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  <xsd:element id="eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares" name="ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits" name="ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember" name="CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember" name="EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_FannieMaePool3Member" name="FannieMaePool3Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember" name="FineArtsBuildingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpNextTwelveMonths" name="FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpNextTwelveMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsMember" name="ForwardStartingSwapsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsTreasuryLocksMember" name="ForwardStartingSwapsTreasuryLocksMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember" name="FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember" name="MonterraInMillCreekMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_MontierraMember" name="MontierraMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember" name="MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs" name="MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember" name="MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToOpUnitholdersBasicDilutedNumerator" name="NetIncomeLossAvailableToOpUnitholdersBasicDilutedNumerator" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract" name="NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue" name="NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_NorthglenMember" name="NorthglenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_NorthparkMember" name="NorthparkMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_NorthridgeMember" name="NorthridgeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_NumberOfOperatingPropertiesUnderLongTermGroundLeases" name="NumberOfOperatingPropertiesUnderLongTermGroundLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_NumberOfProjectsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment" name="NumberOfProjectsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered" name="NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_NumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuance" name="NumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties" name="NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OakwoodBostonMember" name="OakwoodBostonMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OceanCrestMember" name="OceanCrestMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OdinfkaTallmanMember" name="OdinfkaTallmanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OldTownLoftsMember" name="OldTownLoftsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OlympusTowersMember" name="OlympusTowersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OrangeCountyMember" name="OrangeCountyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" name="OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PacificPlaceMember" name="PacificPlaceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PackardBuildingMemberMember" name="PackardBuildingMemberMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PaidatMaturityMember" name="PaidatMaturityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember" name="ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ParentEquityInterest" name="ParentEquityInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParkConnecticutMember" name="ParkConnecticutMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember" name="ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember" name="ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParkWestCaMember" name="ParkWestCaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember" name="ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ParksideMember" name="ParksideMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PartiallyOwnedDomain" name="PartiallyOwnedDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock" name="PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract" name="PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element id="eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits" name="PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PartnerBuyoutMember" name="PartnerBuyoutMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent" name="PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits" name="PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner" name="PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits" name="PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets" name="PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits" name="PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PearlTheMember" name="PearlTheMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PegasusMember" name="PegasusMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PercentageofconsolidatedNOI" name="PercentageofconsolidatedNOI" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PlayaPacificaMember" name="PlayaPacificaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember" name="PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PortofinoMember" name="PortofinoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PortofinoValMember" name="PortofinoValMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PortsideTowersMember" name="PortsideTowersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_Potrero1010Member" name="Potrero1010Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember" name="PradofkaGlendaleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract" name="PreferredSharesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" name="PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsIssued" name="PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsIssued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsOutstanding" name="PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsRedemptionPricePerShareUnit" name="PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsRedemptionPricePerShareUnit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredStocksPreferenceUnitsRedemptionDate" name="PreferredStocksPreferenceUnitsRedemptionDate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:dateItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PreferredUnitsValueOutstanding" name="PreferredUnitsValueOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash" name="PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges" name="PrepaymentPenaltyCharges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PrimeTheMember" name="PrimeTheMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" name="ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" name="ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" name="ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" name="ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty" name="ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember" name="ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract" name="ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember" name="PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PropertiesAcquired" name="PropertiesAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PropertiesContractedToBeDisposed" name="PropertiesContractedToBeDisposed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired" name="PropertyUnitsAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ProvidenceMember" name="ProvidenceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ProvisionForIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxes" name="ProvisionForIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity" name="PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_QuarryHillsMember" name="QuarryHillsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther" name="RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment" name="RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReference" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReference" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits" name="RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock" name="RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther" name="RealEstateDispositionsAndOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock" name="RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" name="RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ReconciliationOfNoiTextBlockTableTextBlock" name="ReconciliationOfNoiTextBlockTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_Red160Member" name="Red160Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners" name="RedeemableLimitedPartners" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership" name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RedemptionofSeriesPPreferenceUnits" name="RedemptionofSeriesPPreferenceUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RedmondCourtMember" name="RedmondCourtMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities" name="ReductionInOtherLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties" name="ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RegencyPalmsMember" name="RegencyPalmsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember" name="RenaissanceVillasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember" name="RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember" name="RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract" name="RentalIncomeAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RentalPropertiesDisposedOfMember" name="RentalPropertiesDisposedOfMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable" name="RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember" name="ReplacementsMaximumMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember" name="ReplacementsMinimumMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract" name="ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember" name="ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember" name="ReserveAtEisenhowerMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember" name="ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember" name="ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember" name="ReserveAtPotomacYardMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember" name="ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember" name="ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember" name="ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember" name="ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ResidentSecurityAndUtilityDeposits" name="ResidentSecurityAndUtilityDeposits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ResidualJvDomain" name="ResidualJvDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RestrictedDepositsOnRealEstateInvestments" name="RestrictedDepositsOnRealEstateInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet" name="RestrictedShareGrantsNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm" name="RetailCommercialLeasesTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RiannaIMember" name="RiannaIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RiannaIiMember" name="RiannaIiMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember" name="RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RivaTerraIIMember" name="RivaTerraIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RivaTerraIMember" name="RivaTerraIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RiverparkMember" name="RiverparkMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember" name="RollingGreenMilfordMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RosecliffIiMember" name="RosecliffIiMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_RosecliffMember" name="RosecliffMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SakuraCrossingMember" name="SakuraCrossingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SalesPriceForCommitmentsToDispose" name="SalesPriceForCommitmentsToDispose" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SameStoreMember" name="SameStoreMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SanDiegoMember" name="SanDiegoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SanFranciscoMember" name="SanFranciscoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ScheduleOfContracturalObligationsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfContracturalObligationsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ScheduleOfPreferredStockTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfPreferredStockTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract" name="ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember" name="SchoonerBayOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember" name="SchoonerBayTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SeattleMember" name="SeattleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome" name="SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract" name="SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" name="SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues" name="SegmentReportingInformationRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" name="SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses" name="SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome" name="SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses" name="SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract" name="SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses" name="SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome" name="SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember" name="SeriesKPreferredStockMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SeriesPDomain" name="SeriesPDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_SeventhJamesMember" name="SeventhJamesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyTableTextBlock" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlan" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlan" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract" name="ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract" name="ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember" name="WestgatefkaWestgateIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestmontMember" name="WestmontMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideBarringtonfkaWestsideVillasIIIMember" name="WestsideBarringtonfkaWestsideVillasIIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideBarryfkaWestsideVillasVIMember" name="WestsideBarryfkaWestsideVillasVIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideBeloitfkaWestsideVillasIMember" name="WestsideBeloitfkaWestsideVillasIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideBundyfkaWestsideVillasIIMember" name="WestsideBundyfkaWestsideVillasIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideButlerfkaWestsideVillasIVMember" name="WestsideButlerfkaWestsideVillasIVMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideMember" name="WestsideMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WestsideVillasfkaWestsideVillasVVIIMember" name="WestsideVillasfkaWestsideVillasVVIIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WindridgeCaMember" name="WindridgeCaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain" name="WisconsinPlaceDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WoodCreekICAMember" name="WoodCreekICAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember" name="WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WoodleafMember" name="WoodleafMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount" name="WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate" name="WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract" name="WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses" name="Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets" name="WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
