Mid-America Apartment Communities 10-K 2016-12-31

10-K 1 maa12312016-10k.htm 10-K

The aggregate market value of the 56,652,573 shares of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. was approximately $6,027,833,767 based on the closing price of $106.40 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2016. This calculation excludes shares of common stock held by the registrant's officers and directors and each person known by the registrant to beneficially own more than 5% of the registrant's outstanding shares, as such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status should not be deemed conclusive for any other purpose. As of February 20, 2017 there were 113,545,231 shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. common stock outstanding.

There is no public trading market for the partnership units of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. As a result, an aggregate market value of the partnership units of Mid-America Apartments, L.P. cannot be determined.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. to be held on May 23, 2017 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. We expect to file our proxy statement within 120 days after December 31, 2016.

Explanatory Note

This report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, and Mid-America Apartments, L.P., a Tennessee limited partnership, of which Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. is the sole general partner. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Report to “MAA” refer only to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., and not any of its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Report to "we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refer collectively to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Mid-America Apartments, L.P. Unless the context otherwise requires, the references in this Report to the “Operating Partnership” or “MAALP” refer to Mid-America Apartments, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. “Common stock” refers to the common stock of MAA and “shareholders” means the holders of shares of MAA’s common stock. The limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership are referred to as “OP Units” and the holders of the OP Units are referred to as “unitholders”. This combined Form 10-K is being filed separately by MAA and MAALP.

As of December 31, 2016, MAA owned 113,518,212 OP units (or approximately 96.4%) of the limited partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. MAA conducts substantially all of its business and holds substantially all of its assets through the Operating Partnership, and by virtue of its ownership of the OP Units and being the Operating Partnership's sole general partner, MAA has the ability to control all of the day-to-day operations of the Operating Partnership.

We believe combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of MAA and the Operating Partnership, including the notes to the consolidated financial statements, into this single report results in the following benefits:

Management operates MAA and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of the Company is comprised of individuals who are officers of MAA and employees of the Operating Partnership. We believe it is important to understand the few differences between MAA and the Operating Partnership in the context of how MAA and the Operating Partnership operate as a consolidated company. MAA and the Operating Partnership are structured as an "umbrella partnership REIT," or UPREIT. MAA's interest in the Operating Partnership entitles MAA to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership in proportion to MAA's percentage interest therein and entitles MAA to vote on substantially all matters requiring a vote of the partners. MAA's only material asset is its ownership of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership; therefore, MAA does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public equity from time-to-time and guaranteeing certain debt of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds, directly or indirectly, all of our real estate assets. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by MAA, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for limited partnership interests, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by the Company's business through the Operating Partnership's operations, direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of partnership units.

The presentation of MAA's shareholders' equity and the Operating Partnership's capital are the principal areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of MAA and those of the Operating Partnership. MAA's shareholders' equity may include shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock, additional paid-in capital, cumulative earnings, cumulative distributions, noncontrolling interest, preferred units, treasury shares, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. The Operating Partnership's capital may include common capital and preferred capital of the general partner (MAA), limited partners' preferred capital, limited partners' noncontrolling interest, accumulated other comprehensive income and redeemable common units. Redeemable common units represent the number of outstanding limited partnership units as of the date of the applicable balance sheet, valued at the greater of the closing market price of MAA's common stock or the aggregate value of the individual partners' capital balances. Holders of OP Units (other than MAA and its corporate affiliates) may require us to redeem their OP Units from time to time, in which case we may, at our option, pay the redemption price either in cash (in an amount per OP Unit equal, in general, to the average closing price of MAA's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange over a specified period prior to the redemption date) or by delivering one share of our common stock (subject to adjustment under specified circumstances) for each OP Unit so redeemed.

In order to highlight the material differences between MAA and the Operating Partnership, this Report includes sections that separately present and discuss areas that are materially different between MAA and the Operating Partnership, including:

In the sections that combine disclosure for MAA and the Operating Partnership, this Report refers to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership (directly or indirectly through one of its subsidiaries) is generally the entity that enters into contracts, holds assets and issues debt, management believes this presentation is appropriate for the reasons set forth above and because the business is one enterprise and we operate the business through the Operating Partnership.

PART I

Risks Associated with Forward Looking Statements

We consider this and other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, with respect to our expectations for future periods. Forward-looking statements do not discuss historical fact, but instead include statements related to expectations, projections, intentions or other items related to the future. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements concerning property acquisitions and dispositions, joint venture activity, development and renovation activity as well as other capital expenditures, capital raising activities, rent and expense growth, occupancy, financing activities and interest rate and other economic expectations and statements regarding the benefits of our merger with Post Properties, Inc. ("Post Properties"), Post GP Holdings, Inc., and Post Apartment Homes, L.P ("Post LP"). Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results of operations, financial conditions or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore such forward-looking statements included in this report may not prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results or conditions described in such statements or our objectives and plans will be achieved.

The following factors, among others, could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements:

New factors may also emerge from time to time that could have a material adverse effect on our business. Except as otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date on which this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed.

Overview

MAA is a multifamily focused, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT. We own, operate, acquire and selectively develop apartment communities primarily located in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States. As of December 31, 2016, activities include full ownership and operation of 302 multi-family properties, which includes commercial space at certain properties, and four additional commercial properties, along with partial ownership in one multifamily property . These properties are located in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

As of December 31, 2016, we maintained full or partial ownership in the following properties:

(1) Excludes space owned by anchor tenants as well as commercial space located at multifamily communities.

Our business is conducted principally through the Operating Partnership. MAA is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, holding 113,518,212 OP units, comprising a 96.4% partnership interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2016.

MAA and MAALP were formed in Tennessee in 1993. Our offices are located at 6584 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38138 and our telephone number is (901) 682-6600. As of December 31, 2016, we had 2,466 full-time employees and 62 part-time employees.

Merger of MAA and Post Properties

On December 1, 2016, MAA completed its previously announced merger with Post Properties. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), Post Properties merged with and into MAA, with MAA continuing as the surviving corporation (the "Parent Merger"), and Post LP merged with and into MAALP, with MAALP continuing as the surviving entity (the "Partnership Merger"). We refer to the Parent Merger, together with the Partnership Merger, as the Merger in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Post Properties common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.71 of a newly issued share of MAA common stock including the right, if any, to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of MAA common stock. In addition, each limited partner interest in Post LP designated as a "Class A Unit" automatically converted into the right to receive 0.71 of a newly issued partnership unit of MAALP. Also, each share of Post Properties Series A Preferred Stock was automatically converted into the right to receive one newly issued share of MAA's 8.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, which we refer to as MAA Series I preferred stock. Each newly issued share of MAA Series I preferred stock has the same rights, preferences, privileges, and voting powers as those of the Post Properties Series A preferred stock.

The net assets and results of operations of Post Properties are included in our consolidated financial statements from the closing date, December 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016, the end of our fiscal year.

Reporting Segments

As of December 31, 2016, we owned 302 multifamily apartment communities located in 16 states from which we derived all significant sources of earnings and operating cash flows. Additionally, we had full ownership of four commercial properties in three states. Senior management evaluates performance and determines resource allocations by reviewing apartment communities individually and in the following reportable operating segments:

On the first day of each calendar year, we determine the composition of our same store operating segments for that year as well as adjust the previous year, which allows us to evaluate full period-over-period operating comparisons. For financial reporting purposes, the operating results of the Post Properties assets that we acquired in the Merger are within the "non-same store communities and other" reporting segment. The legacy Post Properties assets will not be eligible to be included in same store segments until January 1, 2018. Properties in development or lease-up will generally be added to the same store portfolio on the first day of the calendar year after they have been owned and stabilized for at least a full 12 months. Communities are considered stabilized after achieving 90% occupancy for 90 days. Communities that have been identified for disposition are excluded from our same store portfolio.

During 2016, we added 12 communities to our same store portfolio and moved 13 communities to our non-same store and other segment. In addition, as a result of the Merger, we added 58 wholly-owned apartment communities to our non-same store and other segment.

A summary of segment operating results for 2016, 2015 and 2014 is included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 16. Additionally, segment operating performance for such years is discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Objectives

Our primary business objectives are to protect and grow existing property values, to maintain a stable and increasing cash flow that will fund our dividends and distributions through all parts of the real estate investment cycle, and to create shareholder value by growing in a disciplined manner. To achieve these objectives, we intend to continue to pursue the following goals and strategies:

2016 Highlights

Operations Strategy

Our goal is to generate return on investment collectively and in each apartment community by increasing revenues, controlling operating expenses, maintaining high occupancy levels and reinvesting in the income producing capacity of each community as appropriate. The steps taken to meet these objectives include:

We believe that our decentralized operating structure capitalizes on specific market knowledge, provides greater personal accountability than a centralized structure and is beneficial in the acquisition and redevelopment processes. To support this decentralized operational structure, senior and executive management, along with various asset management functions, are proactively involved in supporting and reviewing property management through extensive reporting processes and frequent on-site visits. To maximize the amount of information shared between senior and executive management and the properties on a real time basis, we utilize a web-based property management system. The system contains property and accounting modules that allow for operating efficiencies, continued expense control, provide for various expanded revenue management practices, and improve the support provided to on-site property operations. We use a “yield management” pricing program that helps our property managers optimize rental revenues, and we also utilize purchase order and accounts payable software to provide improved controls and management information.

Advances in technologies continue to drive operating efficiencies in our business and help us to better meet the changing needs of our residents. Since October 2012, our residents have been utilizing our web-based resident internet portal on our website. Our residents have the ability to conduct business with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In February 2013, we completed the roll out of online leasing renewals throughout our portfolio. As a result of transforming our operations through technology, resident’s satisfaction improved, and our operating teams have become more efficient. Web-based technologies have also resulted in declining marketing and advertising costs, improved cash management, and better pricing management of our available apartments.

Acquisition Strategy

One of our growth strategies is to acquire apartment communities that are located in large or secondary markets primarily throughout the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States. Acquisitions, along with dispositions as discussed below, help us achieve and maintain our desired product mix, geographic diversification and asset allocation. Portfolio growth allows for maximizing the efficiency of the existing management and overhead structure. We have extensive experience in the acquisition of multifamily communities. We will continue to evaluate opportunities that arise, and will utilize this strategy to increase the number of apartment communities in strong and growing markets.

The following apartment communities and land parcels, in addition to the 61 properties encompassing 20,818 units, along with 6 land parcels, acquired through the Merger, were acquired by us during the year ended December 31, 2016:

Disposition Strategy

We sell apartment communities and other assets that no longer meet our long-term strategy or when market conditions are favorable, and we redeploy the proceeds from those sales to acquire, develop and redevelop additional apartment communities and to rebalance our portfolio across or within geographic regions. Dispositions also allow us to realize a portion of the value created through our investments and provide additional liquidity. We are then able to redeploy the net proceeds from our dispositions in lieu of raising additional capital. When we decide to sell a community, we consider current market conditions and generally solicit competing bids from unrelated parties for these individual assets and consider the sales price and other key terms of each proposal. We also consider portfolio dispositions when such a structure is useful to maximize proceeds and efficiency of execution. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we disposed of 12 multifamily properties totaling 3,263 units, two commercial properties totaling 325,418 square feet, and four land parcels totaling 67 acres.

Development Strategy

As another part of our growth strategy, we invest in a limited number of development projects. Development activities may be conducted through wholly-owned affiliated companies or through joint ventures with unaffiliated parties. Fixed price construction contracts are signed with unrelated parties to minimize construction risk. We typically manage the leasing portion of the project as units become available for lease. We may also engage in limited expansion development opportunities on existing communities in which we typically serve as the developer. While we seek opportunistic new development investments offering attractive long-term investment returns, we intend to maintain a total development commitment that we consider modest in relation to our total balance sheet and investment portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred $58.9 million in development costs.

The following multifamily projects were under development as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

Redevelopment Strategy

In 2005 we began an initiative of upgrading a significant number of our existing apartment communities in key markets across our portfolio. We focus on both interior unit upgrades and exterior amenities above and beyond routine capital upkeep in markets that we believe continue to have the ability to support additional rent growth. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we renovated 6,812 units and exterior amenities at an average cost of $4,478 per unit. We believe that the rents received on these renovated units were approximately 9.8% above the normal market rate for similar but non-renovated units.

Capital Structure Strategy

We use a combination of debt and equity sources to fund our business strategy. We maintain a capital structure, focused on maintaining access, flexibility and low costs, that we believe allows us to proactively source potential investment opportunities in the marketplace. We structure our debt maturity schedule to avoid significant exposure in any given year. Our primary debt financing strategy is to access the unsecured debt markets to provide our debt capital needs, but we also maintain a limited amount of secured debt and maintain our access to both the secured and unsecured debt markets for maximum flexibility. We also believe that we have significant access to the equity capital markets.

At December 31, 2016, 28.1% of our total market capitalization consisted of borrowings, including 19.8% under our unsecured credit facilities or unsecured senior notes and 8.2% under our secured borrowings. We currently intend to target our total debt, net of cash held, to a range of approximately 32% to 38% of the undepreciated book value of our assets. Our charter and bylaws do not limit our debt levels and our Board of Directors can modify this policy at any time. We may also issue new equity to maintain our debt within the target range. Covenants for our unsecured senior notes limit our debt to undepreciated book value of our assets to 60%. As of December 31, 2016, our ratio of total debt to total assets was approximately 33.9%.

We continuously review opportunities for lowering our cost of capital. We plan to continue using unsecured debt in order to take advantage of the lower cost of capital and flexibility provided by these markets. We will evaluate opportunities to repurchase shares when we believe that our share price is significantly below our net present value. We also look for opportunities where we can acquire or develop apartment communities, selectively funded or partially funded by sales of equity securities, when appropriate opportunities arise. We focus on improving the net present value of our investments by generating cash flows from our portfolio of assets above the estimated total cost of debt and equity capital. We routinely make new investments when we believe it will be accretive to shareholder value over the life of the investments.

On December 9, 2015, we entered into distribution agreements with J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. to sell up to an aggregate of 4.0 million shares of common stock, from time-to-time in at-the-market offerings or negotiated transactions through controlled equity offering programs, or ATMs. As of December 31, 2016, there were 4.0 million shares remaining under the ATMs.

The following are the issuances of common stock which have been made through these types of ATM agreements from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2016:

We also have a dividend and distribution reinvestment stock purchase plan, or DRSPP, which allows for the optional cash purchase of shares of common stock totaling at least $250, but not more than $5,000 in any given month, free of brokerage commissions and charges. We, in our absolute discretion, may grant waivers to allow for optional cash payments in excess of $5,000. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we issued a total of 1,579 shares through the optional cash purchase feature of the DRSPP, resulting in net proceeds of $152,463.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 8, 2015, MAA's Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares of MAA common stock, which represented approximately 5.3% of MAA's common stock outstanding at the time of such authorization. This December 2015 authorization replaced and superseded a previous authorization from 1999, under which approximately 2.1 million shares remained at the time of the December 2015 authorization but through which no shares had been repurchased since April 2001. From time-to-time, we may repurchase shares under the current authorization when we believe that shareholder value would be enhanced. Factors affecting this determination include, among others, the share price and expected rates of return. No shares were repurchased from December 8, 2015 through December 31, 2016 under the current authorization.

Competition

All of our apartment communities are located in areas that include other apartment communities. Occupancy and rental rates are affected by the number of competitive apartment communities in a particular area. The owners of competing apartment communities may have greater resources than us, and the managers of these apartment communities may have more experience than our management. Moreover, single-family rental housing, manufactured housing, condominiums and the new and existing home markets provide housing alternatives to potential residents of apartment communities.

Competition for new residents is generally intense across all of our markets. Some competing communities offer features that our communities do not have. Competing communities can use concessions or lower rents to obtain temporary competitive advantages. Also, some competing communities are larger or newer than our communities. The competitive position of each community is different depending upon many factors including sub-market supply and demand. In addition, other real estate investors compete with us to acquire existing properties and to develop new properties. These competitors include insurance companies, pension and investment funds, public and private real estate companies, investment companies and other public and private apartment REITs, some of which may have greater resources, or lower capital costs, than we do.

We believe, however, that we are generally well-positioned to compete effectively for residents and investments. We believe our competitive advantages include:

Moving forward, we plan to continue to optimize lease management, improve expense control, increase resident retention efforts and align employee incentive plans with our bottom line performance. We believe this plan of operation, coupled with the portfolio’s strengths in targeting residents across a geographically diverse platform, should position us for continued operational upside. We also make capital improvements to both our apartment communities and individual units on a regular basis in order to maintain a competitive position in each individual market.

Environmental Matters

As a normal part of our apartment community acquisition and development processes, we generally obtain environmental studies of the sites from outside environmental engineering firms. As part of the due diligence process for the Merger, we reviewed the existing environmental studies and other related documents outlining potential risk on the properties acquired through the Merger. The purpose of these studies is to identify potential sources of contamination at the site and to assess the status of environmental regulatory compliance. These studies generally include historical reviews of the site, reviews of certain public records, preliminary investigations of the site and surrounding properties, inspection for the presence of asbestos, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and underground storage tanks and the preparation and issuance of written reports. Depending on the results of these studies, more invasive procedures, such as soil sampling or ground water analysis, may be performed to investigate potential sources of contamination. These studies must be satisfactorily completed before we take ownership of an acquisition or development property; however, no assurance can be given that the studies or additional documents reviewed identify all significant environmental risks. See "Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Real Estate Investments and our Operations - Environmental problems are possible and can be costly."

The environmental studies we received on properties that we have acquired have not revealed any material environmental liabilities. Should any potential environmental risks or conditions be discovered during our due diligence process, the potential costs of remediation will be assessed carefully and factored into the cost of acquisition, assuming the identified risks and factors are deemed to be manageable and within reason. We are not aware of any existing conditions that we believe would be considered a material environmental liability. Nevertheless, it is possible that the studies do not reveal all environmental risks or that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are not aware. Moreover, no assurance can be given concerning future laws, ordinances or regulations, or the potential introduction of hazardous or toxic substances by neighboring properties or residents.

Website Access to Our Reports

MAA and the Operating Partnership file combined periodic reports with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC's website which is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, all filings made by MAA and the Operating Partnership with the SEC may be copied or read at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Additionally, a copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to the aforementioned filings, are available on our website free of charge. The filings can be found on the "For Investors" page under "SEC Filings". Our website also contains our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and the charters of the committees of the Board of Directors. These items can be found on the "For Investors" page in the "Governance Documents" section under "Corporate Overview". Our website address is http://www.maac.com. Reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the site and should not be considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All of the aforementioned materials may also be obtained free of charge by contacting our Legal Department, 6584 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38138.

Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust

MAA has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. To continue to qualify as a REIT, MAA must continue to meet certain tests which, among other things, generally require that our assets consist primarily of real estate assets, our income be derived primarily from real estate assets, and that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (other than our net capital gains) to our shareholders annually. If MAA maintains its qualification as a REIT, MAA generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the corporate level on its net income to the extent it distributes such net income to its shareholders annually. Even if MAA continues to qualify as a REIT, it will continue to be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on its income and its property. In 2016, MAA paid total distributions of $3.28 per share of common stock to its shareholders, which was above the 90% REIT distribution requirement and was in excess of REIT taxable income.

Inflation

We believe that the direct effects of inflation on our operations have been immaterial. While the impact of inflation primarily impacts our results through wage pressures, property taxes, utilities and material costs, substantially all of our leases are for a term of one year or less, which generally enables us to compensate for any inflationary effects by increasing rents on our apartments. Although an escalation in energy and food costs could have a negative impact on our residents and their ability to absorb rent increases, we do not believe this has had a material impact on our results for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Insurance

We carry comprehensive general liability coverage on our communities, with limits of liability we believe are customary within the multi-family apartment industry, to insure against liability claims and related defense costs. We also maintain insurance against the risk of direct physical damage to reimburse us on a replacement cost basis for costs incurred to repair or rebuild each property, including loss of rental income during the reconstruction period.

Recent Developments

On February 7, 2017, we paid off the $15.8 million remaining principal balance of the mortgage on the Grand Cypress apartment community.

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have identified the following additional risks and uncertainties that may have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition or results of operations. Investors should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. Our business faces significant risks and the risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations. If any of these risks occur, our business prospects, results of operations or financial condition could suffer, the market price of our capital stock and the trading price of our debt securities could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment in our capital stock or debt securities.

RISKS RELATED TO THE POST PROPERTIES MERGER

We have incurred and expect to incur substantial expenses related to the Merger.

We have incurred and expect to incur substantial expenses in connection with the Merger and integrating Post Properties’ business, operations, networks, systems, technologies, policies and procedures with ours. There are a large number of systems that are in the process of being integrated, including property management, revenue management, resident payment, credit screening, lease administration, website content management, purchasing, accounting, payroll, fixed assets and financial reporting. Moreover, there are a number of factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or the timing of these integration expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. As a result, expenses associated with the Merger could, particularly in the near term, exceed the savings that we expect to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings related to the integration of the businesses.

We may be unable to integrate Post Properties' businesses with ours successfully or realize the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the Merger or do so within the anticipated time frame.

Because Post Properties was a public company, we expect to benefit from the elimination of duplicative costs associated with supporting Post Properties' public company platform and the leveraging of our technology and systems. These savings are expected to be realized upon full integration, which is expected to occur during the next 12 months. However, we are required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of Post Properties with our business practices and operations. Potential difficulties we may encounter in the integration process include the following:

For all these reasons, you should be aware that it is possible that the integration process could result in the distraction of the Combined Corporation’s management, the disruption of the Combined Corporation’s ongoing business or inconsistencies in the Combined Corporation’s operations, services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect the ability of the Combined Corporation to maintain relationships with tenants, vendors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Merger, or could otherwise adversely affect the business and financial results of the Combined Corporation.

We may be unable to retain key employees as a result of the Merger

The success of the Combined Corporation after the mergers will depend in part upon its ability to retain key MAA employees, including those from Post Properties. Key employees of the Combined Corporation may depart because of, among other things, issues relating to the combination of two companies, and uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to

remain long term with the Combined Corporation. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we will be able to retain key employees to the same extent as in the past.

The mergers will result in changes to the board of directors and management of the Combined Corporation that may affect the strategy of the Combined Corporation as compared to that of MAA and Post Properties independently.

The composition of MAA's Board of Directors changed as a result of the Merger. MAA’s Board of Directors now consists of thirteen members, including all ten directors from MAA’s Board of Directors prior to the Merger and three directors who were members of the Post Properties’ board of directors prior to the Merger. This new composition of the Board of Directors of MAA may affect our business strategy and operating decisions going forward.

Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage the expansion of its operations following the Merger.

We have expanded our operations as a result of the Merger and intend to continue to expand our operations through additional acquisitions and development of properties, some of which may involve complex challenges. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage the integration of Post Properties’ operations and our expansion opportunities, each of which may pose substantial challenges for us to integrate new operations into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, and upon our ability to successfully monitor our operations, costs, regulatory compliance and service quality, and to maintain other necessary internal controls. There is no assurance that our expansion or acquisition and development opportunities will be successful, or that we will realize any operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits from any future acquisitions we may complete.

Our joint ventures could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our joint venture partner’s financial condition and disputes between us and our joint venture partner.

Post Properties had a joint venture investment that now constitutes a portion of our assets as a result of the Merger. In addition, we may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. These joint venture investments involve risks not present with a property wholly owned by us, including that: (i) one or more joint venture partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund a share of required capital contributions and we may be responsible to our partners for indemnifiable losses; (ii) one or more joint venture partners may have economic or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, creating a conflict of interest; or (iii) disputes between us and one or more of our joint venture partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase

Showing the first 8K of 79K characters. Open the full section

None.

We seek to acquire newer apartment communities and those with opportunities for repositioning through capital additions and management improvement located in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States that are primarily appealing to middle income residents with the potential for above average growth and return on investment. Approximately 68% of our apartment units are located in the Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas markets. Our strategic focus is to provide our residents high quality apartment units in attractive community settings, characterized by upscale amenities, extensive landscaping and attention to aesthetic detail.

The following table sets forth certain historical information for the apartment communities we owned at December 31, 2016:

Showing the first 8K of 67K characters. Open the full section

In September 2010, the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) filed suit against Post Properties (and by virtue of the Merger, MAA) in United States Distric Court for the District of Columbia alleging that certain of MAA’s apartments violated accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act (the “FHA”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”). The DOJ is seeking, among other things, an injunction against MAA, requiring MAA to retrofit the properties and comply with FHA and ADA standards in future design and construction, as well as monetary damages and civil penalties. No trial date has been set and no significant settlement negotiations with the DOJ have occurred.

In addition, MAA is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business operations. Matters which arise out of allegations of bodily injury, property damage and employment practices are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these other matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management currently believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on MAA’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Not applicable.

PART II

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

Market Information

MAA's common stock has been listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “MAA” since its initial public offering in February 1994. On February 17, 2017, the reported last sale price of our common stock on the NYSE was $99.62 per share, and there were approximately 2,700 holders of record of the common stock. MAA believes it has a significantly larger number of beneficial owners of its common stock. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intra-day sales prices of MAA's common stock and the dividends declared by MAA with respect to the periods indicated.

(1) Generally, MAA's Board of Directors declares dividends prior to the quarter in which they are paid. The dividend of $0.87 per share declared in the fourth quarter of 2016 was paid on January 31, 2017 to shareholders of record on January 13, 2017.

MAA's quarterly dividend rate is currently $0.87 per common share. MAA's Board of Directors reviews and declares the dividend rate quarterly. Actual dividends made by MAA will be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the gross revenues received from our apartment communities, our operating expenses, the interest expense incurred on borrowings and unanticipated capital expenditures.

MAA expects to make future quarterly distributions to shareholders; however, future distributions by MAA will be at the discretion of its Board of Directors and will depend on our actual funds from operations, our financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code (see "Business-Qualification as Real Estate Investment Trust" above) and such other factors as MAA's Board of Directors deems relevant.

Direct Stock Purchase and Distribution Reinvestment Plan

We have established the DRSPP, under which holders of common stock, preferred stock and OP units can elect to automatically reinvest their distributions in shares of MAA common stock. The DRSPP also allows for the optional purchase of MAA common stock of at least $250, but not more than $5,000 in any given month, free of brokerage commissions and charges. In our absolute discretion, we may grant waivers to allow for optional cash payments in excess of $5,000. To fulfill our obligations under the DRSPP, we may either issue additional shares of common stock or repurchase common stock in the open market. We may elect to sell shares under the DRSPP at up to a 5% discount.

In 2016, 2015, and 2014, we had issuances with no discounts through our DRSPP of 7,906 shares, 8,562 shares, and 9,055 shares, respectively.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2016:

The outstanding options noted in the table above were issued in exchange for outstanding Colonial Properties and Post Properties options in connection with the respective parent mergers.

Mid-America Apartments, L.P.

Operating Partnership Units

There is no established public trading market for the Operating Partnership's OP Units. From time-to-time, we issue shares of MAA's common stock in exchange for OP Units tendered to the Operating Partnership for redemption in accordance with the provisions of the Operating Partnership’s limited partnership agreement. At December 31, 2016, there were 117,738,615 OP Units outstanding in the Operating Partnership, of which 113,518,212 OP Units, or 96.4%, were owned by MAA and 4,220,403 OP Units, or 3.6% were owned by limited partners. Under the terms of the Operating Partnership’s limited partnership agreement, the limited partner holders of OP Units have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem all or a portion of the OP Units held by the holder in exchange for one share of MAA common stock per one OP Unit or a cash payment based on the market value of our common stock at the time of redemption, at the option of MAA. During the year ended December 31, 2016, MAA issued a total of 22,868 shares of common stock upon redemption of OP Units.

Comparison of Five-year Cumulative Total Returns

The following graph compares the cumulative total returns of the shareholders of MAA since December 31, 2011 with the S&P 500 Index and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index prepared by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT. The graph assumes that the base share price for our common stock and each index is $100 and that all dividends are reinvested. The performance graph is not necessarily indicative of future investment performance.

Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table shows our repurchases of shares for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016:

MAA Purchases of Equity Securities

The following tables set forth selected financial data on a historical basis for MAA and the Operating Partnership. As previously discussed, the consolidated assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Post Properties are included in MAA's selected financial data from the closing date of the parent merger, December 1, 2016, through the end of MAA's fiscal year, December 31, 2016. Likewise, the consolidated assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Post LP are included in the Operating Partnership's selected financial data from the closing date of the partnership merger, December 1, 2016, through the end of the Operating Partnership's fiscal year, December 31, 2016. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(1) See Earnings per common share of MAA note in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Beginning in 2006, at their regularly scheduled meetings, our Board of Directors began routinely declaring dividends for payment in the following quarter. This can result in dividends declared during a calendar year being different from dividends paid during a calendar year. As a result of the Merger, our Board of Directors will routinely declare a quarterly dividend with respect to the MAA Series I preferred stock

(3) Market capitalization includes all shares of common stock, regardless of classification on the balance sheet, as well as partnership units (value based on common stock equivalency).

(4) Total capitalization is market capitalization plus total debt.

(5) Property and apartment unit totals have not been adjusted to exclude properties held for sale.

Mid-America Apartments, L.P.

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit data)

(1) See Earnings Per OP Unit of MAALP note in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Beginning in 2006, at their regularly scheduled meetings, the Board of Directors began routinely declaring distributions for payment in the following quarter. This can result in distributions declared during a calendar year being different from distributions paid during a calendar year.

(3) Property and apartment unit totals have not been adjusted to exclude properties held for sale.

The following discussion analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of both MAA and the Operating Partnership, of which MAA is the sole general partner and in which MAA owned a 96.4% limited partner interest as of December 31, 2016. MAA conducts all of its business through the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership’s various subsidiaries. This discussion should be read in conjunction with all of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

A critical accounting policy is one that is both important to our financial condition and results of operations and that involves some degree of uncertainty. The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors and circumstances. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances; however, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

We believe that the estimates and assumptions listed below are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations because they require the greatest subjective determinations and form the basis of accounting policies deemed to be most critical.

Acquisition of real estate assets

We account for our acquisitions of investments in real estate in accordance with ASC 805-10, Business Combinations, which requires the fair value of the real estate acquired to be allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and furniture, fixtures and equipment, and identified intangible assets, consisting of the value of in-place leases and other contracts. In calculating the fair value of acquired tangible assets, management uses stabilized net operating income (NOI) and market specific capitalization and discount rates. Management analyzed historical stabilized NOI to determine its estimate for forecasted NOI. Management estimates the market capitalization rate by analyzing the market capitalization rates for properties with comparable ages in similar sized markets. Although management's estimates of the fair value of acquired tangible assets have been materially accurate in the past, additional information becoming available could lead to the modification of the initial fair value calculation and purchase price allocation. Subsequent adjustments made to the purchase price allocation, if any, would be made within the allocation period, which typically does not exceed one year.

Impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill

We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of accounting standards for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and evaluate our goodwill for impairment under accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more frequently if a goodwill impairment indicator is identified. We periodically evaluate long-lived assets, including investments in real estate and goodwill, for indicators that would suggest that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The judgments regarding the existence of such indicators are based on factors such as operating performance, market conditions and legal factors. If impairment indicators exist for a long-lived asset, management compares the carrying amount of the asset to an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Management estimates future cash flows by analyzing historical cash flows generated by the asset. If impairment indicators exist for goodwill, management compares the carrying amount of the asset to an estimate of the implied fair value of the asset. Management calculates the fair value of the asset by dividing historical operating cash flows by a market capitalization rate. Management estimates the market capitalization rate by analyzing the market capitalization rates for properties with comparable ages in similarly sized markets. No impairment losses have been recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Cost capitalization

Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred while significant improvements, renovations, and replacements are capitalized. The cost to complete any deferred repairs and maintenance at properties acquired by us in order to elevate the condition of the property to our standards are capitalized as incurred. The carrying costs related to development

projects, including interest, property taxes, insurance and allocated direct development salary cost during the construction period, are capitalized. Management uses judgment in determining whether costs should be expensed or capitalized.

Loss contingencies

The outcomes of claims, disputes and legal proceedings are subject to significant uncertainty. We record an accrual for loss contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We review these accruals quarterly and make revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances. When a loss contingency is not both probable and reasonably estimable, then we do not accrue the loss. However, for material loss contingencies, if the unrecorded loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then we disclose a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, if such reasonable estimate can be made. If we cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, then that is disclosed.

The assessment of whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or range of loss is reasonably estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. Among the factors that we consider in this assessment, including with respect to the matters disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are the nature of existing legal proceedings and claims, the asserted or possible damages or loss contingency (if reasonably estimable), the progress of the matter, existing law and precedent, the opinions or views of legal counsel and other advisers, our experience in similar matters, the facts available to us at the time of assessment, and how we intend to respond, or have responded, to the proceeding or claim. Our assessment of these factors may change over time as individual proceedings or claims progress. For matters where we are not currently able to reasonably estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, the factors that have contributed to this determination include the following: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large or uncertain number of actual or potential cases or parties; and/or (iv) discussions with the parties in matters that are expected ultimately to be resolved through negotiation and settlement have not reached the point where we believe a reasonable estimate of loss, or range of loss, can be made. In such instances, we believe that there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss or business impact, if any.

For more information regarding our significant accounting policies, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1.

Showing the first 8K of 74K characters. Open the full section

Market risk includes risks that arise from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market sensitive instruments. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates on our borrowings. At December 31, 2016, 28.1% of our total capitalization consisted of borrowings. Our interest rate risk objective is to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve this objective, we manage our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates for borrowings through the use of fixed rate debt instruments and interest rate swaps and caps, which mitigate our interest rate risk on a related financial instrument and effectively fix or cap the interest rate on a portion of our variable debt or on future refinancings. We use our best efforts to have our credit facilities, or tranches thereof, mature across multiple years, which we believe limits our exposure to interest rate changes in any one year. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. At December 31, 2016, approximately 86.7% of our outstanding debt was subject to fixed or capped rates after considering related derivative instruments We regularly review interest rate exposure on outstanding borrowings in an effort to minimize the risk of interest rate fluctuations.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For our interest rate swaps and caps, the table presents the notional amount of the swaps and caps and the years in which they expire. Weighted average variable rates are based on rates in effect at the reporting date (dollars in thousands).

(1) Excluding the effect of interest rate swap and cap agreements.

The Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Financial Statements and Selected Quarterly Financial Information are set forth on pages F-1 to F-61 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

None.

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

MAA’s management, with the participation of MAA’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of MAA’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016 pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that evaluation, MAA’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by MAA in its Exchange Act filings is accurately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to MAA’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

Management's report on MAA's internal control over financial reporting is presented on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an report on MAA’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

There was no change to MAA’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation by MAA’s management referred to above that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, MAA’s internal control over financial reporting.

Mid-America Apartments, L.P.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

Management of the Operating Partnership, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MAA, as the general partner of the Operating Partnership, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016 pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MAA, as the general partner of the Operating Partnership, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Operating Partnership in its Exchange Act filings is accurately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MAA, as the general partner of the Operating Partnership, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

Management of the Operating Partnership is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management of the Operating Partnership, with the participation the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of MAA, as the general partner of the Operating Partnership, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Based on its evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management of the Operating Partnership concluded that the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

There was no change to the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation by the Operating Partnership’s management referred to above that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

None.

PART III

The information contained in MAA's 2017 Proxy Statement in the sections entitled “Information About The Board of Directors and Its Committees”, “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all officers, directors and employees, which can be found on our website at http://www.maac.com, on the For Investors page in the "Governance Documents" section under "Corporate Overview". We will provide a copy of this document to any person, without charge, upon request, by writing to the Legal Department at MAA, 6584 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38138. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our website at the address and the locations specified above. Reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the site and should not be considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The information contained in MAA's 2017 Proxy Statement in the sections entitled “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 11.

The information contained in MAA's 2017 Proxy Statement in the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Management” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners,” is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 12.

The information contained in MAA's 2017 Proxy Statement in the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Information About The Board of Directors and Its Committees” is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 13.

The information contained in MAA's 2017 Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Proposal 4 - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 14.

PART IV

† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

• This certification is being furnished solely to accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of MAA or MAALP, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

See Item 15(a)(3) above.

See Item 15(a)(2) above.

None

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.