As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2018
Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
46-5053858
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
National Storage Affiliates Trust
5200 DTC Parkway
Suite 200
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(720) 630-2600
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
Arlen D. Nordhagen
Chief Executive Officer
National Storage Affiliates Trust
5200 DTC Parkway
Suite 200
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(720) 630-2600
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Jay L. Bernstein, Esq.
Andrew S. Epstein, Esq.
Clifford Chance US LLP
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
(212) 878-8000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: From time to time after the effective date of the Registration Statement as determined by market conditions.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x




If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
Amount
to be
Registered (1)
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit (1)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (1)
Amount of
Registration Fee (2)
Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
 
Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
 
Depositary Shares
 
 
 
 
Warrants
 
 
 
 
Rights
 
 
 
 
Debt Securities
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(1)  
There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate amount of common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights and debt securities as may be sold, from time to time, by the registrant, including an indeterminate amount of each identified class of securities as may be issued upon conversion of, or in exchange for, or upon exercise of, or pursuant to, convertible or exchangeable securities that provide for exercise or conversion into or purchase of such securities. An unspecified aggregate initial offering price or number of securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at unspecified prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are represented by depositary shares. This registration statement also covers delayed delivery contracts which may be issued by the registrant under which the counterparty may be required to purchase common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights or debt securities. Such contracts may be issued together with the specific securities to which they relate. In addition, securities registered hereunder may be sold or otherwise distributed separately, together or as units with other securities registered hereunder.  
(2)  
In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee. Any registration fee will be paid subsequently on a pay-as-you-go basis in accordance with Rule 457(r), except for $4,120.75 of unutilized fees relating to $40,921,058.05 aggregate offering price of securities that were registered under the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-211570) originally filed on May 25, 2016 and $80,493.37 of unutilized fees relating to $799,338,350.00 aggregate offering price of securities that were registered under the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-221974) (collectively, the “Prior Registration Statements”) that have not yet been issued and sold. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, such unutilized filing fees may be applied to the filing fees payable pursuant to this Registration Statement, and the Prior Registration Statements and the offering of the unsold securities registered under the Prior Registration Statements will be deemed terminated as of the effective date of this Registration Statement.  





PROSPECTUS
NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
Common Shares,
Preferred Shares,
Depositary Shares,
Warrants,
Rights
and
Debt Securities
We may offer from time to time, in one or more series or classes, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus, the following securities:
common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (" common shares ");
preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (" preferred shares ");
depositary shares representing entitlement to all rights and preferences of fractions of preferred shares of a specified class or series and represented by depositary receipts;
warrants to purchase common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares;
rights to purchase common shares or preferred shares; and
debt securities.
We refer to the common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights and debt securities, collectively, as the "securities" in this prospectus. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered.
The specific terms of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and will include, as applicable: (i) in the case of our common shares, any public offering price; (ii) in the case of our preferred shares, the specific designation and any dividend, liquidation, redemption, conversion, voting and other rights, and any public offering price; (iii) in the case of depositary shares, the fractional preferred shares represented by each such depositary share and designation and terms of relevant class or series of preferred shares; (iv) in the case of warrants, the duration, offering price, exercise price and detachability and type and terms of security deliverable upon exercise; (v) in the case of rights, the number being issued, the exercise price and the expiration date and type and terms of security deliverable upon exercise; and (vi) in the case of debt securities, the principal amount, maturity date, interest rate, seniority and any public offering price.
The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the securities covered by such prospectus supplement. It is important that you read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.
We may offer the securities directly, through agents, or to or through underwriters. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the plan of distribution and set forth the names of any underwriters involved in the sale of the securities. See "Plan of Distribution" beginning on page 9 for more information on this topic. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering




of those securities. This prospectus may also be used to cover the resale of securities by one or more selling security holders. To the extent that any selling security holder resells any securities, the selling security holder may be required to provide you with this prospectus and a prospectus supplement identifying and containing specific information about the selling security holder and the terms of the securities being offered.
Our common shares and Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share (" Series A preferred shares ") are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the " NYSE "), under the symbols "NSA" and "NSA Pr A," respectively. On March 13, 2018, the closing sale price of our common shares on the NYSE was $26.28 per share and of our Series A preferred shares on the NYSE was $25.02 per share.
Investing in these securities involves risks. You should carefully read the risk factors described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those described under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in any prospectus supplement, and in any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, before investing in our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is March 14, 2018.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY INFORMATION
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS
USE OF PROCEEDS
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF OUR OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
LEGAL MATTERS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a shelf registration statement. Under this shelf registration statement, we may sell any combination of common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights and debt securities in one or more offerings. In addition, this prospectus covers securities beneficially owned by one or more selling security holders (the "selling security holders") that can sell those securities by means of this prospectus in the circumstances we describe. You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus. Neither we nor the selling security holders have authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. Neither we nor the selling security holders are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of these securities is not permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. You should read carefully the entirety of this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein before making an investment decision.
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, we use the terms (1) "company," "we," "us" and "our" to refer to National Storage Affiliates Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust, together with its subsidiaries, (2) "our operating partnership" to refer to NSA OP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, together with its subsidiaries, and (3) "our predecessor" to refer to the combined subsidiaries of SecurCare Self Storage, Inc.




1



SUMMARY INFORMATION
National Storage Affiliates Trust is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust organized in the state of Maryland on May 16, 2013. We have elected and we believe that we have qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes ("REIT") commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015. We serve as the sole general partner of our operating partnership a Delaware limited partnership formed on February 13, 2013 to conduct our business, which is focused on the ownership, operation, and acquisition of self storage properties located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States.
Our principal executive offices are located at 5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Our telephone number is (720) 630-2600. Our website is www.nationalstorageaffiliates.com . The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.


2



RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in the section "Risk Factors" contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the " 2017 10-K ") and in subsequent periodic reports which we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC "), as well as risk factors and other information in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus incorporated by reference herein or therein before purchasing any of our securities. Any of these risks described could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, tax status or ability to make distributions to our shareholders. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations. If this were to happen, the price of our securities could decline significantly and you could lose a part or all of your investment. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 77 of this prospectus.



3



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make forward-looking statements in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in each within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). For these statements, we claim the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such Sections. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When we use the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.
Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking:
the use of the net proceeds of any offering;
market trends in our industry, interest rates, the debt and lending markets or the general economy;
our business and investment strategy;
the acquisition of properties, including the ability of our acquisitions to achieve underwritten capitalization rates and our ability to execute on our acquisition pipeline;
the timing of acquisitions;
our relationships with, and our ability and timing to attract additional, participating regional operators ("PROs");
our ability to effectively align the interests of our PROs with us and our shareholders;
the integration of our PROs and their managed portfolios into our company, including into our financial and operational reporting infrastructure and internal control framework;
our operating performance and projected operating results, including our ability to achieve market rents and occupancy levels, reduce operating expenditures and increase the sale of ancillary products and services;
our ability to access additional off-market acquisitions;
actions and initiatives of the U.S. federal, state and local government and changes to U.S. federal, state and local government policies and the execution and impact of these actions, initiatives and policies;
the state of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions, states or municipalities;
economic trends and economic recoveries;
our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on favorable terms;
general volatility of the securities markets in which we participate;
changes in the value of our assets;
projected capital expenditures;
the impact of technology on our products, operations, and business;
the implementation of our technology and best practices programs (including our ability to effectively implement our integrated Internet marketing strategy);

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changes in interest rates and the degree to which our hedging strategies may or may not protect us from interest rate volatility;
impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters;
our ability to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
availability of qualified personnel;
the timing of conversions of each series of Class B common units of limited partner interest (" subordinated performance units ") in our operating partnership and subsidiaries of our operating partnership into Class A common units of limited partner interest (" OP units ") in our operating partnership, the conversion ratio in effect at such time and the impact of such convertibility on our diluted earnings (loss) per share;
the risks of investing through joint ventures, including whether the anticipated benefits from a joint venture are realized or may take longer to realize than expected;
estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our shareholders in the future; and
our understanding of our competition.
The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in each may include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in each reflect our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. Some of these factors are included in our 2017 10-K and in subsequent periodic reports which we file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For more information regarding risks that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our 2017 10-K and in the other documents that we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus, which will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.



5



RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends for the periods indicated. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing our earnings by our fixed charges, and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends was computed by dividing our earnings by the sum of our fixed charges and preferred share dividends. For purposes of calculating this ratio, "earnings" consists of income (loss) before taxes, equity in losses of unconsolidated real estate venture and distributed income of equity investees, plus fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest expense and the estimate of interest within rental expense.
On April 1, 2013, we and our operating partnership commenced our substantive operations. Prior to April 1, 2013, our predecessor operated our business. To the extent any of the financial data included in the below table is as of a date or from a period prior to April 1, 2013, such financial data is that of our predecessor. The financial data for periods prior to April 28, 2015, does not reflect the material changes to our business as a result of the capital raised in our initial public offering (our "IPO"). Accordingly, the financial data for periods prior to our IPO is not necessarily indicative of our financial position following the completion of our IPO.
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31,
 
2017
 (NSA)
 
2016
(NSA)
 
2015
(NSA)
 
2014
(NSA)
 
2013 (1)
(Combined)
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
2.58
 
2.12
 
1.24
 
*
 
*
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends (2)
2.42
 
2.12
 
1.24
 
*
 
*

*
Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $16.4 million and $11.7 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(1)
Combined in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2013 are the historical results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 for our predecessor and the Company's historical results for the nine months ended December 31, 2013. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $10.5 million for the Company's historical results for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and $1.2 million for our predecessor's historical results for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
(2)
The Company had no preferred shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013.



6



USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to contribute the net proceeds from the sale of any securities pursuant to this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership will then use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities to acquire or develop additional assets, repay indebtedness or for general corporate purposes and working capital. Further details regarding the use of proceeds from the sale of specific securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by the selling security holders offered by any prospectus supplement.
Until appropriate investments can be identified, we may invest the net proceeds from any offering in interest-bearing short-term investments, including money market accounts and/or U.S. treasury securities which are consistent with our intention to qualify as a REIT. These investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we will seek to achieve from our self storage properties. We generally expect to use substantially all of the net proceeds from any offering within six months from the completion of any such offering.



7



SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS
This prospectus also relates to the possible resale by certain of our selling security holders, who we refer to in this prospectus as the "selling security holders," of securities. One or more selling security holders to be identified by prospectus supplement, post-effective amendment or incorporated by reference from our periodic or current reports may sell, under this prospectus and any applicable supplements, securities issued or to be issued to them by us. The selling security holders shall not sell any securities pursuant to this prospectus until we have identified such selling security holders and the securities being offered for resale by such selling security holders as described above. However, the selling security holders may sell or transfer all or a portion of their securities pursuant to any available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

8



PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We and the selling security holders may sell the securities to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the securities to investors directly or through agents. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters and agents in any distribution contemplated hereby may from time to time be designated on terms to be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and any other method permitted by law. Securities may be sold in one or more of the following transactions: (a) block transactions (which may involve crosses) in which a broker-dealer may sell all or a portion of the securities as agent but may position and resell all or a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its own account pursuant to a prospectus supplement; (c) a special offering, an exchange distribution or a secondary distribution in accordance with applicable NYSE or other stock exchange rules; (d) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker-dealer solicits purchasers; (e) "at the market" offerings or sales "at the market," within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market on an exchange or otherwise; (f) sales in other ways not involving market makers or established trading markets, including direct sales to purchasers; or (g) through a combination of any of these methods. Broker-dealers may also receive compensation from purchasers of these securities which is not expected to exceed those customary in the types of transactions involved.
Underwriters or agents may offer and sell the securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed in relation to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. We and the selling security holders also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as our agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters or agents may sell securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or the agents and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
Any underwriting compensation paid by us or by the selling security holders to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters or agents to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize underwriters or other agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase securities from it pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which it may make these delayed delivery contracts include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us or the selling security holders to indemnification against and contribution toward civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be required to make. Underwriters, dealers, agents and

9



remarketing firms may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or the selling security holders in the ordinary course of their businesses.
Any securities issued hereunder (other than common shares and Series A preferred shares) will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are sold by us or the selling security holders for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.

The selling security holders may also sell securities in one or more privately negotiated transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, Section 4(1) of the Securities Act or other applicable exemptions, regardless of whether the securities are covered by the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Such sales, if any, will not form part of the plan of distribution described in this prospectus. The selling security holders will act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each such sale.


10



DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the material terms of the common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights and debt securities that we may offer and sell from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to Maryland law and our declaration of trust and bylaws. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Our declaration of trust provides that we may issue up to 250,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, and up to 50,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of which 12,500,000 are classified and designated as 6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, or Series A preferred shares. Our declaration of trust authorizes our board of trustees to amend our declaration of trust to increase or decrease the aggregate number of common shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we are authorized to issue with the approval of a majority of our entire board of trustees and without common shareholder approval. As of March 13, 2018, we had 50,340,178 common shares issued and outstanding, and 6,900,000 Series A preferred shares issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, our shareholders are not generally liable for our debts or obligations.
Power to Reclassify Our Unissued Shares of Beneficial Interest
Our declaration of trust authorizes our board of trustees to classify and reclassify any unissued common or preferred shares of beneficial interest into other classes or series of shares of beneficial interest. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of trustees is required by Maryland law and by our declaration of trust to set, subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of beneficial interest and the terms of any other class or series of our shares then outstanding, the number of shares and the terms, preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of each class or series. Therefore, our board could authorize the issuance of a series of common shares or preferred shares that have priority over our common shares as to voting rights, dividends or upon liquidation or with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for our common shares or otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders.
Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Beneficial Interest and Issue Additional Shares of Common Shares and Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
We believe that the power of our board of trustees to amend our declaration of trust to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of beneficial interest, to authorize us to issue additional authorized but unissued common shares or preferred shares of beneficial interest and to classify or reclassify unissued common shares or preferred shares of beneficial interest and thereafter to issue such classified or reclassified shares of beneficial interest will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the additional common shares, will be available for issuance without further action by our common shareholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of trustees does not intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of shares that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for our common shares or otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders.

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Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), our shares must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of our outstanding shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy other requirements as well. See "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Requirements for Qualification—General."
Our declaration of trust contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our shares, including common shares and preferred shares. The relevant sections of our declaration of trust provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person, including a "group," as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, may own, or be deemed to own, beneficially or by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our aggregate outstanding shares of all classes and series, the outstanding shares of any class or series of our preferred shares or our outstanding common shares. We refer to these limits collectively as the "ownership limit." An individual or entity that becomes subject to the ownership limit or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares described below is referred to as a "prohibited owner" if, had the violative transfer or other event been effective, the individual or entity would have been a beneficial or constructive owner or, if appropriate, a record owner of our shares in violation of the ownership limit or other restriction. In addition, the articles supplementary for each class or series of preferred shares may contain additional provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of the preferred shares. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limitation relating to a class or series of preferred shares.
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause shares owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding common shares or any class or series of our preferred shares, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our aggregate outstanding shares of all classes and series (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, our shares by an individual or entity), could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of the ownership limit.
Our board of trustees may, in its sole discretion, subject to the receipt of such information, representations or undertakings as it may determine, prospectively or retroactively, exempt a person from all or any component of the ownership limit and establish a different limit on ownership, or excepted holder limit, for a particular person if the person's ownership in excess of the ownership limit would not result in our being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT. As a condition of its exemption or grant of excepted holder limit, our board of trustees may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to our board of trustees in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT.
In connection with the creation of an excepted holder limit or at any other time, our board of trustees may from time to time increase or decrease the ownership limit or any component thereof unless, after giving effect to such increase, we would be "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or we would otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT. Prior to the modification of the ownership limit, our board of trustees may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT. A reduced ownership

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limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage ownership of our common shares, preferred shares of any class or series, or shares of all classes and series, as applicable, is in excess of such decreased ownership limit until such time as such individual's or entity's percentage ownership of our common shares, preferred shares of any class or series, or shares of all classes and series, as applicable, equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of our common shares or shares of any other class or series, as applicable, in excess of such percentage ownership of our common shares, preferred shares or shares of all classes and series will be in violation of the ownership limit.
Our declaration of trust further prohibits:
any person from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules of the Code, our shares such that it would result in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or would otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and
any person from transferring our shares if such transfer would result in our shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of our shares that will or may violate the ownership limit or any of the other foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares, or who would have owned shares transferred to a charitable trust as described below, must immediately give us written notice of the event or, in the case of an attempted or proposed transaction, must give at least 15 days' prior written notice to us, and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT. The foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares has applied since the completion of our IPO and will not apply if our board of trustees determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance with the applicable restriction or limitation on ownership and transfer of our shares as described above is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.
If any transfer of our shares would result in our shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. In addition, if any purported transfer of our shares or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limit or an excepted holder limit established by our board of trustees or in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause us to violate such restrictions will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a charitable trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the proposed transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the charitable trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the prohibited owner prior to our discovery that the shares had been automatically transferred to a charitable trust as described above must be repaid to the charitable trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary by the charitable trust. If the transfer to the charitable trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limit or our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then our declaration of trust provides that the transfer of the shares will be null and void and the prohibited owner will acquire no rights in the shares.

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Shares transferred to the charitable trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that caused the transfer to the charitable trust (or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at the market price, the market price (as defined in our declaration of trust) on the day of the event causing the shares to be transferred to the charitable trust) and (ii) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accept the offer. We may reduce the amount payable to the charitable trust, however, by the amount of any dividends or distributions paid to the prohibited owner and owed by the prohibited owner to the charitable trustee and pay the amount of such reduction to the charitable trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. We have the right to accept such offer until the charitable trustee has sold our shares held in the charitable trust as discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in our shares sold terminates, and the charitable trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner and pay any dividends or other distributions or other amounts held by the charitable trustee with respect to such shares to the charitable beneficiary.
If we do not buy the shares, the charitable trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the charitable trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the charitable trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares. After the sale of the shares, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares transferred to the charitable trust will terminate and the charitable trustee must distribute to the prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at the market price, the market price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be transferred to the charitable trust and (ii) the net sale price received by the charitable trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares. The charitable trustee may reduce the amount payable to the prohibited owner by the amount of any dividend or other distribution that we paid to the prohibited owner before we discovered that the shares had been automatically transferred to the charitable trust and that are then owed to the charitable trustee as described above. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the prohibited owner will be immediately paid to the beneficiary of the charitable trust, together with any other amounts held by the charitable trustee for the beneficiary of the charitable trust. In addition, if, prior to discovery by us that shares have been transferred to a charitable trust, such shares are sold by a prohibited owner, then such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the charitable trust and to the extent that the prohibited owner received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such prohibited owner was entitled to receive, such excess amount must be paid to the charitable trustee upon demand. The prohibited owner has no rights in the shares held by the charitable trustee.
The charitable trustee will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any prohibited owner. Prior to the sale of any shares by the charitable trust, the charitable trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary of the charitable trust, all dividends and other distributions paid by us with respect to the shares held in trust and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to the shares held in trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiary of the charitable trust.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust, the charitable trustee will have the authority, at the charitable trustee's sole discretion:
to rescind as void any vote cast by a prohibited owner prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust; and
to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the charitable trustee, acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the charitable trust.

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However, if we have already taken irreversible trust action, then the charitable trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
In addition, if our board of trustees determines that a proposed transfer or other event would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares set forth in our declaration of trust, our board of trustees may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer or other event, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem the shares, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer or other event.
Every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our outstanding shares, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give us written notice, stating the shareholder's name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our shares that the shareholder beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner must provide to us in writing such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the shareholder's beneficial ownership on our qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limit. In addition, each shareholder must provide to us in writing such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
Any certificates representing our shares will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
These restrictions on ownership and transfer could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the common shares or otherwise be in the best interest of the shareholders.



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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following is a summary of the material terms of our common shares of beneficial interest. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Maryland REIT Law (the "MRL"), our declaration of trust, which we refer to as our declaration of trust, and our amended and restated bylaws, which we refer to as our bylaws. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
All of the common shares offered by this prospectus will be duly authorized and, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class or series of our shares, including our Series A preferred shares, and to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares, holders of our common shares are entitled to receive distributions out of assets legally available therefor if, as and when authorized by our board of trustees and declared by us and share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our shareholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities.
Subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of our shares, each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of trustees, and the holders of common shares will possess the exclusive voting power. A plurality of the votes cast in the election of trustees is sufficient to elect a trustee and there is no cumulative voting in the election of trustees, which means that, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of our shares, including our Series A preferred shares, to elect one or more trustees, the holders of a majority of our outstanding common shares can elect all of the trustees then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining common shares will not be able to elect any trustees.
Holders of common shares have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares contained in our declaration of trust and the terms of any class or series of common shares, all of our common shares will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Under the MRL, a Maryland real estate investment trust generally cannot amend its declaration of trust, or merge with or convert into another entity, unless the action is advised by its board of trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is specified in the declaration of trust. Our declaration of trust provides that these actions, as well as consolidations with other entities, certain sales of all or substantially all of our assets and our dissolution, may be approved by shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that amendments to the provisions of our declaration of trust related to the removal of trustees and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares, and the vote required to amend such provisions, must be approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment. Our declaration of trust also permits us to transfer all or substantially all of our assets to an entity without the approval of our shareholders if all of the equity interests of the entity are owned, directly or indirectly, by us.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
General
Our declaration of trust provides that we may issue up to 50,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share, of which 12,500,000 are classified and designated as Series A preferred shares. Our declaration of trust authorizes our board of trustees to amend our declaration of trust to increase or decrease the aggregate number of preferred shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we are authorized to issue with the approval of a majority of our entire board of trustees and without preferred shareholder approval. As of March 13, 2018, we had 6,900,000 outstanding Series A preferred shares.
6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares
The Company’s Series A preferred shares, are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "NSA Pr A." Dividends on our outstanding Series A preferred shares are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears at the rate of 6.000% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $1.50 per share). Subject to certain limited exceptions, unless we declare and pay or declare and set apart for payment full cumulative dividends on the Series A preferred shares for all past dividend periods, we may not declare and pay any dividends or other distributions on our common shares or any other class or series of our equity shares ranking, as to dividends, on parity with or junior to the Series A preferred shares; or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, or make any other distribution on or with respect to, or establish a sinking fund for the redemption of, any common shares or any other class or series of our equity shares ranking, as to dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, on parity with or junior to the Series A preferred shares. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up, holders of the Series A preferred shares will have the right to receive $25.00 per Series A preferred share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared), up to but excluding the date of payment, before any distribution or payment may be made to holders of our common shares or any other class or series of shares ranking junior to the Series A preferred shares with respect to the distribution of assets in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Series A preferred shares rank senior to our common shares with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
We may redeem Series A preferred shares in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a REIT or at our option upon the occurrence of a change of control, as a result of which neither our common shares nor the common equity securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, the NYSE American, LLC, or the NYSE AMER, or the NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ, or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, or at any time or from time to time from and after October 11, 2022, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series A preferred shares up to, but not including, the redemption date. The Series A preferred shares have no stated maturity and are not subject to mandatory redemption at the option of the holder or any sinking fund.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as a result of which neither our common shares nor the common equity securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or ADRs representing such securities) is listed on the NYSE, the NYSE AMER or NASDAQ or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, holders of Series A preferred shares will have the right (unless, prior to the date of conversion, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem the Series A preferred shares) to convert Series A preferred shares into a number of our common

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shares (or equivalent value of alternative consideration) per Series A preferred share to be converted equal to the lesser of:
the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date of conversion by (ii) the Common Share Price (as defined below); and
2.04666, subject to certain adjustments.
The "Common Share Price" will be (i) if the consideration to be received in the change of control by the holders of common shares is solely cash, the amount of cash consideration per common share or (ii) if the consideration to be received in the change of control by holders of our common shares is other than solely cash (x) the average of the closing sale prices per share of our common shares (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the change of control as reported on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common shares are then traded, or (y) the average of the last quoted bid prices for our common shares in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group, Inc. or similar organization for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the effective date of the change of control, if our common shares are not then listed for trading on a U.S. securities exchange.
Holders of Series A preferred shares have no voting rights, except as described below. If dividends on the Series A preferred shares are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of Series A preferred shares and the holders of preferred shares of all other classes and series ranking on parity with the Series A preferred shares with respect to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, which we refer to as parity preferred shares, and with which the holders of Series A preferred shares are entitled to vote together as a single class (voting together as a single class), will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional trustees to serve on our board of trustees until all accumulated unpaid dividends with respect to the Series A preferred shares have been paid in full. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A preferred shares and any other class or series of parity preferred shares with which the holders of Series A preferred shares are entitled to vote together as a single class (voting together as a single class) is required for us to authorize, issue or increase the number of authorized or issued number of shares of, any class or series of shares ranking senior to the Series A preferred shares or to amend any provision of our declaration of trust so as to materially and adversely affect the terms of the Series A preferred shares. If the proposed amendment to our declaration of trust would materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the Series A preferred shares disproportionately relative to any other class or series of parity preferred shares, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A preferred shares, voting as a separate class, is also required.
Preferred shares may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to or separate from the securities. The following description of the preferred shares sets forth general terms and provisions of the preferred shares to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The statements below describing the preferred shares are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our declaration of trust and bylaws, including Articles Supplementary setting forth the terms of a class or series of preferred shares. The issuance of preferred shares could adversely affect the voting power, dividend rights and other rights of

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holders of common shares. Although our board of trustees does not have this intention at the present time, it or a duly authorized committee could establish another class or series of preferred shares, that could, depending on the terms of the series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company that might involve a premium price for the common shares or otherwise be in the best interest of the holders thereof.
Terms
Subject to the limitations prescribed by our declaration of trust and the terms of any class or series of our shares, including our Series A preferred shares, our board of trustees is authorized to classify any unissued preferred shares and to reclassify any previously classified but unissued preferred shares. Our board of trustees may fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series.
Reference is made to the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the class or series of preferred shares offered thereby for the specific terms thereof, including:
the designation of the class or series of preferred shares;
the number of preferred shares of the class or series, the liquidation preference of the preferred shares and the offering price of the preferred shares;
the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment day(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the class or series of preferred shares;
the date from which dividends on the class or series of preferred shares shall accumulate, if applicable;
the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for the class or series of preferred shares;
the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for the class or series of preferred shares;
the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the class or series of preferred shares;
any listing of the preferred shares on any securities exchange;
the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the class or series of preferred shares may or will be convertible into our common shares or other securities, including the conversion price or manner of calculation thereof;
the relative ranking and preferences of the class or series of preferred shares as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
whether interests in the preferred shares will be represented by depositary shares;
any additional limitations on ownership and restrictions on transfer of the class or series of preferred shares;
any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred shares ranking senior or equal to the class or series of preferred shares being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs;
a discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred shares; and
any other specific terms, preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the preferred shares.

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The terms of each class or series of preferred shares will be described in any prospectus supplement related to such class or series of preferred shares and will contain a discussion of any material Maryland law or material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred shares.
Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Series A preferred shares is Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
We expect to use the same transfer agent and registrar for other series of preferred shares described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares that will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fraction of a preferred share of a specified class or series (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). The applicable fraction will be specified in a prospectus supplement. The preferred shares represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement, under a deposit agreement, among our company, the depositary and the holders of the certificates evidencing depositary shares, or depositary receipts as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Depositary receipts will be delivered to those persons purchasing depositary shares in the offering. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges. We will file with the SEC any executed deposit agreement and form of depositary receipt.
The summary of terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the deposit agreement and the articles supplementary for the applicable class or series of preferred shares. While the deposit agreement relating to a particular class or series of preferred shares may have provisions applicable solely to that class or series of preferred shares, all deposit agreements relating to preferred shares we issue will include the following provisions:
Dividends and Other Distributions
Each time we pay a cash dividend or make any other type of cash distribution with regard to preferred shares of a class or series, the depositary will distribute to the holder of record of each depositary share relating to that class or series of preferred shares an amount equal to the dividend or other distribution per depositary share that the depositary receives. If there is a distribution of property other than cash, the depositary either will distribute the property to the holders of depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by each of them, or the depositary will, if we approve, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds to the holders of the depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by them.
Withdrawal of Preferred Shares
A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, the number of whole or fractional shares of the applicable class or series of preferred shares and any money or other property to which the depositary shares relate.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred shares held by a depositary, the depositary will be required to redeem, on the same redemption date, depositary shares constituting, in total, the number of preferred shares held by the depositary which we redeem, subject to the depositary's receiving the redemption price of those preferred shares. If fewer than all the depositary shares relating to a class or series of preferred shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or by another method we determine to be equitable.
Voting
Any time we send a notice of meeting or other materials relating to a meeting to the holders of a class or series of preferred shares to which depositary shares relate, we will provide the depositary with sufficient copies of those materials so they can be sent to all holders of record of the applicable depositary shares, and the depositary will send those materials to the holders of record of the depositary shares on the record date for the meeting. The depositary will

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solicit voting instructions from holders of depositary shares and will vote or not vote the preferred shares to which the depositary shares relate in accordance with those instructions.
Liquidation Preference
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holder of each depositary share will be entitled to what the holder of the depositary share would have received if the holder had owned the number of (or fraction of) preferred shares represented by the depositary share.
Conversion
If preferred shares of a class or series are convertible into common shares or other of our securities or property, holders of depositary shares relating to that class or series of preferred shares will, if they surrender depositary receipts representing depositary shares and appropriate instructions to convert them, receive the common shares or other securities or property into which the number of preferred shares (or fractions of preferred shares) to which the depositary shares relate could at the time be converted.
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
We and the depositary may amend a deposit agreement, except that an amendment which materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of depositary shares, or would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the preferred shares to which they relate, must be approved by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding depositary shares. No amendment will impair the right of a holder of depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares and receive the preferred shares to which they relate, except as required to comply with law. We may terminate a deposit agreement with the consent of holders of a majority of the depositary shares to which it relates. Upon termination of a deposit agreement, the depositary will make the whole or fractional preferred shares to which the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement relate available to the holders of those depositary shares. A deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
all outstanding depositary shares to which it relates have been redeemed or converted; or
the depositary has made a final distribution to the holders of the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Miscellaneous
There will be provisions: (1) requiring the depositary to forward to holders of record of depositary shares any reports or communications from us which the depositary receives with respect to the preferred shares to which the depositary shares relate; (2) regarding compensation of the depositary; (3) regarding resignation of the depositary; (4) limiting our liability and the liability of the depositary under the deposit agreement (generally limited to failure to act in good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct); and (5) indemnifying the depositary against certain possible liabilities.
Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the depositary shares offered thereby for the specific terms thereof, including, but not limited to, a discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the depositary shares.



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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares and may issue warrants independently or together with common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares or attached to, or separate from, such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement between us and a bank or trust company as warrant agent, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will file with the SEC any executed warrant agreement and form of warrant certificate.
The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not act for or on behalf of warrant holders. The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that may be offered under this registration statement. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:
the title of such warrants;
the aggregate number of such warrants;
the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
the type and number of securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;
the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such offered security;
the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
the price at which each security purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
any anti-dilution protection;
a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and
any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exercise and exchange of such warrants.
Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations and warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise or to any dividend payments or voting rights as to which holders of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares purchasable upon such exercise may be entitled.
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such number of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares, at such exercise price as shall, in each case, be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, unexercised warrants will be void.

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Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants are presented for exercise with respect to a warrant certificate, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.




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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS
We may issue rights to our shareholders to purchase common shares or preferred shares. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of rights. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. We will file with the SEC any executed rights agreement and rights certificates relating to each series of rights.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the rights to be issued, including the following, where applicable:
the date for determining the shareholders entitled to the rights distribution;
the aggregate number of common shares or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of such rights and the exercise price;
the designation and terms of the class or series of preferred shares, if any, purchasable upon exercise of such rights;
the exercise price;
the aggregate number of rights being issued;
the date, if any, on and after which such rights may be transferable separately;
the date on which the right to exercise such rights shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
any special U.S. federal income tax consequences; and
any other terms of such rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of such rights.


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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities either separately or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus. The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, which we may amend or supplement from time to time, or the indenture. The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture including references to the applicable section of the indenture. It does not state the indenture in its entirety. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines the rights of holders of debt securities. Except as otherwise defined herein, terms used in this description but not otherwise defined herein are used as defined in the indenture. The indenture has been filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and you may inspect it at the office of the trustee at 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107. The indenture is subject to, and is governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. If we issue the debt securities under a different indenture, we will file it and incorporate it by reference into the registration statement and describe it in a prospectus supplement.
General
The debt securities will be our direct obligations and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and may be either secured or unsecured. The indenture does not limit the principal amount of debt securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities in one or more series. A supplemental indenture will set forth specific terms of each series of debt securities. There will be a prospectus supplement relating to each particular series of debt securities. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to each particular series of debt securities, offered thereby for the specific terms thereof, including:
the title of the debt securities and whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated debt securities;
any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of a series of debt securities which we may issue;
the date or dates on which principal of the debt securities will be payable and the amount of principal which will be payable;
the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, as well as the dates from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the persons to whom interest will be payable, if other than the registered holders on the record date, and the record date for the interest payable on any payment date;
the currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be paid.
the place or places where principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable and where debt securities which are in registered form can be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;
any provisions regarding our right to prepay debt securities or of holders to require us to prepay debt securities;
the right, if any, of holders of the debt securities to convert them into common shares or other securities, including any provisions intended to prevent dilution as a result of the conversion rights;
any provisions requiring or permitting us to make payments to a sinking fund which will be used to redeem debt securities or a purchase fund which will be used to purchase debt securities;
any index or formula used to determine the required payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any;

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the percentage of the principal amount of the debt securities which is payable if maturity of the debt securities is accelerated because of a default;
any special or modified events of default or covenants with respect to the debt securities;
a discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;
any security or collateral provisions; and
any other material terms of the debt securities.
The indenture does not contain any restrictions on the payment of dividends or the repurchase of our securities or any financial covenants. However, supplemental indentures relating to a particular series of debt securities may contain provisions of that type.
We may issue debt securities at a discount from their stated principal amount. A prospectus supplement may describe the material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to a debt security issued with original issue discount.
If the principal of, premium, if any, or interest with regard to any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency, we will describe in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities any restrictions on currency conversions, tax considerations or other material restrictions with respect to that issue of debt securities.
Form of Debt Securities
We may issue debt securities in certificated or uncertificated form, in registered form with or without coupons or in bearer form with coupons, if applicable.
We may issue debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global certificates evidencing all or a portion of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series. We may deposit the global certificates with depositaries, and the certificates may be subject to restrictions upon transfer or upon exchange for debt securities in individually certificated form.
Events of Default and Remedies
An event of default with respect to each series of debt securities will include:
our default in payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any debt securities of any series beyond any applicable grace period;
our default for 30 days or a period specified in a supplemental indenture, which may be no period, in payment of any installment of interest due with regard to debt securities of any series;
our default for 60 days or a period specified in a supplemental indenture, which may be no period after notice in the observance or performance of any other covenants in the indenture; and
certain events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default (except a default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the series to do so.
The indenture provides that if any event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of a series of debt securities then outstanding may declare the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on that series of debt securities to be due and payable immediately by written notice to us.

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However, if we cure all defaults (except the failure to pay principal, premium or interest which became due solely because of the acceleration) and certain other conditions are met, that declaration may be annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the applicable series of debt securities.
The holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of a series of debt securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting proceedings for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.
A supplemental indenture relating to a particular series of debt securities may modify these events of default or include other events of default.
A prospectus supplement will describe any additional or different events of default which apply to any series of debt securities.
Modification of the Indenture
We and the trustee may:
without the consent of holders of debt securities, modify the indenture to cure errors or clarify ambiguities as evidenced in an officers’ certificate;
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities which are outstanding under the indenture, modify the indenture or the rights of the holders of the debt securities generally; and
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in outstanding principal amount of any series of debt securities, modify any supplemental indenture relating solely to that series of debt securities or the rights of the holders of that series of debt securities.
However, we may not:
extend the fixed maturity of any debt securities, reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest, if any, on any debt securities, reduce the principal amount of any debt securities or the premium, if any, on any debt securities, impair or affect the right of a holder to institute suit for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, with regard to any debt securities, change the currency in which any debt securities are payable or impair the right, if any, to convert any debt securities into common shares or any of our other securities, without the consent of each holder of debt securities who will be affected; or
reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities required to consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver, without the consent of the holders of all the then outstanding debt securities or outstanding debt securities of the series which will be affected.
Mergers and Other Transactions
We may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity, or transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another person (except leasing of our properties or assets in the ordinary course of our business), unless: (1) the entity formed by the consolidation or into which we are merged, or which acquires or leases our properties and assets substantially as an entirety, assumes by a supplemental indenture all our obligations with regard to outstanding debt securities and our other covenants under the indenture; (2) with regard to each series of debt securities, immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, with respect to that series of debt securities, and no event which would become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing and

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(3) we deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and opinion of counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture with respect to the merger or consolidation have been complied with.
Governing Law
The indenture, each supplemental indenture, and the debt securities issued under them is or will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of New York.



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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS
The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our declaration of trust and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and our declaration of trust and bylaws. Copies of our declaration of trust and bylaws are filed with the SEC and which we incorporate by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
Our Board of Trustees
Our declaration of trust provides that the number of trustees we have may be established only by our board of trustees and our bylaws provide that the number of our trustees may not be fewer than the minimum number required under the MRL, which is one, or more than 15. Because our board of trustees has the power to amend our bylaws, it could modify the bylaws to change that range. Subject to the terms of any class or series of preferred shares, vacancies on our board of trustees may be filled only by a majority of the remaining trustees, even if the remaining trustees do not constitute a quorum, and, if our board of trustees is classified, any trustee elected to fill a vacancy will hold office for the remainder of the full term of the trusteeship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.
Except as may be provided with respect to any class or series of our shares, at each annual meeting of our shareholders, each of our trustees will be elected by our common shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting of our shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. A plurality of the votes cast in the election of trustees is sufficient to elect a trustee, and holders of common shares will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of trustees. Consequently, at each annual meeting of shareholders, and subject to the rights of holders of any other class or series of shares, including our Series A preferred shares, to elect one or more trustees, the holders of a majority of the common shares entitled to vote will be able to elect all of our trustees at any annual meeting.
Removal of Trustees
Our declaration of trust provides that, subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of preferred shares, a trustee may be removed with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees.
Business Combinations
Under certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") applicable to a Maryland real estate investment trust, certain "business combinations," including a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities, between a Maryland real estate investment trust and an "interested shareholder" or, generally, any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the real estate investment trust's outstanding voting shares or an affiliate or associate of the real estate investment trust who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting shares of the real estate investment trust, or an affiliate of such an interested shareholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder becomes an interested shareholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of trustees of the real estate investment trust and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of the real

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estate investment trust and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting shares of the real estate investment trust other than shares held by the interested shareholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder, unless, among other conditions, the real estate investment trust's common shareholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested shareholder for its shares. Under the MGCL, a person is not an "interested shareholder" if the board of trustees approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested shareholder. A real estate investment trust's board of trustees may provide that its approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by it.
These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the real estate investment trust's board of trustees prior to the time that the interested shareholder becomes an interested shareholder. Pursuant to the statute, our board of trustees has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and (1) any other person, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of trustees (including a majority of trustees who are not affiliates or associates of such person), (2) Arlen D. Nordhagen and any of his affiliates and associates and (3) any person acting in concert with the foregoing, from these provisions of the MGCL. As a result, such persons may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interests of our shareholders without compliance by us with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute. This resolution, however, may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time. If this resolution is repealed, or our board of trustees does not otherwise approve a business combination, this statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Control Share Acquisitions
Certain provisions of the MGCL applicable to a Maryland real estate investment trust provide that a holder of "control shares" of a Maryland real estate investment trust acquired in a "control share acquisition" has no voting rights with respect to such shares except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding any of the following persons entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of such shares in the election of trustees: (1) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (2) an officer of the real estate investment trust or (3) an employee of the real estate investment trust who is also a trustee of the real estate investment trust. "Control shares" are voting shares which, if aggregated with all other such shares owned by the acquirer, or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing trustees within one of the following ranges of voting power: (A) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (B) one-third or more but less than a majority or (C) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares acquired directly from the real estate investment trust or shares that the acquirer is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained shareholder approval. A "control share acquisition" means the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an acquiring person statement (as described in the MGCL)), may compel the board of trustees to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the real estate investment trust may itself present the question at any shareholders' meeting.

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If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquirer does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the real estate investment trust may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or, if a meeting of shareholders is held at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved, as of the date of the meeting. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a shareholders' meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights, unless the declaration of trust or bylaws provide otherwise. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (a) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the real estate investment trust is a party to the transaction or (b) acquisitions approved or exempted by the declaration of trust or bylaws of the real estate investment trust.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our shares. There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future by our board of trustees.
Subtitle 8
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland real estate investment trust with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent trustees to elect to be subject, by provision in its declaration of trust or bylaws or a resolution of its board of trustees and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the declaration of trust or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions which provide for:
a classified board;
a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a trustee;
a requirement that the number of trustees be fixed only by vote of the trustees;
a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining trustees in office and (if the board is classified) for the remainder of the full term of the class of trustees in which the vacancy occurred; and
a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of shareholders.
We have not elected to be subject to any of the provisions of Subtitle 8. Moreover, our declaration of trust provides that, without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our shareholders entitled to vote generally in the election of trustees, we may not elect to be subject to any of the provisions of Subtitle 8. Through provisions in our declaration of trust and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (1) require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees for the removal of any trustee from the board, with or without cause, (2) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of trustees, (3) require that a vacancy on the board be filled only by a majority of the remaining trustees even if less than a quorum, and (4) require, unless called by our chairman of the board, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of trustees, the written request of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting to call a special meeting of shareholders.

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Shareholder Rights Plan
We do not have a shareholder rights plan and our board of trustees has adopted a policy that our board may not adopt any shareholder rights plan unless the adoption of the plan has been approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by shareholders entitled to vote generally in the election of trustees, except that our board of trustees may adopt a shareholder rights plan without the prior approval of our shareholders if our board, in the exercise of its duties, determines that seeking prior shareholder approval would not be in our best interests under the circumstances then existing. The policy further provides that if a shareholder rights plan is adopted by our board without the prior approval of our shareholders, the shareholder rights plan will expire on the date of the first annual meeting of shareholders held after the first anniversary of the adoption of the plan, unless an extension of the plan is approved by our common shareholders.
Meetings of Shareholders
Pursuant to our bylaws, a meeting of our shareholders for the purpose of the election of trustees and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time and place set by or under the direction of our board of trustees. In addition, our chairman, chief executive officer, president or board of trustees may call a special meeting of our shareholders. Subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust and bylaws, a special meeting of our shareholders will also be called by our secretary upon the written request of the shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting accompanied by the information required by our bylaws. Our secretary will inform the requesting shareholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and delivering the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting shareholders must pay such estimated cost before our secretary is required to prepare and deliver the notice of the special meeting. Only the matters set forth in the notice of any special meeting may be considered and acted upon at such meeting.
Exclusive Forum for Certain Litigation
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or if that court does not have jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any trustee or officer or other employee to us or to our shareholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or any trustee or officer or other employee arising pursuant to any provision of the MRL or our declaration of trust or bylaws, or (d) any action asserting a claim against us or any trustee or officer or other employee that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
Extraordinary Transactions
Under the MRL, a Maryland real estate investment trust generally cannot merge with or convert into another entity unless advised by its board of trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the trust's declaration of trust. Our declaration of trust provides that these mergers and conversions may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our declaration of trust also provides that we may sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets if advised by our board of trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, many of our operating assets will be held by our subsidiaries, and these subsidiaries may be able to sell all or substantially all of their assets or merge with another entity without the approval of our shareholders.

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Amendment to Our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws
Under the MRL, a Maryland real estate investment trust generally cannot amend its declaration of trust unless advised by its board of trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a different percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the trust's declaration of trust.
Except for amendments to the provisions of our declaration of trust related to the removal of trustees and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares and the vote required to amend the provision regarding amendments to such provisions (each of which require the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter), and certain amendments described in our declaration of trust that require only approval by our board of trustees, our declaration of trust may be amended only if advised by our board of trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our board of trustees has the power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.
Termination of our Company
Our declaration of trust provides for us to have a perpetual existence. Our termination must be approved by a majority of our entire board of trustees and the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Advance Notice of Trustee Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of shareholders, nominations of individuals for election to our board of trustees and the proposal of business to be considered by shareholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of trustees or (3) by a shareholder of record both at the time of the giving of the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each such nominee or on such other business and who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws. Our bylaws currently require the shareholder generally to provide notice to the secretary containing the information and other materials required by our bylaws not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date our proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies for election of trustees at the preceding year's annual meeting is first released to our shareholders (or in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year's annual meeting, not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made).
With respect to special meetings of shareholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to our board of trustees at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our board of trustees or (2) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with our bylaws for the purpose of electing trustees, by a shareholder of record both at the time of the giving of the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each such nominee and who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws. Such a shareholder may nominate one or more individuals, as the case may be, for election as a trustee if the shareholder's

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notice containing the information and other materials required by our bylaws is delivered to the secretary not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on the later of (1) the 90th day prior to such special meeting or (2) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and the nominees of our board of trustees to be elected at the meeting. The shareholder's notice must include the same information required to be included in a notice delivered in connection with an annual meeting as described in the preceding paragraph.
Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws
If the applicable exemption in our bylaws is repealed and/or the applicable resolution of our board of trustees is repealed, the control share acquisition provisions and/or the business combination provisions of the MGCL, respectively, as well as the provisions in our declaration of trust and bylaws on removal of trustees and filling trustee vacancies, the provisions in our declaration of trust regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares, together with the advance notice and shareholder-requested special meeting provisions of our bylaws, alone or in combination, could serve to delay, deter or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common shares or otherwise be in their best interests.
Indemnification and Limitation of Trustees' and Officers' Liability
Maryland law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to include in its declaration of trust a provision eliminating the liability of its trustees and officers to the real estate investment trust and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty that was established by a final judgment and was material to the cause of action. Our declaration of trust contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our trustees and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Maryland law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to indemnify and advance expenses to its trustees and officers to the same extent as permitted for directors and officers of Maryland corporations. The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our declaration of trust does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;
the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or
in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by or on behalf of the corporation in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to the corporation or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. Nevertheless, a court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by or on

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behalf of the corporation, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
In addition, the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon its receipt of:
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and
a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director's or officer's behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.
Our declaration of trust authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of such individual's ultimate entitlement to indemnification, to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to any individual who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service:
as a present or former trustee or officer; or
while a trustee or officer of our company and at our request, as a trustee, director, officer, partner, manager, or member of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise
from and against any claim or liability to which he or she may become subject or that he or she may incur by reason of his or her service in any of these capacities. Our declaration of trust and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our trustees and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of trustees, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
REIT Qualification
Our declaration of trust provides that our board of trustees may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without approval of our shareholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT. Our declaration of trust also provides that our board of trustees may determine that compliance with any restriction or limitation on ownership and transfer of our shares contained in our declaration of trust is no longer required for us to qualify as a REIT.


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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF OUR OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
The following is a summary of certain key terms of the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of our operating partnership, which we refer to as our "operating partnership agreement," including the partnership unit designations in effect. References in this section to "OP units" refer to Class A OP units, references to "subordinated performance units" refer to the Class B OP units, and references to "Series A-1 preferred units" refer to the 6.000% Series A-1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units, each as described in greater detail in our operating partnership agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our operating partnership agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms of our operating partnership agreement.
General
Our operating partnership's partnership interests are currently classified as OP units, subordinated performance units, preferred units, and LTIP units. The subordinated performance units are currently sub-divided into different series that correspond to each of the PROs. NSA is currently the general partner of our operating partnership and is authorized to cause our operating partnership to issue additional partnership interests, including OP units, preferred units and subordinated performance units, at such prices and on such other terms as we determine in our sole discretion.
Our operating partnership is structured to permit each OP unit holder and Series A-1 preferred unit holder (other than the general partner in its capacity as a limited partner), through the exercise of its redemption rights one year after the date of the issuance of such units, to redeem such units in our operating partnership for cash in an amount equal to the product of the per share market value of our common shares, in the case of OP units, and Series A preferred shares, in the case of Series A-1 preferred units, multiplied by the number of OP units or Series A-1 preferred units, respectively, in our operating partnership to be redeemed by such holder, subject to certain adjustments, as described in our operating partnership agreement. However, we may determine, in our sole and absolute discretion, to satisfy any such redemption request in exchange for our common shares equal to, in the case of OP units, the number of OP units in our operating partnership to be redeemed, or, in the case of Series A-1 preferred units, Series A preferred shares equal to the number of Series A-1 preferred units in our operating partnership to be redeemed, subject to certain adjustments as described in our operating partnership agreement, in lieu of cash. For further detail on redemption and exchange, see " —Redemption of OP Units " and " —Redemption of Series A-1 Preferred Units ."
The general partner of our operating partnership is under no obligation to give priority to the separate interests of the limited partners in deciding whether to cause our operating partnership to take or decline to take any actions. The general partner has full, exclusive and complete responsibility and discretion in the management and control of our operating partnership; provided, however, that the approval of the holders of a majority of the OP units and, in certain cases, subordinated performance units in our operating partnership may be required for certain actions, including amendments to our operating partnership agreement (except as discussed below and in our operating partnership agreement) and any action in contravention of an express prohibition or limitation of our operating partnership agreement. The general partner may not perform any act that would subject a limited partner to liability as a general partner in any jurisdiction or any other liability except as provided in our operating partnership agreement or under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act.
Amendments to our operating partnership agreement may only be proposed by the general partner of our operating partnership. Under certain circumstances, our operating partnership agreement expressly provides that the general partner may amend our operating partnership agreement in its sole discretion, without the consent of the other partners, such as to (1) reflect sales, exchanges, conversions, transfers, redemptions, capital contributions, the issuance

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of additional partnership units or similar events having an effect on a partner's ownership of partnership units, (2) reflect the admission of additional partners to our operating partnership, (3) facilitate the redemption of subordinated performance units or any series of subordinated performance units in our operating partnership and (4) reflect the exchange of limited partnership interests in one or more of our DownREIT partnerships for OP units or subordinated performance units in our operating partnership.
Regulatory Requirements
Our operating partnership agreement provides that our operating partnership is to be operated in a manner that will (i) allow our company to satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code and avoid any U.S. federal income or excise tax liability and (ii) ensure that our operating partnership will not be classified as a "publicly traded partnership" taxable as a corporation for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code.
Distributions
Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class or series of our partnership units ranking senior to the OP units and the subordinated performance units with respect to distribution rights, including the 6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units and Series A-1 preferred units, we are entitled to cause our operating partnership to make distributions to our OP unit holders and subordinated performance unit holders in our operating partnership from time to time in our sole discretion. To the extent distributions are made to the holders of OP units, the holders of each series of subordinated performance units are entitled to receive distributions with respect to the portfolio of self storage properties to which the series of subordinated performance units relates. Operating cash flow with respect to each portfolio of properties contributed to us is determined by subtracting property-related expenses from property revenues and capital transaction proceeds are determined by subtracting capital transaction expenses from capital transaction receipts, each of which is described in further detail below. To the extent that there is available operating cash flow or capital transaction proceeds, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may cause our operating partnership to make distributions with respect to each in accordance with the priorities described below.
Cash Distributions from our Operating Partnership
Under our operating partnership agreement, to the extent that we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, determine to make distributions to the partners of our operating partnership out of the operating cash flow or capital transaction proceeds generated by a real property portfolio managed by one of our PROs, the holders of the series of subordinated performance units that relate to such portfolio are entitled to share in such distributions. Under our operating partnership agreement, operating cash flow with respect to a portfolio of properties managed by one of our PROs is generally an amount determined by us, as general partner, of our operating partnership equal to the excess of property revenues over property related expenses from that portfolio. In general, property revenue from the portfolio includes:
all receipts, including rents and other operating revenues;
any incentive, financing, break-up and other fees paid to us by third parties;
amounts released from previously set aside reserves; and
any other amounts received by us, which we allocate to the particular portfolio of properties.
In general, property-related expenses include all direct expenses related to the operation of the properties in that portfolio, including real property taxes, insurance, property-level general and administrative expenses, employee costs, utilities, property marketing expense, property maintenance and property reserves and other expenses incurred at the property level. In addition, other expenses incurred by our operating partnership may also be allocated by us, as

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general partner, to the property portfolio and will be included in the property-related expenses of that portfolio. Examples of such other expenses include:
corporate-level general and administrative expenses;
out-of-pocket costs, expenses and fees of our operating partnership, whether or not capitalized;
the costs and expenses of organizing and operating our operating partnership;
amounts paid or due in respect of any loan or other indebtedness of our operating partnership during such period;
extraordinary expenses of our operating partnership not previously or otherwise deducted under item (ii) above;
any third-party costs and expenses associated with identifying, analyzing, and presenting a proposed property to us and/or our operating partnership; and
reserves to meet anticipated operating expenditures debt service or other liabilities, as determined by us.
To the extent that we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, determine to make distributions to the partners of our operating partnership out of the operating cash flow of a real property portfolio managed by one of our PROs, operating cash flow from a property portfolio is required to be allocated to holders of OP units and to the holders of series of subordinated performance units that relate to such property portfolio as follows:
First, an amount is allocated to holders of OP units in order to provide holders of OP units (together with any prior allocations of capital transaction proceeds) with a cumulative preferred allocation on the unreturned capital contributions attributed to the OP units in respect of such property portfolio. The preferred allocation for all of our existing portfolios is 6%.
Second, an amount is allocated to the holders of the series of subordinated performance units relating to such property portfolio in order to provide such holders with an allocation (together with prior distributions of capital transaction proceeds) on their unreturned capital contributions. Although the subordinated allocation for the subordinated performance units is non-cumulative from period to period, if the operating cash flow from a property portfolio related to a series of subordinated performance units is sufficient, in the judgment of the general partner (with the approval of a majority of our independent trustees), to fund distributions to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units, but we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, decline to make distributions to such holders, the amount available but not paid as distributions will be added to the subordinated allocation corresponding to such series of subordinated performance units. The subordinated allocation for the outstanding subordinated performance units is 6%.
Thereafter, any additional operating cash flow is allocated to holders of OP units and the applicable series of subordinated performance units equally.
Following the allocation described above, we as the general partner of our operating partnership, will generally cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to the relevant series of subordinated performance units to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units. We, as the general partner may cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to holders of the OP units or may cause our operating partnership to retain such amounts to be used by our operating partnership for any purpose. Any operating cash flow that is attributable to amounts retained by our operating partnership pursuant to the preceding sentence will generally be available to be allocated as an additional capital contribution to the various property portfolios.

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The foregoing description of the allocation of operating cash flow between the OP unit holders and subordinated performance unit holders is used for purposes of determining distributions to holders of subordinated performance units but does not necessarily represent the operating cash flow that will be distributed to holders of OP units (or paid as dividends to holders of our common shares). Any distribution of operating cash flow allocated to the holders of OP units will be made at our discretion (and paid as dividends to holders of our common shares at the discretion of our board of trustees).
Under our operating partnership agreement, capital transactions are transactions that are outside the ordinary course of our operating partnership's business, involve the sale, exchange, other disposition, or refinancing of any property, and are designated as capital transactions by us, as the general partner. To the extent the general partner determines to distribute capital transaction proceeds, the proceeds from capital transactions involving a particular property portfolio are required to be allocated to holders of OP units and to the series of subordinated performance units that relate to such property portfolio as follows:
First, an amount determined by us, as the general partner, of such capital transaction proceeds is allocated to holders of OP units in order to provide holders of OP units (together with any prior allocations of operating cash flow) with a cumulative preferred allocation on the unreturned capital contributions attributed to the holders of OP units in respect of such property portfolio that relate to such capital transaction plus an additional amount equal to such unreturned capital contributions.
Second, an amount determined by us, as the general partner, is allocated to the holders of the series of subordinated performance units relating to such property portfolio in order to provide such holders with a non-cumulative subordinated allocation on the unreturned capital contributions made by such holders in respect of such property portfolio that relate to such capital transaction plus an additional amount equal to such unreturned capital contributions.
The preferred allocation and subordinated allocation with respect to capital transaction proceeds for each portfolio is equal to the preferred allocation and subordinated allocation for distributions of operating cash flow with respect to that portfolio.
Thereafter, any additional capital transaction proceeds is allocated to holders of OP units and the applicable series of subordinated performance units equally.
Following the allocation described above, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, will generally cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to the relevant series of subordinated performance units to the holders of such series of subordinated performance units. We, as general partner of our operating partnership, may cause our operating partnership to distribute the amounts allocated to holders of the OP units or may cause our operating partnership to retain such amounts to be used by our operating partnership for any purpose, including additional acquisitions through the use of 1031 exchanges. Any capital transaction proceeds that are attributable to amounts retained by our operating partnership pursuant to the preceding sentence will generally be available to be allocated as an additional capital contribution to the various property portfolios.
The foregoing allocation of capital transaction proceeds between the OP unit holders and subordinated performance unit holders is used for purposes of determining distributions to holders of subordinated performance units but does not necessarily represent the capital transaction proceeds that will be distributed to holders of OP units (or paid as dividends to holders of our common shares). Any distribution of capital transaction proceeds allocated to the holders of OP units will be made at our discretion (and paid as dividends to holders of our common shares at the discretion of our board of trustees).

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Allocation of Capital Contributions
We, as the general partner of our operating partnership, in our discretion, have the right to increase or decrease, as appropriate, the amount of capital contributions allocated to our operating partnership in general and to each series of subordinated performance units to reflect capital expenditures made by our operating partnership in respect of each portfolio, the sale or refinancing of all or a portion of the properties comprising the portfolio, the distribution of capital transaction proceeds by our operating partnership, the retention by our operating partnership of cash for working capital purposes and other events impacting the amount of capital contributions allocated to the holders. In addition, to avoid conflicts of interests, any decision by us to increase or decrease allocations of capital contributions must also be approved by a majority of our independent trustees.
Additional Distribution Considerations
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership shall make such reasonable efforts, as determined by us in our sole and absolute discretion and consistent with our qualification as a REIT to cause our operating partnership to distribute sufficient amounts to enable us to pay shareholder dividends that will (i) satisfy the requirements for our qualification as a REIT and (ii) except to the extent otherwise determined by us, as the general partner, in our sole and absolute discretion, avoid any U.S. federal income or excise tax liability.
Conversion of Subordinated Performance Units into OP Units
Other than, at our election in connection with a retirement event or upon certain qualifying terminations, after a minimum of two years from the initial contribution of a PRO's properties to us, holders of subordinated performance units in our operating partnership may only voluntarily convert such units for OP units in our operating partnership upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds with respect to a specific self storage portfolio. A holder of subordinated performance units in our operating partnership may then elect one time each year prior to December 1st to convert a pre-determined portion of such units into OP units in our operating partnership, with each subordinated performance unit being converted into the number of OP units determined by dividing the average cash available for distribution ("CAD"), per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units over the one-year period prior to conversion by 110% of the CAD per unit on the OP units determined over the same period. CAD per unit on the series of specific subordinated performance units and OP units will be determined by us, as general partner, based generally upon the application of the provisions of the operating partnership agreement applicable to the distributions of operating cash flow and capital transactions proceeds described above.
In connection with a retirement of a PRO, after the same two-year lock-out period, that percentage will be set at 120% for conversions occurring in the first year in which a PRO is able to retire; 115% for conversions occurring in the second year; and 110% for conversions occurring thereafter. We refer to the applicable percentage used in calculating the conversion of subordinated performance units into OP units as the "conversion percentage" or the "conversion penalty." Imposing a greater conversion percentage in the first two years after a PRO is permitted to retire is intended to discourage retirement in those first two years.
Upon termination of the facilities portfolio management agreement for a PRO in the case of failure to meet performance thresholds or in the case of breach of non-competition covenants or certain key person standards, we will be permitted, at any time following such termination, to require that the subordinated performance units issued in respect of such PRO's managed portfolio be exchanged for OP units, with each subordinated performance unit being converted into the number of OP units determined by dividing the average CAD per unit on such subordinated performance units by 120% of the CAD per unit on the OP units in each case determined over the most recently completed calendar year prior to conversion.

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Restriction on Sale of Properties
The partnership unit designation applicable to each series of subordinated performance units provides that until March 31, 2023, our operating partnership shall not, and shall cause its subsidiaries not to, sell, dispose or otherwise transfer any property which is a part of the applicable self storage property portfolio relating to such series of subordinated performance units without the consent of the partners (including us) holding at least 50% of the then outstanding OP units in our operating partnership and the partners holding at least 50% of the then outstanding series of subordinated performance units in our operating partnership that relate to the applicable property, except for sales, dispositions or other transfers of a property to wholly-owned subsidiaries of our operating partnership.
Redemption of OP Units
Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, one year after the date of the issuance of OP units, each holder of OP units (other than the general partner in its capacity as a limited partner) will have the right to cause our operating partnership to redeem all or a portion of his, her or its OP units for cash in an amount equal to the product of the per share market value of our common shares multiplied by the number of OP units in our operating partnership to be redeemed by such holder, subject to certain adjustments, as described in our operating partnership agreement. The market value of a common share for this purpose will be equal to the average of the closing trading price of a common share on a U.S. national securities exchange for the ten trading days before the day on which the redemption notice is given to us. If a holder of OP units has tendered its OP units for redemption, we, in our sole and absolute discretion, may elect to assume and satisfy our operating partnership's obligation and acquire some or all of the tendered OP units in exchange for common shares, on a one for one basis, subject to certain adjustments, in lieu of our operating partnership paying cash for such tendered OP units. A tendering OP unit holder may elect to withdraw its redemption request at any time prior to the acceptance of cash or common shares from our company. Redemption rights of OP unit holders may not be exercised, however, if and to the extent that the delivery of shares upon such exercise would result in any person owning shares in excess of the ownership limit or any other restriction on ownership and transfer of our shares set forth in our declaration of trust.
Redemption of Series A-1 Preferred Units
Subject to certain limitations and exceptions set forth in the partnership unit designation for the Series A-1 preferred units, beginning one year after the date of issuance of each Series A-1 preferred unit, each existing holder of Series A-1 preferred units will have the right to cause our operating partnership to redeem all or a portion of his, her or its Series A-1 preferred units for cash in an amount equal to the product of the per share market value of our Series A preferred shares multiplied by the number of Series A-1 preferred units in our operating partnership to be redeemed by such holder, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments for share splits, subdivisions or combinations. The market value of a Series A preferred share for this purpose will be equal to the average of the closing trading price of a Series A preferred share on a U.S. national securities exchange for the ten trading days before the day on which the redemption notice is given to us (or, if such Series A preferred shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if such Series A preferred shares are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Series A Preferred Shares selected by our board of trustees or, in the event that no trading price is available for such Series A preferred shares, the fair market value of the Series A preferred shares, as determined in good faith by our board of trustees in its sole and absolute discretion). If a holder of Series A-1 preferred units has tendered his, her, or its Series A-1 preferred units for redemption, we, in our sole and absolute discretion, may elect to assume and satisfy our operating partnership's obligation and acquire some or all of the tendered Series A-1 preferred units in exchange for Series A preferred shares, on a one-for-one basis, subject to

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certain adjustments, in lieu of our operating partnership paying cash for such tendered Series A-1 preferred units. Such Series A preferred shares will be governed by the articles supplementary for the Series A preferred shares, as amended from time to time, or, in the event all the Series A preferred shares outstanding have been redeemed, by the articles supplementary for those Series A preferred shares, as amended from time to time, in the form such articles supplementary was in on the date of redemption. A tendering Series A-1 preferred unit holder may elect to withdraw its redemption request at any time prior to the acceptance of cash or Series A preferred shares from us. Redemption rights of Series A-1 preferred unit holders may not be exercised, however, if and to the extent that the delivery of preferred shares upon such exercise would result in any person owning preferred shares in excess of the ownership limit or any other restriction on ownership and transfer of our preferred shares set forth in our declaration of trust.
Exchange of OP Units for Subordinated Performance Units
We, as general partner, may permit any key person (as defined in each facilities portfolio management agreement) of a PRO who is an existing OP unit holder to exchange OP units held by such key person and his or her affiliates and associates for subordinated performance units in either of the following circumstances: (a) to enable a key person to make a required capital contribution (as defined in each facilities portfolio management agreement) in connection with an acquisition by our operating partnership of a self storage property after the effective date of the PRO's facilities portfolio management agreement; or (b) to permit a key person to meet certain pre-determined formulaic performance thresholds with respect to any calendar year.
Transferability of Limited Partner Interests
The limited partners of our operating partnership will not be able to transfer their OP units or subordinated performance units, in whole or in part, without the general partner's written consent and until the expiration of the lock-up period on such OP units and subordinated performance units in any applicable contribution agreement; provided, that a limited partner may transfer all or any portion of its OP units or subordinated performance units for bona fide estate planning purposes to an immediate family member or the legal representative, estate, trustee or other successor in interest, as applicable, of such limited partner.
Transferability of the General Partner's Interest in our Operating Partnership; Extraordinary Transactions
We, as general partner of our operating partnership, will not be able to (i) voluntarily withdraw from our operating partnership, or (ii) transfer or assign our interest in our operating partnership, without the consent of more than (a) 50% of the OP unit holders and (b) 50% of the voting power (as defined below) of the subordinated performance unit holders, unless the transfer is made in connection with any merger or sale of all or substantially all of the assets or shares of our company. In addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, we, as the general partner, will not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination, or sale of substantially all of our assets, in a transaction which results in a change of control of our operating partnership unless:
we receive the consent of OP unit holders holding more than 50% of the OP units (other than those held by our company or its subsidiaries), or as a result of such transaction all OP unit holders receive for each OP unit an amount of cash, securities or other property equal in value to the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid in the transaction to a holder of one of our common shares, provided that if, in connection with the transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of more than 50% of our outstanding common shares, each holder of OP units shall be given the option to exchange its OP units for the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property that an OP unit holder would have received had it (1) exercised its redemption right (described above) and (2) sold, tendered or exchanged pursuant to the offer, the

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common shares received upon exercise of the redemption right immediately prior to the expiration of the offer; and
we receive the consent of the subordinated performance unit holders holding more than 50% of the voting power (as defined below) of the subordinated performance units (other than those held by our company or its subsidiaries) unless, as a result of such transaction, the holders of subordinated performance units are offered a choice (1) to allow their subordinated performance units to remain outstanding without the terms thereof being materially and adversely changed or the subordinated performance units are converted into or exchanged for equity securities of the surviving entity having terms and conditions that are substantially similar to those of the subordinated performance units (it being understood that we may not be the surviving entity and that the parent of the surviving entity or the surviving entity may not be publicly traded) and (2) to receive for each subordinated performance unit an amount of cash, securities or other property payable to a holder of OP units as described above had such holder exercised its right to exchange its subordinated performance units for OP units, without taking into consideration a specified conversion penalty as described herein under "— Conversion of Subordinated Performance Units into OP Units ." Voting power with respect to the subordinated performance units is based on the number of OP units in which the subordinated performance units would be convertible at the time of such vote, if the two-year restriction on conversion described above were not applicable. See "— Conversion of Subordinated Performance Units into OP Units ." In determining whether we have received the consent of the subordinated performance unit holders holding more than 50% of the voting power of the subordinated performance units, our operating partnership agreement provides that we will have the right to exercise voting rights with respect to 50% of the OP units issued upon conversion of any subordinated performance units, as described herein under "— Conversion of Subordinated Performance Units into OP Units ," which will allow us (with respect to such OP units) to consent to the above or other matters that are presented to the holders of such units for their consideration and approval; and
in the case of any such transaction in which we have not received the consent of OP unit holders holding more than 50% of the OP units (other than those held by our company or its subsidiaries) and of subordinated performance unit holders holding more than 50% of the voting power of the subordinated performance units (other than those held by our company or its subsidiaries), such transaction is approved by a companywide vote of limited partners holding more than 50% of our outstanding OP units, including for this purpose OP units held by us and our subsidiaries. For purposes of this partnership vote, we and our subsidiaries will be deemed to have cast all votes that we would otherwise have been entitled to cast (other than with respect to subordinated performance units) in proportion to the manner in which all of our outstanding common shares were voted in our shareholder vote. In addition, limited partners holding subordinated performance units (other than us or our subsidiaries) shall be entitled to cast a number of votes equal to the lesser of (i) the total votes they would have been entitled to cast at our shareholders meeting had they converted their subordinated performance units into OP units, if the two-year restriction on conversion described above were not applicable, and such OP units had been exchanged for our common shares as of the record date for the shareholder meeting and (ii) the total votes they would have been entitled to cast at our shareholders meeting had they converted their subordinated performance units into OP units on a one for one basis and such OP units had been exchanged for our common shares as of the record date for the shareholders meeting. Furthermore, limited partners holding OP units shall be entitled to cast a number of votes

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equal to the total votes they would have been entitled to cast at our shareholders meeting had they exchanged their OP units for our common shares as of the record date for the shareholders meeting.
Our operating partnership may also merge with or into or consolidate with another entity without the consent of the limited partners if (i) consummated in connection with a merger, consolidation or other combination of the general partner, or the sale of substantially all of its assets, in compliance with the standards set forth under the heading "— Transferability of the General Partner's Interest in Our Operating Partnership; Extraordinary Transactions ," or (ii) immediately after such merger or consolidation (1) substantially all of the assets of the successor or surviving entity, other than partnership units held by us, are contributed, directly or indirectly, to the partnership as a capital contribution in exchange for partnership units with a fair market value equal to the value of the assets so contributed as determined by the survivor in good faith and (2) the survivor expressly agrees to assume all of the general partner's obligations under our operating partnership agreement and our partnership agreement shall be amended after any such merger or consolidation so as to arrive at a new method of calculating the amounts payable upon exercise of the redemption right that approximates the existing method for such calculation as closely as reasonably possible and the rights of the holders of subordinated performance units are substantially preserved (as determined by us) in any such transaction.
We also may (1) transfer all or any portion of our directly or indirectly held general partnership interest to a wholly-owned subsidiary, and following such transfer may withdraw as the general partner and (2) engage in a transaction required by law or by the rules of any national securities exchange on which our common shares are listed.
Dissolution of our Operating Partnership
Our operating partnership will continue in full force perpetually or until sooner dissolved in accordance with its terms or as otherwise provided by law.



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U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT and the acquisition, holding, and disposition of our common shares. For purposes of this section under the heading " U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations ," references to "the company," "we," "our" and "us" mean only National Storage Affiliates Trust, and not its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities, except as otherwise indicated. You are urged to review the following discussion and to consult your tax advisor to determine the effects of ownership and disposition of our shares on your individual tax situation, including any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.
This summary is based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department (the "Treasury Regulations"), current administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings) and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. No advance ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this summary. This summary is also based upon the assumption that the operation of the company, and of its subsidiaries and other lower-tier and affiliated entities, will in each case be in accordance with its applicable organizational documents or partnership agreements. This summary does not discuss the impact that U.S. state and local taxes and taxes imposed by non-U.S. jurisdictions could have on the matters discussed in this summary. This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular shareholder in light of its investment or tax circumstances, or to shareholders subject to special tax rules, such as:
U.S. expatriates;
persons who mark-to-market our common shares;
subchapter S corporations;
U.S. shareholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
financial institutions;
insurance companies;
broker-dealers;
regulated investment companies ("RICs");
REITs
holders who receive our common shares through the exercise of employee share options or otherwise as compensation;
persons holding our common shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge," "conversion transaction," "synthetic security" or other integrated investment;
persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;
persons holding their interest through a partnership or similar pass-through entity;
persons holding a 10% or more (by vote or value) beneficial interest in us;
and, except to the extent discussed below:

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tax-exempt organizations; and
non-U.S. shareholders (as defined below).
This summary assumes that shareholders hold our common shares as capital assets, which generally means as property held for investment.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF US AND HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING OUR COMMON SHARES TO ANY PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER WILL DEPEND ON THE SHAREHOLDER'S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU, IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES, OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES.
Taxation of Our Company
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015. We believe that we were organized and have operated, and we intend to continue to be organized and to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015.
The law firm of Clifford Chance US LLP has acted as our counsel in connection with the filing of this Registration Statement. We will receive an opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015, we have been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that the opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP will be based on various assumptions relating to our organization and operation, including that all factual representations and statements set forth in all relevant documents, records and instruments are true and correct, all actions described in this Registration Statement are completed in a timely fashion and that we will at all times operate in accordance with the method of operation described in our organizational documents and this Registration Statement. Additionally, the opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP will be conditioned upon factual representations and covenants made by our management and affiliated entities regarding our organization, assets, present and future conduct of our business operations and other items regarding our ability to meet the various requirements for qualification as a REIT, and will assume that such representations and covenants are accurate and complete and that we will take no action inconsistent with such representations and covenants. While we believe that we have been organized and operated and intend to continue to be organized and to operate so that we will continue to qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances or applicable law, no assurance can be given by Clifford Chance US LLP or us that we have in fact qualified or will so qualify for any particular year. Clifford Chance US LLP will have no obligation to advise us or the holders of our common shares of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. You should be aware that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in such opinions. In addition, Clifford Chance US LLP's opinion does not foreclose the possibility that we may have to utilize one or more REIT savings provisions discussed below, which could require the payment of an excise or penalty tax (which could be significant in amount) in order to maintain our REIT qualification.

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Our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual operating results, distribution levels, and diversity of share ownership, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. In addition, our ability to qualify as a REIT may depend in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes of certain entities in which we invest, including our investment in our operating partnership. Our ability to qualify as a REIT for a particular year also requires that we satisfy certain asset and income tests during such year, some of which depend upon the fair market values of assets directly or indirectly owned by us. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations for any taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy such requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
Taxation of REITs in General
As indicated above, our qualification and taxation as a REIT for a particular year depend upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis during such year, through actual results of operations, distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below under "— Requirements for Qualification—General. " While we intend to be organized and to operate so that we qualify as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification as a REIT, or that we will be able to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See "— Failure to Qualify ."
Provided that we qualify as a REIT, we will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and therefore will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net taxable income that we currently distribute to our shareholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" that generally results from investment in a C corporation. A "C corporation" is a corporation that generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the shareholder level when the income is distributed. Income generated by a REIT generally is taxed only at the shareholder level upon a distribution of dividends by the REIT.
U.S. shareholders (as defined below) who are individuals, trusts and estates are generally taxed on corporate dividends at a maximum rate of 20% (the same as long-term capital gains), thereby substantially reducing, though not completely eliminating, the double taxation that has historically applied to corporate dividends.
With limited exceptions, however, ordinary dividends received by noncorporate U.S. shareholders from us or from other entities that are taxed as REITs are not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rate. However, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, under the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, noncorporate taxpayers may deduct up to 20% of certain qualified business income, including "qualified REIT dividends" (generally, dividends received by a REIT shareholder that are not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income), subject to certain limitations, resulting in an effective maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 29.6% on such income. Net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to the shareholders of the REIT, subject to special rules for certain items such as capital gains recognized by REITs. See "— Taxation of Shareholders ."
If we qualify to be taxed as a REIT, we will nonetheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax as follows:
We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed income, including undistributed net capital gains.
For taxable years prior to 2018, we may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on our items of tax preference, if any.

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If we have net income from prohibited transactions, which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, other than foreclosure property, as described below, such income will be subject to a 100% tax. See " —Requirements for Qualification—General—Prohibited Transactions ," and "— Requirements for Qualification—General—Foreclosure Property ," below.
If we elect to treat property that we acquire in connection with a foreclosure of a mortgage loan or leasehold as "foreclosure property," we may thereby avoid (1) the 100% tax on gain from a resale of that property (if the sale would otherwise constitute a prohibited transaction), and (2) the inclusion of any income from such property not qualifying for purposes of the REIT gross income tests discussed below, but the income from the sale or operation of the property may be subject to corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate (currently 35%).
If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because other requirements are met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (1) the greater of (A) the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or (B) the amount by which we fail the 95% gross income test, as the case may be, multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
If we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests, as described below, other than a failure of the 5% or 10% REIT asset tests that does not exceed a statutory de minimis amount as described more fully below, but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate (currently 35%) of the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset tests.
If we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a gross income or asset test requirement) and that violation is due to reasonable cause, we may retain our REIT qualification, but we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.
If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, or the "required distribution," we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (A) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior years), plus (B) retained amounts on which U.S. federal income tax is paid at the corporate level.
We may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if we fail to meet record-keeping requirements intended to monitor our compliance with rules relating to the composition of its shareholders, as described below in " —Requirements for Qualification—General ."
A 100% excise tax may be imposed on some items of income and expense that are directly or constructively paid between us, our tenants and/or any TRSs if and to the extent that the IRS successfully adjusts the reported amounts of these items.
If we acquire any asset from a corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., a corporation taxable under subchapter C of the Code) in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the asset in our hands is less than the fair market value of the asset, determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset, and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the five-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then we will be required to pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent

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of the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over (2) our adjusted tax basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date on which we acquired the asset. The results described in the preceding sentence could occur if we failed to qualify as a REIT (and, thus, were treated as a subchapter C corporation) for a prior year and then re-qualified as a REIT in a later year, in which case the appreciation would be measured as of the beginning of the year in which we first re-qualified as a REIT. Any gain from the sale of property acquired by us in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like kind exchange) or 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code is excluded from the application of this built-in gains tax.
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, a shareholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the shareholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the shareholder's basis in shares of our common shares. Shareholders that are U.S. corporations will also appropriately adjust their earnings and profits for the retained capital gain in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated.
We may have subsidiaries or own interests in other lower-tier entities that are subchapter C corporations, including any TRSs, the earnings of which could be subject to U.S. federal and state corporate income tax.
In addition, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including state, local, and foreign income, transfer, franchise, property and other taxes. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.
Requirements for Qualification—General
The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
(1)
that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
(2)
the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
(3)
that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the special Code provisions applicable to REITs;
(4)
that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to specific provisions of the Code;
(5)
the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;
(6)
in which, during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares are owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code to include specified entities);
(7)
that meets other tests described below, including with respect to the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions; and
(8)
that makes an election to be a REIT for the current taxable year or has made such an election for a previous taxable year that has not been terminated or revoked.
The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) do not need to be satisfied for the first taxable year for which an election to become

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a REIT has been made. Our declaration of trust provides restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our shares, which are intended to assist in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. For purposes of condition (6), an "individual" generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.
To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we are required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our shares in which the record holders are to disclose the actual owners of the shares (i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand must be maintained as part of our records. Failure by us to comply with these record-keeping requirements could subject us to monetary penalties. If we satisfy these requirements and after exercising reasonable diligence would not have known that condition (6) is not satisfied, we will be deemed to have satisfied such condition. A shareholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of the shares and other information.
In addition, a corporation generally may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable year is the calendar year. We satisfy this requirement. Furthermore, a corporation does not qualify as a REIT for a given taxable year if, as of the final day of the taxable year, the corporation has any undistributed earnings and profits that accumulated during a period that the corporation was not treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2015, and therefore we believe that we will meet this requirement.
Effect of Subsidiary Entities
Ownership of Partnership Interests. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership (references herein to "partnership" include limited liability companies that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes), Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the partnership's assets and to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's gross income based on its pro rata share of capital interests in the partnership for purposes of the asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, as described below. However, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, described below, the determination of a REIT's interest in partnership assets will be based on the REIT's proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding, for these purposes, certain excluded securities as described in the Code. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership generally are deemed to retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of income of our operating partnership and any other partnerships in which we own an equity interest (including such partnership's share of these items of other partnerships in which it owns an equity interest), is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the REIT requirements described below. Consequently, to the extent that we directly or indirectly hold a preferred or other equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control, or only limited influence, over the partnership. A summary of certain rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships and their partners is provided below in "— Tax Aspects of Investments in Partnerships ."
Disregarded Subsidiaries . If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," that subsidiary is disregarded as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs as summarized below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a TRS, as described below under " Taxable REIT Subsidiaries ," that is wholly owned by a REIT, or by other disregarded subsidiaries, or by a combination of the two. Single member

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limited liability companies that are wholly owned by a REIT are also generally disregarded as separate entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT gross income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries, along with partnerships in which we hold an equity interest, are sometimes referred to herein as "pass-through subsidiaries."
In the event that a disregarded subsidiary ceases to be wholly owned by us—for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another disregarded subsidiary of ours—the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the value or voting power of the outstanding securities of another corporation. See "— Gross Income Tests " and " —Asset Tests ."
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries . A REIT generally may jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a TRS. The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation, unlike a disregarded subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, such an entity would generally be subject to corporate U.S. federal, state and local income or franchise taxes on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by us and our subsidiaries in the aggregate, and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
We have jointly elected with NSA TRS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that is indirectly owned by us through our operating partnership ("NSA TRS"), for NSA TRS to be treated as a TRS. This allows NSA TRS to invest in assets and engage in activities that could not be held or conducted directly by us without jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT. A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or other taxable subsidiary corporation or as receiving any income that the subsidiary earns. Rather, the shares issued by the subsidiary are an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the subsidiary. This treatment can affect the gross income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT, as described below. Because a REIT does not include the assets and income of such subsidiary corporations in determining the REIT's compliance with the REIT requirements, such entities may be used by the parent REIT to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude it from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries or render commercially unfeasible (for example, activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as management fees or fees for certain non-customary services to tenants of the REIT). If dividends are paid to us by NSA TRS or one or more other TRSs we may own, then a portion of the dividends that we distribute to shareholders who are taxed at individual rates may be eligible for taxation at the preferential tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income rather than at ordinary income rates. See " Taxation of Shareholders Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders " and "— Annual Distribution Requirements ."
Certain restrictions imposed on TRSs are intended to ensure that such entities will be subject to appropriate levels of U.S. federal income taxation. We may make loans to certain of our TRSs. Deductions for interest paid on any such loan by a TRS may be limited unless we elect out of such limitation.
In addition, if amounts are paid to a REIT or deducted by a TRS due to transactions between a REIT, its tenants and/or a TRS that exceed the amount which would be paid to or deducted by a party in an arm's-length transaction, the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of such excess.
Rents received by us that include amounts for services furnished by a TRS to any of our tenants will not be subject to the excise tax if such amounts qualify for the safe harbor provisions contained in the Code. Safe harbor provisions are provided where (1) amounts are excluded from the definition of impermissible tenant service income

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as a result of satisfying a 1% de minimis exception; (2) a TRS renders a significant amount of similar services to unrelated parties and the charges for such services are substantially comparable; (3) rents paid to us by tenants that are not receiving services from the TRS are substantially comparable to the rents by our tenants leasing comparable space that are receiving such services from the TRS and the charge for the services is separately stated; or (4) the TRS's gross income from the service is not less than 150% of the TRS's direct cost of furnishing the service.
We intend to structure transactions with any TRS on terms that we believe are arm's length to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above. There can be no assurances, however, that we will be able to avoid application of the 100% tax.
We expect to hold certain assets directly or indirectly in NSA TRS or one or more other TRSs. We may conduct certain activities (such as facilitating sales of tenant insurance, selling packing supplies and locks and renting trucks or other moving equipment) through such TRSs. We are subject to the limitation that securities in TRSs may not represent more than 20% (25% for our taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018) of a REIT's assets. There can be no assurance that we will at all times be able to continue to comply with such limitation.
Gross Income Tests
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we annually must satisfy two gross income tests. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in "prohibited transactions" and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including "rents from real property," dividends received from and gain from the disposition of shares of other REITs, interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities), and gains from the sale of real estate assets (other than income or gains with regard to debt instruments issued by public REITs that are not otherwise secured by real property), as well as income from certain kinds of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from some combination of income that qualifies under the 75% income test described above, as well as other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property.
For purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, a REIT is deemed to have earned a proportionate share of the income earned by any partnership, or any limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which it owns an interest, which share is determined by reference to its capital interest in such entity, and is deemed to have earned the income earned by any qualified REIT subsidiary.
Rents received by us will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the 75% gross income test described above only if several conditions are met, including the following:
The rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount will not be excluded from rents from real property solely by being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales or being based on the net income or profits of a tenant that derives substantially all of its income with respect to such property from subleasing of substantially all of such property, to the extent that the rents paid by the sublessees would qualify as rents from real property if earned directly by us.
If rent is partly attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property, the portion of the total rent that is attributable to the personal property will not qualify as rents from real property unless it constitutes 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease.

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Moreover, for rents received to qualify as rents from real property, we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render certain services to the tenants of such property, other than through an "independent contractor" who is adequately compensated and from which we derive no income, or through a TRS, as discussed below. We are permitted, however, to perform services that are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant of the property. Examples of these permitted services include the provision of light, heat or other utilities, trash removal, and general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we may directly or indirectly provide non-customary services to tenants of our properties if the gross income from such services does not exceed 1% of the total gross income from the property. In such a case, only the amounts for non-customary services are not treated as rents from real property and the provision of the services does not disqualify the rents from treatment as rents from real property. For purposes of this test, the gross income received from such non-customary services is deemed to be at least 150% of the direct cost of providing the services. Moreover, we are permitted to provide services to tenants through a TRS without disqualifying the rental income received from tenants as rents from real property.
Also, rental income will qualify as rents from real property only to the extent that we do not directly or indirectly (through application of certain constructive ownership rules) own, (1) in the case of any tenant which is a corporation, stock possessing 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of stock of such tenant, or (2) in the case of any tenant which is not a corporation, an interest of 10% or more in the assets or net profits of such tenant (in each case, a "related party tenant"). However, rental payments from a TRS will qualify as rents from real property even if we own more than 10% of the total value or combined voting power of the TRS if at least 90% of the property is leased to unrelated tenants and the rent paid by the TRS is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the unrelated tenants for comparable space as determined at the time the lease with the TRS is entered into, extended and modified, if such modification increases the rent due under such lease.
Unless we determine that the resulting nonqualifying income under any of the following situations, taken together with all other nonqualifying income earned by us in the taxable year, will not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT, we do not intend to:
charge rent for any property that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person, except by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales, as described above;
rent any property to a related party tenant, including a TRS, unless the rent from the lease to the TRS would qualify for the special exception from the related party tenant rule applicable to certain leases with a TRS;
derive rental income attributable to personal property other than personal property leased in connection with the lease of real property, the amount of which is less than 15% of the total rent received under the lease; or
directly perform services considered to be noncustomary or rendered to the occupant of the property.
As noted above, we may conduct certain activities, such as facilitating tenant insurance-related activities, selling packing supplies and renting trucks or other moving equipment. We expect that such activities will be conducted through our PROs on behalf of NSA TRS or one or more other TRSs unless any nonqualifying income from such

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activities would be de minimis. In addition, we will also provide certain other tenant services through our PROs and other third-party contractors who we believe will qualify as independent contractors. We believe that all services provided by such parties on behalf of our Operating Partnership to our tenants are customary. As a result, we do not believe that any of the income that we receive from the rental of storage units will be treated as impermissible tenant service income. However, if the IRS were to successfully challenge our treatment of any such services directly provided to tenants, or our PROs did not qualify as independent contractors, it could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
Fee income received by a REIT from performing property management or similar services to third-parties (including a portion of any management fee income a REIT receives with respect to a joint venture in which the REIT holds an interest) is treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. If we were to receive or be deemed to receive any third-party management fees other than through a TRS, it could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. To the extent that we are entitled to receive any such third-party management fees, we intend to earn any such management fee income through a TRS.
Any dividends we receive will generally be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test and any dividends we receive from a REIT will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 95% and 75% gross income tests.
We may directly or indirectly receive distributions from TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries. These distributions will be classified as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions will generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We may from time to time need to make distributions from a TRS in order to keep the value of the securities that we hold in our TRSs below 20% (25% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018) of our total assets. See " —Asset Tests ." While we will monitor our compliance with these income test and asset tests, and intend to conduct our affairs so as to comply with them, they may at times be in conflict with one another. For example, it is possible that we may wish to distribute a dividend from a TRS in order to reduce the value of TRS securities below 20% (25% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018) of our assets, but may be unable to do so without violating the 75% gross income test. Although there are other measures we can take in such circumstances in order to remain in compliance with the requirements for REIT qualification, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with these tests in all market conditions.
Interest income constitutes qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test (as described above) to the extent that the obligation is secured by a mortgage on real property. If we receive interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by both real property and other property, and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date that we acquired or originated the mortgage loan, then, subject to the exception described below, the interest income will be apportioned between the real property and the other property, and our income from the arrangement will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test only to the extent that the interest is allocable to the real property. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, if a loan is secured by both real property and personal property and the fair market value of the personal property does not exceed 15% of the fair market value of all real and personal property securing the loan, the loan is treated as secured solely by the real property for purposes of these rules. Even if a loan is not secured by real property or is undersecured, the income that it generates may nonetheless qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test.
To the extent that the terms of a loan provide for contingent interest that is based on the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the property securing the loan (a "shared appreciation provision"), income attributable to the participation feature will be treated as gain from sale of the underlying property, which generally will be qualifying income for

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purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, provided that the property is not inventory or dealer property in the hands of the borrower or us.
Hedging Transactions
We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent provided by Treasury Regulations, any income from a hedging transaction we enter into (1) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets, which we clearly identify as specified in Treasury Regulations before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, (2) primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income tests which is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, or (3) primarily to manage risk with respect to a hedging transaction described in clause (1) or clause (2) after the extinguishment of such borrowings or disposal of the asset producing such income that is hedged by the hedging transaction, provided, in each case, that the hedging transaction is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated or entered into, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT.
Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests
We intend to monitor our sources of income, including any non-qualifying income received by us, so as to ensure compliance with the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will generally be available if the failure of our company to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and, following the identification of such failure, we set forth a description of each item of our gross income that satisfies the gross income tests in a schedule for the taxable year filed in accordance with the Treasury Regulations. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests and these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above under " —Taxation of Our Company " and " —Taxation of REITs in General ," even where these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed upon the profit attributable to the amount by which we fail to satisfy the particular gross income test, which could be significant in amount.
Asset Tests
At the close of each calendar quarter we must also satisfy five tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of "real estate assets," cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, and, under some circumstances, stock or debt instruments purchased with new capital. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land, buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other REITs, interests in mortgages secured by real property or by interests in real property, certain kinds of mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans, and, beginning in 2016, debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs, interests in obligations secured by both real property and personal property if the fair market value of the personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value securing such mortgage, and personal

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property to the extent income from such personal property is treated as "rents from real property" because the personal property is rented in connection with a rental of real property and constitutes less than 15% of the aggregate property rented. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% test are subject to the additional asset tests described below.
Second, the value of any one issuer's securities owned by us may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding securities, as measured by either voting power or value. Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of any TRSs held by us may not exceed 25% (20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of our total assets. Fifth, the aggregate value of debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs held by us that are not otherwise secured by real property may not exceed 25% of the value of our total assets.
The 5% and 10% asset tests described above do not apply to securities of TRSs, qualified REIT subsidiaries or securities that are "real estate assets" for purposes of the 75% gross asset test described above. The 10% value test does not apply to certain "straight debt" and other excluded securities, as described in the Code including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, for purposes of applying the 10% value test: (1) a REIT's interest as a partner in a partnership is not considered a security issued by the partnership; (2) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership if at least 75% of the partnership's gross income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% REIT gross income test; and (3) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership to the extent of the REIT's interest as a partner in the partnership. For purposes of the 10% value test, "straight debt" means a written unconditional promise to pay on demand on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower's discretion, or similar factors other than certain contingencies relating to the timing and amount of principal and interest payments, as described in the Code and (iii) in the case of an issuer that is a corporation or a partnership, securities that otherwise would be considered straight debt will not be so considered if we, and any of our "controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries," as defined in the Code, hold any securities of the corporate or partnership issuer which (a) are not straight debt or other excluded securities (prior to the application of this rule), and (b) have an aggregate value greater than 1% of the issuer's outstanding securities (including, for the purposes of a partnership issuer, its interest as a partner in the partners).
The asset tests must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through our operating partnership) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, and also at the close of each calendar quarter in which we increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of increasing our interest in our operating partnership). For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer will increase as a result of our capital contributions to our operating partnership or as limited partners exercise their redemption/exchange rights. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter (including as a result of an increase in our interest in our operating partnership), we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. If we fail to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests within the 30 day cure period, we would cease to qualify as a REIT unless we are eligible for certain relief provisions discussed below. We believe that our holdings of securities and other assets will comply with the foregoing REIT asset requirements, and we intend to monitor compliance with such tests on an ongoing basis. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in this effort.

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Moreover, the values of some of our assets, including the securities of any TRSs or other nonpublicly traded investments, may not be susceptible to a precise determination and are subject to change in the future. Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT asset tests. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully contend that our assets do not meet the requirements of the REIT asset tests.
Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30 day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets: (i) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the applicable quarter or (b) $10 million; and (ii) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30 day cure period by taking steps including: (i) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury Regulations to be issued; (ii) paying a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the highest corporate tax rate (currently 21%) multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets; and (iii) disclosing certain information to the IRS.
Annual Distribution Requirements
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to:
(a)
the sum of:
90% of our "REIT taxable income" (computed without regard to our deduction for dividends paid and our net capital gains), and
90% of the net income, if any (after tax), from foreclosure property, as described below, and recognized built-in gain, as discussed above, minus
(b)
the sum of specified items of non-cash income that exceeds a percentage of our net taxable income.
These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if such distributions are declared in October, November or December of the taxable year, are payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in any such month, and are actually paid before the end of January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as both paid by us and received by each shareholder on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared before we timely file our tax return for the year, provided we pay such distribution with or before our first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided that such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such taxable year. These distributions are taxable to our shareholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.
To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our net taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax at ordinary corporate tax rates on the retained portion. In addition, we may elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, we would elect to have our shareholders include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in their income and receive

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a corresponding credit for their proportionate share of the tax paid by us. Our shareholders would then increase their adjusted basis in our shares by the difference between the designated amounts included in their long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to their proportionate shares.
If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax on the excess of such amount over the sum of (A) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior periods) and (B) the amounts of income retained on which we have paid corporate income tax. We intend to make timely distributions so that we are not subject to the 4% excise tax. In addition, certain amounts can generate mismatches between net taxable income and available cash, such as rental real estate financed through debt with requires some or all of available cash flow to service borrowings. In certain circumstances, our deductions of interest on such borrowings could be limited for tax purposes absent our election out of such limitation.
It is possible that we, from time to time, may not have sufficient cash to meet the REIT distribution requirements due to timing differences between (1) the actual receipt of cash, including the receipt of distributions from any partnership subsidiaries and (2) the inclusion of items in income by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Additional potential sources of non-cash taxable income include loans held by us as assets that are issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable interest income in advance of our receipt in cash, loans on which the borrower is permitted to defer cash payments of interest and distressed loans on which we may be required to accrue taxable interest income even though the borrower is unable to make current interest payments in cash. In the event that such timing differences occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, it might be necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings, or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property, including taxable share dividends. In the case of a taxable share dividend, shareholders would be required to include the dividend as income and would be required to satisfy the tax liability associated with the distribution with cash from other sources including sales of our shares. Both a taxable share distribution and sale of shares resulting from such distribution could adversely affect the price of our shares.
We may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to shareholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In this case, we may be able to avoid losing our REIT qualification or being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, subject to the 4% excise tax described above. However, we will be required to pay interest and a penalty based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
Tax on Built-In Gains
If we acquire appreciated assets from a subchapter C corporation in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the assets in our hands is less than the fair market value of the assets, determined at the time we acquired such assets, and if we subsequently dispose of any such assets during the 5-year period following the acquisition of the assets from the C corporation, we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate tax rates on any gain from such assets to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the assets on the date that they were contributed to us over the basis of such assets on such date, which we refer to as built-in gains. Similarly, to the extent that any C corporation holds an interest in an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (either directly or through one or more other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and we acquire appreciated assets from such partnership in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the assets in our hands is less than the fair market value determined at the time we acquired such assets, determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the assets in the hands of the partnership, the underlying C corporation's proportionate share of such assets will be treated as contributed by a C corporation and therefore will be subject to the tax on built-in gains. However, the built-in gains tax will not

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apply if the C corporation elects to be subject to an immediate tax upon the transfer. Any gain from the sale of property acquired by us in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like kind exchange) or 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code is excluded from the application of this built-in gains tax.
Recordkeeping Requirements
We are required to maintain records and request on an annual basis information from specified shareholders. These requirements are designed to assist us in determining the actual ownership of our outstanding shares and maintaining our qualification as a REIT.
Prohibited Transactions
Net income that we derive from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100% tax. The term "prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property) that is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business by a REIT, by a lower-tier partnership in which the REIT holds an equity interest or by a borrower that has issued a shared appreciation mortgage or similar debt instrument to the REIT. We intend to conduct our operations so that the real properties owned by us or our pass-through subsidiaries will not be treated as held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, and that a sale of any properties by us will not be treated as in the ordinary course of business. However, whether property is held as inventory or "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances. The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property by a TRS, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the TRS at regular corporate income tax rates. No assurance can be given that any particular property in which we hold a direct or indirect interest will not be treated as property held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers.
The Code provides a safe harbor that, if met, allows us to avoid being treated as engaged in a prohibited transaction. In order to meet the safe harbor, among other things, (i) we must have held the property for at least two years (and, in the case of property which consists of land or improvements not acquired through foreclosure, we must have held the property for two years for the production of rental income), (ii) we capitalized expenditures on the property in the two years preceding the sale that are less than 30% of the net selling price of the property, and (iii) (a) we either have seven or fewer sales of property (excluding certain property obtained through foreclosure or sales to which Section 1033 of the Code applies (involuntary conversions)) for the year of sale, (b) the aggregate adjusted bases of properties (excluding certain property obtained through foreclosure or sales to which Section 1033 of the Code applies (involuntary conversions)) sold by us during the taxable year is 10% or less of the aggregate adjusted bases of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, (c) the aggregate fair market value of properties (excluding certain property obtained through foreclosure or sales to which Section 1033 of the Code applies (involuntary conversions)) sold by us during the taxable year is 10% or less of the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year, or (d) as an alternative to the tests described in clauses (b) and (c), effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, the applicable percentage limit (of aggregate adjusted bases or fair market value, as applicable) may be increased to 20%, provided that the average percentage (of aggregate adjusted bases or fair market value, as applicable) for the current and prior two taxable years does not exceed 10%. For purposes of applying the safe harbor, the sale of more than one property to one buyer as part of one transaction constitutes one sale.
In order to avoid sales of inventory being subject to the prohibited transaction tax, we conduct certain activities (such as selling packing supplies and locks) through NSA TRS.
Foreclosure Property
Foreclosure property is real property (including interests in real property) and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that is acquired by a REIT as a result of the REIT having bid on the property at foreclosure,

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or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by the REIT and secured by the property, (2) for which the related loan or lease was made, entered into or acquired by the REIT at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated, and (3) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (currently 35%) on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that would otherwise be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property in the hands of the selling REIT.
Tax Aspects of Investments in Partnerships
General
We will hold investments through entities that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including our operating partnership and equity interests in lower-tier partnerships including our DownREIT partnerships. In general, partnerships are "pass-through" entities that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and are subject to tax on these items without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in income the applicable proportionate share of these partnership items for purposes of the various REIT income tests, based on the relevant capital interest in such partnership, and in the computation of net taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we will include the proportionate share of assets held by subsidiary partnerships, including our operating partnership and DownREIT partnerships, based on the relevant capital interest in such partnerships (other than for purposes of the 10% value test, for which the determination of a REIT's interest in partnership assets is based on the REIT's proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership excluding, for these purposes, certain excluded securities as described in the Code). Consequently, to the extent that we hold an equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control, or only limited influence, over the partnership.

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Entity Classification
The investment by us in partnerships involves special tax considerations, including the possibility of a challenge by the IRS of the status of any such subsidiary partnerships as a partnership (or a disregarded entity, as applicable), as opposed to an association taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, an entity that would otherwise be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes may nonetheless be taxable as a corporation if it is a "publicly traded partnership" and certain other requirements are met. A partnership or limited liability company would be treated as a publicly traded partnership if its interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or a substantial equivalent thereof, within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations. In addition, under the relevant Treasury Regulations, interests in a partnership will not be considered readily tradable on a secondary market or on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market if the partnership qualifies for specified safe harbors, which are based on the specific facts and circumstances relating to the partnership. We believe that our operating partnership may qualify for at least one of these safe harbors and we do not anticipate that our operating partnership, or any subsidiary partnership or limited liability company will be treated as a publicly traded partnership which is taxable as a corporation. If any of these entities were treated as an association for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or a publicly traded partnership, it would be taxable as a corporation and, therefore, would be subject to an entity-level tax on its income. In such a situation, the character of the assets and items of gross income of the REIT holding interests in such partnership would change, which could preclude such REIT from satisfying the REIT asset tests (particularly the tests generally preventing a REIT from owning more than 10% of the voting securities, or more than 10% of the value of the securities, of a corporation) or the gross income tests as discussed in " —Requirements for Qualification—General—Gross Income Tests " and " Requirements for Qualification—General—Asset Tests " above, and in turn could prevent the REIT from qualifying as a REIT. See "— Failure to Qualify ," below, for a discussion of the effect of a failure to meet these tests for a taxable year. In addition, any change in the U.S. federal income tax status of any DownREIT partnership in which we hold an interest might be treated as a taxable event, in which case such REIT could have taxable income that is subject to the REIT distribution requirements without receiving any cash.
Tax Allocations With Respect to Partnership Properties
A partnership is not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Rather, we are required to take into account our allocable share of each partnership item of income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for any taxable year of such partnership ending with our taxable year, without regard to whether we have received or will receive any distribution from the partnership. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, however, the tax liability for adjustments to a partnership's tax returns made as a result of an audit by the IRS will be imposed on the partnership itself in certain circumstances absent an election to the contrary.
The partnership agreements of our operating partnership and DownREIT partnerships generally provide that items of operating income and loss will be allocated to the holders of units in a manner that is consistent with the distribution provisions of the partnership agreement. If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners' interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. Our operating partnership's and DownREIT partnership's allocations of income and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under this section of the Code.
Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for tax purposes in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized

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loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value, or book value, of the contributed property and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of the contribution (a "book-tax difference"). Such allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect partnership capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners.
Certain investors have made in-kind contributions of appreciated property (including equity interests in DownREIT partnerships) to our operating partnership in exchange for interests in our operating partnership, including contributions made in connection with the formation of our operating partnership. In addition, in connection with future asset acquisitions, appreciated property may be acquired by our operating partnership in exchange for interests in our operating partnership. The partnership agreements of our operating partnership and DownREIT partnerships require that allocations with respect to such acquired property be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of allocating book-tax differences. The Operating Partnership expects to use the traditional method for purposes of allocating its book-tax differences among its partners. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method from our perspective but may be requested by a contributor of property that our operating partnership acquires, the carryover basis of the acquired properties in the hands of our operating partnership (1) may cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation and other deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all of the acquired properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of acquisition and (2) in the event of a sale of such properties, could cause us to be allocated gain in excess of our corresponding economic or book gain (or taxable loss that is less than our economic or book loss), with a corresponding benefit to the partners transferring such properties to our operating partnership for interests in our operating partnership. Therefore, the use of the traditional method could result in our having taxable income that is in excess of our economic or book income as well as our cash distributions from our operating partnership, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements or result in our shareholders recognizing additional dividend income without an increase in distributions.
Failure to Qualify
In the event that we violate a provision of the Code that would result in a failure to qualify as a REIT, such REIT may nevertheless continue to qualify as a REIT if (1) the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, (2) the REIT pays a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a REIT and (3) the violation does not include a violation under the gross income or asset tests described above. This cure provision reduces the instances that could lead to our disqualification as a REIT for violations due to reasonable cause. Relief provisions are also available for failures of the income and asset tests, as described above in "— Requirements for Qualification—General—Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests " and "— Requirements for Qualification—General—Asset Tests ." If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and none of the relief provisions of the Code apply, we will be subject to tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to our shareholders in any year in which such entity is not a REIT will not be deductible by us, nor will we be required to make any distributions. In this situation, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, and, subject to limitations of the Code, distributions to our shareholders will generally be taxable as regular corporate dividends. In the case of U.S. shareholders (as defined below) who are individuals, trusts and estates, such dividends may be eligible for the preferential income tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income (at a maximum rate of 20%), and dividends in the hands of corporate U.S. shareholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. It is not possible to state whether, in all circumstances, we will be entitled to statutory relief.

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Taxation of Shareholders
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders
This section summarizes the taxation of U.S. shareholders that are not tax-exempt organizations. For these purposes, a U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of our common shares who for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (including the District of Columbia);
an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
any trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our common shares should consult its tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares by the partnership.
     Distributions. Provided that we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our taxable U.S. shareholders out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, will generally be taken into account by them as ordinary dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. In determining the extent to which a distribution with respect to our common shares constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with respect to our preferred shares and then to our common shares. Dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible to be taxed at the preferential income tax rates applicable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders who receive qualified dividend income from taxable subchapter C corporations. However, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, under the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, noncorporate taxpayers may deduct up to 20% of certain qualified business income, including "qualified REIT dividends" (generally, dividends received by a REIT shareholder that are not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income), subject to certain limitations, resulting in an effective maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 29.6% on such income.
Distributions from us that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains, to the extent that they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the U.S. shareholder has held its shares. To the extent that we elect under the applicable provisions of the Code to retain our net capital gains, U.S. shareholders will be treated as having received, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our undistributed capital gains as well as a corresponding credit for taxes paid by us on such retained capital gains.
U.S. shareholders will increase their adjusted tax basis in our common shares by the difference between their allocable share of such retained capital gain and their share of the tax paid by us. Corporate U.S. shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are generally taxable at maximum U.S. federal rates of 20% in the case of U.S. shareholders who are individuals, trusts and estates and 21% in the case of U.S. shareholders that are corporations. Capital gain dividends attributable to the sale of

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depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for non-corporate U.S. shareholders, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions.
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. shareholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder's common shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of an individual U.S. shareholder's shares, they will be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any year and payable to a U.S. shareholder of record on a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. shareholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us before the end of January of the following calendar year.
With respect to U.S. shareholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to such U.S. shareholders as "qualified dividend income." A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders as capital gain, provided that the U.S. shareholder has held the common share with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such common share became ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:
(a)
the qualified dividend income received by us during such taxable year from non-REIT C corporations (including any TRS in which we may own an interest);
(b)
the excess of any "undistributed" net taxable income recognized during the immediately preceding year over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such undistributed net taxable income;
(c)
the excess of any income recognized during the immediately preceding year attributable to the sale of a built-in gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis transaction from a non-REIT C corporation over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such built-in gain; and
(d)
any earnings and profits that accumulated during a period that we were not treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes or that were inherited from a C corporation in a tax-deferred reorganization or similar transaction;
provided that, in no case may the amount we designate as qualified dividend income exceed the amount we distribute to our shareholders as dividends with respect to the taxable year.
To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Any net operating losses generated in years beginning after December 31, 2017 will only be able to offset 80% of our net taxable income (prior to the application of the dividends paid deduction). See "— Requirements for Qualification—General—Annual Distribution Requirements ." Such losses are not passed through to U.S. shareholders and do not offset income of U.S. shareholders from other sources, nor do they affect the character of any distributions that are actually made by us, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of U.S. shareholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Dispositions of Our Common Shares . In general, a U.S. shareholder will realize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of our common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. shareholder's

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adjusted tax basis in the common shares at the time of the disposition. In general, a U.S. shareholder's adjusted tax basis will equal the U.S. shareholder's acquisition cost, increased by the excess of net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. shareholder discussed above less tax deemed paid on it and reduced by returns of capital. In general, capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. shareholders upon the sale or disposition of shares of our common shares will be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%, if such shares were held for more than 12 months, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates (of up to 37% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026) if such shares were held for 12 months or less. Gains recognized by U.S. shareholders that are corporations are subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 21%, whether or not classified as long-term capital gains.
Holders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability. Capital losses recognized by a U.S. shareholder upon the disposition of our common shares held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the U.S. shareholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of our common shares by a U.S. shareholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions received from us that were required to be treated by the U.S. shareholder as long-term capital gain.
If a U.S. shareholder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of our common shares in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury Regulations involving "reportable transactions" could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transactions to the IRS. While these regulations are directed towards "tax shelters," they are written quite broadly, and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. Significant penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of our common shares, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by us. Moreover, you should be aware that we and other participants in transactions involving us (including our advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.
Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations
Distributions made by us and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. shareholder of our common shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. shareholders will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against income or gain relating to our common shares. Distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation. A U.S. shareholder that elects to treat capital gain dividends, qualified dividend income or capital gains from the disposition of common shares as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amounts.
Medicare tax on unearned income
Certain U.S. shareholders that are individuals, estates or trusts will be required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of common shares. U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this additional tax on their ownership and disposition of our common shares.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders
U.S. tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation

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on their unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI. While many investments in real estate may generate UBTI, dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Provided that a tax-exempt U.S. shareholder has not held our common shares as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Code (i.e., where the acquisition or ownership of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt shareholder), distributions from us and income from the sale of our common shares generally should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt U.S. shareholder.
Tax-exempt U.S. shareholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from us as UBTI unless they are able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by their investment in our common shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements.
In certain circumstances, a pension trust (1) that is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, (2) is tax exempt under section 501(a) of the Code, and (3) that owns more than 10% of our common shares could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends from us as UBTI if we are a "pension-held REIT." We will not be a pension-held REIT unless (1) either (A) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our common shares, or (B) a group of pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of our common shares, collectively owns more than 50% of such common shares and (2) we would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the Code provides that common shares owned by such trusts shall be treated, for purposes of the requirement that not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding common shares of a REIT is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code to include certain entities), as owned by the beneficiaries of such trusts. Although we do not anticipate that we will be treated as a pension-held REIT, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Prospective shareholders who are tax-exempt organizations should consult with their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of investing in our common shares. Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of our common shares should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from directly owning more than 10% of the value of our common shares.
Tax-exempt U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares applicable to non-U.S. shareholders. For these purposes, a non-U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of our common shares who is neither a U.S. shareholder nor an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. It addresses only selective and not all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation.
Ordinary Dividends. The portion of dividends received by non-U.S. shareholders payable out of our earnings and profits that are not attributable to gains from sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder generally will be treated as ordinary income and will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. Under some treaties, however, lower rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs.

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In general, non-U.S. shareholders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our common shares. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. shareholder's investment in our common shares is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. shareholder generally will not be subject to the 30% withholding described above and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed with respect to such dividends, and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax (unless reduced or eliminated by a treaty) on the income after the application of the income tax in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation.
Non-Dividend Distributions. Unless (1) our common shares constitute a U.S. real property interest ("USRPIs"), or (2) either (A) if the non-U.S. shareholder's investment in our common shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. shareholder through a permanent establishment, where applicable (in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to such gain) or (B) if the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met (in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year), distributions by us which are not dividends out of our earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. If it cannot be determined at the time at which a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our common shares constitute USRPIs, as described below, distributions by us in excess of the sum of our earnings and profits plus the non-U.S. shareholder's adjusted tax basis in our common shares will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA, at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a U.S. shareholder of the same type (e.g., an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding tax at a rate of 15% of the amount by which a distribution exceeds the shareholder's share of our earnings and profits. Non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as "qualified foreign pension funds" and "qualified shareholders" (except with respect to certain "applicable investors" of a "qualified shareholder," as discussed below) are exempt from U.S. federal income and applicable withholding taxes under FIRPTA on such distributions by us.
Capital Gain Dividends. Under FIRPTA, a distribution made by us to a non-U.S. shareholder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs held by us directly or through pass-through subsidiaries, or USRPI capital gains, will be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. shareholders, without regard to whether the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, we will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the amount of capital gain dividends to the extent the dividends constitute USRPI capital gains. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax (unless reduced or eliminated by a treaty) in the hands of a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation. However, the 35% withholding tax will not apply to any capital gain dividend (i) with respect to any class of our common shares which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States if the non-U.S. shareholder did not own more than 10% of such class of common shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of such dividend or (ii) received by certain non-U.S. publicly traded investment vehicles meeting certain requirements. Instead, any such capital gain dividend received by such a shareholder will be treated as a distribution subject to the rules discussed above under " —Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders—Ordinary Dividends ." Also, the branch profits tax will not apply to such a distribution. In addition, non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as "qualified foreign pension funds" and "qualified shareholders" (except with respect to certain "applicable investors" of a "qualified shareholder," as discussed below) are exempt from income and withholding taxes applicable under FIRPTA on distributions from us to the extent attributable to USRPI capital gains.

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A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain if we held the underlying asset solely as a creditor, although the holding of a shared appreciation mortgage loan would not be solely as a creditor. Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. shareholder from a REIT that are not USRPI capital gains are generally not subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, unless either (1) the non-U.S. shareholder's investment in our common shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. shareholder (in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to such gain) or (2) the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met (in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year).
Dispositions of Our Shares. Unless our common shares constitute a USRPI, a sale of the common shares by a non-U.S. shareholder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA. The common shares will not be treated as a USRPI if less than 50% of our assets throughout a prescribed testing period, and taking account certain look-through rules with respect to subsidiary entities, consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor. It is expected that more than 50% of our assets will consist of interests in real property located in the United States.
However, our common shares nonetheless will not constitute a USRPI if we are a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period (generally the lesser of the five year period ending on the date of disposition of its shares or the period of existence), less than 50% in value of its outstanding shares are held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. shareholders. For this purpose, effective December 18, 2015, a REIT may generally presume that any class of the REIT's share that are "regularly traded," as defined by the applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market is held by U.S. persons, except in the case of holders of 5% or more of such class of shares, and except to the extent that the REIT has actual knowledge that such shares are held by non-U.S. persons. In addition, effective beginning December 18, 2015, certain look-through and presumption rules apply for this purposes to any shares of a REIT that are held by a RIC or another REIT. We believe we are, and we expect to continue to be, a domestically controlled REIT, and certain ownership limitations included in our declaration of trust are intended to assist us in qualifying as a domestically controlled REIT. Therefore, the sale of our common shares should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because our shares are publicly traded, however, no assurance can be given that we are, or that if we are, that we will remain, a domestically controlled REIT.
In the event that we do not constitute a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder's sale of our common shares nonetheless will generally not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that (1) our common shares are regularly traded on an established securities market, and (2) the selling non-U.S. shareholder owned, actually or constructively, 10% or less of our outstanding shares at all times during a specified testing period. In addition, even if we do not qualify as a domestically controlled REIT and our common shares are not regularly traded on an established securities market, non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as "qualified foreign pension funds" and "qualified shareholders" (except with respect to certain "applicable investors" of a "qualified shareholder") are exempt from tax under FIRPTA on the sale of our common stock.
Even if we are a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder may be treated as having gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of a USRPI if the non-U.S. shareholder (1) disposes of our capital shares within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire, other shares of our capital shares during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1), unless such shares are regularly traded and the non-U.S. shareholder

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did not own more than 5% of our capital shares during the one year period ending on the date of the distribution described in clause (1).
If gain on the sale of our common shares was subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. shareholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the common shares could be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.
Gain from the sale of our common shares that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a non-U.S. shareholder in two cases: (1) if the non-U.S. shareholder's investment in our common shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. shareholder, the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder with respect to such gain, or (2) if the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gain.
Qualified Foreign Pension Funds.     Any distribution to a "qualified foreign pension fund" (or an entity all of the interests of which are held by a "qualified foreign pension fund") who holds REIT shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business and thus will not be subject to special withholding rules under FIRPTA. In addition, a sale of our shares by a "qualified foreign pension fund" that holds such shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA.
A qualified foreign pension fund is any trust, corporation, or other organization or arrangement (i) which is created or organized under the law of a country other than the United States, (ii) which is established to provide retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered, (iii) which does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (iv) which is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates, and (v) with respect to which, under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, (a) contributions to such trust, corporation, organization or arrangement which would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such entity or taxed at a reduced rate, or (b) taxation of any investment income of such trust, corporation, organization or arrangement is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate.
Qualified Shareholders.     Shares of a REIT held (directly or through partnerships) by a "qualified shareholder," as defined below, will not constitute a USRPI, and capital gain dividends from such a REIT will not be treated as gain from the sale of a USRPI, unless a person (other than a qualified shareholder) that holds an interest (other than interests solely as a creditor) in such qualified shareholder owns, taking into account applicable constructive ownership rules, more than 10% of the shares of the REIT. However, certain "applicable investors" of a qualified shareholder (i.e., non-U.S. persons who hold interests in the qualified shareholder (other than interests solely as a creditor), and hold more than 10% of our common stock (whether or not by reason of the investor's ownership in the qualified shareholder)) may be subject to FIRPTA withholding.
A qualified shareholder is a non-U.S. person that (i) either (a) is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which includes an exchange of information program and whose principal class of interests is listed and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges (as defined in such comprehensive income tax treaty), or (b) is a foreign partnership that is created or organized under foreign law as a limited partnership

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in a jurisdiction that has an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes with the United States and has a class of limited partnership units representing greater than 50% of the value of all the partnership units that is regularly traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ markets, (ii) is a "qualified collective investment vehicle" (within the meaning of Section 897(k)(3)(B) of the Code), and (iii) maintains records on the identity of each person who, at any time during the non-U.S. person's taxable year, is the direct owner of 5% or more of the class of interests or units (as applicable) described in (i), above.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
We will report to our U.S. shareholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. shareholder may be subject to backup withholding, with respect to dividends paid, unless the holder (1) is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number or social security number, certifies under penalties of perjury that such number is correct and that such holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. shareholder that does not provide his or her correct taxpayer identification number or social security number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distribution to any U.S. shareholder who fails to certify their non-foreign status.
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. shareholder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. shareholder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. shareholder may be subject to backup withholding unless applicable certification requirements are met.
Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our common shares within the United States is subject to both backup withholding and information reporting requirements unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-U.S. shareholder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person) or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our common shares conducted through certain United States related financial intermediaries is subject to information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) unless the financial intermediary has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. shareholder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

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Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed (at a 30% rate) on U.S. source payments made after June 30, 2014 to "foreign financial institutions" and certain other non-U.S. entities and on certain disposition proceeds of U.S. securities realized after December 31, 2018. Under these withholding rules, the failure to comply with additional certification, information reporting and other specified requirements could result in withholding tax being imposed on payments of dividends and sales proceeds to U.S. shareholders (as defined above) who own shares of our common shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries and certain non-U.S. shareholders. The withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common shares paid to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign entity other than a financial institution, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign entity that is not a financial institution either certifies it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner. If the payee is a foreign financial institution (that is not otherwise exempt), it must enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertakes to identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. Alternatively, if the foreign financial institution is a resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement to implement FATCA, it must comply with the revised diligence and reporting obligations of such intergovernmental agreement. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding these withholding rules.
State, Local and Foreign Taxes
We and our subsidiaries and shareholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which they or we transact business, own property or reside. We will likely own interests in properties located in a number of jurisdictions, and we may be required to file tax returns and pay taxes in certain of those jurisdictions. The state, local or foreign tax treatment of our company and our shareholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment discussed above. Any foreign taxes incurred by us would not pass through to shareholders as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Prospective shareholders should consult their tax advisor regarding the application and effect of state, local and foreign income and other tax laws on an investment in our common shares.
Other Tax Considerations
Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department and may be changed at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given as to whether, when, or in what form, the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to us and our shareholders may be enacted. Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations of U.S. federal tax laws could adversely affect an investment in our common shares.
Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the potential effects of legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments on an investment in our common shares.

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BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
We may issue the securities offered by means of this prospectus in whole or in part in book-entry form, meaning that beneficial owners of the securities will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the securities, except in the event the book-entry system for the securities is discontinued. If securities are issued in book entry form, they will be represented by one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities. The Depository Trust Company is expected to serve as depositary. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for the global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by the depositary or any nominee of such depositary to a successor depositary or a nominee of such successor. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a class or series of securities that differ from the terms described here will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we anticipate that the following provisions will apply to depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for the global security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the individual securities represented by such global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such depositary, who are called "participants." Such accounts shall be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to the securities or by us if the securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to the depositary's participants or persons that may hold interests through such participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee (with respect to beneficial interests of participants) and records of the participants (with respect to beneficial interests of persons who hold through participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a global security.
So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of such global security, such depositary or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the applicable instrument defining the rights of a holder of the securities. Except as provided below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual securities of the class or series represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable instrument defining the rights of the holders of the securities.
Payments of amounts payable with respect to individual securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security representing such securities. None of us, our officers and trustees or any trustee, paying agent or security registrar for an individual class or series of securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security for such securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

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We expect that the depositary for a class or series of securities offered by means of this prospectus or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest, dividend or other amount in respect of a permanent global security representing any of such securities, will immediately credit its participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global security for such securities as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.


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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Clifford Chance US LLP. In addition, the description of U.S. federal income tax consequences contained in the section of the prospectus entitled " U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations " is based on the opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of National Storage Affiliates Trust as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The combined statements of revenue and certain expenses of (i) the properties known as Guardian 2015 Properties for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (ii) the properties known as the All Stor Properties, for the period from the later of January 1, 2014 or All Stor's respective acquisition date through December 31, 2014, and the period from the later of March 14, 2013 or All Stor's respective acquisition dates through December 31, 2013; (iii) the properties known as the Hide-Away Properties for the year ended December 31, 2015, (iv) the properties known as the SecurCare Oklahoma Properties for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (v) the property known as the Fondren Self Storage Property for the year ended December 31, 2015, (vi) the properties known as the Granite Clover Self Storage Properties for the year ended December 31, 2015, (vii) the properties known as the Gulf Coast Properties for the year Ended December 31, 2015, (viii) the property known as the Storage Central Property for the year ended December 31, 2015, (ix) the properties known as the CPA 17 Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2015, and (x) the properties known as the Kayne Anderson Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2015, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of EKS&H LLLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.


76



WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC, containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, at www.sec.gov.
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act covering securities that may be offered under this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference herein is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about us, our business and our finances.
Document
Filed
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 001-37351)
February 27, 2018
Document
Filed
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-37351)
February 2, 2018
Current Report on Form 8-K/A (File No. 001-37351) (but only with respect to the combined statements of revenue and certain expenses described in (x) under "Experts" above)
January 26, 2017
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-37351) (but only with respect to the combined statements of revenue and certain expenses described in (ix) under "Experts" above)
August 5, 2016
Current Report on Form 8-K/A (File No. 001-37351) (but only with respect to the combined statements of revenue and certain expenses described in (i)-(viii) under "Experts" above)
May 24, 2016
Document
Filed
Registration Statement on Form 8-A (containing the description of our common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share) (File No. 001-37351)
April 16, 2015
Registration Statement on Form 8-A (containing the description of our 6.000% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share) (File No. 001-37351)
October 10, 2017
All documents that we file (but not those that we furnish) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of any of the securities covered under this prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement and will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus and any previously filed documents.
If you request, either orally or in writing, we will provide you with a copy of any or all documents that are incorporated by reference. Such documents will be provided to you free of charge, but will not contain any exhibits, unless those exhibits are incorporated by reference into the document. Requests should be addressed to us at 5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, Attention: National Storage Affiliates Trust, Investor Relations, or contact our offices at (720) 630-2600. The documents may also be accessed on our website at www.nationalstorageaffiliates.com .

77





PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table itemizes the expenses incurred by us in connection with the issuance and registration of the securities being registered hereunder. All amounts shown are estimates except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
$
(1
)
Printing and engraving expenses
(2
)
Legal fees and expenses
(2
)
Accounting fees and expenses
(2
)
Miscellaneous
(2
)
Total
$
(2
)
(1) To be deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) and calculated in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement pursuant to Rule 457(r).
(2) The amount of securities and number of offerings are indeterminable, and the expenses cannot be estimated at this time.
Item 15. Indemnification of Trustees and Officers.
Maryland law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to include in its declaration of trust a provision eliminating the liability of its trustees and officers to the real estate investment trust and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (i) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (ii) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. The registrant's declaration of trust contains such a provision that eliminates the liability of the registrant's trustees and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The registrant's declaration of trust authorizes it, and its bylaws require it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (i) any individual who is a present or former trustee or officer or (ii) any individual who, while serving as the registrant's trustee or officer and at its request, serves or has served as a trustee, director, officer, partner, member or manager of another real estate investment trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise, in either case, who is made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in such capacity, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of such service. The registrant's declaration of trust and bylaws also permit the registrant to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who serves any predecessor of the registrant in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of the registrant or a predecessor of the registrant. The registrant also will enter into indemnification agreements with its trustees and executive officers that address similar matters, as described below.
Maryland law permits a Maryland real estate investment trust to indemnify and advance expenses to its trustees, officers, employees and agents to the same extent as permitted for directors and officers of Maryland corporations. The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the registrant's declaration of trust does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments,

78




penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or on behalf of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of (i) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her or good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (ii) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to trustees, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
The registrant has entered into customary indemnification agreements with each of its trustees and executive officers that obligate the registrant to indemnify them to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. The agreements generally require the registrant to indemnify the trustee or officer, or the indemnitee, against all judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with a proceeding other than one initiated by or on the registrant's behalf. In addition, the indemnification agreements require the registrant to indemnify the indemnitee against all amounts paid in settlement and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with a proceeding that is brought by or on the registrant's behalf. In either case, the indemnitee will not be entitled to indemnification if it is established that one of the prohibitions on indemnification under Maryland law exists.
In addition, the indemnification agreements require the registrant to advance, without a preliminary determination of the indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification thereunder, reasonable expenses incurred by the indemnitee within ten days of the receipt by the registrant of a statement from the indemnitee requesting the advance, provided the statement evidences the expenses and is accompanied by:
a written affirmation of the indemnitee's good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification; and
a written undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnitee to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
The indemnification agreements also provide for procedures for the determination of entitlement to indemnification, including requiring that such determination be made by independent counsel after a change in control of the registrant.
Item 16. Exhibits.
The Exhibits to this registration statement are listed on the exhibit index, which appears elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.

79




Item 17. Undertakings.
(a)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)
to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)
to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)
to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided , however , that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i)
If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B:
(A)
each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

80




(B)
each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or
(ii)
If the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5)
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)
any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii)
any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

81




(iii)
the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv)
any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.
(d)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

















82




EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Exhibit Description

83




23.4
Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
Filed herewith.


84




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the registrant meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Greenwood Village, in the State of Colorado, on March 14, 2018.
 
NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
By:
/s/ Arlen D. Nordhagen
Name:
Arlen D. Nordhagen
Title:
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees

85




POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Arlen D. Nordhagen and Tamara D. Fischer, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, as such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement, and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

86



Signatures
Title
Date
By:
/s/ Arlen D. Nordhagen
 
 
 
Arlen D. Nordhagen
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (Principal Executive Officer)
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Tamara D. Fischer
 
 
 
Tamara D. Fischer
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial Officer)
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Brandon S. Togashi
 
 
 
Brandon S. Togashi
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ George L. Chapman
 
 
 
George L. Chapman
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Kevin M. Howard
 
 
 
Kevin M. Howard
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Paul W. Hylbert, Jr.
 
 
 
Paul W. Hylbert, Jr.
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Chad L. Meisinger
 
 
 
Chad L. Meisinger
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Steven G. Osgood
 
 
 
Steven G. Osgood
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Dominic M. Palazzo
 
 
 
Dominic M. Palazzo
Trustee
March 14, 2018
By:
/s/ Mark Van Mourick
 
 
 
Mark Van Mourick
Trustee
March 14, 2018


87
Exhibit 3.4

NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
6,900,000
6.000% SERIES A CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
MARCH 13, 2017
National Storage Affiliates Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the " Trust "), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the " Department ") that:
FIRST: Pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the " Board of Trustees ") by Article VI of the declaration of trust of the Trust (the " Declaration of Trust ") and Section 8-203 of the Maryland REIT Law (" Title 8 "), the Board of Trustees and a duly-authorized committee thereof previously classified 6,900,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share (" Preferred Shares "), as a separate class of Preferred Shares designated as the "6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest" (“ Series A Preferred Shares ”), with the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as set forth in the Articles Supplementary of the Trust, accepted for record by the Department on October 10, 2017 (the " Original Articles Supplementary ").
SECOND: Pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees by Article VI of the Declaration of Trust and Section 8-203 of Title 8, the Board of Trustees classified an additional 5,600,000 Preferred Shares as Series A Preferred Shares, having the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as set forth in the Original Articles Supplementary, with the result that the Trust shall now have authorized an aggregate of 12,500,000 Series A Preferred Shares.
THIRD: This Articles Supplementary has been approved by the Board of Trustees in the manner and by the vote required by law.
FOURTH: This Additional Articles Supplementary shall be effective at the time the Department accepts these Articles Supplementary for record.
FIFTH: The undersigned acknowledges this Articles Supplementary to be the trust act of the Trust and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned acknowledges that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
[ signature page follows ]




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has caused these Articles Supplementary to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its Chief Executive Officer as of the date first written above.
ATTEST:
 
NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ TAMARA D. FISCHER
 
By:
/s/ ARLEN D. NORDHAGEN
Name:
Tamara D. Fischer
 
Name:
Arlen D. Nordhagen
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 4.3

IMAGE0A74.JPG                  CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP


 
 
 
 
 
 
DATED                      , 20__
NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST
AS ISSUER
AND
U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS TRUSTEE
 
INDENTURE
 

    








TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
1
Section 1.01.
Definitions
 
1
Section 1.02.
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
 
3
Section 1.03.
Rules of Construction
 
4
ARTICLE II THE SECURITIES
 
4
Section 2.01.
Form and Dating
 
4
Section 2.02.
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series
 
4
Section 2.03.
Denominations
 
5
Section 2.04.
Execution and Authentication
 
5
Section 2.05.
Registrar and Paying Agent
 
6
Section 2.06.
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust
 
6
Section 2.07.
Securityholder Lists
 
7
Section 2.08.
Transfer and Exchange
 
7
Section 2.09.
Replacement Securities
 
7
Section 2.10.
Outstanding Securities
 
8
Section 2.11.
Temporary Securities
 
8
Section 2.12.
Cancellation
 
8
Section 2.13.
Defaulted Interest
 
8
Section 2.14.
CUSIP Numbers
 
9
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION
 
9
Section 3.01.
Company's Option to Redeem
 
9
Section 3.02.
Notices to Trustee
 
9
Section 3.03.
Selection of Securities to be Redeemed
 
9
Section 3.04.
Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option
 
10
Section 3.05.
Effect of Notice of Redemption
 
10
Section 3.06.
Deposit of Redemption Price
 
10
Section 3.07.
Holder's Right to Require Redemption
 
11
Section 3.08.
Procedure for Requiring Redemption
 
11
Section 3.09.
Securities Redeemed in Part
 
11
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS
 
11
Section 4.01.
Payment of Securities
 
11
Section 4.02.
Reporting
 
12
Section 4.03.
Corporate Existence
 
12
Section 4.04.
Compliance Certificate
 
12
Section 4.05.
Further Instruments and Acts
 
12
ARTICLE V SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
 
12
Section 5.01.
Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms
 
12
Section 5.02.
Successor Corporation Substituted
 
13
ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
13
Section 6.01.
Events of Default
 
13


- i -



Section 6.02.
Acceleration
 
14
Section 6.03.
Other Remedies
 
15
Section 6.04.
Waiver of Existing Defaults
 
15
Section 6.05.
Control by Majority
 
15
Section 6.06.
Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor
 
16
Section 6.07.
Limitation on Suits
 
16
Section 6.08.
Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion
 
16
Section 6.09.
Collection Suit by Trustee
 
17
Section 6.10.
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
 
17
Section 6.11.
Restoration of Positions
 
17
Section 6.12.
Priorities
 
17
Section 6.13.
Undertaking for Costs
 
18
Section 6.14.
Stay, Extension or Usury Laws
 
18
Section 6.15.
Liability of Shareholders, Officers, Member of the Board of Trustees and Incorporators
 
18
ARTICLE VII TRUSTEE
 
18
Section 7.01.
Duties of Trustee
 
18
Section 7.02.
Rights of Trustee
 
20
Section 7.03.
Individual Rights of Trustee
 
21
Section 7.04.
Trustee's Disclaimer
 
21
Section 7.05.
Notice of Defaults
 
21
Section 7.06.
Reports by Trustee
 
21
Section 7.07.
Compensation and Indemnity
 
22
Section 7.08.
Replacement of Trustee
 
22
Section 7.09.
Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc
 
23
Section 7.10.
Eligibility; Disqualification
 
23
Section 7.11.
Preferential Collection of Claims
 
24
ARTICLE VIII DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
 
24
Section 8.01.
Termination of the Company's Obligations
 
24
Section 8.02.
Application of Trust Money
 
25
Section 8.03.
Repayment to the Company
 
25
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
25
Section 9.01.
Without Consent of Holders
 
25
Section 9.02.
With Consent of Holders
 
26
Section 9.03.
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
 
27
Section 9.04.
Revocation and Effect of Consents
 
27
Section 9.05.
Notation on or Exchange of Securities
 
27
Section 9.06.
Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc
 
27
ARTICLE X CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
 
27
Section 10.01.
Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities
 
27
ARTICLE XI SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
 
28
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS
 
28
Section 12.01.
Trust Indenture Act Controls
 
28


- ii -



Section 12.02.
Supplemental Indentures Contract
 
28
Section 12.03.
Notices
 
28
Section 12.04.
Communication by Holders with Other Holders
 
29
Section 12.05.
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
 
29
Section 12.06.
When Treasury Securities Disregarded
 
30
Section 12.07.
Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar
 
30
Section 12.08.
Legal Holidays
 
30
Section 12.09.
Governing Law and Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
 
30
Section 12.10.
Actions by the Company
 
31
Section 12.11.
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
 
31
Section 12.12.
Successors
 
31
Section 12.13.
Duplicate Originals
 
31
Section 12.14.
Table of Contents, Headings, Etc
 
31
Section 12.15.
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act
 
31
Section 12.16.
Force Majeure
 
31



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CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
Trust Indenture Act Section
Indenture Section
310(a)(1)
7.10
(a)(2)
7.10
(a)(3)
N.A.
(a)(4)
N.A.
(a)(5)
7.10
(b)
7.08; 7.10
311(a)
7.11
(b)
7.11
312(a)
2.07
(b)
12.04
(c)
12.04
313(a)
7.06
(b)
7.06
(c)
7.06; 12.03
(d)
7.06
314(a)
4.02; 12.05
(b)
N.A.
(c)(1)
12.05
(c)(2)
12.05
(c)(3)
N.A.
(d)
N.A.
(e)
12.05
(f)
12.05
315(a)
7.01(b)
(b)
7.05; 12.03
(c)
7.01(a)
(d)
7.01(c)
(e)
6.13
316(a) (last sentence)
12.06
(a)(1)(A)
6.05
(a)(1)(B)
6.04
(a)(2)
N.A.
(b)
6.08
(c)
12.03
317(a)(1)
6.09
(a)(2)
6.10
(b)
2.06
318(a)
12.01

N.A. means Not Applicable


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INDENTURE, dated as of              , 20          between NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST (the " Company "), a Maryland real estate investment trust having its principal office at 5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, and U.S. Bank National Association (the " Trustee "), a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America which has its corporate trust office at 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107.
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of each other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's debentures, notes or other evidences of unsecured indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (" Securities "):
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01. Definitions .
" Board Resolution " means a resolution by the Board of Trustees, or other body with analogous authority with respect to the Company or any duly authorized Committee of the Board of Trustees or such body, certified by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as being duly adopted and in full force and effect.
" Board of Trustees " means the board of trustees of the Company as so constituted from time to time.
" Business Day " means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a Legal Holiday.
" Capital Shares " means common or preferred shares entitled to share in the equity or profits of a Corporation.
" Common Shares " means the common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, as may be reconstituted from time to time.
" Company " means the Person named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and after that means the successor.
" Corporate Trust Office " means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business is administered (which at the date of this Indenture is at the location set forth in the first paragraph of this Indenture).
" Corporation " includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
" Custodian " has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
" Default " means any event which, upon the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.


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" $ " means the lawful currency of the United States.
" Event of Default " has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
" Fiscal Year " means the period commencing on January 1 of a year and ending on the next December 31 or such other period (not to exceed 12 months or 53 weeks) as the Company may from time to time adopt as its fiscal year.
" Holder " or " Securityholder " means a Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar's books.
" Indenture " means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time and will include the form and terms of the Securities of each series established as contemplated by Section 2.01.
" Interest Payment Date " means the date on which an installment of interest on the Securities is due and payable.
" Legal Holiday " has the meaning provided in Section 12.08.
" Maturity Date " means the date the principal of Securities is due and payable.
" Officer " means the Chairman of the Board, any Vice Chairman of the Board, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Controller or any Assistant Secretary of a Person.
" Officers' Certificate " when used with respect to the Company means a certificate signed by two Officers. Each such certificate will comply with Section 314 of the TIA and include the statements described in Section 12.05.
" Opinion of Counsel " means a written opinion from legal counsel which is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. That counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company. Each such opinion will include the statements described in Section 12.05 if and to the extent required by that Section.
" Paying Agent " has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
" Person " means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any government agency or political subdivision.
" Registrar " has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
" SEC " means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
" Securities " has the meaning provided in the recitals to this Indenture.


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" Securities Act of 1933 " means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
" Securities Exchange Act of 1934 " means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
" State " means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
" Subsidiary " means a corporation of which a majority of the voting stock is owned by the Company, by a Subsidiary of the Company or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries of the Company.
" Supplemental Indenture " means an indenture between the Company and the Trustee which supplements this Indenture.
" TIA " means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date of this Indenture.
" Trustee " means the Person named as such in this Indenture and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, any successor to that person.
" Trust Officer " means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
" United States " means the United States of America.
Section 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act . Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. In addition, the provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 of the TIA that impose duties on any person are incorporated by reference in, and form a part of, this Indenture.
The following TIA terms mean the following when used in this Indenture:
" Commission " means the SEC;
" indenture securities " means the Securities;
" indenture security holder " means a Holder;
" indenture to be qualified " means this Indenture;
" indenture trustee " or " institutional trustee " means the Trustee; and
" obligor " on the indenture securities means the Company.


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All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the TIA, defined in the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them.
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction . Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
(3) "or" is not exclusive; and
(4) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular.
ARTICLE II
THE SECURITIES
Section 2.01. Form and Dating .
(a) The Securities of each series will be substantially in the form established by a Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series. The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage. The Company will approve the form of the Securities and any notation, legend or endorsement on them. Each Security will be dated the date of its authentication.
(b) The Trustee's certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
Section 2.02. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series . The aggregate principal amount of the Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. Prior to the issuance of Securities of a series, the Company and the Trustee will execute a Supplemental Indenture which will set forth as to the Securities of that series, to the extent applicable:
(1) the title of the Securities;
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be issued;
(3) the date or dates on which the Securities will mature and the amounts to be paid upon maturity of the Securities;
(4) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities will bear interest, if any, the dates from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable and the record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;


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(5) the currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable;
(6) the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities will be payable;
(7) any provisions regarding the right of the Company to redeem Securities or of holders to require the Company to redeem Securities;
(8) the right, if any, of holders of the Securities to convert them into shares or other securities of the Company, including any provisions intended to prevent dilution of those conversion rights;
(9) any provisions by which the Company will be required or permitted to make payments to a sinking fund which will be used to redeem Securities or a purchase fund which will be used to purchase Securities;
(10) the percentage of the principal amount of the Securities which is payable if maturity of the Securities is accelerated because of a default; and
(11) any other terms of the Securities.
Section 2.03. Denominations . Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Securities of each series will be issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
Section 2.04. Execution and Authentication . Two Officers will sign the Securities of each series for the Company by manual or facsimile signature. The Company's seal will be reproduced on the Securities. If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security will be valid nonetheless.
A Security will not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security. The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication. Except as otherwise provided in this Article II, the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and make available for delivery said Securities to or upon the written order of the Company. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon:
(a)      A copy of the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Trustees in or pursuant to which the terms and form of the Securities were established, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Trustees and to be in full force and effect as of the date of such certificate, and if the terms and form


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of such Securities are established by an Officers' Certificate pursuant to general authorization of the Board of Trustees, such Officers' Certificate;
(b)      an executed supplemental indenture, if any;
(c)      an Officers' Certificate delivered in accordance with Section 12.05; and
(d)      an Opinion of Counsel which shall state substantially to the following effect:
(1)      that the form and terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2)      that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
Section 2.05. Registrar and Paying Agent . The Company will maintain an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for conversion, registration of transfer or for exchange (the " Registrar ") and an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for payment (" Paying Agent "). The Registrar will keep a register of the Securities of each series and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent.
The Company will enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar not a party to this Indenture which will incorporate the terms of the TIA. The agreement will implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to that agent. The Company will notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee will act as such. The Company or any Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or transfer agent.
The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities of each series, except in instances in which the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities appoints a different Registrar or Paying Agent.
Section 2.06. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust . Prior to each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Security, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay that principal, premium or interest when due. The Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of a series, and if the Paying Agent is not the Trustee, in trust for the benefit of the Trustee, all sums held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest on the Securities of that series and, in the case of a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, the Paying Agent will give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company in making any such payment. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it


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will segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent will have no further liability for the money.
Section 2.07. Securityholder Lists . The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities of each series. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee in writing (a) at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, all information in the possession or control of the Company or its Paying Agent as to the names and addresses of Holders of the Securities of a series; provided , however , that if the provisions of (a) and (b) do not provide for the furnishing of such information at stated intervals of not more than six months, at least as frequently as semiannually.
Section 2.08. Transfer and Exchange . Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to Securities of a series, Securities which are issued in registered form will be transferred only upon the surrender of the Securities for registration of transfer. When a Security is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar will register the transfer as requested if the requirements of Article VIII of the New York Uniform Commercial Code are met. When Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same series of other denominations, the Registrar will make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met. To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Securities at the Registrar's or co-registrar's request. The Company will not charge a fee for transfers or exchanges.
The Company will not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of (i) Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of Securities to be redeemed in part, transfers or exchanges of the portion of the Securities not to be redeemed) or (ii) any Securities of a series for a period of 15 days before the first mailing of a notice of the Securities of that series which are to be redeemed.
Prior to the due presentation for registration or transfer of any Security which was issued in registered form, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name the Security is registered as the absolute owner of the Security for all purposes, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar will be affected by notice to the contrary.
Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by the Depository.
Section 2.09. Replacement Securities . If a mutilated Security which had been issued in registered form is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder presents evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee that a Security which had been issued in registered form has been lost or destroyed, the Company will issue and the Trustee will authenticate a replacement Security of the same series if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code


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are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee. The replacement Security will not be issued until the Holder furnishes an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar or any co-registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if the Security is replaced. The Company may charge the Holder for its expenses in replacing a Security.
Every replacement Security will be an obligation of the Company, even if the replaced Security is subsequently found.
Section 2.10. Outstanding Securities . The Securities outstanding at any time will be all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee, except those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding. A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or its affiliate holds the Security.
If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.09, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser (in which case the replaced Security, but not the replacement Security, will be treated as outstanding to the extent permitted by Section 8-210 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code).
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company or a Subsidiary) segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or Maturity Date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Securities to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on that date those Securities will cease to be outstanding and interest on them will cease to accrue.
Section 2.11. Temporary Securities . Until definitive Securities of a series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee will authenticate temporary Securities of that series. Temporary Securities will be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities.
Section 2.12. Cancellation . The Company at any time may deliver Securities of a series to the Trustee for cancellation and the Trustee will reduce accordingly the aggregate amount of the Securities of that series which are outstanding. The Registrar and the Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, or conversion. The Trustee and no one else will cancel and dispose of (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, conversion or cancellation and deliver evidence of such disposal to the Company. Subject to Section 2.09, the Company may not issue new Securities of a series to replace Securities of the series it has redeemed, paid, converted or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest . If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities of a series, it will pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) to the persons who are Holders of the Securities of that series on a subsequent special


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record date, which date will be at least five Business Days prior to the payment date. The Company will fix the special record date and payment date, and, at least 15 days before the special record date, the Company will mail to each Holder of Securities of that series a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest and any interest on that defaulted interest which is to be paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.
Section 2.14. CUSIP Numbers . The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that the Trustee shall have no liability for any defect in the "CUSIP" numbers as they appear on the any Security, notice or elsewhere, and provided further that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.01. Company's Option to Redeem . The Company will have the option to redeem Securities of a series only to the extent, if any, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series. If the Company has the option to redeem Securities of a series, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Sections 3.02 through 3.06.
Section 3.02. Notices to Trustee . If the Company elects to redeem Securities of a series, it will notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount and series of Securities to be redeemed. The Company will give each notice to the Trustee provided for in this Section at least 35 days before the redemption date. If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date for determining which Securities of the series are to be redeemed will be selected by the Company, which will give notice of the record date to the Trustee at least 5 days before the record date.
Section 3.03. Selection of Securities to be Redeemed . If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed at the Company's option, the Trustee will select the Securities of that series to be redeemed by lot or, in its sole discretion, pro rata (in accordance with the customary procedures of the depositary.) The Trustee will make the selection from outstanding Securities of that series not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued. Securities and portions of Securities the Trustee selects will be in amounts equal to the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued and multiples of that amount. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption. The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of the Securities or portions of Securities to be redeemed.


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Section 3.04. Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option . At least 30 days and not more than 60 days before a date set for redemption at the Company's option, the Company will mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed in whole or in part.
The notice will identify the principal amount and series of each Security (including the CUSIP number) to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
(3) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(4) that Securities called for redemption in whole or in part must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
(5) that, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption payment, interest on Securities (or portions of Securities) called for redemption will cease to accrue on the redemption date and, if applicable, that those Securities (or the portions of then called for redemption) will cease on the redemption date (or such other date as is provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities) to be convertible into, or exchangeable for, other securities or assets;
(6) if applicable, the current conversion or exchange price; and
(7) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.
At the Company's request, pursuant to an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 35 days prior to the redemption date, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's expense. In such event, the Company will provide the Trustee with the information required by clauses (1) through (3) and (6).
Section 3.05. Effect of Notice of Redemption . Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities, or portions of Securities called for redemption will become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, those Securities will be paid at the redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On and after the date fixed for redemption (unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, together with interest accrued to the redemption date) interest on the Securities, or portions of them, which are redeemed will cease to accrue and any right to convert those Securities into, or exchange them for, other securities or assets will terminate and those Securities will cease to be convertible or exchangeable. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder will not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
Section 3.06. Deposit of Redemption Price . No later than the Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in a notice of redemption, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) money


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sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities called for redemption on that redemption date at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the redemption date, other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation or Securities which have been surrendered for conversion or exchange. If any Securities called for redemption are converted or exchanged, any money deposited with the Paying Agent for redemption of those Securities will be paid to the Company upon its request, or, if the money is held in trust by the Company or a Subsidiary as Paying Agent, the money will be discharged from the trust.
Section 3.07. Holder's Right to Require Redemption . Holders of Securities of a series will have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities only to the extent, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series. If Holders of Securities of a series have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Section 3.08.
Section 3.08. Procedure for Requiring Redemption . If a Holder has the right to require the Company to redeem Securities, to exercise that right, the Holder must deliver the Securities to the Paying Agent, endorsed for transfer and with the form on the reverse side entitled "Option to Require Redemption" completed. Delivery of Securities to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section will constitute an irrevocable election to cause the specified principal amount of Securities to be redeemed. When Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section, unless the Company fails to make the payments due as a result of the redemption within 20 days after the Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section interest on the Securities will cease to accrue and, if the Securities are convertible or exchangeable, the Holder's right to convert or exchange the Securities will terminate.
The Company's determination of all questions regarding the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Security for redemption will be final and binding.
Section 3.09. Securities Redeemed in Part . Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Holder (at the Company's expense) a new Security equal of the same series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security which was surrendered.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.01. Payment of Securities . The Company will promptly pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each of the Securities of a series at the places and time and in the manner provided in the Securities and in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series. An installment of principal, premium or interest will be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or Paying Agent holds on that date in accordance with this Indenture or the applicable Supplemental Indenture money designated for and sufficient to pay the installment then due.


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The Company will pay or cause to be paid interest on overdue principal at the rate specified in the Securities; it will also pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate (or such other rate as is provided in the applicable Supplemental Indenture), to the extent lawful.
Section 4.02. Reporting . The Company will file with the Trustee within 15 days after filing with the SEC, copies of its annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the " Exchange Act "). The Company also will comply with the other provisions of TIA Section 314(a). Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).
Section 4.03. Corporate Existence . Subject to Article V, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided , however , that the Company will not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Trustees determines that the preservation of the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that its loss will not be disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders of Securities of any series.
Section 4.04. Compliance Certificate . The Company will deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers' Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any default by the Company and whether or not the signers know of any default that occurred during the fiscal year. If they do, the certificate will describe the default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Company also will comply with TIA Section 314(a)(4).
Section 4.05. Further Instruments and Acts . Upon request of the Trustee, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

ARTICLE V
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
Section 5.01. Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms . The Company will not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person (except leasing of the Company's properties or assets in the ordinary course of the Company's business), unless:
(1) the corporation formed by the consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and


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assets of the Company substantially as an entirety will be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes, by a one or more supplemental indentures, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the Securities of each series and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture and of all Supplemental Indentures to be performed or observed by the Company;
(2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and the supplemental indenture (or the supplemental indentures together) comply with this Article and that all the conditions precedent relating to the transaction set forth in this Section have been fulfilled.
Section 5.02. Successor Corporation Substituted . Upon any event described in Section 5.01, the successor corporation will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and all the Supplemental Indentures relating to outstanding series of Securities, and the predecessor corporation will be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and each of those Supplemental Indentures.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01. Events of Default .
An " Event of Default " occurs if:
(1) The Company defaults in the payment of interest on any Security of any series when it becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days or such other period as is specified in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series;
(2) The Company defaults in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, on any Security of any series as and when it becomes due and payable at its stated maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise and, if provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series, the default continues for a period specified in the Supplemental Indenture;
(3) The Company fails to comply with any of its other covenants or agreements with regard to Securities of a series or this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement, a default in whose performance or whose breach is dealt with specifically elsewhere in this Section) and that failure continues for a period of 60 days after the date of the notice specified below;
(4) the Company, pursuant to any Bankruptcy Law applicable to the Company:
(A) commences a voluntary case;


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(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
(C) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(5) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any applicable Bankruptcy Law:
(A) for relief in an involuntary case;
(B) appointing a Custodian of the Company or for any substantial part of its property; or
(C) ordering its winding up or liquidation;
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.
Each of the occurrences described in clauses (1) through (5) will constitute an Event of Default whatever the reason for the occurrence and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
The term " Bankruptcy Law " means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar United States Federal or State law for the relief of debtors. The term " Custodian " means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
A Default under clause (3) of this Section is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of a series with regard to which the Company has failed to comply with a covenant or agreement notify the Company and the Trustee, of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within 45 days after the giving of the notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a " Notice of Default ."
A Default under clause (1), (2) or (3) with regard to Securities of a series will not constitute a Default with regard to Securities of any other series except to the extent, if any, provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the other series.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 20 Business Days after it occurs, written notice in the form of an Officers' Certificate of any event of which the Company is aware which with the giving of notice and the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clause (3), its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect to it.
Section 6.02. Acceleration . If an Event of Default as to the Securities of a series occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of all of the Securities of the series has already become due


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and payable, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities of the series to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, that principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(4) or (5) occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities will automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Securityholders. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of the series, by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, that has become due solely because of acceleration, and if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree. No such rescission will affect any subsequent default or impair any consequent right.
Section 6.03. Other Remedies . If an Event of Default as to a series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of the series or to enforce the performance of any provision under this Indenture or any applicable Supplemental Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default will not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.
Section 6.04. Waiver of Existing Defaults . The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of that series, by written notice to the Trustee may consent to the waiver of any past Default with regard to Securities of the series and its consequences except (i) a default in the payment of interest or premium, if any, on, or the principal of, Securities of the series, or (ii) a default in respect of a covenant or a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding. The defaults described in clauses (i) and (ii) in the previous sentence may be waived with the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding. When a Default or Event of Default is waived, it is deemed cured and not continuing, but no waiver will extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.
Section 6.05. Control by Majority . The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Securityholders or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability provided , however , that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such


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direction. Prior to taking any action as a result of a direction given under this Section, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking that action.
Section 6.06. Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor . The Company covenants that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(1) or (2), then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities in all series, the whole amount that will then have become due and payable on all such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on the overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the Securities in all series; and, in addition, such further amount as will be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including a reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and any expenses or liabilities incurred by the Trustee hereunder other than through its negligence or willful misconduct. Until such demand by the Trustee, the Company may pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of all series to the registered Holders, whether or not the Securities in that series are overdue.
Section 6.07. Limitation on Suits . A Securityholder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture unless:
(1) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default as to a series is continuing;
(2) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and the Event of Default has not been waived; and
(5) the Trustee has received no contrary direction from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding during such 60-day period.
A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of the same series of Securities or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of the same series of Securities (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).
Section 6.08. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security of any series to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Security (and interest on overdue principal and interest on overdue installments of interest, if any, as provided in


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Section 4.01), on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date, or in the case of conversion or exchange, to receive the security issuable upon conversion or exchange or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, conversion or exchange on or after the applicable due date, redemption date or conversion or exchange date, as the case may be, against the Company, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.
Section 6.09. Collection Suit by Trustee . If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, specified in clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid (together with interest on that unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.
Section 6.10. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of any or all series allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, its creditors or its property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
Section 6.11. Restoration of Positions . If a judicial proceeding by the Trustee or a Securityholder to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture is dismissed or decided favorably to the Company, except as otherwise provided in the judicial proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Securityholders will be restored to the positions they would have been in if the judicial proceeding had not been instituted.
Section 6.12. Priorities . If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article VI with respect to Securities of a series, subject to Article XI, it will pay out the money or property in the following order:
FIRST : to the Trustee and its attorneys and agents for amounts due under Section 7.07;
SECOND : to Securityholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, respectively; and
THIRD : to the Company.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Securities of a series pursuant to this Section. At least 15 days before the record date, the Company will mail


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to each Holder of Securities of the series and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.
Section 6.13. Undertaking for Costs . In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.13 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by Holders of in aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security held by that Holder on or after the due date provided in the Security or to any suit for the enforcement of the right to convert or exchange any Security in accordance with the provisions of a Supplemental Indenture applicable to that Security.
Section 6.14. Stay, Extension or Usury Laws . The Company agrees (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim, and will resist any and all efforts to be compelled to take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury or other law, wherever enacted, now or at any subsequent time in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on any of the Securities as contemplated in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture, or which may affect the covenants or performance of this Indenture, and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and agrees that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Trustee in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, but (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) will suffer and permit the execution of any such power as though no such law had been enacted.
Section 6.15. Liability of Shareholders, Officers, Member of the Board of Trustees and Incorporators . No shareholder, officer, member of the Board of Trustees or incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company, or any of its successor corporations, will have any personal liability in respect of the Company's obligations under this Indenture or any Securities by reason of his or its status as such shareholder, officer, member of the Board of Trustees or incorporator; provided , however , that nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities will prevent recourse to and enforcement of the liability of any shareholder or subscriber to Capital Shares in respect of shares of Capital Shares which have not been fully paid up.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee .
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indenture and


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use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures and no implied covenants or obligations will be read into this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in them, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture in the absence of bad faith on the Trustee's part; provided , however , that the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they substantially conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(2) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05; and
(4) the Trustee will not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it has reasonable grounds to believe repayment of the funds or adequate indemnity against the risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(d) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee is subject to the provisions of this Section 7.01 and to the provisions of the TIA.
(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree with the Company. Money and Government Obligations held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds or items except to the extent required by law.


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(g) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time outstanding given pursuant to Section 6.05 of this Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee .
(a) The Trustee may rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both which conforms to Section 12.05. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such an Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may act through agents or attorneys and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, except conduct which constitutes willful misconduct or negligence.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits in reliance on, and in accordance with, the advice of counsel and in good faith.
(f) The Trustee will not be required to investigate any facts or matters stated in any document, but if it decides to investigate any matters or facts, the Trustee or its agents or attorneys will be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company at the expense of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.
(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.


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(i) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
(j) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee . The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or any of its affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer . The Trustee (i) is not responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, (ii) will not be responsible for and will not make any representation as to the validity or adequacy of any Supplemental Indenture, (iii) will not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities of any series, and (iv) will not be responsible for any statement of the Company in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, other than the Trustee's certificate of authentication, or in any prospectus used in the sale of any of the Securities, other than statements, if any, provided in writing by the Trustee for use in such a prospectus.
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults . The Trustee will give to the Holders of the Securities of a series notice of any Default with regard to the Securities of that series actually known to a Trust Officer, within 90 days after receipt of such knowledge and in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), and otherwise as provided in Section 12.03 of this Indenture; provided , however , that , except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee will be protected in withholding notice of the Default if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of the series.
Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee . Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, the Trustee will mail to each Securityholder, at the name and address which appears on the registration books of the Company, and to each Securityholder who has, within the two years preceding the mailing, filed that person's name and address with the Trustee for that purpose and each Securityholder whose name and address have been furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07, a brief report dated as of that May 15 which complies with TIA Section 313(a). Reports to Securityholders pursuant to this Section 7.06 shall be transmitted in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c). The Trustee also will comply with TIA Section 313(b).
A copy of each report will at the time of its mailing to Securityholders be filed with each stock exchange on which Securities are listed, if any, and also with the SEC. The Company will


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promptly notify the Trustee in writing when the Securities of any series are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting of Securities of any series.
Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity . The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its services as mutually agreed to in writing. The Trustee's compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company will reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Those expenses will include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee's agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Company will indemnify the Trustee against any and all loss, liability, claims (whether asserted by the Company, a holder or any other person) or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by it in connection with the administration of the trust created by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and the performance of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture. The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company of its obligations under this Section. The Company will defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent. The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, expense or liability incurred by the Trustee to the extent it is due to the Trustee's own willful misconduct or negligence.
To secure the Company's obligation to make payments to the Trustee under this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, other than money or property held in trust to pay principal or interest on particular Securities. Those obligations of the Company will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (4) or (5) of Section 6.01 occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services of the Trustee are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
For purposes of this Section 7.07, " Trustee " will include any predecessor Trustee, but the willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith of any Trustee will not affect the rights of any other Trustee under this Section 7.07.
Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee . The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Company may remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any bankruptcy law;


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(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
No removal or appointment of a Trustee will be valid if that removal or appointment would conflict with any law applicable to the Company.
A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Immediately after that, the retiring Trustee will, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07, transfer all property held by it as a Trustee to the successor Trustee, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and all Supplemental Indentures. A successor Trustee will mail notice of its succession to each Securityholder.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the expense of the Company, for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Company's obligations under Section 7.07 will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc . If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another Person, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person will, without any further act, be the successor Trustee.
If at the time a successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee succeeds to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities have been authenticated but not delivered, the successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of the predecessor Trustee, and deliver the Securities which were authenticated by the predecessor Trustee; and if at that time any of the Securities have not been authenticated, the successor to the Trustee may authenticate those Securities in its own name as the successor to the Trustee; and in either case the certificates of authentication will have the full force provided in this Indenture for certificates of authentication.
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification . The Trustee will at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a). The Trustee will at all times have (or shall be a member of a


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bank holding company system whose parent corporation has) a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recently published annual report of condition, which will be deemed for this paragraph to be its combined capital and surplus. The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 310(b).
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims . The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed will be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.
ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
Section 8.01. Termination of the Company's Obligations . When (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Securities of all series (other than Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.09) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding Securities of all series have become due and payable, or are due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving the notice of redemption, and the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee (subject to Article XI) money or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of all series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and if, in the case of either (i) or (ii) above the Company also pays or causes to be paid all other sums payable by the Company under this Indenture, then this Indenture will cease to be of further effect.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities and the Company's obligations in Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 7.07, 7.08 and in Article X will survive until all the Securities of all series are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, the Company's obligations in Section 7.07 will survive.
Before or after a deposit the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities of a series at a future date to the extent the Securities are redeemable in accordance with Article III and the applicable Supplemental Indenture.
After a deposit pursuant to this Section 8.01 or after all outstanding Securities of all series have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, the Trustee upon request from the Company, accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel which complies with Section 12.05, and at the cost of the Company, will acknowledge in writing the satisfaction and discharge of the Company's obligations under the Securities of all series and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified above.
In order to have money available on payment dates to pay principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of a series, the U.S. Government Obligations will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, or interest on or before those payment dates in amounts sufficient to provide the necessary money. U.S. Government Obligations used for this purpose may not be callable at the issuer's option.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means:


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(1) direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or
(2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States.
Section 8.02. Application of Trust Money . Subject to Article XI and Section 8.03, the Trustee will hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01. It will apply the deposited money and the money from the U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indentures to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities with regard to which the money or U.S. Government Obligations were deposited.
Section 8.03. Repayment to the Company . The Trustee and the Paying Agent will promptly pay to the Company upon written request any excess money or securities held by them at any time. The Trustee and the Paying Agent will, subject to applicable escheatment laws, pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years. After such payment, the Holder of any Securities shall thereafter look to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee and the Paying Agent with respect to that money will cease.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders . The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to or consent of any Securityholder:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency as evidenced in an Officers' Certificate;
(2) to comply with Article V;
(3) to establish the form and terms of the Securities of any series as contemplated in Article II of this Indenture;
(4) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;
(5) to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder; or
(6) to conform this Indenture or the Securities of any series to any description thereof contained in any prospectus or other offering document relating to a series of Securities, to the extent that such description is intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture or such series of Securities.


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After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company will mail to the Securityholders a notice briefly describing the amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Securityholders, or any defect in a notice, will not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section.
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders . The Company and the Trustee may (i) amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding or (ii) supplement this Indenture with regard to a series of Securities, amend or supplement a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, or amend the Securities of a series, without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series then outstanding may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities of that series with regard to the Securities of that series without notice to any Securityholder. However, without the consent of the Holder so affected, no amendment, supplement or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04, may:
(1) extend the fixed maturity of any Security, reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on any Security, reduce the principal amount of any Security or premium, if any, on any Security;
(2) impair or affect the right of a Holder to institute suit for the payment of interest, if any, principal or premium, if any, on the Securities;
(3) change the currency in which the Securities are payable from that specified in the Securities or in a Supplemental Indenture applicable to the Securities;
(4) impair the right, if any, to convert the Securities into, or exchange the Securities for, other securities or assets;
(5) reduce the percentage of Securities required to consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(6) reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may or will be redeemed;
(7) modify the provisions of any Supplemental Indenture with respect to subordination of the Securities of a series in a manner adverse to the Securityholders; or
(8) make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.08 or this fourth sentence of this Section.


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It will not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it will be sufficient if the consent approves the substance of the amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act . Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will comply with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents . A consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver by a Holder of a Security will bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms, it will bind every Holder of every Security of every series to which it applies.
Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities . If an amendment changes the terms of a series of Securities, the Trustee may require the Holder of a Security of the series to deliver the Holder's Security to the Trustee, who will place an appropriate notation about the amendment, supplement or waiver on the Security and will return it to the Holder. Alternatively, the Company may, in exchange for the Security, issue, and the Trustee will authenticate, a new Security that reflects the amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc . The Trustee will sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to Article II or this Article IX if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does adversely affect those rights, liabilities or immunities, the Trustee may but need not sign it. The Company may not sign an amendment or supplement until the amendment or supplement is approved by an appropriate Board Resolution. In executing any Supplemental Indenture permitted by this Article the Trustee shall receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such Supplemental Indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such Supplemental Indenture is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
ARTICLE X
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
Section 10.01. Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities . Any rights which Holders of Securities of a series will have to convert those Securities into other securities of the Company or to exchange those Securities for securities of other Persons or other assets, including but not limited to the terms of the conversion or exchange and the circumstances, if any, under which those terms will be adjusted to prevent dilution or otherwise, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities. In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth rights to convert or exchange the Securities of that series into or for other securities or assets, Holders of the Securities of that series will not have any such rights.


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ARTICLE XI
SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
Section 11.01. Provisions Relating to Sinking or Purchase Funds . Any requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments prior to maturity of the Securities of a series which will be used as a fund with which to redeem or to purchase Securities of that series, including but not limited to provisions regarding the amount of the payments, when the Company will be required, or will have the option, to make the payments and when the payments will be applied, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities. In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments to be used as a fund with which to redeem or purchase Securities of the series, the Company will not be subject to any such requirements and will not have any such rights. However, unless otherwise specifically provided in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Company will at all times have the right to purchase Securities from Holders in market transactions or otherwise.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls . If any provision of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 through 317 of the TIA, the imposed duties will control.
Section 12.02. Supplemental Indentures Contract . If any provision of a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities is inconsistent with any provision of this Indenture, the provision of the Supplemental Indenture will control with regard to the Securities of the series to which it relates.
Section 12.03. Notices . Any notice or communication under or relating to this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture will be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail, certified or registered, overnight delivery return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
 
 
 
if to the Company:
 
National Storage Affiliates Trust
5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
 
 
if to the Trustee:
 
U.S. Bank
West Side Flats
60 Livingston Avenue,
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attention: Rick Prokosch


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Either the Company or the Trustee by a notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication mailed to a Securityholder will be mailed to the Securityholder at the Securityholder's address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and will be sufficiently given to the Securityholder if so mailed within the time prescribed.
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
If by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it is impossible to mail any notice as required by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, then any method of notification which is approved by the Trustee will constitute a sufficient mailing of the notice.
The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Securityholders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.04 and 6.05. The record date will be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of consents or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07 prior to the solicitation.
Section 12.04. Communication by Holders with Other Holders . Securityholders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. Each of the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else will have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).
Section 12.05. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent . Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, the Company will furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signer, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with;
(2) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all those conditions precedent have been complied with; and
(3) such other opinions and certificates as may be required by applicable provisions of this Indenture or the Supplemental Indenture.
(4) Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture will include (i) a statement that the person making the certificate or opinion has read the covenant or condition; (ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in the certificate or opinion are based; (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of


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the person giving the certificate or opinion, that person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable that person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not the covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of that person, the condition or covenant has been complied with. Nothing in this Section 12.05 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.05.
Section 12.06. When Treasury Securities Disregarded . In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company, or anyone under direct or indirect control or under direct or indirect common control with the Company will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith will not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right to act with respect to the Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or a person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under common control with, the Company. Nothing in this Section 12.06 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in the Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.06.
Section 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar . The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Securityholders. The Paying Agent or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.
Section 12.08. Legal Holidays . A " Legal Holiday " is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest on the sum being paid will accrue for the intervening period.
Section 12.09. Governing Law and Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . The laws of the State of New York will govern this Indenture, each Supplemental Indenture and the Securities. The Company submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in any action or proceeding to enforce any of its obligations under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or with regard to the Securities, and agrees not to seek a transfer of any such action or proceeding on the basis of inconvenience of the forum or otherwise (but the Company will not be prevented from removing any such action or proceeding from a state court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). The Company agrees that process in any such action or proceeding may be served upon it by registered mail or in any other manner permitted by the rules of the court in which the action or proceeding is brought.


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EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 12.10. Actions by the Company . Any action or proceeding brought by the Company to enforce any right, assert any claim or obtain any relief in connection with this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will be brought by the Company exclusively in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Section 12.11. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements . Neither this Indenture nor any Supplemental Indenture may be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary. No such indenture, loan or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
Section 12.12. Successors . All agreements of the Company in this Indenture, any Supplemental Indentures and the Securities will bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures will bind its successors.
Section 12.13. Duplicate Originals . The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together will represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
Section 12.14. Table of Contents, Headings, Etc . The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only. They are not to be considered a part of this Indenture, and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture.
Section 12.15. U.S.A. PATRIOT Act . The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.
Section 12.16. Force Majeure . In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work


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stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Indenture have caused it to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


NATIONAL STORAGE AFFILIATES TRUST



By:                             
      Name: Arlen D. Nordhagen
      Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee



By:                             
      Name:
      Title:





EXHIBIT A
FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series described in the within-mentioned Indenture and Supplemental Indenture.


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE



By:                             
      Authorized Signatory

Dated


A-1

CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
 
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
 
TEL +1 212 878 8000
FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com


Exhibit 5.1
March 14, 2018

National Storage Affiliates Trust
5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to National Storage Affiliates Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “ Company ”), in connection with a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Registration Statement ”), relating to possible offerings from time to time by the Company or selling security holders of the Company's: (1) common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (“ Common Shares ”); (2) preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (“ Preferred Shares ”); (3) depositary shares representing Preferred Shares (“ Depositary Shares ”); (4) debt securities (which may be issued in one or more series) (“ Debt Securities ”); (5) warrants entitling the holders to purchase Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares (“ Warrants ”); and (6) rights entitling the holders to purchase Common Shares (“ Rights ”).

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, documents, certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate. In examining all such documents, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents purported to be originals and the conformity to the respective originals of all documents submitted to us as certified, telecopied, photostatic, or reproduced copies or in portable document format.

Based on the foregoing, and such other examination of law and fact as we have deemed necessary, we are of the opinion that:
 
1.
The Company is duly formed as a real estate investment trust under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing.
 
2.
When the board of trustees of the Company (the “ Board ”) authorizes the issuance of authorized but unissued Common Shares and in accordance with that authorization the Common Shares (a) are sold for at least their par value as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (b) are issued on exercise of a right to convert Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Debt Securities, on exercise of Warrants or on the exercise of Rights, which are sold for at least the par value of the Common Shares (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Common Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 

- 1 -


CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
 
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
 
TEL +1 212 878 8000
FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com

3.
The Common Shares and 6.000% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share issuable upon the exchange of limited partnership units in the Company's operating partnership, NSA OP, LP (the “ Operating Partnership ”) (including limited partnership units issuable upon the conversion into, or exchange for, other units in the Operating Partnership or its subsidiaries) in accordance with the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as amended, of the Operating Partnership (the “ Partnership Agreement ”) have been duly authorized and, when and if issued upon redemption of such limited partnership units in the Operating Partnership (including limited partnership units issuable upon the conversion into, or exchange for, other units in the Operating Partnership or its subsidiaries in accordance with the Partnership Agreement will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

4.
When the Board authorizes the creation and sale of one or more series of Preferred Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s articles of amendment and restatement relating to the issuance of Preferred Shares and in accordance with that authorization that Preferred Shares are (a) sold for at least their par value as contemplated in the Registration Statement, (b) issued on conversion of other series of Preferred Shares or on exercise of Warrants, which are sold for at least the par value of the Preferred Shares (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (c) issued upon the exchange of limited partnership units in the Operating Partnership in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, that Preferred Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
5.
When the Board authorizes the creation and sale of Depositary Shares representing interests in shares of a particular series of Preferred Shares and in accordance with that authorization those Depositary Shares are (a) sold for at least the par value of the underlying Preferred Shares as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (b) issued on conversion of other series of underlying Preferred Shares or exercise of Warrants, which are sold for at least the par value of the Preferred Shares (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated by the Registration Statement, those Depositary Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
6.
When the Board authorizes the creation of one or more series of Debt Securities, and in accordance with that authorization and a duly executed and delivered indenture and any supplemental indenture between the Company and the trustee named therein, those Debt Securities are sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, if the interest on those Debt Securities is not at a rate which violates applicable law, those Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company (subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally and to court decisions with respect thereto and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)).
 
7.
When the Board authorizes the issuance of Warrants which provide for the issuance of Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares upon payment of consideration equal at least to the par value of the Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares being issued, if applicable, and which do not contain provisions which violate applicable law, and in accordance

- 2 -


CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
 
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
 
TEL +1 212 878 8000
FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com

with that authorization those Warrants are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, those Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company (subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally and to court decisions with respect thereto and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)).

8.
When the Board authorizes the issuance of Rights which provide for the right to purchase Common Shares, upon payment of consideration equal to at least the par value of the Common Shares being issued, and which do not contain provisions which violate applicable law, and in accordance with that authorization those Rights are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, those Rights will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company (subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally and to court decisions with respect thereto and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)).

This foregoing opinion is based as to matters of law solely on the applicable provisions of the Maryland REIT Law, as amended, and the laws of the State of New York, each as currently in effect. We express no opinion herein as to any other laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, or regulations.

We have relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by us to be responsible, and we have assumed that the governing documents under which the Depositary Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants and Rights are to be issued will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all parties thereto other than the Company and that the signatures on documents examined by us are genuine. We have further assumed that the issuance or delivery by the Company of any securities other than the Depositary Shares and Debt Securities, or of any other property, upon exercise or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Depositary Shares and Debt Securities will be effected so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding on the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company.
This letter has been prepared for your use in connection with the Registration Statement and is based upon the law as in effect and the facts known to us on the date hereof. We have not undertaken to advise you of any subsequent changes in the law or of any facts that hereafter may come to our attention.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.

Very truly yours,
/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP

- 3 -

Exhibit 8.1
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
 
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
 
TEL +1 212 878 8000
FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com

March 14, 2018

National Storage Affiliates Trust
5200 DTC Parkway, Suite 200
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Re:
REIT Qualification of National Storage Affiliates Trust
Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to National Storage Affiliates Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the " Company "), in connection with the Company's filing of a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed on March 14, 2018 (the " Registration Statement "), and the related prospectus included in the Registration Statement dated March 14, 2018 (the " Prospectus "), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC ") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Except as otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this opinion have the meanings given to them in the Registration Statement.

In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and, with your permission, relied on the following items:

1.    the Articles of Amendment and Restatement and Declaration of Trust of the Company;
2.    the bylaws of the Company;
3.
the Limited Partnership Agreement of NSA OP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the " Operating Partnership ");
4.
a Certificate of Representations (the " Certificate of Representations ") dated as of the date hereof, provided to us by the Company and the Operating Partnership;
5.
the Registration Statement; and
6.
such other documents, records and instruments as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to render the opinion referred to in this letter.
In our examination of the foregoing documents, we have assumed, with your consent, that (i) all documents reviewed by us are original documents, or true and accurate copies of original documents and have not been subsequently amended, (ii) the signatures of each original document are genuine, (iii) all representations and statements set forth in such documents are true and correct, (iv) all obligations imposed by any such documents on the parties thereto have been or will be performed or satisfied in accordance with their terms, and (v) the Company and the Operating Partnership at all times have been and will continue to be organized and operated in accordance with the method of operation described in their organizational documents, the Registration Statement and the Certificate of Representations. As of the date hereof, we are not aware of any facts inconsistent with the statements in the Registration Statement or the Certificate of Representations.



CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP

For purposes of rendering the opinions stated below, we have also assumed, with your consent, the accuracy of the representations contained in the Certificate of Representations provided to us by the Company and the Operating Partnership, and that each representation contained in such Certificate of Representations that is qualified as to the best of the Company’s or the Operating Partnership’s knowledge or belief is accurate and complete without regard to such qualification as to the best of such entity’s knowledge or belief. These representations generally relate to the organization and method of operation of the Company as a real estate investment trust (a " REIT ") and the Operating Partnership as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the " Code ").
Based upon, subject to, and limited by the assumptions and qualifications set forth herein and in the Registration Statement, we are of the opinion that:
1.
Commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2015, the Company has been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and its proposed method of operation as described in the Registration Statement and as set forth in the Certificate of Representations will enable the Company to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code.
2.
The statements included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus under the caption "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations," to the extent they describe applicable U.S. federal income tax law, are correct in all material respects.
The opinions set forth in this letter are based on relevant provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, interpretations of the foregoing as expressed in court decisions, legislative history, and existing administrative rulings and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (" IRS ") (including its practices and policies in issuing private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to a taxpayer that receives such a ruling), all as of the date hereof. These provisions and interpretations are subject to change, which may or may not be retroactive in effect, and which may result in modifications of our opinions. Our opinions do not foreclose the possibility of a contrary determination by the IRS or a court of competent jurisdiction, or of a contrary determination by the IRS or the Treasury Department in regulations or rulings issued in the future. In this regard, an opinion of counsel with respect to an issue represents counsel’s best professional judgment with respect to the outcome on the merits with respect to such issue, if such issue were to be litigated, but an opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts and is not a guarantee that the IRS will not assert a contrary position with respect to such issue or that a court will not sustain such a position asserted by the IRS.
The opinions set forth above represent our conclusions based upon the documents, facts, representations and assumptions referred to above. Any material amendments to such documents, changes in any significant facts or inaccuracy of such representations or assumptions could affect the opinions referred to herein. Moreover, the Company’s qualification as a REIT depends upon the ability of the Company to meet, for each taxable year, through actual annual operating results, requirements under the Code regarding gross income, assets, distributions and diversity of stock ownership. We have not undertaken, and will not undertake, to review the Company’s compliance with these requirements on a continuing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company’s operations for any single taxable year have satisfied or

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CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP

will satisfy the tests necessary to qualify as a REIT under the Code. In addition, the opinion set forth above does not foreclose the possibility that the Company may have to pay a deficiency dividend, or an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to maintain its REIT qualification. Although we have made such inquiries and performed such investigations as we have deemed necessary to fulfill our professional responsibilities as counsel, we have not undertaken an independent investigation of all of the facts referred to in this letter or the Certificate of Representations.
The opinions set forth in this letter are: (i) limited to those matters expressly covered and no opinion is expressed in respect of any other matter; (ii) as of the date hereof; and (iii) rendered by us at the request of the Company. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the SEC as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.


Very truly yours,

/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP

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Exhibit 23.3

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



The Board of Trustees
National Storage Affiliates Trust:

We consent to the use of our reports dated February 27, 2018, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of National Storage Affiliates Trust as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes, and the financial statement schedule, Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
March 14, 2018




Exhibit 23.4



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use of our reports, as set forth below, with respect to the following statements of revenue and certain expenses incorporated herein by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of National Storage Affiliates Trust and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus:
 
(i) our report dated March 23, 2015 with respect to the Guardian 2015 Properties for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the related notes to the financial statements; (ii) our report dated March 23, 2015 with respect to the All Stor Properties, for the period from the later of January 1, 2014 or All Stor's respective acquisition date through December 31, 2014, and the period from the later of March 14, 2013 or All Stor's respective acquisition dates through December 31, 2013, and the related notes to the financial statements; (iii) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the Hide-Away Properties for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; (iv) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the SecurCare Oklahoma Properties for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and the related notes to the financial statements; (v) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the Fondren Self Storage Property for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; (vi) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the Granite Clover Self Storage Properties for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; (vii) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the Gulf Coast Properties for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; (viii) our report dated May 24, 2016 with respect to the Storage Central Property for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; (ix) our report dated August 5, 2016 with respect to the CPA 17 Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements; and (x) our report dated January 26, 2017 with respect to the Kayne Anderson Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements.


/s/ EKS&H LLLP

Denver, Colorado
March 14, 2018



Exhibit 25.1



_____________________________________________________________________________

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)
_______________________________________________________

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

31-0841368
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

800 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minnesota

55402
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
                        
Richard Prokosch
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 466-6619
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

National Storage Affiliates Trust
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
Maryland
46-5053858
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 

5200 DTC Parkway
Suite 200
Greenwood Village, Colorado


80111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
    
Debt Securities
(Title of the Indenture Securities)





1



FORM T-1

Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION . Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.

a)
Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Comptroller of the Currency
400 7 th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20219

b)     Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes

Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None

Items 3-15
Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee's knowledge, the obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.
    
Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.

1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.*

2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2.

3.    A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, attached as Exhibit 3.

4.    A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.**
 
5.    A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.

6.    The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.

7.    Report of Condition of the Trustee as of March 31, 2017 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.
        
* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005.
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-166527 filed on May 5, 2010.



2



SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of St. Paul, State of Minnesota on the 8th of March, 2018.

By:
/s/ Richard Prokosch
 
Richard Prokosch
 
Vice President

                    

3


Exhibit 2
EXHIBIT2.JPG






4



Exhibit 3
EXHIBIT3.JPG





5


Exhibit 6

CONSENT

    
In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


Dated: March 8, 2018

By:
/s/ Richard Prokosch
 
Richard Prokosch
 
Vice President

6


Exhibit 7
U.S. Bank National Association
Statement of Financial Condition
As of 12/31/2017

($000’s)

 
 
12/31/2017

Assets
 
 
Cash and Balances Due From
 
$
19,469,911

Depository Institutions
 
 
Securities
 
111,520,538

Federal Funds
 
69,009

Loans & Lease Financing Receivables
 
279,502,730

Fixed Assets
 
4,583,971

Intangible Assets
 
12,895,144

Other Assets
 
27,984,526

Total Assets
 
$
456,025,829

 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
Deposits
 
$
357,200,076

Fed Funds
 
926,018

Treasury Demand Notes
 

Trading Liabilities
 
1,102,222

Other Borrowed Money
 
31,004,180

Acceptances
 

Subordinated Notes and Debentures
 
3,300,000

Other Liabilities
 
14,979,001

Total Liabilities
 
$
408,511,497

 
 
 
Equity
 
 
Common and Preferred Stock
 
18,200

Surplus
 
14,266,915

Undivided Profits
 
32,432,873

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries
 
796,344

Total Equity Capital
 
$
47,514,332

 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Equity Capital
 
$
456,025,829

 





7