, the fixed interest rates applicable to such mortgages, and the maturity dates of such mortgages.
Mortgage Balance
and Interest Rate Maturity
Number and Type As of Date of
62 Boylston Street 0 three bedroom N/A 3.97 %
Boston, MA 0 two bedroom N/A
5–7–10–12 Totman Road 0 three bedroom N/A 3.53 %
Woburn, MA 34 two bedroom $ 1,675 – 1,875
0 studios N/A
160–170 Concord Street 0 three bedroom N/A 5.62 %
Nashua, NH 53 two bedroom $ 1,400 – 1,550
0 studios N/A
Allston, MA 4 two bedroom $ 2,500 – 2,695
1 one bedroom $ 1,225 – 1,225
1144–1160 Commonwealth Ave. 0 three bedroom N/A 5.61 %
Allston, MA 11 two bedroom $ 1,650 – 2,000
Nera Dean Street Associates, LLC 69 units 2 $ 5,687,000 2024
38–48 Dean Street 0 three bedroom N/A 4.22 %
Norwood, MA 66 two bedroom $ 1,575 – 1,850
3 one bedroom $ 1,575 – 1,595
0 studios N/A
Framingham, MA 47 two bedroom $ 1,575 – 1,800
1 studio $ 1,400 – 1,400
Hamilton Battle Green LLC 48 units — $ 4,139,001 2026
34–42 Worthen Road 0 three bedroom N/A 4.95 %
Lexington, MA 24 two bedroom $ 2,300 – 2,725
0 studios N/A
Andover, MA 168 two bedroom $ 1,750 – 2,925
0 studios $ N/A
Needham,Ma. 75 two bedroom $ 1,767 – 3,056
2 one bedroom $ 1,975 – 2,100
1 studio $ 1,750 – 1,750
30–50 Oak Street Extension 0 three bedroom N/A 5.59 %
40–60 Reservoir Street 96 two bedroom $ 1,150 – 1,825
Brockton, MA 159 one bedroom $ 1,012 – 1,725
Highland Street Apartments L.P. 36 units — $ 1,050,000 2023
38–40 Highland Street 0 three bedroom N/A 5.59 %
Lowell, MA 24 two bedroom $ 1,200 – 1,450
17
Table of Contents
Mortgage Balance
and Interest Rate Maturity
Number and Type As of Date of
Linhart L.P. 9 units 3 $
4–34 Lincoln Street 0 three bedroom N/A — %
Newton, MA 0 two bedroom N/A
5 one bedroom $ 1,325 – 1,750
Mill Street Development (2) $ — %
57 Mill Street
Woburn,MA.
57 Mill Street 0 three bedroom N/A 3.59 %
Woburn,MA. 116 two bedroom $ 1,750 2,125
62 one bedroom $ 1,550 – 1,975
3 studios $ 1,350 – 1,530
Brighton, MA 54 two bedroom $ 2,600 – 2,800
1 one bedroom $ 1,875 – 1,875
0 studios N/A
Olde English Apartments L.P. 84 units 3 $ 3,080,000 2023
703–718 Chelmsford Street 0 three bedroom N/A 5.63 %
Lowell, MA 47 two bedroom $ 1,375 – 1,575
376-382 Sunderland road 0 three bedroom N/A 5.59 %
Worcester, MA 89 two bedroom $ 1,345 – 1,610
0 studios N/A
Residences at Captain Parkers LLC 94 units 8 $ 20,750,000 2029
Lexington, MA 48 two bedroom $ 2,275 – 2,875
38 one bedroom $ 1,850 – 2,600
0 studios N/A
3–17 River Drive 0 three bedroom N/A 5.62 %
Danvers, MA 60 two bedroom $ 1,575 – 1,850
5 one bedroom $ 1,250 – 1,650
9 School Street 0 three bedroom N/A 3.76 %
Framingham, MA 96 two bedroom $ 1,270 – 1,950
0 studios N/A
10–70 Westland Street 0 three bedroom $ N/A 5.66 %
Brockton, MA 84 one bedroom $ 1,065 – 1,655
0 studios N/A
2–20 Westgate Drive 0 three bedroom N/A 4.65 %
Woburn, MA 110 two bedroom $ 1,650 – 2,100
0 studios N/A
Westgate Apartments Burlington, LLC 20 units — $ 2,500,000 2024
105–107 Westgate Drive 0 three bedroom N/A 4.31 %
Burlington, MA 12 two bedroom $ 2,200 – 2,450
8 one bedroom $ 1,900 – 1,950
0 studios N/A
264-290 Grove Street 0 three bedroom N/A 3.79 %
Newton, MA 80 two bedroom $ 1,784 – 2,250
(1) The mortgage balance is stated before unamortized deferred financing costs.
18
Table of Contents
Current free rent concessions would result in an average reduction in unit rents of less than $12.14 per month per unit. Free rent expense amortized in 2020 was approximately $421,000 compared to approximately $231,000 in 2019.
On March 31, 2020, Nera Brookside Associates, LLC (“Brookside Apartments”), entered into a Mortgage Note with KeyBank National Associates ( KeyBank) in the principal amount of $6,175,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 3.53% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on April 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Brookside apartment complex located at 5-12 Totman Drive, Woburn, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated March 31, 2020. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated March 31, 2020. Brookside Apartments used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $2,390,000, with the remaining portion of the proceeds added to cash reserves. In connection with this refinancing, there were closing costs of approximately $136,000.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street Gardens, LLC and Mill Street Development LLC, collectively referred to as Mill Street, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) closed on a Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2019 with Ninety-Three Realty Limited Partnership (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Mill Street acquired Country Club Garden Apartments, a 181 unit apartment complex located at 57 Mill Street, Woburn, Massachusetts (the “Property”) for an aggregate purchase price of $59,550,000 in cash. Mill Street funded $18,000,000 of the purchase price out of an existing line of credit, $10,550,000 of the cash portion of the purchase price out of cash reserves and the remaining $31,000,000 from the proceeds of the Loan. The closing costs were approximately $237,000. From the purchase price, the Partnership allocated approximately $1,282,000 for in- place leases, and approximately $136,000 to the value of tenant relationships. These amounts are being amortized over 12 and 36 months respectively.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street Gardens, LLC entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Insurance Strategy Funding Corp. LLC providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in the maximum principal amount of $35,000,000, consisting of an initial advance of $31,000,000 and a subsequent advance of up to $4,000,000 if certain conditions are met. Interest on the Note is payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of: (i) 3.586% per annum with respect to the initial advance and (ii) the greater of (A) the sum of the market spread rate and the interpolated (based on the remaining term of the Loan) US Treasury rate at the time of the advance and (B) 3.500% with respect to any subsequent advance. The principal amount of the Note is due and payable on January 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Property, and is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated December 20, 2019 (the “Guaranty”).
On May 31, 2019, Residences at Captain Parker, LLC (“Captain Parker”), entered into a Mortgage Note with Strategy Funding Corp., LLC in the principal amount of $20,750,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 4.05% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on June 1, 2029. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Captain Parker apartment complex located at 125 Worthen Road and Ryder Lane, Lexington, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated May 31, 2019. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated May 31, 2019. Captain Parker used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $20,071,000. In connection with this refinancing, the property incurred a prepayment penalty of approximately $202,000. This expense is included in other expense on the consolidated statement of income.
On March 29, 2018, Hamilton Highlands, LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership purchased Webster Green Apartments, a 79 unit apartment complex located at 755-757 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts. The sale was consummated pursuant to the terms of a Purchase and Sale Contract by and between Webster Green Apartments, LLC, the prior owner of the Property, and The Hamilton Companies, Inc., an affiliate of the Partnership, which agreement was subsequently assigned by Hamilton to Hamilton Highlands.
In connection with the purchase, the Hamilton Highlands entered into an Assumption and Modification Agreement dated as of March 29, 2018 with Brookline Bank pursuant to which the Hamilton Highlands assumed a note dated as of January 14, 2016 in the principal amount of $21,500,000 and various agreements relating to the Note
19
Table of Contents
including a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement, Fixture Filing dated as of January 14, 2016. The purchase price was $34,500,000, consisting of a payment of approximately $13,000,000 in cash and the assumption of the note and mortgage. Hamilton Highlands funded $5,000,000 of the cash portion of the purchase price out of cash reserves and the remaining $8,000,000 by drawing on an existing line of credit. The closing costs were approximately $141,000. From the purchase price, the Partnership allocated approximately $502,000 for in- place leases, and approximately $40,000 to the value of tenant relationships. These amounts are being amortized over 12 and 24 months respectively.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of this Form 10-K, for information relating to the mortgages payable of the Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships.
Condominium Units
The Partnership owns and leases to residential tenants 19 Condominium Units in the metropolitan Boston area of Massachusetts.
The table below lists the location of the 19 Condominium Units, the type of units, the range of rents received by the Partnership for such units, and the number of vacancies as of February 1, 2021.
Mortgage Balance
Number and Type and Interest Rate Maturity
of Units Owned As of Date of
Riverside Apartments 19 units 4 — —
8–20 Riverside Street 0 three bedroom N/A
Watertown, MA 12 two bedroom $ 1,700 – 2,200
5 one bedroom $ 1,850 – 1,975
Commercial Properties
BOYLSTON DOWNTOWN LP. In 1995, this Subsidiary Partnership acquired the Boylston Downtown property in Boston, Massachusetts (“Boylston”). This mixed-use property includes 17,218 square feet of rentable commercial space. As of February 1, 2021, the commercial space was fully occupied, and the average rent per square foot was $27.18. For mortgage balance, interest rate and maturity date information see “Apartment Complexes” above.
HAMILTON OAKS ASSOCIATES, LLC. The Hamilton Oaks Apartment complex, acquired by the Partnership in December 1999 through Hamilton Oaks Associates, LLC, includes 6,075 square feet of rentable commercial space, occupied by a daycare center. As of February 1, 2021, the commercial space was fully occupied, and the average rent per square foot was $14.54. The Partnership also rents roof space for a cellular phone antenna at an average rent of approximately $48,000 per year through November 2025. For mortgage balance, interest rate and maturity date information see “Apartment Complexes” above.
LINHART LP. In 1995, the Partnership acquired the Linhart property in Newton, Massachusetts (“Linhart”). This mixed-use property includes 21,548 square feet of rentable commercial space. As of February 1, 2021, 5,144 square feet of space is vacant, with 76% of the property occupied at an average rent of $33.73 per square foot.
NORTH BEACON 140 LP. In 1995, this Subsidiary Partnership acquired the North Beacon property in Boston, Massachusetts (“North Beacon”). This mixed-use property includes 1,050 square feet of rentable commercial space. The property was fully rented as of February 1, 2021, and the average rent per square foot as of that date was $38.92. For mortgage balance, interest rate and maturity date information see “Apartment Complexes” above.
STAPLES PLAZA. In 1999, the Partnership acquired the Staples Plaza shopping center in Framingham, Massachusetts (“Staples Plaza”). The shopping center consists of 38,695 square feet of rentable commercial space. On March 12, 2018, the loan for 659 Worcester Road was refinanced with Brookline Bank in the amount of $6,083,684. The
20
Table of Contents
loan is due on March 12, 2023. Interest only until March 12, 2021. Commencing in April, 2021, monthly payments of principal and interest in the amount of $32,427 will be made based on an assumed amortization period of thirty (30) years. The loan bears a fixed annual rate equal to 4.87%. The proceeds of the new loan were used to pay off the existing loan. The closing costs were approximately $69,000. As of February 1, 2021 Staples Plaza was fully occupied, and the average net rent per square foot was $24.02.
HAMILTON LINEWT ASSOCIATES, LLC. In 2007, the Partnership acquired a retail block in Newton, Massachusetts. The property consists of 5,850 square feet of rentable commercial space. As of February 1, 2021, 3,900 square feet of space is vacant, with 33% of the property occupied at an average rent of $40.00 per square foot.
HAMILTON CYPRESS LLC. In 2008, the Partnership acquired a medical office building in Brookline, Massachusetts. The property consists of 17,607 square feet of rentable commercial space. As of February 1, 2021, 332 square feet of space is vacant, with 98% of the property occupied, at an average rent of $39.04 per square foot.
The following information is provided for commercial leases:
Total square Total number Percentage of
Annual base rent feet for of leases annual base rent
2031 — — — — %
2032 — — — — %
Commercial rental income is accounted for using the straight line method. Approximately 49 percent of our commercial leases contain rent escalations which range from $0.25– $1.25 per square foot per year.
21
Table of Contents
Investment Properties
See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Investment Properties.
The Partnership has a 50% ownership interest in the properties summarized below:
Mortgage Balance
and Interest Rate Maturity
Number and Type As of Date of
345 Franklin Street 0 three bedroom N/A 3.87 %
Cambridge, MA 39 two bedroom $ 3,300 – 3,625
1 one bedroom $ 2,750 – 2,750
0 studios N/A
223 Main Street 0 three bedroom N/A 4.34 %
Watertown, MA 93 two bedroom $ 1,675 – 2,400
1 April Lane 0 three bedroom N/A 3.71 %
Lexington, MA 40 two bedroom $ 1,825 – 2,500
2 one bedroom $ 2,175 – 2,200
0 studios N/A
Residential 0 three bedroom N/A 2.33 %
Boston, MA. 38 one bedroom $ 2,000 – 2,900
0 studios N/A
Hamilton Essex Development LLC Parking Lot
Commercial
81–83 Essex Street
Boston, Massachusetts
Hamilton 1025 LLC Commercial Building
Commercial
1025 Hancock Street
Quincy,MA.
Brookline, 227 two bedroom $ 3,100 – 4,450
MA. 0 studios N/A
Current free rent concessions would result in an average reduction in unit rents of $22.68 per month per unit. Free rent amortized in 2020 was approximately $187,000, compared to $137,000 in 2019.
(1) The mortgage balance is stated before unamortized deferred financing costs.
345 FRANKLIN, LLC. In November 2001, the Partnership invested approximately $1,533,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a 40-unit apartment building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In June 2013, the property was refinanced with a 15 year mortgage in the amount of $10,000,000 at 3.87%, interest only for 3 years and is amortized on a 30-year schedule for the balance of the term. The Partnership paid off the prior mortgage of approximately $6,776,000 with the proceeds of the new mortgage. After the refinancing, the property made a distribution of $1,610,000 to the
22
Table of Contents
Partnership. As a result of the distribution, the carrying value of the investment fell below zero. The Partnership will continue to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. Although the Partnership has no legal obligation, the Partnership intends to fund its share of any future operating deficits if needed. At December 31, 2020, the balance of this mortgage before unamortized deferred financing costs is approximately $9,149,000. This investment is referred to as 345 Franklin, LLC.
HAMILTON ON MAIN, LLC. In August 2004, the Partnership invested $8,000,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a 280-unit apartment complex located in Watertown, Massachusetts. The total purchase price was $56,000,000. The Partnership sold 137 units as condominiums. The assets were combined with Hamilton on Main Apartments. Hamilton on Main Apartments, LLC is known as Hamilton Place. In 2005, Hamilton on Main Apartments, LLC obtained a ten year mortgage on the three buildings to be retained. The mortgage was $16,825,000, with interest only of 5.18% for three years and amortizing on a 30 year schedule for the remaining seven years when the balance is due. The net proceeds after funding escrow accounts and closing costs on the mortgage were approximately $16,700,000, which were used to reduce the existing mortgage. In August 2014, the property was refinanced with a 10 year mortgage in the amount of $16,900,000 at 4.34% interest only. The Joint Venture Partnership paid off the prior mortgage of approximately $15,205,000 with the proceeds of the new mortgage and distributed $850,000 to the Partnership. The costs associated with the refinancing were approximately $161,000. At December 31, 2020, the balance of this mortgage before unamortized deferred financing costs is approximately $16,900,000. In 2018, the carrying value of the investment fell below zero. The Partnership will continue to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting, although the Partnership has no legal obligation to fund its share of any future operating deficiencies, if needed. This investment is referred to as Hamilton on Main Apartments, LLC.
HAMILTON MINUTEMAN, LLC. In September 2004, the Partnership invested approximately $5,075,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a 42-unit apartment complex located in Lexington, Massachusetts. The purchase price was $10,100,000. In October 2004, the Partnership obtained a mortgage on the property in the amount of $8,025,000 and returned $3,775,000 to the Partnership. The Partnership obtained a new 10-year mortgage in the amount of $5,500,000 in January 2007. The interest on the new loan was 5.67% fixed for the ten year term with interest only payments for five years and amortized over a 30 year period for the balance of the loan. This loan required a cash contribution by the Partnership of $1,250,000 in December 2006. On September 12, 2016, the property was refinanced with a 15 year mortgage in the amount of $6,000,000, at 3.71%, interest only. The Joint Venture Partnership paid off the prior mortgage of approximately $5,158,000 with the proceeds of the new mortgage and made a distribution of $385,000 to the Partnership. The cost associated with the refinancing was approximately $123,000. This investment is referred to as Hamilton Minuteman, LLC. At December 31, 2020, the balance on this mortgage before unamortized deferred financing costs is approximately $6,000,000. In 2018, the carrying value of the investment fell below zero. The Partnership will continue to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting, although the Partnership has no legal obligation to fund its share of any future operating deficiencies, if needed. This investment is referred to as Hamilton Minuteman, LLC.
HAMILTON 1025, LLC. On March 2, 2005, the Partnership invested $2,352,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a 176-unit apartment complex with an additional small commercial building located in Quincy, Massachusetts. The purchase price was $23,750,000. The Partnership sold 127 of the units as condominiums and retained 49 units for long-term investment. The Partnership obtained a new 10-year mortgage in the amount of $5,000,000 on the units to be retained by the Partnership. The interest on the new loan was 5.67% fixed for the 10 year term with interest only payments for five years and amortized over a 30 year period for the balance of the loan term. On July 8, 2016, Hamilton 1025 LLC paid off the outstanding balance of the mortgage balance. The Partnership made a capital contribution of $2,359,500 to Hamilton 1025, LLC for its share of the funds required for the transaction. As of December 31, 2020, all residential units were sold. 2 units were sold in 2019, resulting in a gain of approximately $306,000. The Partnership still owns the commercial building.16 units were sold in the year ended December 31, 2018, resulting in a gain of approximately $1,973,000. This investment is referred to as Hamilton 1025, LLC.
HAMILTON ESSEX 81, LLC. On March 7, 2005, the Partnership invested $2,000,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a building comprising 48 apartments, one commercial space and a 50-car surface parking lot located in Boston, Massachusetts. The purchase price was $14,300,000, with a $10,750,000 mortgage. The Partnership planned to operate the building and initiate development of the parking lot. In June 2007, the Partnership separated the parcels, formed an additional limited liability company for the residential apartments and obtained a mortgage on the property.
23
Table of Contents
The new limited liability company formed for the residential apartments and commercial space is referred to as Hamilton Essex 81, LLC. In August 2008, the Partnership restructured the mortgages on both parcels at Essex 81 and transferred the residential apartments to Hamilton Essex 81, LLC. On September 28, 2015, Hamilton Essex Development, LLC paid off the outstanding mortgage balance of $1,952,286. The Partnership made a capital contribution of $978,193 to Hamilton Essex Development LLC for its share of the funds required for the transaction. Additionally, the Partnership made a capital contribution of $100,000 to Hamilton Essex 81, LLC. On September 30, 2015, Hamilton Essex 81, LLC obtained a new 10 year mortgage in the amount of $10,000,000, interest only at 2.18% plus the one month Libor rate. The proceeds of the note were used to pay off the existing mortgage of $8,040,719 and the Partnership received a distribution of $978,193 for its share of the excess proceeds. As a result of the distribution, the carrying value of the investment fell below zero. The Partnership will continue to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. Although the Partnership has no legal obligation, the Partnership intends to fund its share of any future operating deficits if needed. At December 31, 2020, the balance on this mortgage before unamortized deferred financing costs is approximately $10,000,000. The investment in the parking lot is referred to as Hamilton Essex Development, LLC; the investment in the apartments is referred to as Hamilton Essex 81, LLC
HAMILTON BAY, LLC. On October 3, 2005, the Partnership invested $2,500,000 for a 50% ownership interest in a 168-unit apartment complex in Quincy, Massachusetts. The purchase price was $30,875,000. The Joint Venture sold 120 units as condominiums and retained 48 units for long-term investment. In February 2007, the Joint Venture refinanced the 48 units with a new 10 year mortgage in the amount of $4,750,000 with an interest rate of 5.57%, interest only for five years. The loan is amortized over 30 years thereafter and matures in March 2017. On March 1, 2017, the mortgage balance was paid in full, with the Partnership contributing its share of the mortgage balance of approximately $2,222,000. After paying off the mortgage, the Partnership sold the individual units.
During the 12 months ended December 31, 2018,16 units were sold, resulting in a gain of approximately $2,438,000. 3 units were sold in 2019, resulting in a gain of approximately $433,000. As of December 30, 2020, all units have been sold by this Joint Venture. This investment is referred to as Hamilton Bay Apartments, LLC.
HAMILTON PARK TOWERS, LLC. On October 28, 2009 the Partnership invested approximately $15,925,000 in a joint venture to acquire a 40% interest in a residential property located in Brookline, Massachusetts. The property, Hamilton Park Towers LLC, referred to as Dexter Park, is a 409 unit residential complex. The purchase price was $129,500,000. In order to fund this investment, the Partnership used approximately $8,757,000 of its cash reserves and borrowed approximately $7,168,000 with an interest rate of 6% from HBC Holdings, LLC, an entity owned by Harold Brown and his affiliates (“HBC”). The term of the loan was four years with a provision requiring payment in whole or in part upon demand by HBC with six months’ notice. The loan was paid in full in April 2012. The original mortgage was $89,914,000 with an interest rate of 5.57% and was to mature in 2019.
On May 31, 2018, Hamilton Park, entered into a Mortgage Note with John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) in the principal amount of $125,000,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 3.99% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on June 1, 2028. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Dexter Park apartment complex located at 175 Freeman Street, Brookline, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated May 31, 2018. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership and HBC Holdings, LLC pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated May 31, 2018.
Hamilton Park used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $82,000,000 and distributed approximately $41,200,000 to its owners. The Partnership’s share of the distribution was approximately $16,500,000. As a result of the distribution, the carrying value of the investment fell below zero. The Partnership will continue to account for the investment using the equity method of accounting, although the Partnership has no legal obligation to fund its share of any future operating deficiencies as needed. In connection with this refinancing, the property incurred a defeasance charge of approximately $3,830,000. Based on its ownership in the property, the Partnership incurred 40% of this charge, an expense of approximately $1,532,000. This charge had a material effect on the 2018 net income.
At December 31, 2020, the balance on this mortgage before unamortized deferred financing costs is approximately $125,000,000. This investment, Hamilton Park Towers, LLC is referred to as Dexter Park.
24
Table of Contents
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships, and the Investment Properties and their properties are not presently subject to any material litigation, and, to management’s knowledge, there is not any material litigation presently threatened against them. The properties are occasionally subject to ordinary routine legal and administrative proceedings incident to the ownership of residential and commercial real estate. Some of the legal and other expenses related to these proceedings are covered by insurance and none of these costs and expenses are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Partnership.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Each Class A Unit is exchangeable, through Computershare Trust Company (“Computershare”) (formerly Equiserve LP), the Partnership’s Depositary Agent, for 30 Depositary Receipts (“Receipts”). The Receipts are listed and publicly traded on the NYSE MKT Exchange under the symbol “NEN.” There has never been an established trading market for the Class B Units or General Partnership Units.
Effective January 3, 2012, the Partnership authorized a 3-for-1 forward split of its Depositary Receipts listed on the NYSE MKT and a concurrent adjustment of the exchange ratio of Depositary Receipts for Class A Units of the Partnership from 10-to-1 to 30-to-1, such that each Depositary Receipt represents one-thirtieth (1/30) of a Class A Unit of the Partnership.
All references to Depositary Receipts in the report are reflective of the 3-for-1 forward split.
Distribution to Limited & General Partners were:
On March 9, 2021, the closing price on the NYSE American for a Depositary Receipt was $53.11. There were 2,863,981 Depositary Receipts outstanding and 1,939 Units (representing 58,170 receipts) held by approximately 2,190 record holders.
Any portion of the Partnership’s cash, which the General Partner deems not necessary for cash reserves, is distributed to the Partners, and distributions are made on a quarterly basis. The Partnership has made annual distributions to its Partners since 1978. The Partnership made distributions of $38.40 per unit ($1.28 per receipt) in 2020. The Partnership made distributions of $38.40 per Unit ($1.28 per Receipt) in 2019. The total distribution was $4,675,754 in 2020 and $4,696,893 in 2019. In January 2021, the Partnership declared a quarterly distribution of $9.60 per Unit ($0.32 per Receipt) payable on March 31, 2021.
See “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” for certain information relating to the number of holders of each class of Units.
25
Table of Contents
Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities during the fourth quarter of 2020:
Remaining number
Depositary Receipts of Depositary Receipts
Purchased as Part that may be purchased
Average of Publicly Under the Plan
Period Price Paid Announced Plan (as Amended)
Total —
See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning this repurchase program.
The Partnership does not have any securities authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans that are subject to disclosure under Item 201(d) of regulation S-K.
26
Table of Contents
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Year Ended December 31,
INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION(a)
Net income per Depositary Receipt $ 0.39 $ 1.78 $ 1.12 $ 1.86 $ 1.32
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
The Partnership may purchase and/or sell properties at any time.
The table below reflects the totals of NERA properties available for rental at each December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
Residential
Commercial
Vacancy rate 8.7 % 1.8 % 1.3 % — % — %
See Items 1A and 7 for factors that may affect future operations. The above tables may not be indicative of future results.
27
Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward Looking Statements
Certain information contained herein includes forward looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Liquidation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in written form from time to time, reflect management’s good faith belief when those statements are made, and are based on information currently available to management. Caution should be exercised in interpreting and relying on such forward looking statements, the realization of which may be impacted by known and unknown risks and uncertainties, events that may occur subsequent to the forward looking statements, and other factors which may be beyond the Partnership’s control and which can materially affect the Partnership’s actual results, performance or achievements for 2021 and beyond. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties mentioned below materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.
Along with risks detailed in Item 1A and from time to time in the Partnership’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, some factors that could cause the Partnership’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements include but are not limited to the following:
28
Table of Contents
● Risk associated with the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments.
● Competition for acquisitions may result in increased prices for properties.
The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive or as an admission regarding the adequacy of disclosures made by the Partnership prior to the date hereof or the effectiveness of said Act. The Partnership expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Since the Partnership’s long-term goals include the acquisition of additional properties, a portion of the proceeds from the refinancing and sale of properties is reserved for this purpose. If available acquisitions do not meet the Partnership’s investment criteria, the Partnership may purchase additional depositary receipts. The Partnership will consider refinancing existing properties if the Partnership’s cash reserves are insufficient to repay existing mortgages or if the Partnership needs additional funds for future acquisitions.
On February 24, 2019, Harold Brown, the owner of 75% of the outstanding voting securities of NewReal Inc., the general partner, of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership passed away. As a result, Brown family related entities currently hold voting control over the NewReal shares.
Effective as of February 24, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, NewReal Inc.,
29
Table of Contents
elected Jameson Brown as the Director, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of New Real to fill the vacancy created by the death of Harold Brown, who served as both the Treasurer and a director of NewReal.
Effective as of May 3, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, New Real, Inc. elected Andrew Bloch as a member of the Board. Mr. Bloch is the Co-CEO and CFO of the Hamilton Company, Inc. the Manager of the Partnership’s properties.
Effective as of August 5, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner, New Real, Inc. elected Sally Michael and Robert Somma as members of the Board. Ms. Michael and Mr. Somma are Trustees of the Estate of Harold Brown.
Approximately one year has passed since we became aware of the current outbreak of the COVID- 19, a novel strain of coronavirus. The World Health Organization declaring a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. On March 10, the governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, had declared a state of emergency and ordered all non-essential businesses closed and prohibited the gathering of 10 or more people. Over time, the Governor’s order has been modified, but restrictions are currently in place for the foreseeable future. Additionally, March of 2020 saw the closure of local colleges and universities for the balance of the academic year. Colleges in the City of Boston and the surrounding communities are conducting classes for the 2020/2021 academic year remotely, or using a hybrid model of remote and limited in class learning. These educational models caused a large decrease in the student population in need of local housing and have resulted in significant vacancies in the Partnership’s apartment portfolio.
The government’s measures put into place to combat the spread of the virus have caused significant disruptions to life and business operations in Massachusetts, the Country, and the World. The length and severity of the effects on the Partnership’s business are unknown at this time.
Rental collections for the fourth quarter for the Partnership’s wholly owned properties were approximately 94% of rents due. Residential tenants paid approximately 95% of their rent and commercial tenants paid approximately 87% of theirs. Historically, commercial rents represent 5% of the Partnership’s revenue. The rent collections for the Joint Ventures were approximately 95%. The fourth quarter’s collections are not necessarily an indicator of future cash receipts. As of December 31, 2020, gross rents receivable was approximately $2,866,000, 4.6% of rental income, an increase of approximately $647,000 over the September 30, 2020 balance and $2,141,000 over the December 31, 2019 balance.
The vacancy rate for the Partnership’s residential properties as of February 1, 2021 was 6.2% as compared with a vacancy rate of 3.0% as of February 1, 2020. The vacancy rate for the Joint Venture properties as of February 1, 2021 was 15.6%, as compared to 1.2% for the same period last year. Most of the vacancies for the Partnership’s wholly owned properties are at 62 Boylston Street which has 91 vacant units with a vacancy rate of 33.8%. At the Joint Venture properties Dexter Park has 64 vacant units, or a vacancy rate of 15.6%, and 81 Essex has 24 vacant units, or a vacancy rate of 49%. Both 62 Boylston Street and Dexter Park have historically had a high percentage of students. With the uncertainties with the economy and the timing of the re-opening of Colleges and Universities in the fall, the strength of the 2021 rental season is unknown. Inventory of unrented units remains higher than in past years and it is likely that the Partnership will have a high number of vacancies during the first half of 2021. In order to rent as many of these units as possible, management has reduced rent significantly and is offering up to two months free rent.
Residential tenants generally have lease terms of 12 months. The majority of these leases will mature during the second and third quarters of the year. Given the current economic environment, it is not possible to estimate the amount of lease turnover we will experience, or the amount of increases or decreases from the current rental rates we will realize with lease renewals or new leases. However, we are currently offering reduced rental rates and significant rent concessions at certain properties.
During the current state of emergency, The Hamilton Company, the Partnership’s property manager, has taken steps to maintain the safety of its employees and tenants. Hamilton is providing essential services to ensure all properties are kept open, fully functioning, and safe. Hamilton has implemented a work from home policy with a skeleton staff present at all site offices to provide for property management, maintenance, leasing and construction services. Leasing is
30
Table of Contents
limited to unoccupied units unless permission is granted by the current tenant and a web-based video technology is being used to remotely show apartments. Hamilton and the Partnership will continue to adjust their business practices to comply with Federal and State mandates for workplace and rental property operations.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, rents increased on average 1.6% for renewals and decreased on average 12.3% for new leases. For all of 2020, renewal rents increased approximately 2.5% and decreased approximately 5.3% for new leases. As we enter 2021, due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, management expects the local real estate market to remain soft and is expecting decreases in rent and more rental concessions.
For the year ending December 31, 2020, including the purchase of Mill Street, consolidated revenue increased by 2.7%, operating expenses increased by 9.1% and Income before Other Income (Expense) decreased by 13.3%. Excluding the Mill Street acquisition, same store revenue decreased by 3.5%, operating expenses decreased by 3.1% and Income before Other Income (Expense) decreased by 4.7%. For the same reporting period, residential vacancy was 6.2% vs 3.0%. For 2020, excluding Depreciation and Amortization, same store revenues (excluding Mill Street) decreased by 3.5%, operating expenses decreased by 3.3% and Net Operating Income decreased by 3.7%.
The Joint Ventures of 1025 Hancock and Hamilton Bay in 2019 sold out all remaining residential condominium units. 1025 Hancock sold 2 remaining units for a gain of approximately $306,000, and Hamilton Bay sold its 3 remaining units at a gain of approximately $429,000. The estimated profit to the Partnership for the sale of these units from 2014 through 2019 is approximately $7,168,000.
On March 31, 2020, Nera Brookside Associates, LLC (“Brookside Apartments”), entered into a Mortgage Note with KeyBank National Associates ( KeyBank) in the principal amount of $6,175,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 3.53% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on April 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Brookside apartment complex located at 5-12 Totman Drive, Woburn, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated March 31, 2020. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated March 31, 2020. Brookside Apartments used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $2,390,000, with the remaining portion of the proceeds added to cash reserves. In connection with this refinancing, there were closing costs of approximately $136,000.
On July 31, 2014, the Partnership entered into an agreement for a $25,000,000 revolving line of credit. The term of the line is three years with a floating interest rate equal to a base rate of the greater of (a) the Prime Rate (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half of one percent per annum, or (c) the LIBOR Rate for a period of one month plus 1% per annum, plus an applicable margin of 2.5%. The agreement originally expired on July 31, 2017, and was subsequently extended until October 31, 2020.The costs associated with the line of credit extension were approximately $128,000. Management continues to discuss with the lender the renewal of the line of credit for an additional three years. The Partnership paid an extension fee of approximately $37,500 in association with the extension. As of December 31, 2020, the credit line had an outstanding balance of $17,000,000. See Note 5 for a description of the ongoing discussions with lender regarding renewal of the line of credit.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street Gardens, LLC and Mill Street Development, LLC, collectively referred to as Mill Street, wholly-owned subsidiaries of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) closed on a Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2019 with Ninety-Three Realty Limited Partnership (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which Mill Street acquired Country Club Garden Apartments, a 181 unit apartment complex located at 57 Mill Street, Woburn, Massachusetts (the “Property”) for an aggregate purchase price of $59,550,000 . Mill Street funded $18,000,000 of the purchase price out of an existing line of credit, $10,550,000 of the cash portion of the purchase price out of cash reserves and the remaining $31,000,000 from the proceeds of the Loan. The closing costs were approximately $237,000. From the purchase price, the Partnership allocated approximately $1,282,000 for in- place leases, and approximately $136,000 to the value of tenant relationships. These amounts are being amortized over 12 and 36 months respectively.
On December 20, 2019, Mill Street entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Insurance Strategy Funding Corp. LLC providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in the maximum principal amount of $35,000,000, consisting of an
31
Table of Contents
initial advance of $31,000,000 and a subsequent advance of up to $4,000,000 if certain conditions are met. Interest on the Note is payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of: (i) 3.586% per annum with respect to the initial advance and (ii) the greater of (A) the sum of the market spread rate and the interpolated (based on the remaining term of the Loan) US Treasury rate at the time of the advance and (B) 3.500% with respect to any subsequent advance. The principal amount of the Note is due and payable on January 1, 2035. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Property and is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated December 20, 2019.
On May 31, 2019, Residences at Captain Parker, LLC (“Captain Parker”), entered into a Mortgage Note with Strategy Funding Corp., LLC in the principal amount of $20,750,000. Interest only payments on the Note are payable on a monthly basis at a fixed interest rate of 4.05% per annum, and the principal amount of the Note is due and payable on June 1, 2029. The Note is secured by a mortgage on the Captain Parker apartment complex located at 125 Worthen Road and Ryder Lane, Lexington, Massachusetts pursuant to a Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement dated May 31, 2019. The Note is guaranteed by the Partnership pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated May 31, 2019. Captain Parker used the proceeds of the loan to pay off an outstanding loan of approximately $20,071,000. In connection with this refinancing, the property incurred a prepayment penalty of approximately $202,000. This expense is included in other expense on the consolidated statement of income.
On March 29, 2018, the Partnership, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hamilton Highlands, LLC, purchased Webster Green Apartments, a 79 unit apartment complex located at 755-757 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts. The purchase price of $34,500,000 was funded with $5,000,000 of cash, $8,000,000 drawn on the line of credit and the assumption of a $21,500,000 mortgage. Since acquiring the property, the Partnership has renovated the common areas, added energy efficient lighting to the hallways and parking areas and renovated two apartments. As part of the purchase contract, the seller was required to complete the construction of three new apartments and resurface the parking lot.
On May 31, 2018, the Investment Property, Hamilton Park Towers (Hamilton Park) was refinanced for $125,000,000 with a 10 year term, interest only at a 3.99% fixed interest rate. Hamilton Park used the proceeds from the refinancing to pay off the existing mortgage of approximately $82,000,000 and distributed approximately $41,200,000 to its member owners. The Partnership’s share of the distribution was approximately $16,500,000.
The proceeds from the refinancing of Hamilton Park were used to pay down the Partnership’s existing Line of Credit from $25,000,000 to $5,000,000. In October, the Partnership used excess cash reserves to pay down the balance by and additional $3,000,000. As of December 31, 2018, the balance on the line of credit was $2,000,000.
In association with this refinancing, there was a defeasance cost of approximately $3,830,000. Based on its 40% ownership in the property, the Partnership incurred an expense of approximately $1,532,000, which is accounted for in income from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. The cash flow requirements of the new loan is approximately the same as that of the prior loan.
The Stock Repurchase Program that was initiated in 2007 has purchased 1,428,437 Depositary Receipts through December 31, 2020, or approximately 33% of the outstanding Class A Depositary Receipts. The Partnership purchased 5,328 Depositary Receipts in 2020.
In March of 2020, the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors unanimously approved an extension of the Repurchase Program until March 31, 2025. Management believes that the $25,000,000 line of credit, net cash flow from operations and cash on hand have put the Partnership in position to capitalize on investment opportunities should they reveal themselves in the near future. As always, Management continues to weigh investment alternatives of stock repurchase, new property acquisitions and dispositions when considering its cash balances and performance of the portfolio. Given the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus issue, as of April 15, 2020, the Partnership has elected to temporarily suspend the repurchase program.
The Partnership has retained The Hamilton Company (“Hamilton”) to manage and administer the Partnership’s and Joint Ventures’ Properties. Hamilton is a full-service real estate management company, which has legal, construction, maintenance, architectural, accounting and administrative departments. The Partnership’s properties
32
Table of Contents
represent approximately 41% of the total properties and 48% of the residential properties managed by Hamilton. Substantially all of the other properties managed by Hamilton are owned, wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by the Brown Family related entities. The Partnership’s Second Amended and Restated Contract of Limited Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”) expressly provides that the general partner may employ a management company to manage the properties, and that such management company may be paid a fee of up to 4% of rental receipts for administrative and management services (the “Management Fee”). The Partnership pays Hamilton the full annual Management Fee, in monthly installments.
In addition to the Management Fee, the Partnership Agreement further provides for the employment of outside professionals to provide services to the Partnership and allows NewReal to charge the Partnership for the cost of employing professionals to assist with the administration of the Partnership’s properties. Additionally, from time to time, the Partnership pays Hamilton for repairs and maintenance services, legal services, construction services and accounting services. The costs charged by Hamilton for these services are at the same hourly rate charged to all entities managed by Hamilton, and management believes such rates are competitive in the marketplace.
Residential tenants generally sign a one year lease. In 2020, tenant renewals were approximately 71% with an average rental increase of approximately 2.5 %, new leases accounted for approximately 29% with rental rate decreases of approximately 5.3%. In 2020, leasing commissions were approximately $497,000 compared to approximately $578,000 in 2019, a decrease of approximately $81,000 (14.0%) from 2019. Tenant concessions were approximately $32,000 in 2020 compared to approximately $57,000 in 2019, a decrease of approximately 25,000 (43.9%). Tenant improvements were approximately $2,062,000 in 2020 compared to approximately $2,636,000 in 2019, a decrease of approximately $574,000 (21.8%).
Hamilton accounted for approximately 2.2% of the repair and maintenance expense paid for by the Partnership in the year ended December 31, 2020 and 4.3% in the year ended December 31, 2019. Of the funds paid to Hamilton for this purpose, the great majority was to cover the cost of services provided by the Hamilton maintenance department, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry services, and snow removal for those properties close to Hamilton’s headquarters. Several of the larger Partnership properties have their own maintenance staff. Those properties that do not have their own maintenance staff and are located more than a reasonable distance from Hamilton’s headquarters in Allston, Massachusetts are generally serviced by local, independent companies.
Hamilton’s legal department handles most of the Partnership’s eviction and collection matters. Additionally, it prepares most long-term commercial lease agreements and represents the Partnership in selected purchase and sale transactions. Overall, Hamilton provided approximately 59.1% and 65.2% of the legal services paid for by the Partnership during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Additionally, as described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, The Hamilton Company receives similar fees from the Investment Properties.
The Partnership requires that three bids be obtained for construction contracts in excess of $15,000. Hamilton may be one of the three bidders on a particular project and may be awarded the contract if its bid and its ability to successfully complete the project are deemed appropriate. For contracts that are not awarded to Hamilton, Hamilton charges the Partnership a construction supervision fee equal to 5% of the contract amount. Hamilton’s architectural department also provides services to the Partnership on an as-needed basis. In 2020, Hamilton provided the Partnership approximately $668,000 in construction and architectural services, compared to $924,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Bookkeeping and accounting functions have been provided by Hamilton’s accounting staff, which consists of approximately 14 people. In 2020, Hamilton charged the Partnership $125,000 per year ($31,250 per quarter) for bookkeeping and accounting services. For more information on related party transactions, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires the Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.
33
Table of Contents
The Partnership regularly and continually evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of its real estate properties and its investments in and advances to joint ventures. The Partnership bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. The Partnership’s critical accounting policies are those which require assumptions to be made about such matters that are highly uncertain. Different estimates could have a material effect on the Partnership’s financial results. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of these policies and estimates may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions and circumstances. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Principles of Consolidation.
Revenue Recognition: Rental income from residential and commercial properties is recognized over the term of the related lease. For residential tenants, amounts 60 days in arrears are charged against income. The commercial tenants are evaluated on a case by case basis. Certain leases of the commercial properties provide for increasing stepped minimum rents, which are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Concessions made on residential leases are also accounted for on the straight-line basis.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the differences between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed-rate renewal options for below-market leases. The capitalized above-market lease amounts are accounted for as a reduction of base rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases, and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to base rental revenue over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed-rate renewal options of the respective leases.
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 modifies the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract: the lessee and the lessor. ASU 2016-02 provides new guidelines that change the accounting for leasing arrangements for lessees, whereby their rights and obligations under substantially all leases, existing and new, are capitalized and recorded on the balance sheet. For lessors, however, the new standard remains generally consistent with existing guidance, but has been updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”).
Under this standard, the Partnership evaluates the non-lease components (lease arrangements that include common area maintenance services) with related lease components (lease revenues). If both the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease component and related lease component, the lease component is the predominant component. The Partnership elected an allowed practical expedient. For (i) operating lease arrangements involving real estate that include common area maintenance services and (ii) all real estate arrangements that include real estate taxes and insurance costs, we present these amounts within lease revenues in our consolidated statements of income. We record amounts reimbursed by the lessee in the period in which the applicable expenses are incurred.
We adopted this guidance for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method, applying the transition provisions at the beginning of the period of adoption rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We elected the allowable practical expedients as permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed us to not reassess whether arrangements contain leases, lease classification, and initial direct costs. The adoption of the lease standard did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment recognized in the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard does not have a material impact to the Partnership’s financial statements.
RentalPropertyHeld for sale: When assets are identified by management as held for sale, the Partnership discontinues depreciating the assets and estimates the sales price, net of selling costs, of such assets. The Partnership generally considers assets to be held for sale when the transaction has received appropriate corporate authority, and there are no significant contingencies relating to the sale. If, in management’s opinion, the estimated net sales price, net of
34
Table of Contents
selling costs, of the assets which have been identified as held for sale is less than the carrying value of the assets, a valuation allowance is established.
If circumstances arise that previously were considered unlikely and, as a result, the Partnership decides not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified as held and used. A property that is reclassified is measured and recorded individually at the lower of (a) its carrying value before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used, or (b) the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
Rental Properties: Rental properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; improvements and additions are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the asset and related accumulated depreciation is eliminated from the accounts, and any gain or loss on such disposition is included in income. Fully depreciated assets are removed from the accounts. Rental properties are depreciated by both straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives. Upon acquisition of rental property, the Partnership estimates the fair value of acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities assumed, generally consisting of the fair value of (i) above and below market leases, (ii) in-place leases and (iii) tenant relationships. The Partnership allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The Partnership records goodwill or a gain on bargain purchase (if any) if the net assets acquired/liabilities assumed exceed the purchase consideration of a transaction. In estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired, the Partnership considers information obtained about each property as a result of its due diligence and marketing and leasing activities, and utilizes various valuation methods, such as estimated cash flow projections utilizing appropriate discount and capitalization rates, estimates of replacement costs net of depreciation, and available market information. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant.
Intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values above and below market leases and tenant relationship values, which are based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and the Partnership’s overall relationship with the respective tenant. Factors to be considered by management in its analysis of in-place lease values include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, management considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. Characteristics considered by management in valuing tenant relationships include the nature and extent of the Partnership’s existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. The value of in- place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. The value of tenant relationship intangibles are amortized to expense over the anticipated life of the relationships.
In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a rental property may be impaired, an analysis of the value is prepared. The estimated future undiscounted cash flows are compared to the asset’s carrying value to determine if a write-down to fair value is required.
Impairment: On an annual basis management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Partnership’s rental properties may be impaired. A property’s value is impaired only if management’s estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property. The Partnership’s estimates of aggregate future cash flows expected to be generated by each property are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and costs to operate each property. As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the future cash flows estimated by management in its impairment analysis may not be achieved.
Investments in Joint Ventures: The Partnership accounts for its 40%-50% ownership in the Investment Properties under the equity method of accounting, as it exercises significant influence over, but does not control these
35
Table of Contents
entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as Investments in Joint Ventures, and subsequently adjusted for the Partnership’s share in earnings, cash contributions and distributions. Under the equity method of accounting, our net equity is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the Partnership is included on the consolidated statements of income. Generally, the Partnership would discontinue applying the equity method when the investment (and any advances) is reduced to zero and would not provide for additional losses unless the Partnership has guaranteed obligations of the venture or is otherwise committed to providing further financial support for the investee. If the venture subsequently generates income, the Partnership only recognizes its share of such income to the extent it exceeds its share of previously unrecognized losses.
The authoritative guidance on consolidation provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) and the determination of which business enterprise, if any, should consolidate the VIE (the “primary beneficiary”). Generally, the consideration of whether an entity is a VIE applies when either (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest, (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that equity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The primary beneficiary is defined by the entity having both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and rights to receive the returns from VIE that would be significant to the VIE.
With respect to investments in and advances to the Investment Properties, the Partnership looks to the underlying properties to assess performance and the recoverability of carrying amounts for those investments in a manner similar to direct investments in real estate properties. An impairment charge is recorded if management’s estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property.
Legal Proceedings: The Partnership is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise, from time to time, in the ordinary course of business. These matters are frequently covered by insurance. If it is determined that a loss is likely to occur, the estimated amount of the loss is recorded in the financial statements. Both the amount of the loss and the point at which its occurrence is considered likely can be difficult to determine.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
The Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships earned income before interest expense, income from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and other income and loss of approximately $14,969,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to approximately $17,272,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of approximately $2,303,000 (13.3%).
The rental activity is summarized as follows:
Occupancy Date
Residential
Vacancy rate 6.2 % 3.0 %
Commercial
Vacancy rate 8.7 % 1.8 %
36