EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 746514
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 746514_10-K_2021_0001558370-21-002894.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
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
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.”
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:
● a complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, one or more of our properties resulting from government or customer action;
● deterioration in the financial condition or liquidity of our tenants, customers or other counterparties, which could result in their inability to pay rents or failure to meet their contractual obligations to us;
● the potential negative impact on our ability to complete planned acquisitions or dispositions of assets on expected terms or timelines, or at all;
● reduced demand for space at our office properties and units at our multifamily residential properties, which could have a negative impact on our prospects for leasing current or additional space and/or renewing leases with existing tenants;
● difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, which could result in reduced availability and increased cost of capital necessary to fund business operations, finance our development pipeline or address maturing liabilities on a timely basis;
● costs associated with construction delays and cost overruns at our development and redevelopment projects;
● unanticipated costs and operating expenses associated with remote work arrangements, sanitation measures performed at each of our properties, and other measures to protect the welfare of our employees and tenants; and
● the potential negative impact on the health of our employees, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, which could result in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during this disruption.
● the Partnership rents a significant number of their apartment units to students. A reduction in revenue would occur if Colleges and Universities in the City of Boston and the surrounding communities decide to continue the practice of starting the 2021-2022 academic year working remotely or using a hybrid model of remote and limited in class learning. These educational models would cause a large decrease in the student population and could result in significant vacancies in the Partnership’s apartment portfolio.
● of the units rented to students, a sufficient number are rented to students from countries outside of the United States. If a Federal or local Government agency prohibits students from other countries to study at local universities, due to the citizens of their respective nations not having had a sufficient percentage of their populations receive vaccinations, it could result in significant vacancies, increased rent concessions, and decreased revenues to the Partnership.
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
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
$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.
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.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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
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:
● changes in the economic climate in the markets in which we own and manage properties, including interest rates, the overall level of economic activity, the availability of consumer credit and mortgage financing, unemployment rates and other factors;
● a lessening of demand for the multifamily and commercial units that we own;
● competition from other available multifamily residential and commercial units and changes in market rental rates;
● development by competitors of competing multi-family communities;
● increases in property and liability insurance costs;
● changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses (e.g., cleaning, utilities, repair and maintenance costs, insurance and administrative costs, security, landscaping, pest control, staffing, snow removal and other general costs);
● changes in laws and regulations affecting properties (including tax, environmental, zoning and building codes, and housing laws and regulations);
● weather and other conditions that might adversely affect operating expenses;
● expenditures that cannot be anticipated, such as utility rate and usage increases, unanticipated repairs and real estate tax valuation reassessments or mileage rate increases;
● 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;
● risks of personal injury claims and property damage related to mold claims because of diminished insurance coverage;
● catastrophic property damage losses that are not covered by our insurance;
● risks associated with property acquisitions such as environmental liabilities, among others;
● changes in market conditions that may limit or prevent us from acquiring or selling properties;
● the perception of tenants and prospective tenants as to the attractiveness, convenience and safety of our properties or the neighborhoods in which they are located; and
● 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:
● a complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, one or more of our properties resulting from government or customer action;
● deterioration in the financial condition or liquidity of our tenants, customers or other counterparties, which could result in their inability to pay rents or failure to meet their contractual obligations to us;
● the potential negative impact on our ability to complete planned acquisitions or dispositions of assets on expected terms or timelines, or at all;
● reduced demand for space at our office properties and units at our multifamily residential properties, which could have a negative impact on our prospects for leasing current or additional space and/or renewing leases with existing tenants;
● difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, which could result in reduced availability and increased cost of capital necessary to fund business operations, finance our development pipeline or address maturing liabilities on a timely basis;
● costs associated with construction delays and cost overruns at our development and redevelopment projects;
● unanticipated costs and operating expenses associated with remote work arrangements, sanitation measures performed at each of our properties, and other measures to protect the welfare of our employees and tenants; and
● the potential negative impact on the health of our employees, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, which could result in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during this disruption.
● the Partnership rents a significant number of their apartment units to students. A reduction in revenue would occur if Colleges and Universities in the City of Boston and the surrounding communities decide to continue the practice of starting the 2021-2022 academic year working remotely or using a hybrid model of remote and limited in class learning. These educational models would cause a large decrease in the student population and could result in significant vacancies in the Partnership’s apartment portfolio.
● of the units rented to students, a sufficient number are rented to students from countries outside of the United States. If a Federal or local Government agency prohibits students from other countries to study at local universities, due to the citizens of their respective nations not having had a sufficient percentage of their populations receive vaccinations, it could result in significant vacancies, increased rent concessions, and decreased revenues to the Partnership.
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,
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
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. Seven of 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
● expenditure of funds on, and the devotion of management time to, transactions that may not come to fruition.
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.
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;
● the general reputation of real estate companies and the attractiveness of our equity securities in comparison to other equity securities, including securities issued by other real estate companies;
● 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.
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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
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.
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
Apartment Complex
of Units
Rent Range
Vacancies
December 31, 2020
(1)
Mortgage
Boylston Downtown L.P.
269 units
$
36,718,253
62 Boylston Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
3.97
%
Boston, MA
0 two bedroom
N/A
53 one bedroom
$
2,175
-
3,075
216 studios
$
1,950
-
2,975
Brookside Associates, LLC
44 units
$
6,175,000
5-7-10-12 Totman Road
0 three bedroom
N/A
3.53
%
Woburn, MA
34 two bedroom
$
1,675
-
1,875
10 one bedroom
$
1,575
-
1,700
0 studios
N/A
Clovelly Apartments L.P.
103 units
$
4,160,000
160-170 Concord Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
5.62
%
Nashua, NH
53 two bedroom
$
1,400
-
1,550
50 one bedroom
$
1,275
-
1,325
0 studios
N/A
Commonwealth 1137 L.P.
35 units
-
$
3,750,000
1131-1137 Commonwealth Ave.
29 three bedroom
$
2,700
-
3,375
5.65
%
Allston, MA
4 two bedroom
$
2,500
-
2,695
1 one bedroom
$
1,225
-
1,225
1 studio
$
1,600
-
1,600
Commonwealth 1144 L.P.
261 units
$
14,780,000
1144-1160 Commonwealth Ave.
0 three bedroom
N/A
5.61
%
Allston, MA
11 two bedroom
$
1,650
-
2,000
109 one bedroom
$
1,800
-
2,150
141 studios
$
1,350
-
1,750
Nera Dean Street Associates, LLC
69 units
$
5,687,000
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
Executive Apartments L.P.
72 units
$
2,415,000
545-561 Worcester Road
1 three bedroom
$
2,075
-
2,075
5.59
%
Framingham, MA
47 two bedroom
$
1,575
-
1,800
23 one bedroom
$
1,525
-
1,575
1 studio
$
1,400
-
1,400
Hamilton Battle Green LLC
48 units
-
$
4,139,001
34-42 Worthen Road
0 three bedroom
N/A
4.95
%
Lexington, MA
24 two bedroom
$
2,300
-
2,725
24 one bedroom
$
1,750
-
2,250
0 studios
N/A
Hamilton Green Apartments LLC
193 units
$
34,525,332
311-319 Lowell Street
10 three bedroom
$
2,565
-
3,800
4.67
%
Andover, MA
168 two bedroom
$
1,750
-
2,925
15 one bedroom
$
1,700
-
2,000
0 studios
$
N/A
Hamilton Highlands
79 units
$
20,293,723
755-757 Highland Avenue
1 three bedroom
$
2,850
-
2,850
3.76
%
Needham,Ma.
75 two bedroom
$
1,767
-
3,056
2 one bedroom
$
1,975
-
2,100
1 studio
$
1,750
-
1,750
Hamilton Oaks Associates, LLC
268 units
$
11,925,000
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
13 studios
$
-
1,315
Highland Street Apartments L.P.
36 units
-
$
1,050,000
38-40 Highland Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
5.59
%
Lowell, MA
24 two bedroom
$
1,200
-
1,450
10 one bedroom
$
1,100
-
1,325
2 studios
$
1,150
-
1,150
Mortgage Balance
and Interest Rate
Maturity
Number and Type
As of
Date of
Apartment Complex
of Units
Rent Range
Vacancies
December 31, 2020
(1)
Mortgage
Linhart L.P.
9 units
$
4-34 Lincoln Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
-
%
Newton, MA
0 two bedroom
N/A
5 one bedroom
$
1,325
-
1,750
4 studios
$
1,400
-
1,400
Mill Street Development (2)
$
-
%
57 Mill Street
Woburn,MA.
Mill Street Gardens, LLC
181 units
$
31,000,000
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
North Beacon 140 L.P.
65 units
$
6,937,000
140-154 North Beacon Street
10 three bedroom
$
2,950
-
3,275
5.59
%
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
$
3,080,000
703-718 Chelmsford Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
5.63
%
Lowell, MA
47 two bedroom
$
1,375
-
1,575
30 one bedroom
$
1,165
-
1,575
7 studios
$
1,200
-
1,300
Redwood Hills L.P.
180 units
$
6,743,000
376-382 Sunderland road
0 three bedroom
N/A
5.59
%
Worcester, MA
89 two bedroom
$
1,345
-
1,610
91 one bedroom
$
1,100
-
1,345
0 studios
N/A
Residences at Captain Parkers LLC
94 units
$
20,750,000
125 Worthen Road and Ryder Lane
8 three bedroom
$
2,900
-
3,450
4.05
%
Lexington, MA
48 two bedroom
$
2,275
-
2,875
38 one bedroom
$
1,850
-
2,600
0 studios
N/A
River Drive L.P.
72 units
$
3,465,000
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
7 studios
$
1,325
-
1,550
School Street 9, LLC
184 units
$
13,662,721
9 School Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
3.76
%
Framingham, MA
96 two bedroom
$
1,270
-
1,950
88 one bedroom
$
1,260
-
1,575
0 studios
N/A
WCB Associates, LLC
180 units
$
7,000,000
10-70 Westland Street
0 three bedroom
$
N/A
5.66
%
985-997 Pleasant Street
96 two bedroom
$
1,200
-
1,700
Brockton, MA
84 one bedroom
$
1,065
-
1,655
0 studios
N/A
Westgate Apartments, LLC
220 units
$
15,700,000
2-20 Westgate Drive
0 three bedroom
N/A
4.65
%
Woburn, MA
110 two bedroom
$
1,650
-
2,100
110 one bedroom
$
1,175
-
1,900
0 studios
N/A
Westgate Apartments Burlington, LLC
20 units
-
$
2,500,000
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
Woodland Park Partners, LLC
126 units
$
22,250,000
264-290 Grove Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
3.79
%
Newton, MA
80 two bedroom
$
1,784
-
2,250
30 one bedroom
$
1,700
-
2,050
16 studios
$
1,400
-
1,650
(1) The mortgage balance is stated before unamortized deferred financing costs.
(2) Mill Street Development, LLC, partially held for development, consisting of 4 homes, one used as an office for the apartment complex.
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
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
Condominiums
by Partnership
Rent Range
Vacancies
December 31, 2020
Mortgage
Riverside Apartments
19 units
-
-
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
2 studios
$
1,475
-
1,750
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
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
Through December 31,
for expiring leases
expiring leases
expiring
for expiring leases
$
840,146
54,821
%
522,454
13,380
%
451,560
13,871
%
623,739
20,709
%
132,558
1,523
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
142,450
3,850
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
Totals
$
2,712,907
108,154
%
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.
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
Investment Properties
of Units
Range
Vacancies
December 31, 2020
(1)
Mortgage
345 Franklin, LLC
40 Units
$
9,149,239
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
Hamilton on Main Apartments, LLC
148 Units
$
16,900,000
223 Main Street
0 three bedroom
N/A
4.34
%
Watertown, MA
93 two bedroom
$
1,675
-
2,400
31 one bedroom
$
1,775
-
2,050
24 studios
$
1,525
-
1,900
Hamilton Minuteman, LLC
42 Units
$
6,000,000
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
Hamilton Essex 81 LLC
49 Units
$
10,000,000
Residential
0 three bedroom
N/A
2.33
%
81-83 Essex Street
11 two bedroom
$
2,850
-
3,000
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.
The Partnership has a 40% ownership interest in the property summarized below:
Hamilton Park Towers, LLC
409 Units
$
125,000,000
175-185 Freeman Street,
71 three bedroom
$
4,000
-
4,375
3.99
%
Brookline,
227 two bedroom
$
3,100
-
4,450
MA.
111 one bedroom
$
2,275
-
2,900
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
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.
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.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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:
Class A-Limited Partners (80%)
$
3,740,604
$
3,757,514
Class B-Limited Partners (19%)
888,393
892,410
Class C-General Partner (1%)
46,757
46,969
Total
$
4,675,754
$
4,696,893
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.
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)
October 1-31, 2020
$
-
-
571,561
November 1-30, 2020
$
-
-
571,561
December 1-31, 2020
$
-
-
571,561
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.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Year Ended December 31,
INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION(a)
Revenues
$
62,102,710
$
60,477,314
$
58,014,064
$
52,827,388
$
49,555,090
Expenses
47,133,677
43,205,547
43,095,692
38,682,422
36,295,140
Income before other income (loss)
14,969,033
17,271,767
14,918,372
14,144,966
13,259,950
Other (Loss)
(13,544,505)
(10,724,515)
(10,749,282)
(7,207,035)
(8,309,098)
Net Income
$
1,424,528
$
6,547,252
$
4,169,090
$
6,937,931
$
4,950,852
Net income per Unit
$
11.70
$
53.48
$
33.52
$
55.77
$
39.62
Distributions to Partners per Unit
$
38.40
$
38.40
$
36.00
$
64.50
$
54.00
Net income per Depositary Receipt
$
0.39
$
1.78
$
1.12
$
1.86
$
1.32
Distributions to Partners per Depositary Receipt
$
1.28
$
1.28
$
1.20
$
2.15
$
1.80
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Real Estate, gross
398,629,793
398,554,000
337,902,411
311,951,597
263,659,293
Real Estate, net
264,609,887
278,363,988
230,511,263
207,153,794
169,462,811
Total Assets
291,669,602
294,293,649
247,035,340
226,807,236
190,562,066
Total Debt Outstanding
300,444,533
299,771,246
254,370,843
250,221,258
212,709,080
Partners’ Capital
(41,469,045)
(37,823,788)
(35,624,010)
(35,315,177)
(34,224,726)
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
Units
2,911
2,911
2,730
2,651
2,525
Vacancies
Vacancy rate
6.2
%
3.0
%
2.1
%
1.7
%
1.4
%
Commercial
Total square feet
108,043
108,043
108,043
108,043
108,043
Vacancy (in square feet)
9,376
1,950
1,360
-
-
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.
(a) Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts in order to conform to current period presentation.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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:
● The Partnership depends on the real estate markets where its properties are located, primarily in Eastern Massachusetts, and these markets may be adversely affected by local economic market conditions, which are beyond the Partnership’s control.
● The Partnership is subject to the general economic risks affecting the real estate industry, such as dependence on tenants’ financial condition, the need to enter into new leases or renew leases on terms favorable to tenants in order to generate rental revenues and our ability to collect rents from our tenants.
● The Partnership is also impacted by changing economic conditions making alternative housing arrangements more or less attractive to the Partnership’s tenants, such as the interest rates on single family home mortgages and the availability and purchase price of single family homes in the Greater Boston metropolitan area.
● The Partnership is subject to significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property.
● The Partnership is subject to increases in heating and utility costs that may arise as a result of economic and market conditions and fluctuations in seasonal weather conditions.
● Civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters may result in uninsured or underinsured losses.
● Actual or threatened terrorist attacks may adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties.
● Financing or refinancing of Partnership properties may not be available to the extent necessary or desirable, or may not be available on favorable terms.
● The Partnership properties face competition from similar properties in the same market. This competition may affect the Partnership’s ability to attract and retain tenants and may reduce the rents that can be charged.
● Given the nature of the real estate business, the Partnership is subject to potential environmental liabilities. These include environmental contamination in the soil at the Partnership’s or neighboring real estate, whether caused by the Partnership, previous owners of the subject property or neighbors of the subject property, and the presence of hazardous materials in the Partnership’s buildings, such as asbestos, lead, mold and radon gas. Management is not aware of any material environmental liabilities at this time.
● Insurance coverage for and relating to commercial properties is increasingly costly and difficult to obtain. In addition, insurance carriers have excluded certain specific items from standard insurance policies, which have resulted in increased risk exposure for the Partnership. These include insurance coverage for acts of terrorism and war, and coverage for mold and other environmental conditions. Coverage for these items is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
● Market interest rates could adversely affect market prices for Class A Partnership Units and Depositary Receipts as well as performance and cash flow.
● Changes in income tax laws and regulations may affect the income taxable to owners of the Partnership. These changes may affect the after-tax value of future distributions.
● The Partnership may fail to identify, acquire, construct or develop additional properties; may develop or acquire properties that do not produce a desired or expected yield on invested capital; may be unable to sell poorly- performing or otherwise undesirable properties quickly; or may fail to effectively integrate acquisitions of properties or portfolios of properties.
● Risk associated with the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments.
● Competition for acquisitions may result in increased prices for properties.
● Any weakness identified in the Partnership’s internal controls as part of the evaluation being undertaken could have an adverse effect on the Partnership’s business.
● Ongoing compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 may require additional personnel or systems changes.
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.,
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
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
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
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.
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.
Rental Property Held 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
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
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
February 1, 2021
February 1, 2020
Residential
Units
2,911
2,911
Vacancies
Vacancy rate
6.2
%
3.0
%
Commercial
Total square feet
108,043
108,043
Vacancy
9,376
1,950
Vacancy rate
8.7
%
1.8
%
Rental Income (in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Total
Continuing
Total
Continuing
Operations
Operations
Operations
Operations
Total rents
$
61,662
$
61,662
$
60,012
$
60,012
Residential percentage
%
%
%
%
Commercial percentage
%
%
%
%
Contingent rentals
$
$
$
$
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019:
Year Ended December 31,
Dollar
Percent
Change
Change
Revenues
Rental income
$
61,661,551
$
60,012,174
$
1,649,377
2.7%
Laundry and sundry income
441,159
465,140
(23,981)
(5.2)%
62,102,710
60,477,314
1,625,396
2.7%
Expenses
Administrative
2,209,780
2,495,272
(285,492)
(11.4)%
Depreciation and amortization
18,410,811
14,684,248
3,726,563
25.4%
Management fee
2,452,814
2,409,151
43,663
1.8%
Operating
5,766,160
5,682,264
83,896
1.5%
Renting
864,542
953,043
(88,501)
(9.3)%
Repairs and maintenance
8,781,789
9,191,561
(409,772)
(4.5)%
Taxes and insurance
8,647,781
7,790,008
857,773
11.0%
47,133,677
43,205,547
3,928,130
9.1%
Income Before Other Income (Expense)
14,969,033
17,271,767
(2,302,734)
(13.3)%
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income
(412)
(67.9)%
Interest expense
(13,705,415)
(12,201,966)
(1,503,449)
12.3%
Income from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
160,715
1,678,554
(1,517,839)
(90.4)%
Other Income (Expense)
-
(201,710)
201,710
100.0%
(13,544,505)
(10,724,515)
(2,819,990)
26.3%
Net Income
$
1,424,528
$
6,547,252
$
(5,122,724)
(78.2)%
Rental income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $61,661,000, compared to approximately $60,012,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of approximately $1,649,000 (2.7%). The major factor that can be attributed to this increase is the acquisition of Mill Street, which resulted in an increase in rental income of approximately $3,723,000. Excluding he increase in rental income attributable to the acquisition of Mill Street of approximately $3,723,000, rental income decreased by approximately $2,074,000, (3.5%). Although rental income has increased at other properties, due to the effect of the Covid pandemic there have been a number of properties incurring a decrease in their rental income. The Partnership Properties with the largest increases in rental income include Hamilton Oaks, Westside Colonial, and Redwood Hills, with increases of approximately $179,000, $150,000, and $127,000, respectively. These are offset by certain properties with the largest decreases in rental income which include 62 Boylston, Hamilton Linewt, and 1131 Commonwealth, with decreases of approximately $1,168,000, $186,000, and $130,000, respectively. Included in rental income is contingent rentals collected on commercial properties. Contingent rentals include such charges as bill backs of common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and utility charges.
Total expenses from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 were approximately $47,134,000 compared to approximately $43,206,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of approximately $3,928,000 (9.1%). Excluding the increase in operating expenses attributable to the acquisition of Mill Street of approximately $5,259,000, operating expenses decreased approximately $1,331,000 (3.1%). Excluding Mill
Street, factors which contributed to the decrease were a decrease in Repairs and Maintenance expense of approximately $708,000, (7.7%), primarily due to a decrease in appliance and pool repairs, a decrease in Depreciation and Amortization expense of approximately $378,000 (2.6%), due to fully depreciated assets, and a decrease in Administrative expense of approximately $318,000 (12.8%), primarily due to a decrease in Legal fees, partially offset by an increase in Taxes and Insurance of approximately of $510,000 (6.6%).
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $13,705,000 compared to approximately $12,202,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of approximately $1,503,000 (12.3%). Excluding the increase in interest expense attributable to Mill Street of approximately $1,089,000, there was an increase in interest expense of approximately $415,000, (3.4%), primarily due to an increase in interest expense on the line of credit of approximately $678,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense for Captain Parker of approximately $144,000, and Hamilton Highland of approximately $116,000.
At December 31, 2020, the Partnership has between a 40% and 50% ownership interests in seven different Investment Properties. See a description of these properties included in the section titled Investment Properties as well as Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detail of the financial information of each Investment Property.
As described in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Partnership’s share of the net income from the Investment Properties was approximately $160,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a net income of approximately $1,678,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease in income of approximately $1,518,000 (90.4%). This decrease is primarily due to the reduction in the gain realized from the sales of condominium units of approximately $735,000 with the Partnership’s share amounting to 50%, on the sale of 3 units at Hamilton Bay Apartments LLC, and the sale of 2 units at Hamilton 1025 Apartments LLC for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to no units sold for the year ended December 31, 2020, and a decrease in Net Income at Dexter Park from approximately $918,000 for the year ended December 31,2019 to approximately $105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $813,000 (88.6%). Included in the income for the year ended December 31, 2020 is depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2,609,000. The proportional income for the year ended December 31, 2020 from the investment in Dexter Park is approximately $105,000.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $200 compared to approximately $600 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of approximately $400.
As a result of the changes discussed above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $1,424,000 compared to income of approximately $6,547,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease in income of approximately $5,123,000 (78.2%).
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
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 $17,272,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to approximately $14,918,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately $2,353,000 (15.8%).
The rental activity is summarized as follows:
Occupancy Date
February 1, 2020
February 1, 2019
Residential
Units
2,911
2,730
Vacancies
Vacancy rate
3.0
%
2.1
%
Commercial
Total square feet
108,043
108,043
Vacancy
1,950
1,360
Vacancy rate
1.8
%
1.3
%
Rental Income (in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Total
Continuing
Total
Continuing
Operations
Operations
Operations
Operations
Total rents
$
60,012
$
60,012
$
57,536
$
57,536
Residential percentage
%
%
%
%
Commercial percentage
%
%
%
%
Contingent rentals
$
$
$
$
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018:
Year Ended December 31,
Dollar
Percent
Change
Change
Revenues
Rental income
$
60,012,174
$
57,535,734
$
2,476,440
4.3%
Laundry and sundry income
465,140
478,330
(13,190)
(2.8)%
60,477,314
58,014,064
2,463,250
4.2%
Expenses
Administrative
2,495,272
2,204,923
290,349
13.2%
Depreciation and amortization
14,684,248
15,568,973
(884,725)
(5.7)%
Management fee
2,409,151
2,326,225
82,926
3.6%
Operating
5,682,264
5,542,605
139,659
2.5%
Renting
953,043
779,503
173,540
22.3%
Repairs and maintenance
9,191,561
9,187,714
3,847
0.0%
Taxes and insurance
7,790,008
7,485,749
304,259
4.1%
43,205,547
43,095,692
109,855
0.3%
Income Before Other Income ( Expense)
17,271,767
14,918,372
2,353,395
15.8%
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income
76.5%
Interest (expense)
(12,201,966)
(12,389,680)
187,714
(1.5)%
Income from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
1,678,554
1,640,054
38,500
2.3%
Other (Expense) Income
(201,710)
-
(201,710)
100.0%
(10,724,515)
(10,749,282)
24,767
(0.2)%
Net Income
$
6,547,252
$
4,169,090
$
2,378,162
57.0%
Rental income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $60,012,000, compared to approximately $57,536,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately $2,476,000 (4.3%). The factors that can be attributed to this increase are as follows: the acquisition of Mill Street in 2019 and Hamilton Highland in 2018 resulted in an increase in rental income of approximately $810,000. In addition, rental income has increased at a number of properties due to increased demand and increases in rental rates of approximately 3.4%. The Partnership Properties with the most significant increases in rental income include
62 Boylston Street , Hamilton Oaks, Redwood Hills, Westside Colonial, Westgate Apartments, and 9 School Street Associates, with increases of approximately $344,000, $163,000, $153,000, $139,000, $136,000 and $135,000 respectively. Included in rental income is contingent rentals collected on commercial properties. Contingent rentals include such charges as bill backs of common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, and utility charges.
Total expenses from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 were approximately $43,206,000 compared to approximately $43,096,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately $110,000 (0.3%). Excluding the increase in operating expenses attributable to the acquisition of Mill Street and Hamilton Highland of approximately $2,918,000, operating expenses decreased approximately $442,000 (1.1%). Excluding Mill Street and Hamilton Highland, factors which contributed to the decrease were a decrease in Depreciation and Amortization expense of approximately $1,226,000 (8.8%), due to fully depreciated assets, partially offset by an increase in Administrative expense of approximately $288,000 (13.7%), primarily due to the installation of new property management software, an increase in Taxes and Insurance of approximately $202,000 (2.8%) and an increase in Renting expense of approximately $150,000 (20.5%).
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $12,202,000 compared to approximately $12,390,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of approximately $188,000 (1.5%). Excluding the increase in interest expense attributable to Mill Street and Hamilton Highland of approximately $297,000, there was a decrease in interest expense of approximately $485,000, (4.1%), primarily due to the paydown of the line of credit.
At December 31, 2019, the Partnership has between a 40% and 50% ownership interests in seven different Investment Properties. See a description of these properties included in the section titled Investment Properties as well as Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detail of the financial information of each Investment Property.
As described in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Partnership’s share of the net income from the Investment Properties was approximately $1,679,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to a net income of approximately $1,640,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase in income of approximately $39,000 (2.3%). This increase is primarily due to a gain on the sale of real estate of approximately $735,000 in 2019 versus a gain of $4,411,000, offset by a defeasance charge of $3,830,000 in 2018. Included in the income for the year ended December 31, 2019 is depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2,587,000. The proportional income for the year ended December 31, 2019 from the investment in Dexter Park is approximately $918,000.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $600 compared to approximately $300 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately $300.
As a result of the changes discussed above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $6,547,000 compared to income of approximately $4,169,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase in income of approximately $2,378,000 (57.0%).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Partnership’s principal sources of cash during 2020 were the collection of rents and the proceeds from the refinancing of Brookside Apartments. In 2019, the principal sources of cash were the collection of rents and the proceeds from a mortgage for the purchase of Mill Street. The majority of cash and cash equivalents of $18,646,972 at December 31, 2020 and $7,546,324 at December 31, 2019 were held in interest bearing accounts at creditworthy financial institutions.
The increase in cash of $11,100,648 at December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Cash provided by operating activities
$
17,452,309
$
22,448,895
Cash (used in) investing activities
(1,715,408)
(29,277,643)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
433,532
14,062,201
Repurchase of Depositary Receipts, Class B and General Partner Units
(394,031)
(4,050,137)
Distributions paid
(4,675,754)
(4,696,893)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
11,100,648
$
(1,513,577)
The change in cash provided by operating activities is due to various factors, including recent acquisitions, a change in income and distribution from joint ventures, and other factors. The decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to improvements in rental properties, partially offset by distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures. The change in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to the refinancing of the mortgage at Brookside Apartments, partially offset by the paydown of mortgages, and the pay down of the line of credit originally used for the purchase of Mill Street.
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 , at 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.
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 (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 Gardens 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,
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 the Purchaser. In connection with the purchase, Hamilton Highlands entered into an Assumption and Modification Agreement dated as of March 29, 2018 with Brookline Bank pursuant to which 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.
On March 12, 2018, the loan for 659 Worcester Road was refinanced with Brookline Bank in the amount of $6,083,683. The 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 are being 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Partnership received distributions of approximately $1,562,000 from the investment properties of which $900,000 was from Dexter Park.
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 in 2019. In January 2021, the Partnership approved a quarterly distribution of $9.60 per Unit ($0.32 per Receipt), payable on March 31, 2021.
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. 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. See Note 5 for a description of the ongoing discussions with lender regarding renewal of the line of credit.
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 Apartments. On December 20, 2019, the Partnership paid down $2,000,000. On January 22, 2020, the Partnership paid down the line by $1,000,000. As of December 31, 2020, the line of credit had an outstanding balance of $17,000,000.
The Partnership anticipates that cash from operations and interest bearing accounts will be sufficient to fund its current operations, pay distributions, make required debt payments and to finance current improvements to its properties. The Partnership may also sell or refinance properties. The Partnership’s net income and cash flow may fluctuate dramatically from year to year as a result of the sale or refinancing of properties, increases or decreases in rental income or expenses, or the loss of significant tenants.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements-Joint Venture Indebtedness
As of December 31, 2020, the Partnership had a 40%-50% ownership interest in seven Joint Ventures, which all have mortgage indebtedness except Hancock 1025, and Hamilton Essex Development. We do not have control of these partnerships and therefore we account for them using the equity method of consolidation. At December 31, 2020, our proportionate share of the non-recourse debt before unamortized deferred financing costs related to these investments was approximately $71,025,000. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2020, we are subject to contractual payment obligations as described in the table below.
Payments due by period
Thereafter
Total
Contractual Obligations
Long -term debt
Mortgage debt
$
2,530,630
$
2,697,120
$
102,569,039
$
10,965,011
$
3,438,550
$
162,589,363
$
284,789,713
Line of Credit
17,000,000
-
-
-
-
-
17,000,000
Total Contractual Obligations
$
19,530,630
$
2,697,120
$
102,569,039
$
10,965,011
$
3,438,550
$
162,589,363
$
301,789,713
We have various standing or renewable service contracts with vendors related to our property management. In addition, we have certain other contracts we enter into in the ordinary course of business that may extend beyond one year. These contracts are not included as part of our contractual obligations because they include terms that provide for cancellation with insignificant or no cancellation penalties.
See Notes 5 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of mortgage notes payable. The Partnership has no other material contractual obligations to be disclosed.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates and equity prices. In pursuing its business plan, the primary market risk to which the Partnership is exposed is interest rate risk. Changes in the general level of interest rates prevailing in the financial markets may affect the spread between the Partnership’s yield on invested assets and cost of funds and, in turn, its ability to make distributions or payments to its investors.
As of December 31, 2020, the Partnership, its Subsidiary Partnerships and the Investment Properties collectively have approximately $451,839,000 in long-term debt, substantially all of which require payment of interest at fixed rates. Accordingly, the fair value of these debt instruments is affected by changes in market interest rates. This long term debt matures through 2035. Including the line of credit, the Partnership, its Subsidiary Partnerships and the Investment Properties collectively have variable rate debt of $27,000,000 as of December 31, 2020 ranged from LIBOR plus 195 basis points to LIBOR plus 350 basis points. Assuming interest- rate caps are not in effect, if market rates of interest on the Partnership’s variable rate debt increased or decreased by 100 basis points, then the increase or decrease in interest costs on the Partnership’s variable rate debt would be approximately $220,000 annually and the increase or decrease in fair value of the Partnership’s fixed rate debt as of December 31, 2020 would be approximately $18,000,000. For information regarding the fair value and maturity dates of these debt obligations, See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - “Mortgage Notes Payable,” Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - “Fair Value
Measurements” and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - “Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.”
For additional disclosure about market risk, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Factors That May Affect Future Results”.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements of the Partnership appear on pages through of this Form 10-K and are indexed herein under Item 15(a)(1).

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We have evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures to determine whether they are effective in ensuring that the disclosure of required information is timely made in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This evaluation was made under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of our General Partner as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. The CEO and CFO have concluded, based on their reviews, that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15-15(f) under the Exchange Act. We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013)”. Based on that assessment and those criteria, our management, with the participation of the CEO and CFO of the General Partner concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2020.
We believe that because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by Miller Wachman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2020 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
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 died. As a result, various Brown family related entities 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.
Jameson Brown, the son of Harold Brown, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of New Real, Inc. the General Partner of the Partnership. Jameson joined The Hamilton Company in 2009 after graduating from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Management. Since joining the company, Jameson has worked in various departments, including Leasing, Maintenance, and Property Management, Development and Acquisitions. He is currently the Co-Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton. Prior to joining the company, Jameson worked as a third party real estate agent in Boston.
In addition to his current role of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton, Jameson’s responsibilities include the analysis of investment and development opportunities, negotiating acquisitions, handling due diligence, and representing the owner through the construction and development process. He also continues to hold direct property management responsibilities over several properties in the portfolio, while staying involved in companywide management and leasing decisions.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our General Partner, New Real, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation wholly owned by the Estate of Harold Brown and by Ronald Brown. Harold Brown and his brother Ronald Brown were individual general partners of the Partnership until May 1984, when NewReal, Inc. replaced them as the sole General Partner of the Partnership. The General Partner is responsible for making all decisions and taking all action deemed by it necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership.
The General Partner engages The Hamilton Company, Inc. to manage the properties of the Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships. The Hamilton Company, Inc. is wholly owned by Brown family related entities. See “Item 11. Executive Compensation” for information concerning fees paid by the Partnership to The Hamilton Company during 2019.
Because the General Partner has engaged The Hamilton Company as the manager for the Properties, the General Partner has no employees.
The directors of the General Partner are Ronald Brown, Jameson Brown, Guilliaem Aertsen, David Aloise, Andrew Bloch, Eunice Harps, Sally Michael, and Robert Somma. The directors of the General Partner hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Ronald Brown and Jameson Brown hold all of the executive officer positions of the General Partner. The executive officers of the General Partner serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
On June 14, 2001, the Board of Directors of the General Partner created an Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, consisting of three members, and approved the charter of the Audit Committee. As of July 1, 2014, the Audit Committee consisted of Guilliaem Aertsen, David Aloise, and Eunice Harps. Mr. Aertsen resigned from the Audit Committee in June, 2018, and currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hamilton Company, Inc. The Board of Directors of the General Partner has determined that David Aloise is an audit committee financial expert, as that term is defined in Item 407 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.
The following table sets forth the name and age of each director and officer of the General Partner and each such person’s principal occupation and affiliation during the preceding five years.
Name and Position
Age
Other Position
Ronald Brown, President and Director (since 1984)
Co-General Partner since the Partnerships formation in 1977. Associate, Hamilton Realty Company (since 1967); President, Treasurer, Clerk and Director of R. Brown Partners Inc. (since 1985), a real estate management company; Member, Greater Boston Real Estate Board (since 1981); Director, Brookline Chamber of Commerce (since 1978); Trustee of Reservations (since 1988); Director, Brookline Music School (1997-2004); President, Brookline Chamber of Commerce (1990-1992); Director, Coolidge Corner Theater Foundation (1990-1993); President, Brookline Property Owner’s Association (1981-1990); Trustee, Brookline Hospital (1982-1989); Director, Brookline Symphony Orchestra (1996-2002); Director and Treasurer, Brookline Greenspace Alliance (since 1999). Mr. Brown is a graduate of Northeastern University earning a B.A. degree in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. degree in Engineering Management. Based on Mr. Brown’s ownership interest in the Partnership, ownership interest in the Partnership’s General Partner, years of experience in the real estate industry and as a long standing member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Brown has the requisite experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Jameson Brown, Treasurer and Director (since 2019)
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, The Hamilton Company, Inc. Manager and developer of Residential and Commercial Real Estate.( Since 2018); Vice President, Acquisitions and Property Management, The Hamilton Company, Inc. (2016-2018);Vice President, Acquisitions and Development, The Hamilton Company, Inc. (2014-2016);Trustee, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation ( since 2011); Chairman, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation (2011-2016). Mr. Brown is a graduate of Tulane University, earning a B.A. degree in Management. Based on Mr. Brown’s experience in the real estate industry, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Brown has the requisite experience, qualifications, capabilities and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Guilliaem Aertsen, IV,
Director (since 2002)
Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hamilton Company, Inc. ( since June, 2018). Chief Executive Officer, Aertsen Ventures LLC (since 1999) a private venture capital firm focused on early stage companies engaged in technology, real estate and distressed financial assets; Director and CFO of CineCast LLC (2000-2012); Member of Premier Capital LLC (since 2000); Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (since 1997) a partnership of corporate investors, housing sponsors and public agencies engaged in the financing of affordable housing and community development projects in Massachusetts and New England; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Old South Church (1992-2002); Executive Vice President and member of the senior management group of BankBoston Corporation (1996- 1998); Executive and management assignments including corporate lending, real estate, capital markets, venture capital and asset management Bank Boston Corporation (1973-1998). Mr. Aertsen is a graduate of Harvard University. Based on Mr. Aertsen’s familiarity with the Partnership as a member of the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Audit Committee, his experience as a director with several other companies and his banking, management and financial expertise, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Aertsen has the requisite experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Name and Position
Age
Other Position
David Aloise,
Director (since 2007)
Director and Chairman of the Partnership’s Audit Committee. Founder and principal of Aloise & Associates, LLC (since 2000) a consulting firm that provides advisory, training and credit risk management services; BankBoston Corporation (1979-2000) Director of Commercial Loan Workout, Managing Director Small Business Banking, Vice President Restructured Real Estate, Vice President C & I Loan Workout; Board of Trustees New England Banking Institute; Advisory Board Member Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC; Senior Advisor to Eaton Vance Bank Loan Mutual Fund Group; Member of the Turnaround Management Association. Mr. Aloise is a graduate of Boston College and the National Commercial Lending Graduate School, University of Oklahoma. Based on Mr. Aloise’s experience in banking, credit markets, small business management and business turnarounds, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Aloise has the requisite experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Andrew Bloch,
Director (since 2019)
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, The Hamilton Company, Inc. Manager and developer of Residential and Commercial Real Estate ( Since 2018); Chief Financial Officer, The Hamilton Company, Inc. (1998-2018);Vice President, Hamilton Financial, The Hamilton Company, Inc. (1996-1997); Mr. Bloch is a graduate of Hobart College, earning a B.A. degree in Economics and a graduate of Bentley University, earning a M.B.A. degree. Based on Mr. Bloch’s experience in the real estate industry, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Bloch has the requisite experience, qualifications, capabilities and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Eunice Harps,
Director (since 2014)
Director and member of the Partnership’s Audit Committee. Director of Credit Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (1999-2017) a private financier of affordable housing and community development throughout Massachusetts; BankBoston Corporation (1984-1998) Vice President Senior Manager, Capital Markets Credit, Vice President, Troubled Debt Restructuring Team; Steering Committee NEWIRE (1993-1995), Board of Directors Chair YW Boston; Board Member of Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation (2015-2017). Ms. Harps is a graduate of Boston University earning a B.A. and M.B.A. degrees. Based on Ms. Harps’ experience in banking, credit review and affordable housing, the Board of Directors concluded that Ms. Harps has the requisite experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Sally Michael,
Director (since 2019)
Director of the General Partner. Managing Partner of the Boston office of the law firm Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP. A member of the Board of Trustees of the Boston Home. Is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Ms. Michael is a graduate of Brandies University, earning a B.A. degree, and holds a J.D. degree from Suffolk University. Based on Ms.Michael’s experience providing legal representation to companies in the real estate industry, the Board of Directors concluded that Ms. Michael has the requisite experience, qualifications, capabilities and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Name and Position
Age
Other Position
Robert Somma,
Director (since 2019)
Director of the General Partner. Mr. Somma is a bankruptcy attorney in private practice. Mr. Somma is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, is admitted to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the American College of Bankruptcy. Mr. Somma has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General and a Federal bankruptcy judge in Massachusetts. Mr. Somma holds a B.A. degree from the College of The Holy Cross, and J.D. degree from Northeastern University. Based on Mr. Somma’s experience providing legal advice to companies in various industries, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Somma has the requisite experience, qualifications, capabilities and skills necessary to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Partnership’s directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Partnership’s equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of ownership changes and changes in ownership of the Partnership. Officers, directors and greater-than-10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Partnership with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 furnished to the Partnership under Rule 16a-3(e) of the Securities Exchange Act during its most recent fiscal year, Forms 5 furnished to the Partnership with respect to its most recent fiscal year and any written representations received by the Partnership from persons required to file such forms, all of the following persons - either officers, directors or beneficial owners of more than ten percent of any class of equity of the company registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act - filed on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act during the most recent fiscal year.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Partnership, its General Partner and Hamilton, the Partnership’s management company, have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which constitutes a “Code of Ethics” as defined by the SEC and applies to executive officers as well as to all other employees. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available in the “NERA” section of the management company’s website at www.thehamiltoncompany.com. To the extent required by the rules of the SEC, the Partnership and its related entities will disclose amendments to and waivers from the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in the same place on the aforementioned website.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of NewReal Inc., which is the General Partner of New England Realty Associates Limited Partnership , is currently comprised of David Aloise, and Eunice Harps, each of whom is an independent director of NewReal. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter.
The Partnership’s management, which consists of NERA’s General Partner, is responsible for the preparation of the Partnership’s financial statements and for maintaining an adequate system of internal controls and processes for that purpose. Miller Wachman LLP (“Miller Wachman”) acts as the Partnership’s independent auditor and is responsible for conducting an independent audit of the Partnership’s annual financial statements and the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), and issuing a report on the results of their audit. The Audit Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of both of these processes.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 with management of the Partnership and with representatives of Miller Wachman. As a result of these discussions, the Audit Committee believes that NERA maintains an effective system of accounting controls that
allow it to prepare financial statements that fairly present the Partnership’s financial position and results of its operations. Discussions with Miller Wachman also included the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standard No. 16 (Communications with Audit Committee).
In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed the independence of Miller Wachman. We received written disclosures and a letter from Miller Wachman regarding its independence as required by Independent Standards Board Standards No. 1 and discussed this information with Miller Wachman.
Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee has recommended that the audited financial statements of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2020 be included in the Partnership’s annual report on form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
David Aloise
Eunice Harps

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Partnership does not have “Executive Compensation.” As more fully described below, the Partnership employs a management company to which it pays management fees and administrative fees.
The Partnership is not required to and did not pay any compensation to its officers or the officers and directors of the General Partner in 2020. As more fully described below, the Partnership employs a management company which is solely responsible for performing all management and policy making functions for the Partnership. The only compensation paid by the Partnership to any person or entity is in the form of management fees and administrative fees paid to the General Partner, or any management entity employed by the General Partner, in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.
Specifically, the Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner, or any management entity employed by the General Partner, is entitled to a management fee equal to 4% (2% at Dexter Park and 3% at Linewt) of the rental and other operating income from the Partnership Properties and a mortgage servicing fee equal to 0.5% of the unpaid principal balance of any debt instruments received, held and serviced by the Partnership (the “Management Fee”). The Partnership Agreement also authorizes the General Partner to charge to the Partnership its cost for employing professionals to assist with the administration of the Partnership Properties (the “Administrative Fees”). The Administrative Fee is not charged against the Management Fee. In addition, upon the sale or disposition of any Partnership Properties, the General Partner, or any management entity which is the effective cause of such sale, is entitled to a commission equal to 3% of the gross sale price (the “Commission”), provided that should any other broker be entitled to a commission in connection with the sale, the commission shall be the difference between 3% of the gross sale price and the amount to be paid to such broker.
The General Partner has engaged The Hamilton Company to operate and manage the Partnership, and in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, the Management Fee, the Administrative Fees and the Commission are paid to Hamilton. See “Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.” The total Management Fee paid to Hamilton during 2020 was approximately $2,453,000. The management services provided by Hamilton include but are not limited to: collecting rents and other income; approving, ordering and supervising all repairs and other decorations; terminating leases, evicting tenants, purchasing supplies and equipment, financing and refinancing properties, settling insurance claims, maintaining administrative offices and employing personnel. In addition, the Partnership had engaged the former president of Hamilton as a consultant to provide asset management services to the Partnership, for which the Partnership paid $37,000 in 2018. The Partnership did not have a written agreement with this individual. In 2020, the Partnership and its Subsidiary Partnerships paid administrative fees to Hamilton of approximately $1,080,000 inclusive of construction supervision and architectural fees of approximately $668,000, repairs and maintenance service fees of approximately $191,000, legal fees of approximately $96,000, and $125,000 for accounting services. In addition, the Partnership paid $24,000 to Ronald Brown for construction supervision services.
Additionally, the Hamilton Company received approximately $774,000 from the 40-50% owned Investment Properties of which approximately $580,000 was the management fee, approximately $145,000 was for construction supervision and architectural fees, approximately $34,000 was for maintenance services, and $14,000 for legal services. The Advisory Committee held seven meetings during 2020, and a total of $35,250 was paid for attendance and participation in such meetings. Additionally, the Audit Committee held four meetings in 2020 and a total of $32,000 was paid for attendance and participation in such meetings.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Board of Directors of our General Partner does not have a compensation committee. No member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner was at any time in 2020 or at any other time an officer or employee of the General Partner, and no member had any relationship with the Partnership requiring disclosure as a related-person transaction under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. No officer of the General Partner has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has or has had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner at any time in 2020.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
As of March 9, 2021, except as listed below, the General Partner was not aware of any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Class A Units or the Depositary Receipts, other than Computershare, which, under the Deposit Agreement, as Depositary, is the record holder of the Class A Units exchanged for Depositary Receipts. As of March 9, 2021, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, Computershare was serving as the record holder of the Class A Units with respect to which 2,863,981 Depositary Receipts had been issued to approximately 2,057 holders. As of March 9 , 2021, there were issued and outstanding 1,939 Class A Units (not including the Depositary Receipts) held by 133 unit holders, 23,134 Class B Units and 1,218 General Partnership Units held by the persons listed below. During 2020, 64 Class A Units were exchanged for Depositary Receipts.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding each class of Partnership Units beneficially owned as of December 31, 2020 by (i) each person known by the Partnership to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of Partnership Units, (ii) each director and officer of the General Partner and (iii) all directors and officers of the General Partner as a group. For purposes of this table, all Depositary Receipts are included as if they were converted back into Class A Units. The inclusion in the table below of any Units deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission that the named persons are direct or indirect beneficial owners of such Units. Unless otherwise indicated, each person listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the Units listed.
Class A
Class B
General Partnership
% Of
% Of
% Of
Number of
Outstanding
Number of
Outstanding
Number of
Outstanding
Units
Units
Units
Units
Units
Units
Beneficially
Beneficially
Beneficially
Beneficially
Beneficially
Beneficially
Directors and Officers
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Jameson Brown
(1) (6)
0.03
% (1) (6)
17,350
(2)
% (2)
c/o New England Realty Associates
Limited Partnership
39 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Harold Brown 2013 Revocable Trust
-
-
(3)
% (3)
c/o Saul Ewing LLP
131 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116
HBC Holdings, LLC
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
-
-
39 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Ronald Brown
3,087
(4) (6)
% (4) (6)
5,784
%
(3)
% (3)
c/o New England Realty Associates
Limited Partnership
39 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Guilliaem Aertsen
-
-
-
-
-
-
175 West Brookline Street
Boston, MA 02118
David Aloise
-
-
-
-
-
-
241 Cottage Park Road
Winthrop, MA 02152
Andrew Bloch
-
-
-
-
-
-
6 Oxbow Road
Wayland,MA. 01778
Eunice Harps
-
-
-
-
-
-
5 Holyoke Street #1
Boston, MA 02116
Sally Michael
(1) (5)
(1) (5)
(2)
(2)
(3)
% (3)
4 Park Road
Sharon.MA. 02067
Robert Somma
(1) (5) (6)
(1) (5) (6)
(2)
(2)
(3)
% (3)
11 Low Street
Newbury,MA. 01951
NewReal, Inc.
0.34
%
-
-
1,218
%
39 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
All directors and officers as a group
30,048
(7)
30.85
% (7)
23,134
(8)
% (8)
1,218
(3)
% (3)
5% Owners that are not Directors and Officers
Maura Brown
5,337
5.48
%
-
-
-
-
39 Brighton Avenue
Alston, MA 02134
(1) As of December 31, 2020, 510,349 Depositary Receipts are held of record by HBC Holdings, LLC (HBC). Jameson Brown, Sally Michael and Robert Somma are the managers of HBC with joint voting and dispositive control over the Depositary Receipts. Accordingly, Mr. Brown, Mr. Somma and Ms. Michael may be deemed to beneficially own the Depositary Receipts held by HBC. Because a Depositary Receipt represents beneficial ownership of one-thirtieth of a Class A Unit, HBC was deemed to beneficially own approximately 17,012 Class A Units. (Approximately 17.47% of the outstanding Class A Units).
(2) Consists of Class B Units held by HBC. See Note (1) above. Jameson Brown, Robert Somma and Sally Michael as Managers, have voting and investment power over the Class B Units held by the LLC, subject to the provisions of the LLC, and thus may be deemed to beneficially own the Class B Units held by HBC.
(3) Since The Harold Brown 2013 Revocable Trust and Ronald Brown are the controlling stockholders, executive officers and directors of NewReal, Inc., they may be deemed to beneficially own all of the General Partnership Units
held of record by NewReal, Inc. Sally Michael and Robert Somma are the trustees of the Harold Brown 2013 Revocable Trust.
(4) Consists of 92,600 Depositary Receipts held of record jointly by Ronald Brown and his wife. Because a Depositary Receipt represents beneficial ownership of one-thirtieth of a Class A Unit, Ronald Brown may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 3,087 Class A Units. (Approximately 3.17% of the outstanding Class A Units).
(5) Consists of 287,500 Depositary Receipts held by the HJB 2009 Holdings, LLC. The HJB 2009 Holdings LLC is owned 50% by the Harold Brown 2009 Irrevocable Trust FBO Harley Oliver Brown and 50% by the Harold Brown 2009 Irrevocable Trust FBO Jameson Pruitt Brown. Sally Michael and Robert Somma are the trustees of the trusts with joint voting and dispositive control over the Depositary Receipts. Accordingly, Ms. Michael and Mr. Somma may be deemed to beneficially own the Depositary Receipts held by the LLC. Because a Depositary Receipt represents beneficial ownership of one thirtieth of a Class A Unit, the Trusts collectively may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 9,583 Class A Units. (Approximately 9.84% of the outstanding Class A Units).
(6) Does not include 62,190 Depositary Receipts held by the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation. Jameson Brown, Ronald Brown and Robert Somma are trustees of the foundation and jointly have voting and dispositive control over the Depositary Receipts. Accordingly, the Browns and Mr. Somma may be deemed to beneficially own the Depositary Receipts held by the Foundation Because a Depositary Receipt represents beneficial ownership of on thirtieth of a Class A Unit, the Foundation may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 2,073 Class A Units. (Approximately 2.13% of the outstanding Class A Units).
(7) Consists of the Class A Units described in Notes (1) (5) above, plus New Real, Inc., Jameson Brown and Ronald Brown, as indicated in the table.
(8) Includes the Class B Units described in Note (2) above.
On November 13, 2000, the Partnership adopted a Policy for Establishment of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans. Pursuant to this Policy, the Partnership authorized its officers, directors and certain employees, shareholders and affiliates who are deemed “insiders” of the Partnership to adopt individual plans for trading the Partnership’s securities (“Trading Plans”), and established certain procedural requirements relating to the establishment, modification and termination of such Trading Plans. The Partnership does not have any securities authorized for issuance pursuant to any equity compensation plans.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Jameson Brown is the nephew of Ronald Brown.
Jameson Brown, Sally Michael, and Robert Somma are the managers of HBC Holdings, LLC, which owns 17,012 Class A units of the Partnership, and 75% of the Class B Units of the Partnership;
Sally Michael and Robert Somma are the Trustees of both the Harold Brown 2009 Irrevocable Trust FBO Harley Oliver Brown and the Harold Brown 2009 Irrevocable Trust FBO Jameson Pruitt Brown, which together own HJB 2009 Holdings, LLC, which owns 9,583 Class A units of the Partnership;
Jameson Brown, Ronald Brown and Robert Somma are Trustees of the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation, which owns 2,073 Class A units of the Partnership.
David Aloise and Eunice Harps are determined to be independent under the rules of the NYSE Amex Exchange and the SEC.The board holds regularly scheduled meetings.
The Partnership’s written policy with respect to the review and approval of related party transactions is governed by the Partnership Agreement which assigns the Advisory Committee with the responsibility to approve or
reject all proposed acquisitions and investments with or from the General Partner or an Affiliate. Related Parties are identified by the Officers of the management company and material transactions are reported to and reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
The Partnership invested approximately $34,885,000 in seven limited liability companies formed to acquire Investment Properties. The Partnership has a 40%- 50% ownership interest in each of these limited liability companies accounted for on the equity method of consolidation. The majority stockholder of the General Partner owns between 47.6% and 59% and five current and former employees of the management company own between 0% and 2.4% in each of the Investment Properties. See Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of the Investment Properties.
See also “Item 2. Properties,” “Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant” and “Item 11. Executive Compensation” for information regarding the fees paid to The Hamilton Company, an affiliate of the General Partner.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Miller Wachman LLP served as the Partnership’s independent accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and has reported on the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements. Aggregate fees rendered to Miller Wachman LLP for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Audit Fees
Recurring annual audits and quarterly reviews
$
316,000
$
316,000
Subtotal
316,000
316,000
Other Audit Related Fees (a)
-
-
Tax Fees
Recurring tax compliance for the Partnership, 19 subsidiary Partnerships and 18 General Partnerships
105,000
105,000
Subtotal
105,000
105,000
Total Fees
$
421,000
$
421,000
The Audit Committee’s charter provides that it has the sole authority to review in advance and grant any pre-approvals of (i) all auditing services to be provided by the independent auditor, (ii) all significant non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors as permitted by Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (iii) all fees and the terms of engagement with respect to such services. All audit and non-audit services performed by Miller Wachman during fiscal 2020 and 2019 were pre-approved pursuant to the procedures outlined above.
(a) Audit of revenues and certain expenses and review of proforma financial information of significant acquisition.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. Financial Statements:
The following Financial Statements are included in this Form 10- K:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:
Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b)
Exhibits:
The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index included herewith.