<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/AwardActivityOfShareIncentivePlans" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#AwardActivityOfShareIncentivePlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Business" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#Business" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/BusinessDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#BusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/BusinessTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#BusinessTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CapitalAndRedeemableLimitedPartnersOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CapitalAndRedeemableLimitedPartnersOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstate" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInCapitalOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInCapitalOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtLineOfCreditAndCommercialPaperDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DebtLineOfCreditAndCommercialPaperDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtMortgageNotesPayableDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DebtMortgageNotesPayableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtNotesDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DebtNotesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtOtherDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DebtOtherDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestricted" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DepositsRestricted" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestrictedDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DepositsRestrictedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestrictedTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DepositsRestrictedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstruments" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails1" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetailsTextuals" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlan" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlan" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlans" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EmployeePlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlansDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EmployeePlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlansTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EmployeePlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOfEquityResidential" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOfEquityResidential" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityCapitalAndOtherInterests" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EquityCapitalAndOtherInterests" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/IndividuallySignificantDispositionsAndDiscontinuedOperationsIndividuallySignificantDispositionsDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#IndividuallySignificantDispositionsAndDiscontinuedOperationsIndividuallySignificantDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntities" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedOtherDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedOtherDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/IssuedAndOutstandingPreferredSharesAndPreferenceUnits" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#IssuedAndOutstandingPreferredSharesAndPreferenceUnits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/OperatingPropertiesDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#OperatingPropertiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/OptionsOutstandingAndExercisable" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#OptionsOutstandingAndExercisable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Other" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#Other" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstate" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationOverallSummaryAndEncumbrancesReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationOverallSummaryAndEncumbrancesReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateInvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateInvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateOtherDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateOtherDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateStarwoodDisposition" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateStarwoodDisposition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#RealEstateTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegments" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ReportableSegments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlans" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ShareIncentivePlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlansDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ShareIncentivePlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlansTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#ShareIncentivePlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SubsequentEventsOther" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEventsOther" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SubsequentEventsOtherDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEventsOtherDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompensationDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTaxDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTaxDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/TransactionsWithRelatedParties" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#TransactionsWithRelatedParties" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/AwardActivityOfShareIncentivePlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDetailsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDetailsAbstract_36C32F2DBAF9050BF60C523875E66133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_42A7F730DBEC64C5551B523875E76F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDetailsAbstract_36C32F2DBAF9050BF60C523875E66133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_42A7F730DBEC64C5551B523875E76F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7657C59B561F7107DCDD523875E7171C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_42A7F730DBEC64C5551B523875E76F4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7657C59B561F7107DCDD523875E7171C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4465F6615F52DFAEFA8C523875E7AE62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7657C59B561F7107DCDD523875E7171C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4465F6615F52DFAEFA8C523875E7AE62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_C8832EAB79380138921F523875E7FDC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4465F6615F52DFAEFA8C523875E7AE62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_C8832EAB79380138921F523875E7FDC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_3DF0A497A7382EA68192523875E770D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4465F6615F52DFAEFA8C523875E7AE62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_3DF0A497A7382EA68192523875E770D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_BD940223345F2D5CF954523875E7721E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4465F6615F52DFAEFA8C523875E7AE62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_BD940223345F2D5CF954523875E7721E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B19991AA26AFE3CD8019526FCACC18B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_42A7F730DBEC64C5551B523875E76F4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B19991AA26AFE3CD8019526FCACC18B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D5A222E8F33FF0DD29F526FCACFB16E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B19991AA26AFE3CD8019526FCACC18B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D5A222E8F33FF0DD29F526FCACFB16E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_A426C47622A029BAF7C4526FCB643D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D5A222E8F33FF0DD29F526FCACFB16E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_A426C47622A029BAF7C4526FCB643D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTitleOfIndividualAndByTypeOfDeferredCompensationTable_42A7F730DBEC64C5551B523875E76F4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6F9290B6B99DAB5690D7523875E7BC2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6F9290B6B99DAB5690D7523875E7BC2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_176C28FB4396A814677A523875E73FC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_176C28FB4396A814677A523875E73FC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StockOptionsExercised_3F376C76107547B01100523875E73BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StockOptionsExercised_3F376C76107547B01100523875E73BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_7B692B90FF53DC6E7D95523875E8FC8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_7B692B90FF53DC6E7D95523875E8FC8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_E15B4A1A0050A1437A93523875E807B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_E15B4A1A0050A1437A93523875E807B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedpaymentawardSpecialDividendAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedpaymentawardSpecialDividendAdjustment_B9492810A373953F444B5257CA0EA833" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedpaymentawardSpecialDividendAdjustment_B9492810A373953F444B5257CA0EA833" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_B26FC7E569EB93278C4F523875E8EE6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_B26FC7E569EB93278C4F523875E8EE6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_EADD1B3B1C41A2FB457C523875E80CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_EADD1B3B1C41A2FB457C523875E80CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E2590D0CF82942742F3C523875E808BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E2590D0CF82942742F3C523875E808BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_88A2611447D0370534F1523875E8A921" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_88A2611447D0370534F1523875E8A921" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_3BB788C172B7B0491108523875E8E649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_3BB788C172B7B0491108523875E8E649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_9C395A1A6EABFD5F4F2B523875E84D38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_9C395A1A6EABFD5F4F2B523875E84D38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_53DCC04B94BDA71C119A523875E8F189" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_53DCC04B94BDA71C119A523875E8F189" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_9E69F086094A7A46DC59523875E82FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_9E69F086094A7A46DC59523875E82FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5BF2DC34C88F4B5483EA523875E89AEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5BF2DC34C88F4B5483EA523875E89AEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_75FA8F01EBC10E036759523875E8A65A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_75FA8F01EBC10E036759523875E8A65A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_EECDBEA782F7223ADCC0523875E877BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_EECDBEA782F7223ADCC0523875E877BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiod_DA7C0DC0DEFF1883AF87523875E873BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiod_DA7C0DC0DEFF1883AF87523875E873BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_CB372C62A81F44B16518523875E90CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_CB372C62A81F44B16518523875E90CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_C63C0EB1371AEDAC7BF1523875E8CFD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_C63C0EB1371AEDAC7BF1523875E8CFD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7C71D2F08CBD8632F89E523875E8DEEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7C71D2F08CBD8632F89E523875E8DEEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_EFAF1186F431610598EB523875E8CF41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_EFAF1186F431610598EB523875E8CF41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_3596D10757ED041D75EF523875E86C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_3596D10757ED041D75EF523875E86C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B13B519F9B27D2F036DD523875E93C34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B13B519F9B27D2F036DD523875E93C34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_510C492B2B3E91DFBF0E523875E91BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_510C492B2B3E91DFBF0E523875E91BA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B91159C8431F408F8E6523875E9A539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B91159C8431F408F8E6523875E9A539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DA4FB7EDDEC3BAC57B74523875E9DB30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DA4FB7EDDEC3BAC57B74523875E9DB30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_702AE41C7E5E39D7B0B7526FCA755D85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_68D76D524075F54519B1523875E75832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_702AE41C7E5E39D7B0B7526FCA755D85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Business" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BusinessAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_D8205773D138D21790F64CE6252885C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_1F7D3ADDF480DFD7E7784CE625286E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_D8205773D138D21790F64CE6252885C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_1F7D3ADDF480DFD7E7784CE625286E81" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/BusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BusinessAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_9C95C08E0E8D895A6D314CE23453335B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EE63C66369A5A185E11E4CE23455F2ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_9C95C08E0E8D895A6D314CE23453335B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EE63C66369A5A185E11E4CE23455F2ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_6B49EA402540965E99404CE23456AEDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EE63C66369A5A185E11E4CE23455F2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_6B49EA402540965E99404CE23456AEDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_6B49EA402540965E99404CE23456AEDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember_699332CBF8C5EC3AC5BB4CE23457AF16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember_699332CBF8C5EC3AC5BB4CE23457AF16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MasterLeasedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MasterLeasedPropertiesMember_E4A7C37AA701C8133CEC4CE2345AF54A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MasterLeasedPropertiesMember_E4A7C37AA701C8133CEC4CE2345AF54A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_0C85BFDD000FD37EFD964CE2345AE07E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_0C85BFDD000FD37EFD964CE2345AE07E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_80A564DA9FC713C1513C4CE2345ADEE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_C272C71B10ADF87A711D4CE23456D977" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_80A564DA9FC713C1513C4CE2345ADEE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C99A707DCC973B6554414CE2345AFEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EE63C66369A5A185E11E4CE23455F2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C99A707DCC973B6554414CE2345AFEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract_36FAED5B0D3AB06223844CE2345A5631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C99A707DCC973B6554414CE2345AFEF4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract_36FAED5B0D3AB06223844CE2345A5631" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_14CFA831EFA46C25268F4CE2345B67F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract_36FAED5B0D3AB06223844CE2345A5631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_14CFA831EFA46C25268F4CE2345B67F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_93E9A5E8CF4D1D38774D4CE2345B2525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract_36FAED5B0D3AB06223844CE2345A5631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_93E9A5E8CF4D1D38774D4CE2345B2525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfOperatingPropertiesUnderLongTermGroundLeases" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfOperatingPropertiesUnderLongTermGroundLeases_6075F70B0631CD25114D4CE2345B8851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessTextualsAbstract_36FAED5B0D3AB06223844CE2345A5631" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfOperatingPropertiesUnderLongTermGroundLeases_6075F70B0631CD25114D4CE2345B8851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract_B864D716BA628ACA206F4CE2345B2DEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C99A707DCC973B6554414CE2345AFEF4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract_B864D716BA628ACA206F4CE2345B2DEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_23E8097C5E2735E7683F4CE2345B5E44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract_B864D716BA628ACA206F4CE2345B2DEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_23E8097C5E2735E7683F4CE2345B5E44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_36D53864083E68B45F544CE2345B1987" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPropertiesAndUnitsAbstract_B864D716BA628ACA206F4CE2345B2DEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_36D53864083E68B45F544CE2345B1987" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/BusinessTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BusinessAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_D8B2BE0DF2674130B5274CE62527EBC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_1263B244CB87CD136B054CE625272450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BusinessAbstract_D8B2BE0DF2674130B5274CE62527EBC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_1263B244CB87CD136B054CE625272450" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CapitalAndRedeemableLimitedPartnersOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_21A2BC011AC223D9754158AA4007BDEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_21A2BC011AC223D9754158AA4007BDEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB410F93E13A782C206058AA400763F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_21A2BC011AC223D9754158AA4007BDEC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB410F93E13A782C206058AA400763F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C573A42A1A367DCBBF7658AA4007E4E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB410F93E13A782C206058AA400763F6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C573A42A1A367DCBBF7658AA4007E4E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C573A42A1A367DCBBF7658AA4007E4E2" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_21A2BC011AC223D9754158AA4007BDEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLtips" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A4BF6733EB5795B242A258AA40077F27" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_6E2DA0E92C67441353584CE62414074E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_55FF12E934EC531FE3E94CE62415936E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_6E2DA0E92C67441353584CE62414074E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_55FF12E934EC531FE3E94CE62415936E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_C1D8380FB8A302D0C6CF5CD0A0B8F6E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EC3ADE10DF35B021CCC5CD0A0B8C120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_C1D8380FB8A302D0C6CF5CD0A0B8F6E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EC3ADE10DF35B021CCC5CD0A0B8C120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_6983F25E539C03080E3D5CD0A0B8F117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EC3ADE10DF35B021CCC5CD0A0B8C120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_6983F25E539C03080E3D5CD0A0B8F117" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_BF97C63BD3DA9A25AD2E5CD0A0B8995F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_6983F25E539C03080E3D5CD0A0B8F117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_BF97C63BD3DA9A25AD2E5CD0A0B8995F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FHALawsuitMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FHALawsuitMember_2A7B938398BA19BEC4845CD0A0B88029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_BF97C63BD3DA9A25AD2E5CD0A0B8995F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FHALawsuitMember_2A7B938398BA19BEC4845CD0A0B88029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_8C3356EB4CDD15E4AA7F5CD0A0B87FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EC3ADE10DF35B021CCC5CD0A0B8C120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_8C3356EB4CDD15E4AA7F5CD0A0B87FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_749571DFDDB0D94925315CD0A0B85779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_8C3356EB4CDD15E4AA7F5CD0A0B87FA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_749571DFDDB0D94925315CD0A0B85779" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_26361A3DC86B0AF519795CD0A0B8E50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_749571DFDDB0D94925315CD0A0B85779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_26361A3DC86B0AF519795CD0A0B8E50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EC3ADE10DF35B021CCC5CD0A0B8C120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_2C2BB3B3320450C7B8145CD0A0B85BA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_2C2BB3B3320450C7B8145CD0A0B85BA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_FFD5B697F1DC1AD57B685CD0A0B80254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_FFD5B697F1DC1AD57B685CD0A0B80254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_C57B3B76CEA3C24021155CD0A0B8ED8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_C57B3B76CEA3C24021155CD0A0B8ED8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_D17446F8F442AFFA13125CD0A0B816FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_D17446F8F442AFFA13125CD0A0B816FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_011B236B2F8772C372855CD0A0B85FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_011B236B2F8772C372855CD0A0B85FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfProjectsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfProjectsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment_D8FB12DEA23A6875DC0D5CD0A0B8A2A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfProjectsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment_D8FB12DEA23A6875DC0D5CD0A0B8A2A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfUnitsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment_184D84745FB94D8D57695CD0A0B81FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInVariousStagesOfDevelopment_184D84745FB94D8D57695CD0A0B81FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidatedProjectUnderDevelopmentCommitmentFund" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedProjectUnderDevelopmentCommitmentFund_03D46D41EE30088F1DF85CD0A0B8FE74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedProjectUnderDevelopmentCommitmentFund_03D46D41EE30088F1DF85CD0A0B8FE74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfUnconsolidatedProjects" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnconsolidatedProjects_6F7E8EB8280C88BAFFDB5CD0A0B807CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnconsolidatedProjects_6F7E8EB8280C88BAFFDB5CD0A0B807CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_263AA79106F72EF5AE4D5CD0A0B80E00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_263AA79106F72EF5AE4D5CD0A0B80E00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_C36B3384F458FFD35EC55CD0A0B807FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_C36B3384F458FFD35EC55CD0A0B807FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ContractualObligationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ContractualObligationsAbstract_A52E4FFDB32233EB65A75CD0A0B8C8DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F4440918AF97D6B5DF855CD0A0B88108" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ContractualObligationsAbstract_A52E4FFDB32233EB65A75CD0A0B8C8DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ContractualObligationsAbstract_A52E4FFDB32233EB65A75CD0A0B8C8DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_110780F5E023B927E0BA5CD0A0B8E3FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_110780F5E023B927E0BA5CD0A0B8E3FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_0C93020EBC30CA3D12CE5CD0A0B82BB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_0C93020EBC30CA3D12CE5CD0A0B82BB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_4099091407B8A40D74C65CD0A0B8397F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_4099091407B8A40D74C65CD0A0B8397F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_E520C598DF4F724E62D65CD0A0B8B0A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_E520C598DF4F724E62D65CD0A0B8B0A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_730A97831A9986BDE7D35CD0A0B8D9EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_730A97831A9986BDE7D35CD0A0B8D9EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_E8DDF047C9AE0DE31CAB5CD0A0B8769D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_E8DDF047C9AE0DE31CAB5CD0A0B8769D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_BA9A1609DFBFD440413F5CD0A0B870F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_BA9A1609DFBFD440413F5CD0A0B870F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_4554D80C9FB10063E7915CD0A0B8754A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_4554D80C9FB10063E7915CD0A0B8754A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_FDCEB2E2DAE6D17BC2D35CD0A0B82191" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_FDCEB2E2DAE6D17BC2D35CD0A0B82191" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_849522403E291EF8F5775CD0A0B84F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_849522403E291EF8F5775CD0A0B84F70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_6D41F38D4E0BAE8D9F405CD0A0B8BB8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_6D41F38D4E0BAE8D9F405CD0A0B8BB8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_2CC820C1C045004EC6115CD0A0B87000" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_2CC820C1C045004EC6115CD0A0B87000" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_3BB2905C06E025BC149A5CD0A0B8D566" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_3BB2905C06E025BC149A5CD0A0B8D566" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_A9531620704D44AA7E015CD0A0B88AA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_311AB9D351802AF1472B5CD0A0B810D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_A9531620704D44AA7E015CD0A0B88AA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ContractualObligationsAbstract_A52E4FFDB32233EB65A75CD0A0B8C8DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_4513A83D20CCECD01BB35CD0A0B80E8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_4513A83D20CCECD01BB35CD0A0B80E8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_3C3406BDFA1A8FE3D89B5CD0A0B88DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_3C3406BDFA1A8FE3D89B5CD0A0B88DDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_F2BC136D983133E1C3575CD0A0B84E71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_F2BC136D983133E1C3575CD0A0B84E71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_13FE498FDE89D47E4A695CD0A0C8FC20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_13FE498FDE89D47E4A695CD0A0C8FC20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_9EB617693035A1DB294E5CD0A0B8926C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_FC10A30FC7E22D1551914CE623A83904" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ScheduleOfContracturalObligationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfContracturalObligationsTableTextBlock_2A7CC10FD0D483D6B8AD4CE623A815E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_FC10A30FC7E22D1551914CE623A83904" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfContracturalObligationsTableTextBlock_2A7CC10FD0D483D6B8AD4CE623A815E8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstate" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_7DDE55B34BC632B72ED962EA53104C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTextBlock_CCAB277FEFD03170324B62EA53831EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_7DDE55B34BC632B72ED962EA53104C65" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTextBlock_CCAB277FEFD03170324B62EA53831EED" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_C4662FA8453FE06F44944CE624D19A3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_05E3BB264DB280F878C84CE624D10DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_C4662FA8453FE06F44944CE624D19A3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_05E3BB264DB280F878C84CE624D10DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1258AB684B6F719ACD064CE624D1C028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_05E3BB264DB280F878C84CE624D10DB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1258AB684B6F719ACD064CE624D1C028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A0175778619D985E3AC64CE624D14689" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1258AB684B6F719ACD064CE624D1C028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A0175778619D985E3AC64CE624D14689" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_DA2577DF48F92E93A0974CE624D1F718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A0175778619D985E3AC64CE624D14689" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_DA2577DF48F92E93A0974CE624D1F718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfAxis" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfAxis_81C08C1BBDE3C2C692B14CE624D18D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_05E3BB264DB280F878C84CE624D10DB5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfAxis_81C08C1BBDE3C2C692B14CE624D18D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfDomain_4E70645EE215429504714CE624D17B41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfAxis_81C08C1BBDE3C2C692B14CE624D18D1F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfDomain_4E70645EE215429504714CE624D17B41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RentalPropertiesDisposedOfMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RentalPropertiesDisposedOfMember_022A3D059AB8BEE7B8564CE624D1C762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfDomain_4E70645EE215429504714CE624D17B41" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RentalPropertiesDisposedOfMember_022A3D059AB8BEE7B8564CE624D1C762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_4D87257440441FCE37184CE624D1D67E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToDisposeOfDomain_4E70645EE215429504714CE624D17B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_4D87257440441FCE37184CE624D1D67E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_05E3BB264DB280F878C84CE624D10DB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PropertiesContractedToBeDisposed" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PropertiesContractedToBeDisposed_F15C9DDF3A3F1496AA2D4CE624D12327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PropertiesContractedToBeDisposed_F15C9DDF3A3F1496AA2D4CE624D12327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsContractedToBeDisposed" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsContractedToBeDisposed_0EB13B592A274CE981D74CE624D1AFA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnitsContractedToBeDisposed_0EB13B592A274CE981D74CE624D1AFA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SalesPriceForCommitmentsToDispose" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SalesPriceForCommitmentsToDispose_C2C032E7D6BF780957934CE624D1128A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SalesPriceForCommitmentsToDispose_C2C032E7D6BF780957934CE624D1128A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandParcelsContractedToBeDisposed" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandParcelsContractedToBeDisposed_8B98FD3B8D398BEB7F974CE624D13743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4632A5BAE6A259C1D0954CE624D115CE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandParcelsContractedToBeDisposed_8B98FD3B8D398BEB7F974CE624D13743" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_5CFAEFABEB5BC206FA796284779D75AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_5CFAEFABEB5BC206FA796284779D75AF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9208865976F0371CC2955D5681270E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C360CB561B5193E6CD555D5681270CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9208865976F0371CC2955D5681270E80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C360CB561B5193E6CD555D5681270CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D1F0A3713FE2DC61DF65D568127A3E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C360CB561B5193E6CD555D5681270CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D1F0A3713FE2DC61DF65D568127A3E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8EB57C5038E0BABD6A0C5D568127492A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D1F0A3713FE2DC61DF65D568127A3E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8EB57C5038E0BABD6A0C5D568127492A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D5FBD0C1E41A8C198935D568127D983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C360CB561B5193E6CD555D5681270CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D5FBD0C1E41A8C198935D568127D983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D5FBD0C1E41A8C198935D568127D983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Land" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_A9E2B0EAC0F521A5864E5D5681279ED4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_A9E2B0EAC0F521A5864E5D5681279ED4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_12D8F92453654C9008B85D568127CA7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_12D8F92453654C9008B85D568127CA7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_53771BCDD19368BA05C85D56812792CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_53771BCDD19368BA05C85D56812792CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_3447A52811C2537EF0005D568127D7F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_8B9CE57015969E73F2715D56812762E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_3447A52811C2537EF0005D568127D7F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_9CE6F04DF2988AA5E3B35D568127217A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_9CE6F04DF2988AA5E3B35D568127217A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_F01DD0C57DEE6AB2D4AD5D568127FFD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_F01DD0C57DEE6AB2D4AD5D568127FFD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_CCA915CB4AC44BCF26B45D5681279BE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_CCA915CB4AC44BCF26B45D5681279BE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_F982874C72ADAC1A091D5D568127FABE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_F982874C72ADAC1A091D5D568127FABE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0957D6C5951EE43EA26D5D568127BD31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0957D6C5951EE43EA26D5D568127BD31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_8A2C7793962AB2FAFFA65D5681275B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_8A2C7793962AB2FAFFA65D5681275B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_1E99D183C0878A477D8D5D5681275530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_1E99D183C0878A477D8D5D5681275530" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_AFFFFECF2558D14992145D568127F26D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_AFFFFECF2558D14992145D568127F26D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_48EAAC193222F2ECCBAA5D568127CEC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_48EAAC193222F2ECCBAA5D568127CEC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_B76635AC4066E717FA325D56812797CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_10399BCF2EFCDD1B82FD5D5681273480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_B76635AC4066E717FA325D56812797CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D5FBD0C1E41A8C198935D568127D983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_0B327800D04F471953825D5681274BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_0B327800D04F471953825D5681274BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_23A44ED64DA22ECDC3EE5D56812780C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_23A44ED64DA22ECDC3EE5D56812780C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper_2F4A43E0BB3CAE5B55F95D568127AC39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper_2F4A43E0BB3CAE5B55F95D568127AC39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_75B5397EB0D84FA718515D5681272009" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_75B5397EB0D84FA718515D5681272009" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_F8EAE5B6ED23D4E0CE5C5D56812750A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_F8EAE5B6ED23D4E0CE5C5D56812750A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_A198AC842063AC2E05DB5D568127589D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_A198AC842063AC2E05DB5D568127589D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_F4BEDEF766E20734C4795D568127323A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_F4BEDEF766E20734C4795D568127323A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_A1F83DAFB98E660DBD405D5681275B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_A1F83DAFB98E660DBD405D5681275B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AABF8FB8D8163CE652A45D568127B4D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_368F3BD0139CDAA3F85A5D5681278738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AABF8FB8D8163CE652A45D568127B4D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_D6595E5BD18270F2C0015D568127B10E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_D6595E5BD18270F2C0015D568127B10E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_3B15035DE1A4379FEF3F5D5681274B72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_3B15035DE1A4379FEF3F5D5681274B72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_71E5109A00624BE8B2B85D568127B9CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_71E5109A00624BE8B2B85D568127B9CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_71E5109A00624BE8B2B85D568127B9CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_25592D039CF5F4DDC8C55D568127AAAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_25592D039CF5F4DDC8C55D568127AAAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_52696186C15B8025B6F25D568127D786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_52696186C15B8025B6F25D568127D786" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_58344F0AD186F11127385D568127EFB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_58344F0AD186F11127385D568127EFB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_645FCC5BEB4524E2F5D75D5681272AF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_645FCC5BEB4524E2F5D75D5681272AF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_270383984A1E2DF8AE2A5D568127132F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_270383984A1E2DF8AE2A5D568127132F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E5D5F7C9A63E2A2FA4A05D5681273621" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5B13AE3B420ACFD1779E5D5681278BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E5D5F7C9A63E2A2FA4A05D5681273621" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract_B732625F38BFD050AEB55D5681272548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_71E5109A00624BE8B2B85D568127B9CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract_B732625F38BFD050AEB55D5681272548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships_03B09DEC9C78980E35105D56812783A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract_B732625F38BFD050AEB55D5681272548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships_03B09DEC9C78980E35105D56812783A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_3C9EE171CBC7C0D17BA55D5681271947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract_B732625F38BFD050AEB55D5681272548" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_3C9EE171CBC7C0D17BA55D5681271947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_ED6D09AD6F66DB12EBAA5D5681274315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestItemsAbstract_B732625F38BFD050AEB55D5681272548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_ED6D09AD6F66DB12EBAA5D5681274315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8DBEA4CE2DF8618FC9B5D56812794F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8DBEA4CE2DF8618FC9B5D56812794F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_6570C6FAB26C5B9D81915D5681278891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DAA98C317A40F73C1D265D568127D617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_6570C6FAB26C5B9D81915D5681278891" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9249BDC69E021767236E4CE625C4A73A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_82DEDC4C3AD017BB54B24CE625C4415F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9249BDC69E021767236E4CE625C4A73A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_82DEDC4C3AD017BB54B24CE625C4415F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FCD8D632C34F8272DC264CE625C48632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_82DEDC4C3AD017BB54B24CE625C4415F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FCD8D632C34F8272DC264CE625C48632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A5E237746849173027574CE625C51E7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FCD8D632C34F8272DC264CE625C48632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A5E237746849173027574CE625C51E7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_82DEDC4C3AD017BB54B24CE625C4415F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_741A0E569D7C2AF02C0E4CE625C53140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_741A0E569D7C2AF02C0E4CE625C53140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7F442F9A68660EEEF0CF4CE625C56ED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7F442F9A68660EEEF0CF4CE625C56ED7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_42CB4FC7E89C3C207EA14CE625C5B746" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_42CB4FC7E89C3C207EA14CE625C5B746" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_41535220128C203A3C1C4CE625C5515F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_41535220128C203A3C1C4CE625C5515F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_F67E36389699E4E7B12F4CE625C5A3F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_F67E36389699E4E7B12F4CE625C5A3F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_5EDDEBA774DBEEC593A74CE625C5BE6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_5EDDEBA774DBEEC593A74CE625C5BE6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_C1E1E0C5D9C04815AB954CE625C59892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_C1E1E0C5D9C04815AB954CE625C59892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_372EA06711E3F56074F04CE625C56445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BE161A3297A081085BA34CE625C58A59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_372EA06711E3F56074F04CE625C56445" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9079BB6E1A57F50AA9CF4CE625BD7B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5FD69D024B08103B9E914CE625BDBFDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_9079BB6E1A57F50AA9CF4CE625BD7B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5FD69D024B08103B9E914CE625BDBFDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4E515ABBA78A243364CB4CE625BE4A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5FD69D024B08103B9E914CE625BDBFDE" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4E515ABBA78A243364CB4CE625BE4A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_02CC6157403B44250C704CE625BEF715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4E515ABBA78A243364CB4CE625BE4A08" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_02CC6157403B44250C704CE625BEF715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_1265EB26C2A438F644EC4CE625BE0B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_02CC6157403B44250C704CE625BEF715" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_1265EB26C2A438F644EC4CE625BE0B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44EA99301F68488361AD4CE625BE7377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5FD69D024B08103B9E914CE625BDBFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44EA99301F68488361AD4CE625BE7377" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44EA99301F68488361AD4CE625BE7377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Land" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_6FABD5BC9802BDB58BFC4CE625BE4A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_6FABD5BC9802BDB58BFC4CE625BE4A86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_F0642748A78EB39740364CE625BEAE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_F0642748A78EB39740364CE625BEAE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_859691FDB76EE06C065B4CE625BE4D12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_859691FDB76EE06C065B4CE625BE4D12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_465694D700E4EBEFA8AA4CE625BE5832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_465694D700E4EBEFA8AA4CE625BE5832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_79C91FD6C992706E13534CE625BE2542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_79C91FD6C992706E13534CE625BE2542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_8B2343B5822817F6BAC14CE625BEFE1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_8B2343B5822817F6BAC14CE625BEFE1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_FEE5798ED94E6B06DD894CE625BECFF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_CD5E0C41C23CC3DA3C254CE625BE27F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_FEE5798ED94E6B06DD894CE625BECFF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_65CEF41522EF269362E34CE625BE16A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_65CEF41522EF269362E34CE625BE16A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0F354824E7BBD74B9DC74CE625BE19BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0F354824E7BBD74B9DC74CE625BE19BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_8E9E181972B06DF2A9964CE625BE8ACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_8E9E181972B06DF2A9964CE625BE8ACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_F46CEDBFC0589BA2DFBC4CE625BEFA64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_F46CEDBFC0589BA2DFBC4CE625BEFA64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_1C8050C140E4A713D41C4CE625BFD239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_1C8050C140E4A713D41C4CE625BFD239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CB0A286C60C90D9BB1C94CE625BFD6DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CB0A286C60C90D9BB1C94CE625BFD6DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8B36B47B9F7C0768BE9A4CE625BFFDD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0873F4CF097E7813279D4CE625BE4EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_8B36B47B9F7C0768BE9A4CE625BFFDD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44EA99301F68488361AD4CE625BE7377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_D9FF44255F28B5F78F764CE625BF1F61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_D9FF44255F28B5F78F764CE625BF1F61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_D3DC6CB40B79B463FCD54CE625BFD11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_D3DC6CB40B79B463FCD54CE625BFD11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper_434B24873A9F7967C2974CE625BFA4B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LineofCreditandCommercialPaper_434B24873A9F7967C2974CE625BFA4B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_29AE99F45785A0B37A024CE625BFFD05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_29AE99F45785A0B37A024CE625BFFD05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_FA6CFA1BC6D475ED58164CE625BF7FF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_FA6CFA1BC6D475ED58164CE625BF7FF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_9184BBCC0E668CC9296B4CE625BF3960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_9184BBCC0E668CC9296B4CE625BF3960" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_370980FB274D896F1BC54CE625BF2CD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_370980FB274D896F1BC54CE625BF2CD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_4C9C4186E8C1F5AF34844CE625BF1A84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_4C9C4186E8C1F5AF34844CE625BF1A84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_949A15EE89F385F66ACC4CE625BF4431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_7AD20CB4720275AB6B434CE625BF311A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_949A15EE89F385F66ACC4CE625BF4431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_F8792384BD06EC55FED14CE625BFB3AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_F8792384BD06EC55FED14CE625BFB3AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount_9DA24499A159CA3694E24CE625C00F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount_9DA24499A159CA3694E24CE625C00F43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_B940A4EB19D1983988864CE625C03114" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_B940A4EB19D1983988864CE625C03114" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapital_0DCA260C3817E75D3C3A4CE625C0CE53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapital_0DCA260C3817E75D3C3A4CE625C0CE53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_9BDED3060261EF36BAC14CE625C05281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_9BDED3060261EF36BAC14CE625C05281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C27A4147EEDB7573F80B4CE625C00EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C27A4147EEDB7573F80B4CE625C00EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ABD4257C249EDC59EB7D4CE625C085F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ABD4257C249EDC59EB7D4CE625C085F6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInCapitalOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_97060FF8342CDC59BC0E628479EF4136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_97060FF8342CDC59BC0E628479EF4136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis_AF39F710FECA873245ED628479F0D24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis_AF39F710FECA873245ED628479F0D24B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis_AF39F710FECA873245ED628479F0D24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_42A345F640B3603053D1628479F001FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_42A345F640B3603053D1628479F001FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_3DE260562F569CE7FA92628479F63353" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_3DE260562F569CE7FA92628479F63353" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_BD2115955883E7E5A266628479F651FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_822025553FBC9A42302C628479F00E9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_BD2115955883E7E5A266628479F651FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9E1CF9012A524DFDA6B628479F610EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9E1CF9012A524DFDA6B628479F610EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A8974B9EF99069E36D18628479F623D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9E1CF9012A524DFDA6B628479F610EC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A8974B9EF99069E36D18628479F623D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_210EA5B3A304AF0C4FD0628479F6DBD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A8974B9EF99069E36D18628479F623D9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_210EA5B3A304AF0C4FD0628479F6DBD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3C64D6CD46E95F2D4A4A628479F631B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3C64D6CD46E95F2D4A4A628479F631B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B28458AEB694D259D364628479F67A58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3C64D6CD46E95F2D4A4A628479F631B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B28458AEB694D259D364628479F67A58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_156D5ACD2E0A5505C433628479F6637D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B28458AEB694D259D364628479F67A58" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_156D5ACD2E0A5505C433628479F6637D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_661117A47C1FB284F349628479F082A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D84A861D00FE41257F2362B72EB35509" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D84A861D00FE41257F2362B72EB35509" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B68D2633F0BF4FF048CE62B08A2C3459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B68D2633F0BF4FF048CE62B08A2C3459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_BC619A54150084228BF4628479F7C25E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_BC619A54150084228BF4628479F7C25E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_405AA375D664AFF80D77628479F7F80A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_BC619A54150084228BF4628479F7C25E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_405AA375D664AFF80D77628479F7F80A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_4AAA65944DB9DE522036628479F75C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_BC619A54150084228BF4628479F7C25E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_4AAA65944DB9DE522036628479F75C59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExchangeOfOPUnitsBetweenLimitedPartnerAndGeneralPartner" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExchangeOfOPUnitsBetweenLimitedPartnerAndGeneralPartner_2307B5FA33046113E7D8628479F7FE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExchangeOfOPUnitsBetweenLimitedPartnerAndGeneralPartner_2307B5FA33046113E7D8628479F7FE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_A2DB7BBEBF965736C68A628479F79894" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_A2DB7BBEBF965736C68A628479F79894" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_B9EDB5789274BE75EF6F628479F7FFAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_B9EDB5789274BE75EF6F628479F7FFAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_96B735674366EA4E6C60628479F7B030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_96B735674366EA4E6C60628479F7B030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_E858793D728DADD41DFA628479FC3088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OpUnitIssuanceAbstract_4681D008BB0372210736628479F74942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_E858793D728DADD41DFA628479FC3088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_46E9E34C33AE9EDA0DDE628479FDEC6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_E858793D728DADD41DFA628479FC3088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_46E9E34C33AE9EDA0DDE628479FDEC6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_6655A6BC74535B39CCC5628479FD2E94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_E858793D728DADD41DFA628479FC3088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_6655A6BC74535B39CCC5628479FD2E94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E09861B13C0C7ABF65E3628479FD8DD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_E858793D728DADD41DFA628479FC3088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E09861B13C0C7ABF65E3628479FD8DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_DEFA7AF57C38DAC3757F628479FDC155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_DEFA7AF57C38DAC3757F628479FDC155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_4C6D1BA60FC05C03DB18628479F730EC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExchangeOfOPUnitsBetweenLimitedPartnerAndGeneralPartner_2307B5FA33046113E7D8628479F7FE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_96B735674366EA4E6C60628479F7B030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_EF321D83954036BAF6C4628479FE48AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_EF321D83954036BAF6C4628479FE48AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ChangeInCarryingValueOfRedeemableLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ChangeInCarryingValueOfRedeemableLimitedPartners_FA6A2ADEBBD401130225628479FF18AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ChangeInCarryingValueOfRedeemableLimitedPartners_FA6A2ADEBBD401130225628479FF18AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D32CF6FA7599E925891962847A05C804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D32CF6FA7599E925891962847A05C804" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_F1BC952A4B559EF5D7F7628479FF0CAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_F1BC952A4B559EF5D7F7628479FF0CAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_87FB95880AF13FD9C4E3628479FF4E68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_F1BC952A4B559EF5D7F7628479FF0CAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_87FB95880AF13FD9C4E3628479FF4E68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0568EE380214D743D475628479FFD450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_87FB95880AF13FD9C4E3628479FF4E68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0568EE380214D743D475628479FFD450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_8EF03186B7EC6B7C413C628479FFE4E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_87FB95880AF13FD9C4E3628479FF4E68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_8EF03186B7EC6B7C413C628479FFE4E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D1EAE89F026B4FBF7EB3628479FFA159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_F1BC952A4B559EF5D7F7628479FF0CAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D1EAE89F026B4FBF7EB3628479FFA159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_7A21B513791AD3698CC3628479FFB79E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D1EAE89F026B4FBF7EB3628479FFA159" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_7A21B513791AD3698CC3628479FFB79E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_D78AC656C84A8775DA72628479FFBAD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_D78AC656C84A8775DA72628479FFBAD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_D78AC656C84A8775DA72628479FFBAD3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_1D7CCE1513D94001537662847A045901" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_1D7CCE1513D94001537662847A045901" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15EDEFAF9EE3199A874262847A049E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15EDEFAF9EE3199A874262847A049E89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_59EDB40E49CC41987EB962847A055DC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_59EDB40E49CC41987EB962847A055DC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_30B6FEEE97CE4006D83462847A056945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_30B6FEEE97CE4006D83462847A056945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_2193F9130A0B95A4187C62847A0544AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_2193F9130A0B95A4187C62847A0544AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_43452D697DCC3A948EAC62847A05E366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_43452D697DCC3A948EAC62847A05E366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D23CE60DBE626945DF7A62C6B6FFE0A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D23CE60DBE626945DF7A62C6B6FFE0A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_62DEBBAA79A7305A879462C5C7FB51F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CCA84B660C6466C6EF77628479F7EEBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_62DEBBAA79A7305A879462C5C7FB51F8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_220F379353CEF28B1E7857FFCF242B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D8678426C4425B23302A57FFCF24596B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_220F379353CEF28B1E7857FFCF242B5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D8678426C4425B23302A57FFCF24596B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ED252C9D7249DFABB93D57FFCF24F6F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D8678426C4425B23302A57FFCF24596B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ED252C9D7249DFABB93D57FFCF24F6F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ED252C9D7249DFABB93D57FFCF24F6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_77923B5FBEC38C9A6CA857FFCF2953F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_77923B5FBEC38C9A6CA857FFCF2953F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_01A21AF5E7852817910557FFCF290B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_01A21AF5E7852817910557FFCF290B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_92EA0D55D2670AC2116157FFCF296D6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_92EA0D55D2670AC2116157FFCF296D6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_18A4C3DCF903BFB85D5957FFCF295FE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_18A4C3DCF903BFB85D5957FFCF295FE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_632B4262FB94290C56CB57FFCF297DB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_632B4262FB94290C56CB57FFCF297DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedDomain_185C1674D7577E4D15625801FFB7291E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3222D2A4E7A0404CCAAE57FFCF246FF3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedDomain_185C1674D7577E4D15625801FFB7291E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_72E653C20D1EADF623DC57FFCF2AA395" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D8678426C4425B23302A57FFCF24596B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_72E653C20D1EADF623DC57FFCF2AA395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_59EF1CC2459D5FC5675057FFCF2A83FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_72E653C20D1EADF623DC57FFCF2AA395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_59EF1CC2459D5FC5675057FFCF2A83FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_1F020BF8BA407070DF4757FFCF2A36FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_59EF1CC2459D5FC5675057FFCF2A83FD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_1F020BF8BA407070DF4757FFCF2A36FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_D8678426C4425B23302A57FFCF24596B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ADEC081554496A632A9A57FFCF2A6865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ADEC081554496A632A9A57FFCF2A6865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6B47994CB3AD5414D03557FFCF2A3149" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6B47994CB3AD5414D03557FFCF2A3149" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_53E4A02ACBBEA058392F57FFCF2A9AED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_53E4A02ACBBEA058392F57FFCF2A9AED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_EF0541C3E6FDAD7A5B2F57FFCF2A1195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_53E4A02ACBBEA058392F57FFCF2A9AED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_EF0541C3E6FDAD7A5B2F57FFCF2A1195" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_3A2B1738C02EEEE742FF57FFCF2AA4CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PreferredSharesAbstract_53E4A02ACBBEA058392F57FFCF2A9AED" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_3A2B1738C02EEEE742FF57FFCF2AA4CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_31AAE63A9E6B9B64C43D57FFCF2A747B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_31AAE63A9E6B9B64C43D57FFCF2A747B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_21DBC08819C08314588A57FFCF2A5AC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_21DBC08819C08314588A57FFCF2A5AC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_1E8335F590C9EEC3AEC657FFCF2AD07C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_1E8335F590C9EEC3AEC657FFCF2AD07C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_A2D5A2E1DE0B915220C857FFCF2A7F07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquityAbstract_DD250D882E50306AFA3057FFCF2A679D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_A2D5A2E1DE0B915220C857FFCF2A7F07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_31AAE63A9E6B9B64C43D57FFCF2A747B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_21DBC08819C08314588A57FFCF2A5AC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_1E8335F590C9EEC3AEC657FFCF2AD07C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_205509B43BAD143D96E857FFCF2B8D80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_205509B43BAD143D96E857FFCF2B8D80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_72A978D8C9A672D16DBE57FFCF2B4D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_72A978D8C9A672D16DBE57FFCF2B4D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_72A978D8C9A672D16DBE57FFCF2B4D3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_A2D5A2E1DE0B915220C857FFCF2A7F07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_6E05CEF8AAF315ACB26D57FFCF2B26C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_72A978D8C9A672D16DBE57FFCF2B4D3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_6E05CEF8AAF315ACB26D57FFCF2B26C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E55A65F30DD8FB6F22E957FFCF2B309B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_72A978D8C9A672D16DBE57FFCF2B4D3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E55A65F30DD8FB6F22E957FFCF2B309B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_57D9552C8CDD35F9B08657FFCF2BA643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_57D9552C8CDD35F9B08657FFCF2BA643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_DF3FCD601FED21D9D63857FFCF2BEE08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_DF3FCD601FED21D9D63857FFCF2BEE08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_3BFF93783F52DE58859F57FFCF2B55EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_3BFF93783F52DE58859F57FFCF2B55EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_669C7A92DCB61A64C99457FFCF2BE58E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_669C7A92DCB61A64C99457FFCF2BE58E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_BDBFB00AC78764BA916157FFCF2BCD49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_BDBFB00AC78764BA916157FFCF2BCD49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_C2C5EF9CF3F88F12BF0657FFCF2B0EFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAbstract_9D700BBF795D2EF2287657FFCF2ADE81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_C2C5EF9CF3F88F12BF0657FFCF2B0EFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7975870CA80DF92B4A0157FFCF3052E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7975870CA80DF92B4A0157FFCF3052E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_9CFD44D2A971862950C557FFCF314EAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_9CFD44D2A971862950C557FFCF314EAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_2562BD626265EA671F1857FFCF31F7AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_2562BD626265EA671F1857FFCF31F7AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash_435AC2E499A71AF3C53857FFCF31BB8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitAbstract_AC50DECE6D81949C00C757FFCF2B6F0D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash_435AC2E499A71AF3C53857FFCF31BB8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_99CD7AC0B79327D4A92457FFCF31B4AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_99CD7AC0B79327D4A92457FFCF31B4AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_1052BCFB89A6EF9CE3B057FFCF319950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_99CD7AC0B79327D4A92457FFCF31B4AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_1052BCFB89A6EF9CE3B057FFCF319950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_5A5D19129CB770FF48DA57FFCF3131BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_1052BCFB89A6EF9CE3B057FFCF319950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_5A5D19129CB770FF48DA57FFCF3131BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_4630317CD916CF23431557FFCF312E54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_1052BCFB89A6EF9CE3B057FFCF319950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_4630317CD916CF23431557FFCF312E54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0DC0F16787A3CE26C8E157FFCF31DC50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_99CD7AC0B79327D4A92457FFCF31B4AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0DC0F16787A3CE26C8E157FFCF31DC50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_6ADD4C8E5476FF4FFC5957FFCF31C956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_0DC0F16787A3CE26C8E157FFCF31DC50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_6ADD4C8E5476FF4FFC5957FFCF31C956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_C807644F540930DA61F757FFCF31E89B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_C807644F540930DA61F757FFCF31E89B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_C807644F540930DA61F757FFCF31E89B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_FB47A7BA1A2B444D285C57FFCF312809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_FB47A7BA1A2B444D285C57FFCF312809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_31AAE63A9E6B9B64C43D57FFCF2A747B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_205509B43BAD143D96E857FFCF2B8D80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_75FDE0570A45FD4AC64D57FFCF32D65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_75FDE0570A45FD4AC64D57FFCF32D65C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_DE64264BEDB3286059C057FFCF32F18E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_DE64264BEDB3286059C057FFCF32F18E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_D84C4589F90CC0565BB957FFCF32EE80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_D84C4589F90CC0565BB957FFCF32EE80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue_F11F577BF890586D9B5857FFCF32E3AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue_F11F577BF890586D9B5857FFCF32E3AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_A8920F1B0DDB897E2A8C57FFCF31AA0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_C2C5EF9CF3F88F12BF0657FFCF2B0EFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestAbstract_C807644F540930DA61F757FFCF31E89B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_DE64264BEDB3286059C057FFCF32F18E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_F13D4196B69ED0C1600357FFCF328E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_F13D4196B69ED0C1600357FFCF328E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_D84C4589F90CC0565BB957FFCF32EE80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_0BE7554E5F80EAE8EDA357FFCF327805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_0BE7554E5F80EAE8EDA357FFCF327805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_8B2F58CB92FD5C12F7C557FFCF32C1F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation_8B2F58CB92FD5C12F7C557FFCF32C1F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_55D5EAB46DBC46847B1557FFCF329CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_8E9C32058C671CB31FE757FFCF32B998" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_55D5EAB46DBC46847B1557FFCF329CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_FCFCDC7C75EB625DBC3857FFCF32764F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_FCFCDC7C75EB625DBC3857FFCF32764F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9A773E29F9DAFEDC095D57FFCF32B9C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AA39413FAF660EEEA30B57FFCF2A3BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9A773E29F9DAFEDC095D57FFCF32B9C0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_593E8525795A9C2B1C1A6767CFCCA14A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2CE67913FB83668C1836767CFCC1BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_593E8525795A9C2B1C1A6767CFCCA14A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2CE67913FB83668C1836767CFCC1BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5120C8AAD6A29B8A87D6767CFCC08C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2CE67913FB83668C1836767CFCC1BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5120C8AAD6A29B8A87D6767CFCC08C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_148A83BE75B379F5DFF86767CFCCCAB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E5120C8AAD6A29B8A87D6767CFCC08C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_148A83BE75B379F5DFF86767CFCCCAB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_ABACC6F03BDBEEFE65986767CFCCB1A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_148A83BE75B379F5DFF86767CFCCCAB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_ABACC6F03BDBEEFE65986767CFCCB1A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2CE67913FB83668C1836767CFCC1BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_25B505A3324D929DF1296767CFCC82B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_25B505A3324D929DF1296767CFCC82B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_FA3C5C167B937C7620086767CFCC848F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_FA3C5C167B937C7620086767CFCC848F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts_EAB646B7A0F1662E525B6767CFCC58ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts_EAB646B7A0F1662E525B6767CFCC58ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_ED3C145ED7EBA7AA0C986767CFCCA77C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_ED3C145ED7EBA7AA0C986767CFCCA77C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_764A03EB63D6547CB2E66767CFCCB9CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_764A03EB63D6547CB2E66767CFCCB9CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains_90B7A6A056CEA015FD446767CFCC82F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains_90B7A6A056CEA015FD446767CFCC82F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_F7F27D1DEF0F48B6C3366767CFCC2930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_F7F27D1DEF0F48B6C3366767CFCC2930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FC9076B1504B020E0D8F6767CFCC0197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FC9076B1504B020E0D8F6767CFCC0197" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_6DD0CD4CDAAE992A24E26767CFCC46D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_6DD0CD4CDAAE992A24E26767CFCC46D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_59AD1A9F3C9539B7636F6767CFCC8CFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_59AD1A9F3C9539B7636F6767CFCC8CFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_E9120D31562B153A75AC6767CFCC675E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_E9120D31562B153A75AC6767CFCC675E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_A9E2AD26776B53E2278B6767CFCC3752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_A9E2AD26776B53E2278B6767CFCC3752" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_6D9C3CF7FC845FE07EB26767CFCC1B02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_6D9C3CF7FC845FE07EB26767CFCC1B02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_BC95E2A9797BE658855C6767CFCC0758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_BC95E2A9797BE658855C6767CFCC0758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_DD10095CC5861DC600E16767CFCCF2B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8925D1FF6AF28BEBD6A86767CFCCBE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_DD10095CC5861DC600E16767CFCCF2B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_EC43C07869A4DB1BAB926767CFCC6694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_EC43C07869A4DB1BAB926767CFCC6694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_7E50BDD18BBA97F122286767CFCC8E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_7E50BDD18BBA97F122286767CFCC8E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_5DA3256A0669ECE7E7256767CFCC5423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_5DA3256A0669ECE7E7256767CFCC5423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_51BF5EEFFCF0349CF7EE6767CFCC5B83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_51BF5EEFFCF0349CF7EE6767CFCC5B83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_C4BCF3E685DA8C401D7F6767CFCCE8BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_C4BCF3E685DA8C401D7F6767CFCCE8BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_1B51A6D96ED6CFA5E9C66767CFCC18FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_1B51A6D96ED6CFA5E9C66767CFCC18FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_A0197EE69C59057C40876767CFCC3505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_709ED42D88A5832A847E6767CFCCB09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_A0197EE69C59057C40876767CFCC3505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_9941810677481BC7F6F06767CFCCCC7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1E0F19998D4F33409BED6767CFCCE565" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_9941810677481BC7F6F06767CFCCCC7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_948B65C513BAEC9A12476767CFCCF43C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_948B65C513BAEC9A12476767CFCCF43C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_4C710A4298918504C3436767CFCC80DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_4C710A4298918504C3436767CFCC80DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_2162008B01A3A30A5BB66767CFCCE522" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_2162008B01A3A30A5BB66767CFCCE522" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_CD6E689F451B975AF3466767CFCC79C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_CD6E689F451B975AF3466767CFCC79C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_A0D91DF7D83ACE382EEF676B6E04FE64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_A0D91DF7D83ACE382EEF676B6E04FE64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_60ECBDBDC345CE91DE556767CFCC7C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_60ECBDBDC345CE91DE556767CFCC7C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_75ABE7FEB2AE1C8907C96767CFCC5514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_75ABE7FEB2AE1C8907C96767CFCC5514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_569D0794674311BF50F16767CFCCA6DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_569D0794674311BF50F16767CFCCA6DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_AD75F228BA5883952D1C6767CFCC7317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_AD75F228BA5883952D1C6767CFCC7317" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_F6CE22FC25806C960E876767CFCCF362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_F6CE22FC25806C960E876767CFCCF362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_7158A955594534FDFAAC6767CFCC7BF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_7158A955594534FDFAAC6767CFCC7BF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_D746D3C9EDD5A69B90CC6767CFCCEEFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_D746D3C9EDD5A69B90CC6767CFCCEEFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4D6BF4C199392352BF1C6767CFCCB3AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_E057301ADBC5C6E9434D6767CFCC1AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_4D6BF4C199392352BF1C6767CFCCB3AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_CF12892E6B27E07A53AA6767CFDC21AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_CF12892E6B27E07A53AA6767CFDC21AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_DD486F542D669696D6686767CFDC0A3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_DD486F542D669696D6686767CFDC0A3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_3878513C016B0D6CB0F36767CFDCAD8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_3878513C016B0D6CB0F36767CFDCAD8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_9847FCA5897A27C514686767CFDC846B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_3878513C016B0D6CB0F36767CFDCAD8C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_9847FCA5897A27C514686767CFDC846B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_42132D2B39B2117C6B286767CFDCB8F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_3878513C016B0D6CB0F36767CFDCAD8C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_42132D2B39B2117C6B286767CFDCB8F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_33D1DF9EA33D0CB80A746767CFDC20FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_33D1DF9EA33D0CB80A746767CFDC20FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_131380F4C0C422E413106767CFDC143F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_33D1DF9EA33D0CB80A746767CFDC20FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_131380F4C0C422E413106767CFDC143F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_AD90F3C98393282A030F6767CFDCBD6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_33D1DF9EA33D0CB80A746767CFDC20FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_AD90F3C98393282A030F6767CFDCBD6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_C7E63548E1D353F532CD6767CFDC34BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_C7E63548E1D353F532CD6767CFDC34BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_71566BC93F296508AA1C6767CFDC601C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_71566BC93F296508AA1C6767CFDC601C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper_A1718289E3408579F5636767CFDCA1E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper_A1718289E3408579F5636767CFDCA1E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_9C25F71F5DEE328620B86767CFDC93F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_A7C4429A889D2013F3646767CFDC56A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_9C25F71F5DEE328620B86767CFDC93F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_7B9A0C0810E1BD1ADD196767CFDCE9F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_7B9A0C0810E1BD1ADD196767CFDCE9F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_AE868A1E8AFC5C3E60E56767CFDC056F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_AE868A1E8AFC5C3E60E56767CFDC056F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B2700E857556AF0E825F6767CFDC0F6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B2700E857556AF0E825F6767CFDC0F6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_DF6D06696B1A94A587A56767CFDC92C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_DF6D06696B1A94A587A56767CFDC92C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_5E8B2A664198858F34DE6767CFDC459B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_5E8B2A664198858F34DE6767CFDC459B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits_9CC312869EB394512F546767CFDCDD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits_9CC312869EB394512F546767CFDCDD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_661876B21946BF7CED506767CFDC8C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_661876B21946BF7CED506767CFDC8C36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_E7688B9F3A0A38C5FCE96767CFDCF80F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_E7688B9F3A0A38C5FCE96767CFDCF80F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_B3C2C9879148EE3BA0536767CFDCA215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_B3C2C9879148EE3BA0536767CFDCA215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_5539B0DEA654252F7B376767CFDC2368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_5539B0DEA654252F7B376767CFDC2368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_14F3D5E6D56C931244386767CFDC8661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_14F3D5E6D56C931244386767CFDC8661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_B18B9A679238E8616E7D6767CFDC6A02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner_A1FE741FDCB7AD21D6976767CFDC58EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner_A1FE741FDCB7AD21D6976767CFDC58EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_C71E63B92128CA1335586767CFDC8A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_C71E63B92128CA1335586767CFDC8A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_A2B5182DFDBCB3B536D56767CFDCE8F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_A2B5182DFDBCB3B536D56767CFDCE8F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_4CD88CCA3978A9BC5B756767CFDC972D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_9B4A5474634A13FED6536767CFDCCFE3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_4CD88CCA3978A9BC5B756767CFDC972D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_6FBB9F9E2B35F5CF4EC56767CFDCD2C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_6FBB9F9E2B35F5CF4EC56767CFDCD2C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_42944AA4D3E21859C1926767CFDCE76F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_42944AA4D3E21859C1926767CFDCE76F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5B4E03ED889570A662386767CFDC5615" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5B4E03ED889570A662386767CFDC5615" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5C037CEA331CEE56CAE56767CFDC06C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5C037CEA331CEE56CAE56767CFDC06C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD259E570BE90F8D62076767CFCC54D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_F99992BB2404A1D4F6706767CFDCBF0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_F99992BB2404A1D4F6706767CFDCBF0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_E53DC38279E91792B14D6767CFDC4BDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_E53DC38279E91792B14D6767CFDC4BDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_22960D481D3C9934A1EA6767CFDCCF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_22960D481D3C9934A1EA6767CFDCCF22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAssumed1_CC5D266CAEFB37F79D116767CFDC9FFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_22960D481D3C9934A1EA6767CFDCCF22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAssumed1_CC5D266CAEFB37F79D116767CFDC9FFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_0C4F95B92F6F79E238536767CFDCDE1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_0C4F95B92F6F79E238536767CFDCDE1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets_E160F37F9084FD80DA136767CFDC4E1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_0C4F95B92F6F79E238536767CFDCDE1F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets_E160F37F9084FD80DA136767CFDC4E1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet_3858889C5514A88798E16767CFDC6903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_0C4F95B92F6F79E238536767CFDCDE1F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet_3858889C5514A88798E16767CFDC6903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet_50C9E1DA6774B3EA6AE56767CFDC26DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_0C4F95B92F6F79E238536767CFDCDE1F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet_50C9E1DA6774B3EA6AE56767CFDC26DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_89089027320C0641C6716767CFDCED02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_89089027320C0641C6716767CFDCED02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_8D415CE8DDAF3A74FE886767CFDCDB62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_89089027320C0641C6716767CFDCED02" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_8D415CE8DDAF3A74FE886767CFDCDB62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_D75E6CA67B875F96A76A6767CFDCABE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_89089027320C0641C6716767CFDCED02" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_D75E6CA67B875F96A76A6767CFDCABE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_9AF71C6D78A5107ADD406767CFDCDD99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_89089027320C0641C6716767CFDCED02" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_9AF71C6D78A5107ADD406767CFDCDD99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E457C76D3233B4CB54F76767CFDC5232" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E457C76D3233B4CB54F76767CFDC5232" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_41A1D38C7F29976A46A06767CFDC4131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E457C76D3233B4CB54F76767CFDC5232" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_41A1D38C7F29976A46A06767CFDC4131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_F2A97BAF7D80B44889FC6767CFDCDB1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E457C76D3233B4CB54F76767CFDC5232" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_F2A97BAF7D80B44889FC6767CFDCDB1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate_0B29B3D127CBE6548C386767CFDCDF20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate_0B29B3D127CBE6548C386767CFDCDF20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepositsRestricted" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepositsRestricted_6E6B298B278F4AABC4C16767CFDC4018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DepositsRestricted_6E6B298B278F4AABC4C16767CFDC4018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets_DB607BDDDE6C6A8C4D856767CFDCC58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets_DB607BDDDE6C6A8C4D856767CFDCC58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses_328246C1245E82F0BBE16767CFDC6CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_76979AACF02ECC1961486767CFDC334B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses_328246C1245E82F0BBE16767CFDC6CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_F78E00E0AD709AC080A36767CFDCFE23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_F78E00E0AD709AC080A36767CFDCFE23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger_792B97B8B3595D913F546767CFDCEDC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_F78E00E0AD709AC080A36767CFDCFE23" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger_792B97B8B3595D913F546767CFDCEDC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger_A8227B91CBF37A0C45256767CFDCDD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_F78E00E0AD709AC080A36767CFDCFE23" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger_A8227B91CBF37A0C45256767CFDCDD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_7A0DEE6597C5487160976767CFDCFC21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_7A0DEE6597C5487160976767CFDCFC21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities_4D859CCDDD62E461280E6767CFDC6344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_7A0DEE6597C5487160976767CFDCFC21" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities_4D859CCDDD62E461280E6767CFDC6344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_BEB9D44A1405D6C505476767CFDCE5D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_7A0DEE6597C5487160976767CFDCFC21" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_BEB9D44A1405D6C505476767CFDCE5D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_88AD8AE46A3AE0758FF46767CFDC2F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_88AD8AE46A3AE0758FF46767CFDC2F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet_4FF73B5F66A498F7EF1B6767CFDC5E2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet_4FF73B5F66A498F7EF1B6767CFDC5E2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_9179CAA16E739886C31F6767CFDC7A2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_9179CAA16E739886C31F6767CFDC7A2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_9AE797AFFE7E9F022C506767CFDC2AFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_23FE2B5BD67F49F318626767CFDCF42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_9AE797AFFE7E9F022C506767CFDC2AFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_50D5D9A26BB7915BD79C6767CFDCD50D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_50D5D9A26BB7915BD79C6767CFDCD50D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_B5354F72B17B1E0EDF886767CFDC04BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_50D5D9A26BB7915BD79C6767CFDCD50D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_B5354F72B17B1E0EDF886767CFDC04BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_B3BA3A0FF8F99F0D49E76767CFDC2D92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_50D5D9A26BB7915BD79C6767CFDCD50D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_B3BA3A0FF8F99F0D49E76767CFDC2D92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_E36D6576684E305EFEBA6767CFDC36BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_E36D6576684E305EFEBA6767CFDC36BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_387AAA404B024ECCDA366767CFDC0286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_E36D6576684E305EFEBA6767CFDC36BB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_387AAA404B024ECCDA366767CFDC0286" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_E5FF24FD88B6EFA42CAD6767CFDC33FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_E36D6576684E305EFEBA6767CFDC36BB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_E5FF24FD88B6EFA42CAD6767CFDC33FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_E2EBDD6C941E1E2D44B66767CFDCC5D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_E2EBDD6C941E1E2D44B66767CFDCC5D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_AAC029D02071BCBECE386767CFDC9666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_E2EBDD6C941E1E2D44B66767CFDCC5D0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_AAC029D02071BCBECE386767CFDC9666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_C6E2CDCC0AC8489090236767CFDC238B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_E2EBDD6C941E1E2D44B66767CFDCC5D0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_C6E2CDCC0AC8489090236767CFDC238B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_5AA26A38197E970C29EE6767CFDC6412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_5AA26A38197E970C29EE6767CFDC6412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_75ABE7FEB2AE1C8907C96767CFCC5514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_350D436DBACC1EFCEBEB6767CFDCDB51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_350D436DBACC1EFCEBEB6767CFDCDB51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_99AADE63C961156CE6BF6767CFDCA7C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_F915B466E4CB9F242FE06767CFDCA45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_99AADE63C961156CE6BF6767CFDCA7C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_8BF0CE9826C3AD72F8506767CFDCA91C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_8BF0CE9826C3AD72F8506767CFDCA91C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets_EEB1CD6D5273C17A581D6767CFDCAE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_8BF0CE9826C3AD72F8506767CFDCA91C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets_EEB1CD6D5273C17A581D6767CFDCAE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_846B58A8723AE37533526767CFDC6F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_8BF0CE9826C3AD72F8506767CFDCA91C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_846B58A8723AE37533526767CFDC6F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_5487C2201BADD30D8DC86767CFDC5AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_8BF0CE9826C3AD72F8506767CFDCA91C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_5487C2201BADD30D8DC86767CFDC5AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_B76944A24BA61D0435956767CFDC636B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_B76944A24BA61D0435956767CFDC636B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_C23AAFE2A7DB731261496767CFDC9D52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_B76944A24BA61D0435956767CFDC636B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_C23AAFE2A7DB731261496767CFDC9D52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_28EE2A42F57651DC90A36767CFDC46F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_B76944A24BA61D0435956767CFDC636B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_28EE2A42F57651DC90A36767CFDC46F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_8FC9EDA8D411E56E7F1A6767CFDC9E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_25852A5284D82597EDFD6767CFDC4003" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_8FC9EDA8D411E56E7F1A6767CFDC9E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_6B386789845FA6ADD5766767CFDC4379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_8FC9EDA8D411E56E7F1A6767CFDC9E60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_6B386789845FA6ADD5766767CFDC4379" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_17D6DBB453C4E84C2D77676930325DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5E8A7DB2EE1512B8F767693032E648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_17D6DBB453C4E84C2D77676930325DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5E8A7DB2EE1512B8F767693032E648" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_43AF1834E3234C4E315267693032D3B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5E8A7DB2EE1512B8F767693032E648" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_43AF1834E3234C4E315267693032D3B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8BD687DDBA17B64B145867693032BA37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_43AF1834E3234C4E315267693032D3B9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8BD687DDBA17B64B145867693032BA37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_6BA40682D232473D95526769303244F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8BD687DDBA17B64B145867693032BA37" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_6BA40682D232473D95526769303244F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EB95C4B447BB0163983367693032D203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5E8A7DB2EE1512B8F767693032E648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EB95C4B447BB0163983367693032D203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_308275E7F732F02A4F8F67693032C740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EB95C4B447BB0163983367693032D203" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_308275E7F732F02A4F8F67693032C740" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_4A7B4E706CFC6D3D4AC767693032AEAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_308275E7F732F02A4F8F67693032C740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_4A7B4E706CFC6D3D4AC767693032AEAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5E8A7DB2EE1512B8F767693032E648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_2400205FB781145865D8676930324B13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_2400205FB781145865D8676930324B13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_CDE6F3574FBD5924BE63676930320B1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_CDE6F3574FBD5924BE63676930320B1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts_8FBF18104AC02BE97E7F676930320C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredFinancingCosts_8FBF18104AC02BE97E7F676930320C60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D4105848FDEF2FF7A18F67693032C113" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D4105848FDEF2FF7A18F67693032C113" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_3DA0FAFFD21838A73E5E67693032E1AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_3DA0FAFFD21838A73E5E67693032E1AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains_A5815781172636172F1567693032CBB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains_A5815781172636172F1567693032CBB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_2B3D0344C79DD9A38BA56769303246F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_2B3D0344C79DD9A38BA56769303246F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_16CAB69AC06579F840F9676930322A8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_16CAB69AC06579F840F9676930322A8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_18DC950CA468B5D777D86769303209F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_18DC950CA468B5D777D86769303209F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_D694A15D6B5CA1948566676930326201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_D694A15D6B5CA1948566676930326201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4A042190B0BD016C2E4F676930329826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4A042190B0BD016C2E4F676930329826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_456F5266A5FEC31BF81A67693032C349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_456F5266A5FEC31BF81A67693032C349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EBB956DC207F8532F7B167693032562B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_E46670E687C8A944F52467693032A3B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_E46670E687C8A944F52467693032A3B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_043D16C76627A11CC9F76769303204BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_043D16C76627A11CC9F76769303204BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_A81ACF790FB3A3A1FA0D676930327C45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_A81ACF790FB3A3A1FA0D676930327C45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_29B1540F5DE8C570A6F567693032D49A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities_29B1540F5DE8C570A6F567693032D49A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_C4E2D479F9629B09C1D86769303289DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInSecurityDeposits_C4E2D479F9629B09C1D86769303289DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_AA2AE596B86DF3757C3C67693032C1A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper_345A6E518E328240AA9967693032DAFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommercialPaper_345A6E518E328240AA9967693032DAFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_2B5D7DEBF1A79A6B0FD4676930324B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_2B5D7DEBF1A79A6B0FD4676930324B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_4A5E06AE1889160D100967693032A598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeFinancingActivities_4A5E06AE1889160D100967693032A598" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_2C22D722DA1B75BB55FE676930412603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_2C22D722DA1B75BB55FE676930412603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_887BE5565DA2D79DC6C76769304175A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_887BE5565DA2D79DC6C76769304175A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_35FB87B69BA092482CF3676930415082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_35FB87B69BA092482CF3676930415082" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_1545FEC4B4EBF91022FF676930413E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_1545FEC4B4EBF91022FF676930413E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits_6187DFAE3F5836D93F9A676930410C5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsforthePremiumonRedemptionofPreferredSharesPreferenceUnits_6187DFAE3F5836D93F9A676930410C5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_A6BCE4BC5309B6CB5A6467693041C49A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_A6BCE4BC5309B6CB5A6467693041C49A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_EB057172A7302A0C7A0D67693041177D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_EB057172A7302A0C7A0D67693041177D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_7C56945F568364470E286769304196BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_7C56945F568364470E286769304196BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15914D29CDFF8CB6963D67693041DB44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15914D29CDFF8CB6963D67693041DB44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_98CDC2EFC31C12949F996769304170B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_98CDC2EFC31C12949F996769304170B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner_7B263974F49E7D8BCE4167693041538D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsGeneralPartner_7B263974F49E7D8BCE4167693041538D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_3766C481ECB0C80CF98F67693041D451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_3766C481ECB0C80CF98F67693041D451" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_5D5B72DEC249BA2EE47E676930418FAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_5D5B72DEC249BA2EE47E676930418FAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_ACC16CDF6DCFD2EA66F9676930414A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract_DE48D94AECA44E21076167693041DB37" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsMinorityInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_ACC16CDF6DCFD2EA66F9676930414A95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_132D8555B3054003F16F676930418FD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_132D8555B3054003F16F676930418FD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_E9DB0E43CD91825B426567693041E56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_E9DB0E43CD91825B426567693041E56B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0EBC7F6ADC5F2A272FF0676930419F54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0EBC7F6ADC5F2A272FF0676930419F54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E4FBDDC5795C71994D7567693041EE10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E4FBDDC5795C71994D7567693041EE10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_978C4AAA86F7A1D907366769303235F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_8BB83BBC0F5581CC5031676930418B34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_8BB83BBC0F5581CC5031676930418B34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_C2262616EF09928BCAD8676930418EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_C2262616EF09928BCAD8676930418EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_457851F20EE7408923D3676930412507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_457851F20EE7408923D3676930412507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAssumed1_61D28524383C8E633BFF676930417450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsAbstract_457851F20EE7408923D3676930412507" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAssumed1_61D28524383C8E633BFF676930417450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_56F52094EC0BE1F75FAF676930419BEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_56F52094EC0BE1F75FAF676930419BEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets_F6C694D5E328E7D8B2276769304174E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_56F52094EC0BE1F75FAF676930419BEC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsotherassets_F6C694D5E328E7D8B2276769304174E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet_FA015F2B33E28FE8384067693041473F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_56F52094EC0BE1F75FAF676930419BEC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsmortgagenotespayablenet_FA015F2B33E28FE8384067693041473F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet_609DB7EEBB49F72F2B1D676930413464" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsAbstract_56F52094EC0BE1F75FAF676930419BEC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Amortizationofdeferredfinancingcostsnotesnet_609DB7EEBB49F72F2B1D676930413464" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_06C4E6FAA48474489FDA676930415F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_06C4E6FAA48474489FDA676930415F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_214D0A50010C65B76F9067693041EC77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_214D0A50010C65B76F9067693041EC77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_C93E87A62DDEF5AC29C967693041B5EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_C93E87A62DDEF5AC29C967693041B5EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate_F8BDE034920EAC82BE666769304119E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffPursuitCostsInvestmentinRealEstate_F8BDE034920EAC82BE666769304119E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepositsRestricted" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepositsRestricted_1F44CE6C2234E93E9F2567693041568F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DepositsRestricted_1F44CE6C2234E93E9F2567693041568F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets_CB49F95A5C9C5D28E231676930414AFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpusuitcostsOtherassets_CB49F95A5C9C5D28E231676930414AFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses_CEDA7BAA1DDCFB7AB6B867693041A892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Writeoffofpursuitcostsaccountspayableandaccruedexpenses_CEDA7BAA1DDCFB7AB6B867693041A892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_B6BA24EA9D745C32E6506769304105A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_B6BA24EA9D745C32E6506769304105A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger_90C71247346F5E3C6BC8676930419179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_B6BA24EA9D745C32E6506769304105A8" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsMerger_90C71247346F5E3C6BC8676930419179" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger_3ECB38BD349C0819052967693041B5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_B6BA24EA9D745C32E6506769304105A8" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherLiabilitiesLossFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesMerger_3ECB38BD349C0819052967693041B5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_3467303585CCE0A34281676930417B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_3467303585CCE0A34281676930417B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities_AAD45413A6DC886311D767693041CEED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_3467303585CCE0A34281676930417B09" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesinvestmentsinunconsolidatedentities_AAD45413A6DC886311D767693041CEED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_6752C555DCD90AE721B067693041D4E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnoncapitalAbstract_3467303585CCE0A34281676930417B09" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Distributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_6752C555DCD90AE721B067693041D4E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_930C82701F7E76F3210867693041360E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_930C82701F7E76F3210867693041360E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet_0B238B16A7F875505E39676930411E21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNotesNet_0B238B16A7F875505E39676930411E21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_9A309A3DF321E45832B5676930418E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_19A96FA619E97F50C1D46769304111BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_9A309A3DF321E45832B5676930418E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_F5E21BAD54B87DAC811C6769304192BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_F5E21BAD54B87DAC811C6769304192BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_FE58A2906BCE753C2CCD6769304174E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_FE58A2906BCE753C2CCD6769304174E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_E03D2663F65010846E9F676930418AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_E03D2663F65010846E9F676930418AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_31A818E5FCB663E54472676930418FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_31A818E5FCB663E54472676930418FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_F472DC272AC0DC0E57F9676930411915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_F472DC272AC0DC0E57F9676930411915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_506E9B4D09513EC81031676930414B0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ConsolidationofpreviouslyunconsolidatedpropertiesAbstract_76813FAECED8645544DD67693041E449" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_506E9B4D09513EC81031676930414B0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets_7C13A9E0D9C1E8B872D7676930418389" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets_7C13A9E0D9C1E8B872D7676930418389" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_3FDE3D6C16D26624D318676930419AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_3FDE3D6C16D26624D318676930419AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_170563108530057AA1BC6769304183C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_170563108530057AA1BC6769304183C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_8A3A4F7503B771C9C2BF67693041536F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_8A3A4F7503B771C9C2BF67693041536F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_12B0026AD54A2A9037D9676930516934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_8A3A4F7503B771C9C2BF67693041536F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_12B0026AD54A2A9037D9676930516934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_983B1179E70FEAB50184676930512B73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_8A3A4F7503B771C9C2BF67693041536F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_983B1179E70FEAB50184676930512B73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_EF518C7018F13BB164D267693051B714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_862C82A7683F4210ABA467693041E9FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_EF518C7018F13BB164D267693051B714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0D8D37352E5008E02B0367693051846F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherAbstract_EF518C7018F13BB164D267693051B714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0D8D37352E5008E02B0367693051846F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_B59E9AA9D284F059D29E4CE6259C3DCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4C2E8068CC609938F97F4CE6259C5B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_B59E9AA9D284F059D29E4CE6259C3DCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4C2E8068CC609938F97F4CE6259C5B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0D9682DBE46A0BC9BAD24CE6259C629D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4C2E8068CC609938F97F4CE6259C5B5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0D9682DBE46A0BC9BAD24CE6259C629D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2B993845A5176DAE7B6A4CE6259C7599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0D9682DBE46A0BC9BAD24CE6259C629D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2B993845A5176DAE7B6A4CE6259C7599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8340A8BC55D1B57E74ED4CE6259D3606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4C2E8068CC609938F97F4CE6259C5B5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8340A8BC55D1B57E74ED4CE6259D3606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8340A8BC55D1B57E74ED4CE6259D3606" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_E045DFA1CA340E5BD11E4CE6259DF08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_E045DFA1CA340E5BD11E4CE6259DF08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_669794CDC9AD66C1BA764CE6259DE715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_669794CDC9AD66C1BA764CE6259DE715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_45A6F94034EC1BB3F17E4CE6259DC7BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_669794CDC9AD66C1BA764CE6259DE715" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_45A6F94034EC1BB3F17E4CE6259DC7BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_8CBB559C7614F71CC9B94CE6259D8ED5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_45A6F94034EC1BB3F17E4CE6259DC7BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_8CBB559C7614F71CC9B94CE6259D8ED5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_646D252E8236166C7A824CE6259DF4C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_45A6F94034EC1BB3F17E4CE6259DC7BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_646D252E8236166C7A824CE6259DF4C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5845BA18E897AC26BB254CE6259D3091" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5845BA18E897AC26BB254CE6259D3091" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_127332C0127A7DC4548C4CE6259D456F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5845BA18E897AC26BB254CE6259D3091" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_127332C0127A7DC4548C4CE6259D456F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_5F4AAD501D5C53C21DEF4CE6259D4C1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_5F4AAD501D5C53C21DEF4CE6259D4C1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_33A15EFDEAD15A5808884CE6259D15EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_33A15EFDEAD15A5808884CE6259D15EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_720FCCEC982D0C52E3774CE6259D6849" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_720FCCEC982D0C52E3774CE6259D6849" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0F730DEC76FEF8C80DF44CE6259DA960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_74A98E43FE8D42DDCA854CE6259D67FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0F730DEC76FEF8C80DF44CE6259DA960" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_29BE969412C1B288C4154CE625942517" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2D2A47972909057E36644CE625945FA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_29BE969412C1B288C4154CE625942517" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2D2A47972909057E36644CE625945FA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BD9ED69DAD93839C47604CE62595C33A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2D2A47972909057E36644CE625945FA9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BD9ED69DAD93839C47604CE62595C33A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F68BF0FA1D3D185770B4CE6259563F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BD9ED69DAD93839C47604CE62595C33A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F68BF0FA1D3D185770B4CE6259563F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_58E88748512C3EDEFE304CE625958C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6F68BF0FA1D3D185770B4CE6259563F0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_58E88748512C3EDEFE304CE625958C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2AF65C217E77FC03AF4A4CE6259566F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2D2A47972909057E36644CE625945FA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2AF65C217E77FC03AF4A4CE6259566F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_12FCB605A9E6FD7ECD254CE625951DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2AF65C217E77FC03AF4A4CE6259566F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_12FCB605A9E6FD7ECD254CE625951DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2AF65C217E77FC03AF4A4CE6259566F8" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_06740BCC7834D76DA29E4CE625955CDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_06740BCC7834D76DA29E4CE625955CDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_DCED3DC5B623694132EA4CE625959618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_06740BCC7834D76DA29E4CE625955CDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_DCED3DC5B623694132EA4CE625959618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_20B4E50C2ED373988B5A4CE625950084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_06740BCC7834D76DA29E4CE625955CDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_20B4E50C2ED373988B5A4CE625950084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_2A44887431F7951698E54CE62595170D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_2A44887431F7951698E54CE62595170D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_D4EDAEFAE71C2EA9FEBA4CE62595EFCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_2A44887431F7951698E54CE62595170D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_D4EDAEFAE71C2EA9FEBA4CE62595EFCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6EC8A8CBD7593CB186B24CE625957F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6EC8A8CBD7593CB186B24CE625957F40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ADF6FB35BCBAF63885B24CE62595206C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ADF6FB35BCBAF63885B24CE62595206C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4A3A9120EFC27899AFFF4CE62595239C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4A3A9120EFC27899AFFF4CE62595239C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_2698B7D0913C00A05F764CE62596D8EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_2698B7D0913C00A05F764CE62596D8EA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E476C467958F7FB4C94057D70422878C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9E5AC7275C114D0BF99757D70423B88C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E476C467958F7FB4C94057D70422878C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9E5AC7275C114D0BF99757D70423B88C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6DDA55520D9FFB4CF24457D7042378F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9E5AC7275C114D0BF99757D70423B88C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6DDA55520D9FFB4CF24457D7042378F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EDE3A9BA6F40D873F81957D704233A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E476C467958F7FB4C94057D70422878C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EDE3A9BA6F40D873F81957D704233A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EDE3A9BA6F40D873F81957D704233A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_817F81D3A9EFF65DC83757D7042387DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_817F81D3A9EFF65DC83757D7042387DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue_99D3FACA8957D1D33FC957D70423B245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue_99D3FACA8957D1D33FC957D70423B245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_9336FE96E6132620A24B57D704231D5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_9336FE96E6132620A24B57D704231D5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_E3C4D86656EF91343FC957D704230982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_E3C4D86656EF91343FC957D704230982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_1A492F5C01EE181FF06257D70423A81E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_1A492F5C01EE181FF06257D70423A81E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_DD00790E67F54322C3D357D704239907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_DD00790E67F54322C3D357D704239907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_7E2E922D1F7B025AF66357D704236337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_7E2E922D1F7B025AF66357D704236337" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_4580C373E45B2141A11E57D704236200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_4580C373E45B2141A11E57D704236200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_757803FDC721D42F832057D704233D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_757803FDC721D42F832057D704233D0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B96071218EDCFA50395457D704233C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B96071218EDCFA50395457D704233C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_9749C1752FE9D05DCBCB57D704232B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_9749C1752FE9D05DCBCB57D704232B4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_DAFC6DC9A3F05BC7722C57D704234C61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_DAFC6DC9A3F05BC7722C57D704234C61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_2D0B81920B52E175768857D7042358FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_2D0B81920B52E175768857D7042358FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_83751C4230AAA16AE3B057D704231B13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_2D0B81920B52E175768857D7042358FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_83751C4230AAA16AE3B057D704231B13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_D7FE17209B160CDEB7DE57D70424B0B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_2D0B81920B52E175768857D7042358FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_D7FE17209B160CDEB7DE57D70424B0B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_D7FE187F4AF0DEA56D4157D7042414A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_D7FE187F4AF0DEA56D4157D7042414A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6BF8003A5243E74B733C57D704246C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6BF8003A5243E74B733C57D704246C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_8219452BEA274364424C57D7042406D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_8219452BEA274364424C57D7042406D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4ECD1491EFB4792A0D3257D704249567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_4ECD1491EFB4792A0D3257D704249567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_4E1F59B45DEA4003B6A357D704243128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_4E1F59B45DEA4003B6A357D704243128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EB1EC51CB04E4CEFACCC57D70424A2B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EB1EC51CB04E4CEFACCC57D70424A2B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_D2A3F224A10DF5D0250057D70424F538" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_D2A3F224A10DF5D0250057D70424F538" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_CE8A94832875F6EB169157D70424D669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_CE8A94832875F6EB169157D70424D669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_2D3C4FB870E4D92D28A857D70424F965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_2D3C4FB870E4D92D28A857D70424F965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_41BF6D6C426F9A0C5E5057D704243A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_2D3C4FB870E4D92D28A857D70424F965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_41BF6D6C426F9A0C5E5057D704243A61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_27B40A2AAD886F4E099057D70424CE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_2D3C4FB870E4D92D28A857D70424F965" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_27B40A2AAD886F4E099057D70424CE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C15F8407C507D087B81157D70424BEE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOfConsolidatedEntitiesAbstract_2D3C4FB870E4D92D28A857D70424F965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C15F8407C507D087B81157D70424BEE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_18862A1AB27331BACA4957D704244570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_18862A1AB27331BACA4957D704244570" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedemptionPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_0E18982575C0D7586A1F57D704247A34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_0E18982575C0D7586A1F57D704247A34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_5FD98C5C820C6176146B57D70424348B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_5FD98C5C820C6176146B57D70424348B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_31EE17A105201044162C57D7042414BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_31EE17A105201044162C57D7042414BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_37B4626081BBFD9B9EB157D70424F0A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_31EE17A105201044162C57D7042414BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_37B4626081BBFD9B9EB157D70424F0A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_2D3CD24FD6D0679D63EF57D70424E41C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_31EE17A105201044162C57D7042414BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_2D3CD24FD6D0679D63EF57D70424E41C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_5F69CFDC0A343F64C61357D704250BAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_31EE17A105201044162C57D7042414BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_5F69CFDC0A343F64C61357D704250BAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C7F4A294403B207C3CE357D70425B3A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_B7931836C7D6DA79D21157D704236FB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C7F4A294403B207C3CE357D70425B3A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_D036D7052EE46E37D29157D704257AB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C7F4A294403B207C3CE357D70425B3A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_D036D7052EE46E37D29157D704257AB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3762E8FE5FC1FAC9C3D257D70425B905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C7F4A294403B207C3CE357D70425B3A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3762E8FE5FC1FAC9C3D257D70425B905" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C8C5852D57C136A9A62357D7042516CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C7F4A294403B207C3CE357D70425B3A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C8C5852D57C136A9A62357D7042516CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_0A178FB0EB2254157FCB57D70425E7FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EDE3A9BA6F40D873F81957D704233A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_0A178FB0EB2254157FCB57D70425E7FF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsOfErpOperatingLimitedPartnership" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_2C15642AD77A46A337CE58AA408B3DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_354806F8E6DD35A0B3F658AA408BC673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_2C15642AD77A46A337CE58AA408B3DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_354806F8E6DD35A0B3F658AA408BC673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC960B00D139B8C645C958AA408BEFB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_354806F8E6DD35A0B3F658AA408BC673" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC960B00D139B8C645C958AA408BEFB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_363D53A88119604B45E458AA408CAE9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC960B00D139B8C645C958AA408BEFB8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_363D53A88119604B45E458AA408CAE9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_2507DDE63F693640EF4558AA408C656F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_363D53A88119604B45E458AA408CAE9E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_2507DDE63F693640EF4558AA408C656F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_354806F8E6DD35A0B3F658AA408BC673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_90C2A300F52E7C205EF258AA408CC69D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_90C2A300F52E7C205EF258AA408CC69D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_CF51C2825626A462057158AA408C16B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_90C2A300F52E7C205EF258AA408CC69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_CF51C2825626A462057158AA408C16B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue_FF92D5C88F19733C856658AA408CC2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_90C2A300F52E7C205EF258AA408CC69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue_FF92D5C88F19733C856658AA408CC2D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_72F0F0F79DD500EA42BB58AA408C749A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_90C2A300F52E7C205EF258AA408CC69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_72F0F0F79DD500EA42BB58AA408C749A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_BAAEC3B5CE441EE045DC58AA408C691F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_BAAEC3B5CE441EE045DC58AA408C691F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_D64F1EC01B287309498A58AA408C6479" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_D64F1EC01B287309498A58AA408C6479" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_64EC22D52E438F44551558AA408CDF8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_64EC22D52E438F44551558AA408CDF8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_2BBC18D5323D471B5D3458AA408C68C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_2BBC18D5323D471B5D3458AA408C68C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_BC40FA22EBE61FBB97E758AA408CB168" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_BC40FA22EBE61FBB97E758AA408CB168" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_250A3274EC20CE94C8F258AA408C7510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_F606F75939D0C00AF0EF58AA408CAE42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_250A3274EC20CE94C8F258AA408C7510" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_46ABFC488EDEB3AD12ED58AA408CC607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_46ABFC488EDEB3AD12ED58AA408CC607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_2E302297098FC7DB557F58AA408CF651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_2E302297098FC7DB557F58AA408CF651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_FFD76C314517179A292258AA408C7E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_FFD76C314517179A292258AA408C7E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_937E40027288A5C0808C58AA408CCD5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_937E40027288A5C0808C58AA408CCD5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_6EBA9D954983903CAF2558AA408CAE43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_937E40027288A5C0808C58AA408CCD5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_6EBA9D954983903CAF2558AA408CAE43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_AD68E11655C406EFC7A958AA408D94BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_937E40027288A5C0808C58AA408CCD5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_AD68E11655C406EFC7A958AA408D94BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_BD3786F7D82DB4E92A8358AA408DAD2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_BD3786F7D82DB4E92A8358AA408DAD2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_0B4322C4B04D5928221D58AA408D53FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_0B4322C4B04D5928221D58AA408D53FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_07903298510BCE71272258AA408DEB5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_07903298510BCE71272258AA408DEB5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_F2CBFE7BD634C811744858AA408D2299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_F2CBFE7BD634C811744858AA408D2299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_60068434B384CFADD0EC58AA408D36DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_60068434B384CFADD0EC58AA408D36DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7BB2D6981F9662BAA54258AA408D37E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7BB2D6981F9662BAA54258AA408D37E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_87DADDDB7876C2C1AA7658AA408DCF93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_87DADDDB7876C2C1AA7658AA408DCF93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ED2DF612F974E0BA3E5B58AA408DC8D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ED2DF612F974E0BA3E5B58AA408DC8D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_2E579AF3108CC5B51C9258AA408D41CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_2E579AF3108CC5B51C9258AA408D41CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_83213A5D164471ECDCE058AA408D167B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_83213A5D164471ECDCE058AA408D167B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DividendsPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DividendsPreferenceUnits_AEEBADB93A6CA1A46F9F58AA408D8B49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DividendsPreferenceUnits_AEEBADB93A6CA1A46F9F58AA408D8B49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedemptionPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_C33C352DDA49AB72AEF758AA408D7285" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_C33C352DDA49AB72AEF758AA408D7285" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_B9FDF6000517247C68C658AA408D4B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_B9FDF6000517247C68C658AA408D4B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_462572D1F6B63D2B700A58AA408D87D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_462572D1F6B63D2B700A58AA408D87D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8A9BE546D9D06FCCC6558AA408DD310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IncomeLossAbstract_B4CA4D319BAC1A7AAA3458AA408D3131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8A9BE546D9D06FCCC6558AA408DD310" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract_11BE1ECEFA30858D51A758AA408D8E83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract_11BE1ECEFA30858D51A758AA408D8E83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_F75250E0883FAD83DC4358AA408D69C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract_11BE1ECEFA30858D51A758AA408D8E83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_F75250E0883FAD83DC4358AA408D69C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E0D0C431FCFB0829CDB658AA408E15C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract_11BE1ECEFA30858D51A758AA408D8E83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E0D0C431FCFB0829CDB658AA408E15C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_937952DACF5C109C8A5E58AA408EC2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasicAbstract_11BE1ECEFA30858D51A758AA408D8E83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_937952DACF5C109C8A5E58AA408EC2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract_272C447A516D12A7A1C858AA408E9798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract_272C447A516D12A7A1C858AA408E9798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_7054D60CFC1CE5C2979258AA408EFBEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract_272C447A516D12A7A1C858AA408E9798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_7054D60CFC1CE5C2979258AA408EFBEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C4A2081ED1DE4370F48C58AA408E36CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract_272C447A516D12A7A1C858AA408E9798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C4A2081ED1DE4370F48C58AA408E36CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6C5D156EF099CACAA65258AA408EBA38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitDilutedAbstract_272C447A516D12A7A1C858AA408E9798" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6C5D156EF099CACAA65258AA408EBA38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionsPerLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionsPerLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingBasic_B520D094AC24286F02C658AA408EC786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_01E08C9203BCFFAF264758AA408CC546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionsPerLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingBasic_B520D094AC24286F02C658AA408EC786" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_98A9DDCBECFB5974F6FE4CE624ACB3B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_D755314073801787E7CD4CE624ACB3DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_98A9DDCBECFB5974F6FE4CE624ACB3B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_D755314073801787E7CD4CE624ACB3DC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtLineOfCreditAndCommercialPaperDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8F53FBFF25D00A489603669679953A9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_8F53FBFF25D00A489603669679953A9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_21ADAC7712B241F29237669679953256" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_21ADAC7712B241F29237669679953256" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_658D521F19C351F97492669679956647" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_21ADAC7712B241F29237669679953256" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_658D521F19C351F97492669679956647" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F27B389B98FF1038378D66967995578B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_658D521F19C351F97492669679956647" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F27B389B98FF1038378D66967995578B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0E2F2E19EF4F1F3968F9669679954A58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0E2F2E19EF4F1F3968F9669679954A58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0E2F2E19EF4F1F3968F9669679954A58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33E5120636F7BA67202F6696799530B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33E5120636F7BA67202F6696799530B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0A6EF0BDE1BA5E20A30F66967995FCA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0A6EF0BDE1BA5E20A30F66967995FCA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0A6EF0BDE1BA5E20A30F66967995FCA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A200billionLOCDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CCEC78BE8D3C45A47F5366967995547B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_50493AAC124798B1621C66967995B910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_50493AAC124798B1621C66967995B910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_721809C20B4BF6E9C4ED66967995C517" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_721809C20B4BF6E9C4ED66967995C517" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_2A13CAD508065E2AFB4866967995C26B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_2A13CAD508065E2AFB4866967995C26B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_C9957654422E47EA7D32669679952690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_C9957654422E47EA7D32669679952690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_A0036A5ADDB39A9667F266967995E71D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_A0036A5ADDB39A9667F266967995E71D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_595D5749AD4FD3E8F8F266967995A6AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_595D5749AD4FD3E8F8F266967995A6AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_47C957CC038F606BC32266967995D3F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_47C957CC038F606BC32266967995D3F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_6A0F96F0293FFA24876166967995339B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_6A0F96F0293FFA24876166967995339B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtMortgageNotesPayableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_6E9400F1940EFB5C0D60630D3951AE33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_6E9400F1940EFB5C0D60630D3951AE33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_85918CFD4936C1BA18CB630D3951BE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_85918CFD4936C1BA18CB630D3951BE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_61555958DDBD0024B11B630D39528679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_85918CFD4936C1BA18CB630D3951BE54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_61555958DDBD0024B11B630D39528679" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B7B14EFF0A6ABEB84A68630D3952FC29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_61555958DDBD0024B11B630D39528679" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B7B14EFF0A6ABEB84A68630D3952FC29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1180A3549B5DD901852E630D395244A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_61555958DDBD0024B11B630D39528679" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1180A3549B5DD901852E630D395244A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F9B1BF7202842748770630D395249D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F9B1BF7202842748770630D395249D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_268E7CE6D308E5E67287630D3952B4BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F9B1BF7202842748770630D395249D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_268E7CE6D308E5E67287630D3952B4BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FannieMaePool3Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_268E7CE6D308E5E67287630D3952B4BC" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C2EAC81E15B56057A144630D39525D05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C2EAC81E15B56057A144630D39525D05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C2EAC81E15B56057A144630D39525D05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4CA0B93864EE872A440630D3952619A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2F12011AF33B3CAEC59B630D39512576" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_EDD2D4132F44B6DD914C630D39523B0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_EDD2D4132F44B6DD914C630D39523B0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CF110CF8548861E1FACF630D395333EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CF110CF8548861E1FACF630D395333EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges_058271A9D1E4F9B17ECD630D395387C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges_058271A9D1E4F9B17ECD630D395387C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PropertiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_45C4FD10ECEDE6D22163630D39535C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_45C4FD10ECEDE6D22163630D39535C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount_2C2BDDB2C0B6514A6813630D39536AA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount_2C2BDDB2C0B6514A6813630D39536AA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_588CBA62BEA270BEB0C8630D395337E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_588CBA62BEA270BEB0C8630D395337E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_01D43AC96FEFD9A87DD6630D39521602" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtNotesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_BD4E5346620643EB65674CE6249C5648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_BD4E5346620643EB65674CE6249C5648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2CCAE605A3BA08CC0CCC4CE6249C83B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2CCAE605A3BA08CC0CCC4CE6249C83B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD1ABB17BA05FAADA7E74CE6249CF0EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2CCAE605A3BA08CC0CCC4CE6249C83B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD1ABB17BA05FAADA7E74CE6249CF0EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_BFEA86AFEF59D9D7DD0E4CE6249CFA54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD1ABB17BA05FAADA7E74CE6249CF0EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_BFEA86AFEF59D9D7DD0E4CE6249CFA54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E40A18982D3DF0BF6D614CE6249C8210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD1ABB17BA05FAADA7E74CE6249CF0EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E40A18982D3DF0BF6D614CE6249C8210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2E22D3541A159008271F4CE6249CC17F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2E22D3541A159008271F4CE6249CC17F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BDBCE1CDDD172EE6BE844CE6249C1376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_2E22D3541A159008271F4CE6249CC17F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BDBCE1CDDD172EE6BE844CE6249C1376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D3137093B3F36CCCA3AC4CE6249C39DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BDBCE1CDDD172EE6BE844CE6249C1376" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D3137093B3F36CCCA3AC4CE6249C39DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DEC181CD63A7ED108DE54CE6249CB732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DEC181CD63A7ED108DE54CE6249CB732" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C5EC0AC0434752A128AA4CE6249C0581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DEC181CD63A7ED108DE54CE6249CB732" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C5EC0AC0434752A128AA4CE6249C0581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaidatMaturityMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaidatMaturityMember_5E3FF30B1B5310C1163C4CE6249C769E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C5EC0AC0434752A128AA4CE6249C0581" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PaidatMaturityMember_5E3FF30B1B5310C1163C4CE6249C769E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2AF10AB69882D8AC6E6E4CE6249D999C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2AF10AB69882D8AC6E6E4CE6249D999C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2AF10AB69882D8AC6E6E4CE6249D999C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FixedRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FixedRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember_F7B461761EFB06E4D6314CE6249DB222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FixedRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember_F7B461761EFB06E4D6314CE6249DB222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FloatingRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FloatingRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember_E64BA254483ABB8AF4504CE6249DA099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FloatingRatePublicOrPrivateNotesMember_E64BA254483ABB8AF4504CE6249DA099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2.375NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2.375NotesMember_21563553713A0F0302BB4CE6249DF90E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2.375NotesMember_21563553713A0F0302BB4CE6249DF90E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A5.125NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A5.125NotesMember_259D6DCBC5D9403090F94CE6249D8970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A5.125NotesMember_259D6DCBC5D9403090F94CE6249D8970" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A5.375NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A5.375NotesMember_61A4C65E044A4BB0D49A4CE6249DF291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A5.375NotesMember_61A4C65E044A4BB0D49A4CE6249DF291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A5.750NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A5.750NotesMember_4F29F4F48B296E2048904CE6249DBBD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A5.750NotesMember_4F29F4F48B296E2048904CE6249DBBD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A7.125NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A7.125NotesMember_030E68D8D80AF4E549264CE6249DC600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A7.125NotesMember_030E68D8D80AF4E549264CE6249DC600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A4.625NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A4.625NotesMember_F78BA3EBFB23AA31F8844CE6249D11EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A4.625NotesMember_F78BA3EBFB23AA31F8844CE6249D11EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A7.570NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A7.570NotesMember_2B8760F10ECFFDF0DF624CE6249DE7A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A7.570NotesMember_2B8760F10ECFFDF0DF624CE6249DE7A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2.85NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2.85NotesMember_1F1C130F0BDAD2A9E0374CE6249DC760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2.85NotesMember_1F1C130F0BDAD2A9E0374CE6249DC760" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_D222EB985836FF6AAEBD4CE6249D03F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_D222EB985836FF6AAEBD4CE6249D03F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A6.584NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A6.584NotesMember_031C79923C4452F98BF74CE6249D18E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A6.584NotesMember_031C79923C4452F98BF74CE6249D18E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember_4E7AB58E88858E9A4E1B4CE6249E814F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember_4E7AB58E88858E9A4E1B4CE6249E814F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A4.50NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A4.50NotesMember_60EA8BDD3361B4E59BE94CE6249E794D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_100213267E45D58E4EAC4CE6249D3E2E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A4.50NotesMember_60EA8BDD3361B4E59BE94CE6249E794D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C7B8491374DFED74B3ED4CE6249C17EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_D41FD7B572570CCED4C94CE6249EFD7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_D41FD7B572570CCED4C94CE6249EFD7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4E6BA8C52958932557E64CE6249EF14E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4E6BA8C52958932557E64CE6249EF14E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_CF6CCB319F1E6AD258A64CE6249EA2CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_CF6CCB319F1E6AD258A64CE6249EA2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_4F4C3F1295417CE02F4C4CE6249EE7CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_4F4C3F1295417CE02F4C4CE6249EE7CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges_602797433587746ED5404CE6249E82FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PrepaymentPenaltyCharges_602797433587746ED5404CE6249E82FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_65F344705F6646712BBE4CE6249E9959" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_65F344705F6646712BBE4CE6249E9959" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_7137F87A05A76BDE8D394CE6249EC865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_7137F87A05A76BDE8D394CE6249EC865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_902FE8E9C46556C51ED14CE6249EC26D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_902FE8E9C46556C51ED14CE6249EC26D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_4F8F5FF5FDBA5AE24FFB4CE6249EADFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_4F8F5FF5FDBA5AE24FFB4CE6249EADFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount_A262D0A403DB3655412A4CE6249EDDD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WriteOffUnamortizedPremiumDiscount_A262D0A403DB3655412A4CE6249EDDD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_16FED6AA80600E1F72894CE6249E183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_F18D4D853746D754DA8B4CE6249FED4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_F18D4D853746D754DA8B4CE6249FED4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRate_A2E16E87B9BEBAD907E14CE6249F871D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRate_A2E16E87B9BEBAD907E14CE6249F871D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_52F8C5C60C1B186EB2C14CE6249F9586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_52F8C5C60C1B186EB2C14CE6249F9586" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_12C418A3DCA460E03B9C4CE6249F5BF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_C5F797388BE824909CC74CE6249E2DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_12C418A3DCA460E03B9C4CE6249F5BF1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtOtherDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_44BAC866BB47CD016A0F4DE01E5FC75B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E2AA9212893F506921E54DE01E5FAB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_44BAC866BB47CD016A0F4DE01E5FC75B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E2AA9212893F506921E54DE01E5FAB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_22D06BAEAC8AD2086BE54DE01E60906A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E2AA9212893F506921E54DE01E5FAB55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_22D06BAEAC8AD2086BE54DE01E60906A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E24480D872372DD31F1A4DE01E6048B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_22D06BAEAC8AD2086BE54DE01E60906A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E24480D872372DD31F1A4DE01E6048B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E2AA9212893F506921E54DE01E5FAB55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_AB56D83426468627FDEA4DE01E60EE50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_AB56D83426468627FDEA4DE01E60EE50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_E2FA6038950DF511160A4DE01E607375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_E2FA6038950DF511160A4DE01E607375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_45570FBF02C62A01EC304DE01E60FCB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_45570FBF02C62A01EC304DE01E60FCB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1A203ABE75E5056CC9414DE01E609F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1A203ABE75E5056CC9414DE01E609F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_A9DE3369AF605712B8644DE01E66F1AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_A9DE3369AF605712B8644DE01E66F1AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8C8ABCF8AE74E2B20AD24DE01E663939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8C8ABCF8AE74E2B20AD24DE01E663939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FDB103EB388ED6C3C2694DF77AD33A76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FDB103EB388ED6C3C2694DF77AD33A76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_416B9BE79CD6AE0CBD1A4DE01E66056E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_416B9BE79CD6AE0CBD1A4DE01E66056E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalSecuredAndUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalSecuredAndUnsecuredDebt_39437781F5F84E691CC64DE01E66C11A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_35D51383BD9F7A4F52064DE01E605754" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalSecuredAndUnsecuredDebt_39437781F5F84E691CC64DE01E66C11A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9C7CD0057C5787C9E2D44CE624ABB467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_A298AD11BE31808325014CE624AB1F6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9C7CD0057C5787C9E2D44CE624ABB467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_A298AD11BE31808325014CE624AB1F6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_486C1ABF607AB7F40CE44CE624AB87B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_9C7CD0057C5787C9E2D44CE624ABB467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_486C1ABF607AB7F40CE44CE624AB87B3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestricted" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_C38AC5ED3AB0A77142CD4CE624B97188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_09E732BD625712B4FD194CE624B9C126" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_C38AC5ED3AB0A77142CD4CE624B97188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_09E732BD625712B4FD194CE624B9C126" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestrictedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_68525EDC39C9F293267E628476D045FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_F55211F47C4D669A3846628476D0A626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_68525EDC39C9F293267E628476D045FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_F55211F47C4D669A3846628476D0A626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_FA14FBECB26E506D2902628476D1E720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_F55211F47C4D669A3846628476D0A626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_FA14FBECB26E506D2902628476D1E720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5E92F31D472B1A5B621A628476D6865D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_FA14FBECB26E506D2902628476D1E720" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5E92F31D472B1A5B621A628476D6865D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_F55211F47C4D669A3846628476D0A626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxDeferredExchangeProceeds" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxDeferredExchangeProceeds_C1FCD9E91661BE280F55628476D69EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxDeferredExchangeProceeds_C1FCD9E91661BE280F55628476D69EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits_1D4F499EF81200EDCCD9628476D689ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits_1D4F499EF81200EDCCD9628476D689ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RestrictedDepositsOnRealEstateInvestments" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RestrictedDepositsOnRealEstateInvestments_88C124D7AC83A10F556A628476D6D063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RestrictedDepositsOnRealEstateInvestments_88C124D7AC83A10F556A628476D6D063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidentSecurityAndUtilityDeposits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidentSecurityAndUtilityDeposits_B246CA1EF312EA78B674628476D7D90A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ResidentSecurityAndUtilityDeposits_B246CA1EF312EA78B674628476D7D90A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherRestrictedCash_A1EA2D78C3D439190C20628476D706D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherRestrictedCash_A1EA2D78C3D439190C20628476D706D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_46B33A3C65D6210E4CD6628476D7B742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_46B33A3C65D6210E4CD6628476D7B742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_1D97079AB384381A3DD3628476D7974E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_1D97079AB384381A3DD3628476D7974E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReplacementReserveEscrow" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReplacementReserveEscrow_A0E32515F34248A3B233628476D7641B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReplacementReserveEscrow_A0E32515F34248A3B233628476D7641B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCumulativeSinkingFundPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCumulativeSinkingFundPayments_BB9C1F8EB1345252B635628476D7D54E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCumulativeSinkingFundPayments_BB9C1F8EB1345252B635628476D7D54E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Escrowdepositsother" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Escrowdepositsother_F00C77022CFB2D24B36C628476D7FBED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Escrowdepositsother_F00C77022CFB2D24B36C628476D7FBED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_01EB042C7E75D62BB3C9628476D756AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_44A3D621EF9AB0673311628476D681E1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsForMortgageAndReplacementReserves_01EB042C7E75D62BB3C9628476D756AC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DepositsRestrictedTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_12FE73FDCA188052A1774CE624B5483E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_79180748B43A954902B54CE624B65CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepositsRestrictedAbstract_12FE73FDCA188052A1774CE624B5483E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_79180748B43A954902B54CE624B65CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_CC31F6ADB617C838F3A04CE624B6DFC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_79180748B43A954902B54CE624B65CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_CC31F6ADB617C838F3A04CE624B6DFC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_F1DC0E6C92633ED28EA94CE624B6CE44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_CC31F6ADB617C838F3A04CE624B6DFC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_F1DC0E6C92633ED28EA94CE624B6CE44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_69A2D0CED20BFBE5560A4CE624B6FF1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_79180748B43A954902B54CE624B65CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_69A2D0CED20BFBE5560A4CE624B6FF1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTextBlock_4954742D06103978ADAA4CE624B65CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_69A2D0CED20BFBE5560A4CE624B6FF1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTextBlock_4954742D06103978ADAA4CE624B65CCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EscrowDepositsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsTableTextBlock_7464969198944E6B6A564CE624B6FF70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_69A2D0CED20BFBE5560A4CE624B6FF1F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EscrowDepositsTableTextBlock_7464969198944E6B6A564CE624B6FF70" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_DE7FDBB91B2A7F7A08BB4CE62489C06B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock_BE42F58BF730D3BD92094CE624899D4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_DE7FDBB91B2A7F7A08BB4CE62489C06B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock_BE42F58BF730D3BD92094CE624899D4A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_61F8F3022C3DB5AA02114CE624841BDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_61F8F3022C3DB5AA02114CE624841BDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8830651F303FE472A5234CE624841748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8830651F303FE472A5234CE624841748" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_710FAB211EDC7A8CF3004CE624842E46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8830651F303FE472A5234CE624841748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_710FAB211EDC7A8CF3004CE624842E46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_9301D6DBB5A6E916798F4CE624841FF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_710FAB211EDC7A8CF3004CE624842E46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_9301D6DBB5A6E916798F4CE624841FF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4F7B8085A553F6D444824CE624847776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4F7B8085A553F6D444824CE624847776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BEC187338BCAD07308A64CE62484B048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4F7B8085A553F6D444824CE624847776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BEC187338BCAD07308A64CE62484B048" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F772930D2B02B1CE7E974CE62484FA60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BEC187338BCAD07308A64CE62484B048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F772930D2B02B1CE7E974CE62484FA60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_94AC79A1054C078AC8B24CE624845B8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_94AC79A1054C078AC8B24CE624845B8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4DD2D42F8EC2C2297504CE6248456BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_94AC79A1054C078AC8B24CE624845B8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4DD2D42F8EC2C2297504CE6248456BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2.375NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2.375NotesMember_C9F2265BA85EF2C520C84CE62484E5DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F4DD2D42F8EC2C2297504CE6248456BA" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2.375NotesMember_C9F2265BA85EF2C520C84CE62484E5DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_4CDF1BF229B69886792C4CE62484B572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_09B702672687B2A985944CE6248434E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_09B702672687B2A985944CE6248434E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_818CE4916BC679E59D9B4CE624853422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_818CE4916BC679E59D9B4CE624853422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MaturityDateDerivative" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MaturityDateDerivative_BF6DAD810AAAFDE06C024CE6248531C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MaturityDateDerivative_BF6DAD810AAAFDE06C024CE6248531C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_2938A42E7019217B25794CE62485A6E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_2938A42E7019217B25794CE62485A6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_5041C00CC1339989443E4CE624854F78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_5041C00CC1339989443E4CE624854F78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_5FE40647BB8CE110C6554CE62485F764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_5FE40647BB8CE110C6554CE62485F764" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_E40C558C7CDB2CD924044CE624857A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_E40C558C7CDB2CD924044CE624857A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_29D30F99F197D11AC96A4CE624858912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_553C53A8D89B7B5EAE704CE62484E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_29D30F99F197D11AC96A4CE624858912" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D9274AB2611D6B0810034CE6247E1CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_63FF3814E6ADC1A0824D4CE6247EE0F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D9274AB2611D6B0810034CE6247E1CD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_63FF3814E6ADC1A0824D4CE6247EE0F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FFFCB4AB5CD5C16923BC4CE6247FA795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_63FF3814E6ADC1A0824D4CE6247EE0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FFFCB4AB5CD5C16923BC4CE6247FA795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8C38903F9D167540C4C34CE6247F90B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FFFCB4AB5CD5C16923BC4CE6247FA795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8C38903F9D167540C4C34CE6247F90B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_0652D33BA6BDA72D23F24CE6247F97A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8C38903F9D167540C4C34CE6247F90B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_0652D33BA6BDA72D23F24CE6247F97A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsMember_FC247312E4BF5226A8764CE6247FAB44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8C38903F9D167540C4C34CE6247F90B0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsMember_FC247312E4BF5226A8764CE6247FAB44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_08CE77C29D4C1ACE614B4CE6247F81A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_63FF3814E6ADC1A0824D4CE6247EE0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_08CE77C29D4C1ACE614B4CE6247F81A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8B5F1D0B9396BCACD4D54CE6247F8EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_08CE77C29D4C1ACE614B4CE6247F81A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8B5F1D0B9396BCACD4D54CE6247F8EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1098CF91B82147FEE8284CE6247F9C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8B5F1D0B9396BCACD4D54CE6247F8EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_1098CF91B82147FEE8284CE6247F9C59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1356FC60FACEB16329454CE6247F87CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8B5F1D0B9396BCACD4D54CE6247F8EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1356FC60FACEB16329454CE6247F87CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A90B968CB3B29FFF8F5D4CE6247F4D27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8B5F1D0B9396BCACD4D54CE6247F8EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A90B968CB3B29FFF8F5D4CE6247F4D27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_63FF3814E6ADC1A0824D4CE6247EE0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8623C83A6920E982532C4CE6247FE698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8623C83A6920E982532C4CE6247FE698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FairValueOfSerpInvestments" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FairValueOfSerpInvestments_6BC246805FF09458B02A4CE6247F4E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FairValueOfSerpInvestments_6BC246805FF09458B02A4CE6247F4E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_26ECC1335B18B9B90A474CE6247F5CC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_26ECC1335B18B9B90A474CE6247F5CC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_F1FB30ED20F4EC6F629E4CE6247FF054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_F1FB30ED20F4EC6F629E4CE6247FF054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_3073B6B8F8EF8DF4CD344CE6247F8159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_3073B6B8F8EF8DF4CD344CE6247F8159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_81000AC5C1A4DF72E8374CE6247FFDDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_81000AC5C1A4DF72E8374CE6247FFDDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_94CA1CF3A78F3B94FAA84CE6248084B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_34D0C5024124D8F7A53C4CE6247F86C1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_94CA1CF3A78F3B94FAA84CE6248084B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0AB76E9C2E3786D0E8C9589F9E8EDCA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_E9D2233645806D667274589F9E8E2840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_0AB76E9C2E3786D0E8C9589F9E8EDCA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_E9D2233645806D667274589F9E8E2840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BF157E1B8FBE25B5F6FD589F9E8EBFC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_E9D2233645806D667274589F9E8E2840" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BF157E1B8FBE25B5F6FD589F9E8EBFC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_40E17F60450439D491F7589F9E8E6E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_BF157E1B8FBE25B5F6FD589F9E8EBFC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_40E17F60450439D491F7589F9E8E6E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_6DFA8E4CAB22B5926A80589F9E8EF9AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_40E17F60450439D491F7589F9E8E6E26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_6DFA8E4CAB22B5926A80589F9E8EF9AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsTreasuryLocksMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsTreasuryLocksMember_FCAAEBDABD1510B86AF4589F9E8E7DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_40E17F60450439D491F7589F9E8E6E26" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ForwardStartingSwapsTreasuryLocksMember_FCAAEBDABD1510B86AF4589F9E8E7DDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_E9D2233645806D667274589F9E8E2840" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfInterestRateFairValueHedgingInstruments1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfInterestRateFairValueHedgingInstruments1_980B00A997A2563304DA589F9E8FE7BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfInterestRateFairValueHedgingInstruments1_980B00A997A2563304DA589F9E8FE7BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeDescriptionOfHedgedItem" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeDescriptionOfHedgedItem_83EAD4ECBCA906ACDA74589F9E8F4539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeDescriptionOfHedgedItem_83EAD4ECBCA906ACDA74589F9E8F4539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfHedgedItemInInterestRateFairValueHedge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfHedgedItemInInterestRateFairValueHedge1_966EFD2569187DCE8AE8589F9E8F55A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueOfHedgedItemInInterestRateFairValueHedge1_966EFD2569187DCE8AE8589F9E8F55A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_86919ABF8BC4F446B4B6589F9E8F4561" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_86919ABF8BC4F446B4B6589F9E8F4561" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_C87DBC3918259EDD626B589F9E8F0374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_C87DBC3918259EDD626B589F9E8F0374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet_6EAF20AAD77DA40E3389589F9E8F1654" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_DC2ACBE73A7497A94EBA589F9E8F26AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet_6EAF20AAD77DA40E3389589F9E8F1654" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_94DB2ADB0CC1E1448B366387D1F5AE60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_17312FCABE0B1E0E0B4D6387D1F5382C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_94DB2ADB0CC1E1448B366387D1F5AE60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_17312FCABE0B1E0E0B4D6387D1F5382C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7EF1C35CC769AC035D156387D1F543CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_17312FCABE0B1E0E0B4D6387D1F5382C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7EF1C35CC769AC035D156387D1F543CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_977A92710B9A3A971C106387D1F57805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7EF1C35CC769AC035D156387D1F543CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_977A92710B9A3A971C106387D1F57805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_DD6C1930F1B3DCCB63246387D1F548D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_977A92710B9A3A971C106387D1F57805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_DD6C1930F1B3DCCB63246387D1F548D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_05B4E37D80190BF355096387D1FBE54E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_977A92710B9A3A971C106387D1F57805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember_05B4E37D80190BF355096387D1FBE54E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A793CCD5F1887E06043D6387D1FB001C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_17312FCABE0B1E0E0B4D6387D1F5382C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A793CCD5F1887E06043D6387D1FB001C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18A1AB848DD2433FEC846387D1FBB378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A793CCD5F1887E06043D6387D1FB001C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18A1AB848DD2433FEC846387D1FBB378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2.85NotesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2.85NotesMember_B1571D2E490F73C5AFB36387D1FBF88C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18A1AB848DD2433FEC846387D1FBB378" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2.85NotesMember_B1571D2E490F73C5AFB36387D1FBF88C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember_A715D730FD50B20CBC4C6387D1FB73CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18A1AB848DD2433FEC846387D1FBB378" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A3.375NotesMemberMember_A715D730FD50B20CBC4C6387D1FB73CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_17312FCABE0B1E0E0B4D6387D1F5382C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_FD77D749F340301322F16387D1FC511E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_FD77D749F340301322F16387D1FC511E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_A6E1CADB194D4C7407966387D1FC6D25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_A6E1CADB194D4C7407966387D1FC6D25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_56D38B867FE9BCF8225D6387D1FC2D9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_56D38B867FE9BCF8225D6387D1FC2D9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInterestRateCashFlowHedgesPretaxAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInterestRateCashFlowHedgesPretaxAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_1EAB7535D42D931A369F6387D1FC6C9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInterestRateCashFlowHedgesPretaxAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_1EAB7535D42D931A369F6387D1FC6C9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_6CE6BA0DB003E509F8326387D1FC991E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_6CE6BA0DB003E509F8326387D1FC991E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeInvestingActivities_370F69BDB3AAB76D6C016387D1FCA688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromHedgeInvestingActivities_370F69BDB3AAB76D6C016387D1FCA688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_E8334A8E54FAB03C7C016387D1FCCE74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_E8334A8E54FAB03C7C016387D1FCCE74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_BEDB2FA1EAE59D537D4A6387D1FC5CF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_BEDB2FA1EAE59D537D4A6387D1FC5CF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet_05BFB7B335CDBD302DC06387D1FCDA1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet_05BFB7B335CDBD302DC06387D1FCDA1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ChargesHedgeTerminationActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ChargesHedgeTerminationActivities_E395FB6F26F17EFE7B236387D1FC8DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_18371C991E80B7CD25466387D1FC6BE6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ChargesHedgeTerminationActivities_E395FB6F26F17EFE7B236387D1FC8DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DerivativeAndOtherFairValueInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D30FFAB0535CA850ACE94CE6248702A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_55E757819D61B8ED60A74CE62487BEEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D30FFAB0535CA850ACE94CE6248702A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_55E757819D61B8ED60A74CE62487BEEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_ADAF30CAC0C5DE14A97D4CE62487C2D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D30FFAB0535CA850ACE94CE6248702A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock_ADAF30CAC0C5DE14A97D4CE62487C2D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_E89E08BD915309210D1B4CE6248710B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D30FFAB0535CA850ACE94CE6248702A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_E89E08BD915309210D1B4CE6248710B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_4217A343192B5A44CA104CE62487547A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_D30FFAB0535CA850ACE94CE6248702A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_4217A343192B5A44CA104CE62487547A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_87340EF4A904D51DE2EC4CE624638628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlock_026300C6160D3A5DB8354CE624632262" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_87340EF4A904D51DE2EC4CE624638628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlock_026300C6160D3A5DB8354CE624632262" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_C2588A4215BDD5E2446C4CE624541D28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A21DA40FBBAA1CE9208C4CE62454EBFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_C2588A4215BDD5E2446C4CE624541D28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A21DA40FBBAA1CE9208C4CE62454EBFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_CF1FECBB0AE0AFE164D94CE62455A5B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A21DA40FBBAA1CE9208C4CE62454EBFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_CF1FECBB0AE0AFE164D94CE62455A5B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_837F0308DA4538666BFB4CE62455B418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_CF1FECBB0AE0AFE164D94CE62455A5B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_837F0308DA4538666BFB4CE62455B418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A21DA40FBBAA1CE9208C4CE62454EBFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_EA0C039B1AADDEEBBB0F4CE624554AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_EA0C039B1AADDEEBBB0F4CE624554AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRentalIncome_EB441C6C3869589106254CE62455444C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_EA0C039B1AADDEEBBB0F4CE624554AF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRentalIncome_EB441C6C3869589106254CE62455444C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_783CDC8D1DC737D718574CE624555B30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_EA0C039B1AADDEEBBB0F4CE624554AF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_783CDC8D1DC737D718574CE624555B30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyAndMaintenance_143C71FF29CB11C6548C4CE624564267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyAndMaintenance_143C71FF29CB11C6548C4CE624564267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_ECF3FC66EE4632FD18924CE62456B302" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_44ADF8AFF43AAA2664594CE62456D9F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_44ADF8AFF43AAA2664594CE62456D9F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0DD18959E1106B0DDFFF4CE62456AAF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0DD18959E1106B0DDFFF4CE62456AAF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4C0BE6131CDAD6BCC0E04CE624562864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_38B158D24B71A7B6C0664CE624550F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_4C0BE6131CDAD6BCC0E04CE624562864" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_C529907B50E7C3374A0B4CE62461A93E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0001917B0F2BA1CA69B14CE62461BC79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_C529907B50E7C3374A0B4CE62461A93E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0001917B0F2BA1CA69B14CE62461BC79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EF6DE3619CE4D0AA0A324CE62461D7E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0001917B0F2BA1CA69B14CE62461BC79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EF6DE3619CE4D0AA0A324CE62461D7E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21E9B004FB746293BD584CE624616B12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EF6DE3619CE4D0AA0A324CE62461D7E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21E9B004FB746293BD584CE624616B12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_2144675831500EF477974CE62461C01C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_21E9B004FB746293BD584CE624616B12" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_2144675831500EF477974CE62461C01C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_A462AD891537B896B0894CE62461CAEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0001917B0F2BA1CA69B14CE62461BC79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_A462AD891537B896B0894CE62461CAEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_8B0939BE6D32A78E2C774CE62461F02A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_A462AD891537B896B0894CE62461CAEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_8B0939BE6D32A78E2C774CE62461F02A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_115E2A5FFB59560217F24CE624610BD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_A462AD891537B896B0894CE62461CAEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_115E2A5FFB59560217F24CE624610BD6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlan" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract_6053C497281577EA000A4CE6241F1171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanTextBlock_4F435D30AB04C194338F4CE6241FE12E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract_6053C497281577EA000A4CE6241F1171" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanTextBlock_4F435D30AB04C194338F4CE6241FE12E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract_2D221F7CCF1C2257F4AF4CE6241C32B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B42AC3A5F8068FE4518B4CE6241C18EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentAndSharePurchasePlanAbstract_2D221F7CCF1C2257F4AF4CE6241C32B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B42AC3A5F8068FE4518B4CE6241C18EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1EAB47095E1F106550334CE6241D3810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B42AC3A5F8068FE4518B4CE6241C18EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1EAB47095E1F106550334CE6241D3810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_5898E568552CEE4D9DA34CE6241D9F9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1EAB47095E1F106550334CE6241D3810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_5898E568552CEE4D9DA34CE6241D9F9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionReinvestmentPlan2014Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentPlan2014Member_D523FB7B2C8BDB6B380F4CE6241D1544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_5898E568552CEE4D9DA34CE6241D9F9D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DistributionReinvestmentPlan2014Member_D523FB7B2C8BDB6B380F4CE6241D1544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06411292438D4AEF01094CE6241D3EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B42AC3A5F8068FE4518B4CE6241C18EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06411292438D4AEF01094CE6241D3EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StockRegisteredDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StockRegisteredDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_23282CC88E8A1D2906F94CE6241D7D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06411292438D4AEF01094CE6241D3EED" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StockRegisteredDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_23282CC88E8A1D2906F94CE6241D7D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuance" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuance_6298192B8B83B9604FC44CE6241DFBE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06411292438D4AEF01094CE6241D3EED" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfSharesAvailableForIssuance_6298192B8B83B9604FC44CE6241DFBE7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_20F5900D79574C35C7074CE625D8B49D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6893AACF336AF30585D04CE625D8FB6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_20F5900D79574C35C7074CE625D8B49D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6893AACF336AF30585D04CE625D8FB6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E59F65303441CCFED94A4CE625D8A1D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6893AACF336AF30585D04CE625D8FB6E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E59F65303441CCFED94A4CE625D8A1D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0F009FCA721AF2F4BEF64CE625D930A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E59F65303441CCFED94A4CE625D8A1D5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0F009FCA721AF2F4BEF64CE625D930A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_C75E12B870461C5D635B4CE625D9090F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0F009FCA721AF2F4BEF64CE625D930A8" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_C75E12B870461C5D635B4CE625D9090F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6893AACF336AF30585D04CE625D8FB6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_5DBCEFE6A23B48473E364CE625D9CE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_5DBCEFE6A23B48473E364CE625D9CE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_88F69FD9543324E7A4BB4CE625D9625D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_88F69FD9543324E7A4BB4CE625D9625D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_70AC3C235BAEFC0AE8BA4CE625D97151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_70AC3C235BAEFC0AE8BA4CE625D97151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_0FFEB53EF5B25418FB674CE625D964F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_0FFEB53EF5B25418FB674CE625D964F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_2D0ED8E4805BE2BADFE34CE625D9FAFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_2D0ED8E4805BE2BADFE34CE625D9FAFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_7B79356D0682ABD562BA4CE625D9CF94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_7B79356D0682ABD562BA4CE625D9CF94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_ED988B1DB756CD4AFF5B4CE625D990B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_ED988B1DB756CD4AFF5B4CE625D990B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_23114C3FFEF34FFE28A84CE625D9388E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_23114C3FFEF34FFE28A84CE625D9388E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_DBCA1DD88640F0EE59254CE625D91811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_DBCA1DD88640F0EE59254CE625D91811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_A27277145D365ABAF0BC4CE625D9458A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_A27277145D365ABAF0BC4CE625D9458A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_02B848A6C84946C46C814CE625D99C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_02B848A6C84946C46C814CE625D99C41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_CC8C201D58774C2627FB4CE625D95C76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_CC8C201D58774C2627FB4CE625D95C76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F97409EA8241D5D178F04CE625D939E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F97409EA8241D5D178F04CE625D939E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_D28FA9A1B20951A9D77E4CE625D9D895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8A4A05428BBF508F8F74CE625D9AA1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_D28FA9A1B20951A9D77E4CE625D9D895" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_795029AA1E549975F0104CE624716F20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EarningsPerShareAndEarningsPerUnitTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EarningsPerShareAndEarningsPerUnitTextBlock_A929EA42BA0CF5EF8D5C4CE624714162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_795029AA1E549975F0104CE624716F20" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EarningsPerShareAndEarningsPerUnitTextBlock_A929EA42BA0CF5EF8D5C4CE624714162" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E17372ED3F9FD0A65EDB4CE6246A7D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4887F5D9B01D4A2B59174CE6246A25BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E17372ED3F9FD0A65EDB4CE6246A7D13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4887F5D9B01D4A2B59174CE6246A25BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_04101CFD0091A70F53DC4CE6246AE663" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4887F5D9B01D4A2B59174CE6246A25BF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_04101CFD0091A70F53DC4CE6246AE663" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C30C16DCC8B6592C7E7B4CE6246A2AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_04101CFD0091A70F53DC4CE6246AE663" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C30C16DCC8B6592C7E7B4CE6246A2AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_48DAC0922B88AF3640B94CE6246AD65E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C30C16DCC8B6592C7E7B4CE6246A2AA7" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_48DAC0922B88AF3640B94CE6246AD65E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4887F5D9B01D4A2B59174CE6246A25BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E903E96C4CD218D2D1EC4CE6246A629D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E903E96C4CD218D2D1EC4CE6246A629D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_89C8FC613DAEA7829E7B4CE6246A69CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_89C8FC613DAEA7829E7B4CE6246A69CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_75DF03DB285C28499DC74CE6246A9D90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_75DF03DB285C28499DC74CE6246A9D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_1A9ED26D60BF1C7DBFFE4CE6246A0433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock_1A9ED26D60BF1C7DBFFE4CE6246A0433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPremium_15053F2D97ACFBF7D45D4CE6246AD697" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPremium_15053F2D97ACFBF7D45D4CE6246AD697" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9BD4B718B892D76D00124CE6246A26CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9BD4B718B892D76D00124CE6246A26CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_F9F267FB6A5A6637C44E4CE6246A8444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_F9F267FB6A5A6637C44E4CE6246A8444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic_4A605FA6EF495A29B1514CE6246B74F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic_4A605FA6EF495A29B1514CE6246B74F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToCommonShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToCommonShares_F31F7E6E80DCA9998A0C4CE6246BADC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToCommonShares_F31F7E6E80DCA9998A0C4CE6246BADC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_9A71E676F2D656CF82124CE6246BAD34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_9A71E676F2D656CF82124CE6246BAD34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_23AC03E29F694F88C8874CE6246B4E00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_23AC03E29F694F88C8874CE6246B4E00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_DB355CB4222E0DC012684CE6246BD2B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_DB355CB4222E0DC012684CE6246BD2B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DilutiveOpUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DilutiveOpUnits_F70B84037787B4C75BED4CE6246BCC2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DilutiveOpUnits_F70B84037787B4C75BED4CE6246BCC2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DilutiveSecuritiesOptions" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DilutiveSecuritiesOptions_A69C306BEB2C9D8273A24CE6246B39BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DilutiveSecuritiesOptions_A69C306BEB2C9D8273A24CE6246B39BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_109B3EDCC81B0DC549E24CE6246B77CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_109B3EDCC81B0DC549E24CE6246B77CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7CDEF3514453AEB44E1A4CE6246BBB2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7CDEF3514453AEB44E1A4CE6246BBB2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_EDCE98E286760B5FD6104CE6246B7588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_EDCE98E286760B5FD6104CE6246B7588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_57DC78B64E1F9E65CEF14CE6246B7CED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_57DC78B64E1F9E65CEF14CE6246B7CED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_9B53BD9D22B9F4AFCDA54CE6246B59B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_9B53BD9D22B9F4AFCDA54CE6246B59B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_E621CCB55D1CA54D1D0C4CE6246BB8F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_E621CCB55D1CA54D1D0C4CE6246BB8F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_C8A18F8D26F1DD63D1404CE6246B6708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_C8A18F8D26F1DD63D1404CE6246B6708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DividendPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DividendPreferenceUnits_DB0CB55FA4813DAD191E4CE6246B659A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DividendPreferenceUnits_DB0CB55FA4813DAD191E4CE6246B659A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToOpUnitholdersBasicDilutedNumerator" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToOpUnitholdersBasicDilutedNumerator_75E31DC054C8B7DE00344CE6246B62F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToOpUnitholdersBasicDilutedNumerator_75E31DC054C8B7DE00344CE6246B62F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_4F4CE9654F4BB0B4C39F4CE6246B9407" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_4F4CE9654F4BB0B4C39F4CE6246B9407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasic_1F4691CCC9EDC0CE68724CE6246CE810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitBasic_1F4691CCC9EDC0CE68724CE6246CE810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipNetDiluted" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipNetDiluted_CB4A9F46AD28E8707D9B4CE6246C9864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58B802164B6678AE8C7F4CE6246A809B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipNetDiluted_CB4A9F46AD28E8707D9B4CE6246C9864" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_ED37D95069D3F365F94F4CE6246FBFF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BE30724CE970A84283C64CE6246F9EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_ED37D95069D3F365F94F4CE6246FBFF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BE30724CE970A84283C64CE6246F9EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E661CA0496EB11B193D34CE6246F7449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BE30724CE970A84283C64CE6246F9EFC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E661CA0496EB11B193D34CE6246F7449" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_07D9F386D9057E48FF4D4CE6246F8AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E661CA0496EB11B193D34CE6246F7449" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_07D9F386D9057E48FF4D4CE6246F8AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_CF87A6092465FD7350554CE6246F2462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_07D9F386D9057E48FF4D4CE6246F8AB0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_CF87A6092465FD7350554CE6246F2462" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FE42A9F6FBC44D1AE66B4CE6246F5558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BE30724CE970A84283C64CE6246F9EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FE42A9F6FBC44D1AE66B4CE6246F5558" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_C10861A24DD7B7B0504F4CE6246F1048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FE42A9F6FBC44D1AE66B4CE6246F5558" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_C10861A24DD7B7B0504F4CE6246F1048" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_2690C92AEFA887D2EF604CE6242B5A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeePlansTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansTextBlock_4FBDC646F62E3B2027124CE6242BA48D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_2690C92AEFA887D2EF604CE6242B5A8D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansTextBlock_4FBDC646F62E3B2027124CE6242BA48D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_0225160314BC58DD59E44CE62424B757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEDD5210158DAA07F9EC4CE62424C060" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_0225160314BC58DD59E44CE62424B757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEDD5210158DAA07F9EC4CE62424C060" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_B3CA2F34EE358D79E8D94CE62424C303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEDD5210158DAA07F9EC4CE62424C060" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_B3CA2F34EE358D79E8D94CE62424C303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4BEB8FAC4F958D23CF814CE62424855F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_B3CA2F34EE358D79E8D94CE62424C303" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4BEB8FAC4F958D23CF814CE62424855F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HighlyCompensatedEmployeesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HighlyCompensatedEmployeesMember_538A6494F994D6C868174CE62425E3C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4BEB8FAC4F958D23CF814CE62424855F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HighlyCompensatedEmployeesMember_538A6494F994D6C868174CE62425E3C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CEDD5210158DAA07F9EC4CE62424C060" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardnumberofsharesauthorizedafteramendment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardnumberofsharesauthorizedafteramendment_521648D6E479570D41F24CE624257CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardnumberofsharesauthorizedafteramendment_521648D6E479570D41F24CE624257CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlan_457DF96E13CC64530D014CE62425FAB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlan_457DF96E13CC64530D014CE62425FAB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate_9F6829700CA3C382B1654CE624255F22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardDiscountFromMarketPricePurchaseDate_9F6829700CA3C382B1654CE624255F22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_835180A7E556B8E069C04CE6242621C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_835180A7E556B8E069C04CE6242621C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_A65F2637055831A6AFBD4CE624255846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EmployeePlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_0851233C78475127A3184CE62429BCC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock_02DDB809521A5BD1A5E54CE624297829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EmployeePlansAbstract_0851233C78475127A3184CE62429BCC5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock_02DDB809521A5BD1A5E54CE624297829" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOfEquityResidential" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_4FC5A2C690BAEB1C3E4C58AA400C0B4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_4FC5A2C690BAEB1C3E4C58AA400C0B4E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C13AA94AC4DC3AB2E22558AA400C76E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C13AA94AC4DC3AB2E22558AA400C76E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15B313068A83EA20C88358AA400C511A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C13AA94AC4DC3AB2E22558AA400C76E1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15B313068A83EA20C88358AA400C511A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_8FF9D08B24A5429CA77358AA400CE8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15B313068A83EA20C88358AA400C511A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_8FF9D08B24A5429CA77358AA400CE8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2D28CAC960D7956668B458AA400C2F42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2D28CAC960D7956668B458AA400C2F42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits_E22C0957BEFB508CFA2A58AA400C8474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits_E22C0957BEFB508CFA2A58AA400C8474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_374CDAB0F8778BB1B33358AA400C87F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_374CDAB0F8778BB1B33358AA400C87F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_19EAD83E6F62F190EABD58AA400C60BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_19EAD83E6F62F190EABD58AA400C60BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_4D1B97E749EBCCCBF07B58AA400C19DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_4D1B97E749EBCCCBF07B58AA400C19DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesOtherAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesOtherAbstract_772C08E236622A71011C58AA400C1632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesOtherAbstract_772C08E236622A71011C58AA400C1632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_FD0599E7D6A25B69B1A258AA400CC0D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesOtherAbstract_772C08E236622A71011C58AA400C1632" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_FD0599E7D6A25B69B1A258AA400CC0D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_D909378C683248CF934158AA400DE736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesOtherAbstract_772C08E236622A71011C58AA400C1632" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_D909378C683248CF934158AA400DE736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsAbstract_1A71D8CCD309C05D857658AA400DBD56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnitsAbstract_1A71D8CCD309C05D857658AA400DBD56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_0F2DC8ED51B8AC7D74A158AA400D8364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnitsAbstract_1A71D8CCD309C05D857658AA400DBD56" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_0F2DC8ED51B8AC7D74A158AA400D8364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLtips" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_FEAC52CEEE4FD467BE9358AA400DA115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnitsAbstract_1A71D8CCD309C05D857658AA400DBD56" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_FEAC52CEEE4FD467BE9358AA400DA115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_504DBEC6D841D9D2533058AA400D34BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnitsAbstract_1A71D8CCD309C05D857658AA400DBD56" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_504DBEC6D841D9D2533058AA400D34BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7E78F4E28ADA50DF7AA158AA400D1BE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7E78F4E28ADA50DF7AA158AA400D1BE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_BE161000ED037D54AC4B58AA400D25D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsOperatingPartnership_BE161000ED037D54AC4B58AA400D25D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_9852EEA5FE360B3AD44B58AA400D0E3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_9852EEA5FE360B3AD44B58AA400D0E3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_4ED08693B7609228CC9258AA400D2AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_4ED08693B7609228CC9258AA400D2AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue_6759FB6E69C768F6B81758AA400DD139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6F5269BB9F11D5887F1958AA400CAF90" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue_6759FB6E69C768F6B81758AA400DD139" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityCapitalAndOtherInterests" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_12E56C8FAF471DCB8FD64CE62525F4F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTextBlock_22A8B296D7850DF13B264CE62525ACAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_12E56C8FAF471DCB8FD64CE62525F4F9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTextBlock_22A8B296D7850DF13B264CE62525ACAC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_ED5B79240F4B3F0E9F3C4CE6252274F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_10E4EEEF0534489AB6FD4CE6252379B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_ED5B79240F4B3F0E9F3C4CE6252274F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_10E4EEEF0534489AB6FD4CE6252379B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48F039AAA4E4FF5A03AC4CE625235612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_10E4EEEF0534489AB6FD4CE6252379B1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48F039AAA4E4FF5A03AC4CE625235612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2E7EE5CE2A13755267C14CE62523362A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48F039AAA4E4FF5A03AC4CE625235612" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2E7EE5CE2A13755267C14CE62523362A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_BAF8470B01EE3E32AFEC4CE625230575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2E7EE5CE2A13755267C14CE62523362A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_BAF8470B01EE3E32AFEC4CE625230575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_17B7BF1DBF6BCFA475114CE62523E98C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_10E4EEEF0534489AB6FD4CE6252379B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_17B7BF1DBF6BCFA475114CE62523E98C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_17B7BF1DBF6BCFA475114CE62523E98C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock_8677FC0F2DBE307C44EC4CE625230C84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_17B7BF1DBF6BCFA475114CE62523E98C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock_8677FC0F2DBE307C44EC4CE625230C84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ScheduleOfPreferredStockTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPreferredStockTableTextBlock_9D1A65452837640A12734CE62523B9C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_17B7BF1DBF6BCFA475114CE62523E98C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfPreferredStockTableTextBlock_9D1A65452837640A12734CE62523B9C4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/IndividuallySignificantDispositionsAndDiscontinuedOperationsIndividuallySignificantDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_D7FEC17556E68762EFDF4CE6245CBF99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B83DD38EB04B3D3CA0C84CE6245C181F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_D7FEC17556E68762EFDF4CE6245CBF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B83DD38EB04B3D3CA0C84CE6245C181F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EC246497A61AF6714C0D4CE6245C0F42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B83DD38EB04B3D3CA0C84CE6245C181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EC246497A61AF6714C0D4CE6245C0F42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8675A60E200B0997654D4CE6245C0CDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_EC246497A61AF6714C0D4CE6245C0F42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8675A60E200B0997654D4CE6245C0CDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_EE4D15E9801B3E6D322B4CE6245CBA2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8675A60E200B0997654D4CE6245C0CDA" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_EE4D15E9801B3E6D322B4CE6245CBA2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B83DD38EB04B3D3CA0C84CE6245C181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PercentageofconsolidatedNOI" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PercentageofconsolidatedNOI_C3693E40E367C9ED6B854CE6245DDC2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PercentageofconsolidatedNOI_C3693E40E367C9ED6B854CE6245DDC2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_30EC5F8D1FEFBC4EA6064CE6245D5BCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_30EC5F8D1FEFBC4EA6064CE6245D5BCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_6B4535AA35E3CD15B39F4CE6245D8B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_30EC5F8D1FEFBC4EA6064CE6245D5BCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_6B4535AA35E3CD15B39F4CE6245D8B85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_8B5A4AFFAEE18463D5334CE6245DE8ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenueAbstract_30EC5F8D1FEFBC4EA6064CE6245D5BCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_8B5A4AFFAEE18463D5334CE6245DE8ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_A844ED09ECDA9EF90AC94CE6245D6AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_A844ED09ECDA9EF90AC94CE6245D6AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_34B1A9F18D9F99B02D984CE6245DFE2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_34B1A9F18D9F99B02D984CE6245DFE2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_34BF8A6D60CF6ED0A4494CE6245D1EC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_34BF8A6D60CF6ED0A4494CE6245D1EC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_478172420A5DCA647BA84CE6245D7403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_478172420A5DCA647BA84CE6245D7403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_9BEF558EB98ADD5EA33A4CE6245D77B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_9BEF558EB98ADD5EA33A4CE6245D77B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_AC82815B3F5D6D7F48704CE6245D4284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract_A50BA0ABC090CB4E6DE94CE6245D2C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_AC82815B3F5D6D7F48704CE6245D4284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B34DCD6C4F16578F6F3C4CE6245DDF2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B34DCD6C4F16578F6F3C4CE6245DDF2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_6A26A20F66E46BF2DE8B4CE6245D828E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_6A26A20F66E46BF2DE8B4CE6245D828E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_940465CB2CC8E96546784CE6245D9ECF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_940465CB2CC8E96546784CE6245D9ECF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpenseAbstract_C120D504F18D1A3A25FA4CE6245EE08D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpenseAbstract_C120D504F18D1A3A25FA4CE6245EE08D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_3C762871D56E3F461F0E4CE6245E27AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpenseAbstract_C120D504F18D1A3A25FA4CE6245EE08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_3C762871D56E3F461F0E4CE6245E27AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_027E37713832AB973B584CE6245E7722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpenseAbstract_C120D504F18D1A3A25FA4CE6245EE08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_027E37713832AB973B584CE6245E7722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6D9BEE7EF2D30702FC874CE6245E19B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6D9BEE7EF2D30702FC874CE6245E19B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_D68F2FFABFB6E48F05304CE6245E7707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_D68F2FFABFB6E48F05304CE6245E7707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_044D7A21DACF30DE64954CE6245E4FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_044D7A21DACF30DE64954CE6245E4FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_ABFCE9B874D29D5D8A284CE6245EF36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AllocationOfNetIncomeLossToNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_ABFCE9B874D29D5D8A284CE6245EF36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_BFF49C9D8136E60BBAC84CE6245E0B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToGeneralPartners_BFF49C9D8136E60BBAC84CE6245E0B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_784EEC73CAF2B218D2A34CE6245E9D15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_784EEC73CAF2B218D2A34CE6245E9D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_708E2FC3A9671A951DB14CE6245E5159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DFCBE1F6B476C9A3DD814CE6245D3F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_708E2FC3A9671A951DB14CE6245E5159" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_1F7BFD1E7E885FC259734CFD16FDE294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextBlock_FB2374AFC178DED856DC4CFD16FD9140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_1F7BFD1E7E885FC259734CFD16FDE294" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextBlock_FB2374AFC178DED856DC4CFD16FD9140" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_327B51ECD1C42E25FD004CFD17F0A5CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_327B51ECD1C42E25FD004CFD17F0A5CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_934A988D779B1938A5734CFD17F1F009" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_934A988D779B1938A5734CFD17F1F009" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A9A958BC027DBF26F2AE4CFD17F1B8E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_934A988D779B1938A5734CFD17F1F009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A9A958BC027DBF26F2AE4CFD17F1B8E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_B81BC88DC2FF5BC4A76E4D1AC2C18CB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A9A958BC027DBF26F2AE4CFD17F1B8E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_B81BC88DC2FF5BC4A76E4D1AC2C18CB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_4E23402019489B1A0B454CFD17F1B535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A9A958BC027DBF26F2AE4CFD17F1B8E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_4E23402019489B1A0B454CFD17F1B535" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_16D1230A7E0734221A694CFD17F299D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_16D1230A7E0734221A694CFD17F299D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_01F276F0E4F93E44BFDE4CFD17F286E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_16D1230A7E0734221A694CFD17F299D7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_01F276F0E4F93E44BFDE4CFD17F286E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_83CE5AE8D2F18313141A4CFD17F2E310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_01F276F0E4F93E44BFDE4CFD17F286E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_83CE5AE8D2F18313141A4CFD17F2E310" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember_91D947C7089AC4D1E7104CFD17F2D818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_01F276F0E4F93E44BFDE4CFD17F286E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember_91D947C7089AC4D1E7104CFD17F2D818" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_B8B8FCB1E1BD5457D53B4CFD17F26956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_01F276F0E4F93E44BFDE4CFD17F286E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_B8B8FCB1E1BD5457D53B4CFD17F26956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81507CAE442C04AFC36D4CFD17F27FA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81507CAE442C04AFC36D4CFD17F27FA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0FD467DD41035B9D7C984CFD17F23290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_81507CAE442C04AFC36D4CFD17F27FA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0FD467DD41035B9D7C984CFD17F23290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LegacyJVDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LegacyJVDomain_78F4C1C47A9D5535B9CD4D1AC2A10FE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0FD467DD41035B9D7C984CFD17F23290" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LegacyJVDomain_78F4C1C47A9D5535B9CD4D1AC2A10FE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidualJvDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidualJvDomain_6AE7C13412E8EC3F497C4CFD17F2C615" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0FD467DD41035B9D7C984CFD17F23290" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ResidualJvDomain_6AE7C13412E8EC3F497C4CFD17F2C615" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DA76066C0B62593FE5CE4CFD17F2E4B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5D85498F8E643458C754CFD17F15A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DA76066C0B62593FE5CE4CFD17F2E4B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DA76066C0B62593FE5CE4CFD17F2E4B4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_9636B4AE12D297FFC4554CFD17F22078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_9636B4AE12D297FFC4554CFD17F22078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_1BF0CDE89A573B7DE2A74CFD17F22C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_1BF0CDE89A573B7DE2A74CFD17F22C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_867770B542322DC1D7F24CFD17F2AC91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_867770B542322DC1D7F24CFD17F2AC91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_5C15E0EF3923DAFF8F4B4CFD17F2C97E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_5C15E0EF3923DAFF8F4B4CFD17F2C97E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_635327ED80542B54BE1A4CFD17F3AFF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_635327ED80542B54BE1A4CFD17F3AFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D7ABF58A2444732D21794CFD17F30776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D7ABF58A2444732D21794CFD17F30776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_259D4CA1046ECD9F23834CFD17F3099B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_259D4CA1046ECD9F23834CFD17F3099B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_6528B9EBDD5E12E041174CFD17F3416D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_6528B9EBDD5E12E041174CFD17F3416D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_580F0B089C967032132B4CFD17F34138" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_580F0B089C967032132B4CFD17F34138" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_999A4E3A27E30D0041C84CFD17F3C4DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A4CFBB0677DCC75AE2884CFD17F2B50F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_999A4E3A27E30D0041C84CFD17F3C4DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleAbstract_118BD27A08337AF6AA664CFD17F2BF7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_7532653C559FE327D8A24CFD17F38F46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_7532653C559FE327D8A24CFD17F38F46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_72B266096AFE2ED3B6DB4CFD17F300CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentOtherThanInterestAndDividendPayable_72B266096AFE2ED3B6DB4CFD17F300CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_BEF76A18AD514808E1704CFD17F37695" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_BEF76A18AD514808E1704CFD17F37695" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_E77D6F5D4E93321ED4E04CFD17F3E558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_E77D6F5D4E93321ED4E04CFD17F3E558" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_7791817B422D0431083A4CFD17F3EBBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityDepositLiability_7791817B422D0431083A4CFD17F3EBBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_875084842CDD79D257314CFD17F3D2A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_875084842CDD79D257314CFD17F3D2A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_89F987B0A5FF2D182A8B4CFD17F382CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_89F987B0A5FF2D182A8B4CFD17F382CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParentEquityInterest" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParentEquityInterest_E9997B38D3047B9FDF164CFD17F3ECE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParentEquityInterest_E9997B38D3047B9FDF164CFD17F3ECE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalEquityInterest" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalEquityInterest_054D68D20A236BCA45324CFD17F3572F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalEquityInterest_054D68D20A236BCA45324CFD17F3572F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_C238CF1A4CD1CC75D6F04CFD17F32E32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_827A895E514F99532DD74CFD17F30D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_C238CF1A4CD1CC75D6F04CFD17F32E32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DA76066C0B62593FE5CE4CFD17F2E4B4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_94206117013E5467BD784CFD17F4E444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_94206117013E5467BD784CFD17F4E444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_106C3D4144E3BD88FD754CFD17F4D387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_106C3D4144E3BD88FD754CFD17F4D387" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_71477E417B0935A7A3ED4CFD17F432B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_71477E417B0935A7A3ED4CFD17F432B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_88820518B78DCFCC846A4CFD17F4DB5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_88820518B78DCFCC846A4CFD17F4DB5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6FFFF0B0EEDBF8421FAE4CFD17F45C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6FFFF0B0EEDBF8421FAE4CFD17F45C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_841D59AC5676CBA688F54CFD17F41DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_841D59AC5676CBA688F54CFD17F41DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_6D85659AB227A07852614CFD17F42434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_6D85659AB227A07852614CFD17F42434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_F3A2E518641F7780FE374CFD17F47942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_F3A2E518641F7780FE374CFD17F47942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_4EA327067560B6F4E6514CFD17F44380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense_4EA327067560B6F4E6514CFD17F44380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_43601AC78F3D7C725C584CFD17F4AE37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_43601AC78F3D7C725C584CFD17F4AE37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_0B9FBE590CA9EDB0FF0F4CFD17F4B03B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_43601AC78F3D7C725C584CFD17F4AE37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_0B9FBE590CA9EDB0FF0F4CFD17F4B03B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_6A06954F9C3BE482BA314CFD17F40E7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_43601AC78F3D7C725C584CFD17F4AE37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_6A06954F9C3BE482BA314CFD17F40E7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9612954462482DB492FD4CFD17F4CBB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9612954462482DB492FD4CFD17F4CBB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9FB54A96A8213A4E57F04CFD17F49561" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9FB54A96A8213A4E57F04CFD17F49561" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_58052B8F6B8E97CC5AF54CFD17F48F97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_58052B8F6B8E97CC5AF54CFD17F48F97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_6001647658DF51914C064CFD17F42034" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleAbstract_A89FAC11BB04815900C14CFD17F37EAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_6001647658DF51914C064CFD17F42034" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DA76066C0B62593FE5CE4CFD17F2E4B4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_6D5EA44F43030EC4231A4CFD17F440F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_6D5EA44F43030EC4231A4CFD17F440F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_29F044D939F8CE2E30FE4CFD17F459DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_29F044D939F8CE2E30FE4CFD17F459DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_2A4669CB3734A58F7A2F4CFD17F5F0A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_2A4669CB3734A58F7A2F4CFD17F5F0A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_A2672FA26832EA8EEC254CFD17F50E8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_A2672FA26832EA8EEC254CFD17F50E8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_16B00850AE53F7F453154CFD17F55DB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTextualsAbstract_848575D6CFE8031B43854CFD17F4BA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_16B00850AE53F7F453154CFD17F55DB0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedOtherDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_1919EA5BE538EA0B5EBA662F9D81846D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8C79C4BDF3756AAEFB79662F9D81EB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_1919EA5BE538EA0B5EBA662F9D81846D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8C79C4BDF3756AAEFB79662F9D81EB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2A3340826768927F4FF6662F9D81A373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8C79C4BDF3756AAEFB79662F9D81EB87" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2A3340826768927F4FF6662F9D81A373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6BB6E02620370C297ED3662F9D816782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2A3340826768927F4FF6662F9D81A373" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6BB6E02620370C297ED3662F9D816782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember_F3F0A1CD6E98DB62F06C662F9D81928B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6BB6E02620370C297ED3662F9D816782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorityOwnedSubsidiaryUnconsolidatedMember_F3F0A1CD6E98DB62F06C662F9D81928B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2EC9A64D89E059482BFD662F9D829752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8C79C4BDF3756AAEFB79662F9D81EB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2EC9A64D89E059482BFD662F9D829752" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08C1179F9345777BA6AC662F9D825615" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2EC9A64D89E059482BFD662F9D829752" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08C1179F9345777BA6AC662F9D825615" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidualJvDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidualJvDomain_613C298A744E92222C1A662F9D827FE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08C1179F9345777BA6AC662F9D825615" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ResidualJvDomain_613C298A744E92222C1A662F9D827FE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LegacyJVDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LegacyJVDomain_B43815B09467AFF99B51662F9D826566" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08C1179F9345777BA6AC662F9D825615" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LegacyJVDomain_B43815B09467AFF99B51662F9D826566" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8C79C4BDF3756AAEFB79662F9D81EB87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_340FDE02C18553E7AE5A662F9D82F794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_340FDE02C18553E7AE5A662F9D82F794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_JointVenturePartnerOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_eqr_JointVenturePartnerOwnershipPercentage_2D1EBB7E0A3B88D9467D662F9D822144" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:to="loc_eqr_JointVenturePartnerOwnershipPercentage_2D1EBB7E0A3B88D9467D662F9D822144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_711E80F2B5F7F4EC08BE662F9D8255C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_711E80F2B5F7F4EC08BE662F9D8255C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_F3A42C7BCF40C08C01E9662F9D82F170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_04A6B8E6422CE0CAF137662F9D8255D7" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_F3A42C7BCF40C08C01E9662F9D82F170" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/IssuedAndOutstandingPreferredSharesAndPreferenceUnits" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_65149392D5641AA903594CE6250D251D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_70763D2B3DAAFBA140094CE6250DF0F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_65149392D5641AA903594CE6250D251D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_70763D2B3DAAFBA140094CE6250DF0F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22E5DB72E2F7B7D4847E4CE6250D22D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_70763D2B3DAAFBA140094CE6250DF0F1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22E5DB72E2F7B7D4847E4CE6250D22D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CAFF15DA58CC1FB7B4D64CE6250DFF3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22E5DB72E2F7B7D4847E4CE6250D22D8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CAFF15DA58CC1FB7B4D64CE6250DFF3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_3E02678A1C7374BF808F4CE6250D56E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CAFF15DA58CC1FB7B4D64CE6250DFF3A" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_3E02678A1C7374BF808F4CE6250D56E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CB4CD8FA6FAB7EBB13514CE6250DBDD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_70763D2B3DAAFBA140094CE6250DF0F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CB4CD8FA6FAB7EBB13514CE6250DBDD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2648723FCCE3A9BBFCB14CE6250D2962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CB4CD8FA6FAB7EBB13514CE6250DBDD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2648723FCCE3A9BBFCB14CE6250D2962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_2DA586422FFE487B88CD4CE6250E0226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2648723FCCE3A9BBFCB14CE6250D2962" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_2DA586422FFE487B88CD4CE6250E0226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_70763D2B3DAAFBA140094CE6250DF0F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_D30D4A037C9432A2A1044CE6250E7400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_D30D4A037C9432A2A1044CE6250E7400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_9527C4F6FD987A2C55994CE6250EBEDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_9527C4F6FD987A2C55994CE6250EBEDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsIssued" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsIssued_397A3579BB4FB7A8426E4CE6250EA651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsIssued_397A3579BB4FB7A8426E4CE6250EA651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsOutstanding_A2E7544C5B9415C44C1C4CE6250E7E06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsOutstanding_A2E7544C5B9415C44C1C4CE6250E7E06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsRedemptionPricePerShareUnit" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsRedemptionPricePerShareUnit_36CAEEF432CFAA934E744CE6250E7DC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsRedemptionPricePerShareUnit_36CAEEF432CFAA934E744CE6250E7DC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_EBA5FD11FA4DD84110B74CE6250E5D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_EBA5FD11FA4DD84110B74CE6250E5D26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStocksPreferenceUnitsRedemptionDate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStocksPreferenceUnitsRedemptionDate_3402E4D23D50CE7F55404CE6250E3A84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStocksPreferenceUnitsRedemptionDate_3402E4D23D50CE7F55404CE6250E3A84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AnnualDividendPerPreferredSharePreferenceUnit" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AnnualDividendPerPreferredSharePreferenceUnit_BC1AE3067338A51AA5854CE6250E2C19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AnnualDividendPerPreferredSharePreferenceUnit_BC1AE3067338A51AA5854CE6250E2C19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_26F0F84DE28CAD9D0E204CE6250E5098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_26F0F84DE28CAD9D0E204CE6250E5098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredUnitsValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredUnitsValueOutstanding_2E4F1E5EE54D11D0C9D24CE6250E93AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredUnitsValueOutstanding_2E4F1E5EE54D11D0C9D24CE6250E93AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesRetired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesRetired_84BDD42DDDE315A91DCD4CE6250E8180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesRetired_84BDD42DDDE315A91DCD4CE6250E8180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredParValueMethodAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredParValueMethodAmount_3A9029E7E51EC54EB1874CE6250E63F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredParValueMethodAmount_3A9029E7E51EC54EB1874CE6250E63F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TreasuryStockRetiredCashConsideration" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TreasuryStockRetiredCashConsideration_FB7889FEB6F26413D47E4CE6250EBDBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TreasuryStockRetiredCashConsideration_FB7889FEB6F26413D47E4CE6250EBDBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedemptionPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_2995040A6D50E8C463474CE6250E21D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_B5D7B52D3847AF931ED24CE6250ECE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedemptionPremium_2995040A6D50E8C463474CE6250E21D8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/OperatingPropertiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_95C1D5AEE5F6C3614EC64D45E80EA09A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_0DA93B5599355C7CD0374D45E80EE16C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_95C1D5AEE5F6C3614EC64D45E80EA09A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_0DA93B5599355C7CD0374D45E80EE16C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_416D8FBAC507E3F0320B4D45E80E0ED4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_0DA93B5599355C7CD0374D45E80EE16C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_416D8FBAC507E3F0320B4D45E80E0ED4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_416D8FBAC507E3F0320B4D45E80E0ED4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OperatingPropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OperatingPropertyMember_9C380A545A9E1F4DF8734D45E80FE8BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OperatingPropertyMember_9C380A545A9E1F4DF8734D45E80FE8BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain_162F469BBD173206B0CF4D45E80F5B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain_162F469BBD173206B0CF4D45E80F5B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NexusSawgrassMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NexusSawgrassMember_E61F5FE87EACF94D88194D45E80F6CE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NexusSawgrassMember_E61F5FE87EACF94D88194D45E80F6CE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DomainMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DomainMember_D955BF98EE18529104A44D45E80F2B73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AD57B14AF43CB29526574D45E80EF8C5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DomainMember_D955BF98EE18529104A44D45E80F2B73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F2A2B4190047BFC342F74D45E80F8ED5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_0DA93B5599355C7CD0374D45E80EE16C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F2A2B4190047BFC342F74D45E80F8ED5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_112AB724276B9A241B334D45E80F1E7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F2A2B4190047BFC342F74D45E80F8ED5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_112AB724276B9A241B334D45E80F1E7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_F11226585179C89DF6984D45E80FD025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_112AB724276B9A241B334D45E80F1E7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_F11226585179C89DF6984D45E80FD025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_859B2C83B1738D1ED62A4D45E80FD02F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_112AB724276B9A241B334D45E80F1E7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_859B2C83B1738D1ED62A4D45E80FD02F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_0DA93B5599355C7CD0374D45E80EE16C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_81C1660E1D774D30AE744D45E80F93D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_81C1660E1D774D30AE744D45E80F93D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_F1051A4673E75D56E1594D45E80F0EC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_F1051A4673E75D56E1594D45E80F0EC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BEE1CB30072B3526E3024D45E80FDE3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BEE1CB30072B3526E3024D45E80FDE3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Basisofjointventure" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Basisofjointventure_B6814ECBFBC3287EFC744D45E80F664D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Basisofjointventure_B6814ECBFBC3287EFC744D45E80F664D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_B2FB9700194D9DDD7B194D45E80F581E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_B2FB9700194D9DDD7B194D45E80F581E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_6E20B86241E0D8113C3E4D45E80F63AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_6E20B86241E0D8113C3E4D45E80F63AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_DE5062305B857D7307E04D45E8103FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_DE5062305B857D7307E04D45E8103FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_956938765282C7CC7E484D45E810E560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_956938765282C7CC7E484D45E810E560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_549EC864E1F95EDB51AF4D45E810773E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_10E2F55BE968FD46C24F4D45E80FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_549EC864E1F95EDB51AF4D45E810773E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/OptionsOutstandingAndExercisable" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_8A90D655570B46E96DAA52386B6B10C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_8A90D655570B46E96DAA52386B6B10C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_A3DCC060D806EFFDFCE952386B6B9FA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_8A90D655570B46E96DAA52386B6B10C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_A3DCC060D806EFFDFCE952386B6B9FA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_A3DCC060D806EFFDFCE952386B6B9FA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_2AFAF34CA68EDFE3A33152386B6CD40C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_2AFAF34CA68EDFE3A33152386B6CD40C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_868B21C01517D0A235CD52386B6CE165" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_868B21C01517D0A235CD52386B6CE165" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_2AE6BBCF2F5974FC769452386B6C48CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_2AE6BBCF2F5974FC769452386B6C48CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_C3F3067DE96F1D914AC852386B6CDEF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_C3F3067DE96F1D914AC852386B6CDEF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_E474847572618EB8A72E52386B6CCF0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_E474847572618EB8A72E52386B6CCF0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember_23F43D01EFF5BBA1FBAE52386B6CE956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember_23F43D01EFF5BBA1FBAE52386B6CE956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember_2CFF8A3BB92C59298A8C52386B6C0DF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_B048409AF803B673D2A652386B6B4A6C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember_2CFF8A3BB92C59298A8C52386B6C0DF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_C4355077FF1CD37BBACD52386B6CD5AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_8A90D655570B46E96DAA52386B6B10C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_C4355077FF1CD37BBACD52386B6CD5AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_C4355077FF1CD37BBACD52386B6CD5AF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions_A54F5020B717BF22390952386B6C2252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions_A54F5020B717BF22390952386B6C2252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_4AA2C422D0714D3B79E252386B6CD3EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_4AA2C422D0714D3B79E252386B6CD3EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1_826954926C723E32DF5B52386B6CECDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1_826954926C723E32DF5B52386B6CECDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions_784016F22CD18A9A368C52386B6C647C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions_784016F22CD18A9A368C52386B6C647C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1_956D10163F6A49C39A0B52386B6C6100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1_956D10163F6A49C39A0B52386B6C6100" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_810C27B29E6BBD572DE952386B6CF180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_810C27B29E6BBD572DE952386B6CF180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_40B2F6104FC89CD750A852386B6CA534" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_40B2F6104FC89CD750A852386B6CA534" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_B8286D64FAC9661D898652386B6C9452" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_B8286D64FAC9661D898652386B6C9452" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_A53C02957392763A88E952386B6DE1E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_A53C02957392763A88E952386B6DE1E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_D8FB23657B4BE7D6B53A52386B6D9BC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationHaresAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAbstract_E4FAFBB79541FFF437EF52386B6CE7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_D8FB23657B4BE7D6B53A52386B6D9BC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue_F0344FB3D1189F3342A852386B6DA85B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue_F0344FB3D1189F3342A852386B6DA85B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_D4170B851D372EDD261552386B6D8557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_D4170B851D372EDD261552386B6D8557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_905245AF20C1DFAF002352386B6DF7B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_905245AF20C1DFAF002352386B6DF7B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MarketValueOfCommonShares" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MarketValueOfCommonShares_85526F299F869D1F578152386B6D0D44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MarketValueOfCommonShares_85526F299F869D1F578152386B6D0D44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_98502F039FF6EB38421E52386B6D77FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_98502F039FF6EB38421E52386B6D77FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_3036691C1F430DF37F4852386B6DBAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_49B16E2CDD6B90FFEF6452386B6B3649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_3036691C1F430DF37F4852386B6DBAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/Other" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_694907B07B3C88CDF0175C2634AC1E8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_694907B07B3C88CDF0175C2634AC1E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_E33B39D78A2BF4AC4F7B5C2634AC876E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_E33B39D78A2BF4AC4F7B5C2634AC876E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_D73F508E70A90ABC1A3B5C2634ACA1BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_E33B39D78A2BF4AC4F7B5C2634AC876E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_D73F508E70A90ABC1A3B5C2634ACA1BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_0C621AF3C8870BC317905C2634ACE5BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_D73F508E70A90ABC1A3B5C2634ACA1BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_0C621AF3C8870BC317905C2634ACE5BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C15FDBDF5175785F30865C2634AC8026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C15FDBDF5175785F30865C2634AC8026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C0A1FDE02D322D3A88975C2634ACCF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C15FDBDF5175785F30865C2634AC8026" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C0A1FDE02D322D3A88975C2634ACCF84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_946C2DF0B4172F1CFAAC5C2634AC44F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C0A1FDE02D322D3A88975C2634ACCF84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_946C2DF0B4172F1CFAAC5C2634AC44F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D61C7682F155BF7F0B405C2634AC4850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D61C7682F155BF7F0B405C2634AC4850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_7B7960BF2DE62B88FE745C2634AC8BFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D61C7682F155BF7F0B405C2634AC4850" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_7B7960BF2DE62B88FE745C2634AC8BFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartnerBuyoutMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartnerBuyoutMember_CC4091F84C5890FEC4B95C2634AC0A72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_7B7960BF2DE62B88FE745C2634AC8BFD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartnerBuyoutMember_CC4091F84C5890FEC4B95C2634AC0A72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_299D4950658612C23BB15C2634ACC7CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_299D4950658612C23BB15C2634ACC7CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_18F3BFAC32ABDF00763A5C2634AC9D05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_299D4950658612C23BB15C2634ACC7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_18F3BFAC32ABDF00763A5C2634AC9D05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B65C584D416960AE4C055C2634ACB220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AdditionalCommonSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AdditionalCommonSharesAuthorized_9751BD1430F3F0C201395C2634AC5B7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AdditionalCommonSharesAuthorized_9751BD1430F3F0C201395C2634AC5B7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_5F6EBC02683410DFF4295C2634ACD818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_5F6EBC02683410DFF4295C2634ACD818" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3E8A6B052B1BC85D64B95C2634AC71E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3E8A6B052B1BC85D64B95C2634AC71E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_741B246144D1AB74A9585C2634AC4E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_741B246144D1AB74A9585C2634AC4E0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_D2EB8135B8CE1592B96A5C2634AC46E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_D2EB8135B8CE1592B96A5C2634AC46E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesAcquiredProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesAcquiredProperties_2FAD87ED4BEF2A8120435C2634AC70BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesAcquiredProperties_2FAD87ED4BEF2A8120435C2634AC70BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandParcelsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_57144FD9B7F77676EA175C2634AC936D" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_47DFD762E4465E3331F44CE6237AD500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_93FD093B9E34E12327024CE6237A6BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_47DFD762E4465E3331F44CE6237AD500" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_93FD093B9E34E12327024CE6237A6BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_E2339C8D06FBD9947DD54CE6237252BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_60E38152191A38AD21EC4CE623720730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_E2339C8D06FBD9947DD54CE6237252BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_60E38152191A38AD21EC4CE623720730" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DBD13F54A3AB49C44AB54CE62372423D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_60E38152191A38AD21EC4CE623720730" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DBD13F54A3AB49C44AB54CE62372423D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_63C16BE7933A79C2B0094CE6237269CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DBD13F54A3AB49C44AB54CE62372423D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_63C16BE7933A79C2B0094CE6237269CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_8B0D3B7FBB4E6E56C87B4CE62372D381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_63C16BE7933A79C2B0094CE6237269CE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_8B0D3B7FBB4E6E56C87B4CE62372D381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_338AF76F2B9EF16D059B4CE62372D381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_60E38152191A38AD21EC4CE623720730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_338AF76F2B9EF16D059B4CE62372D381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B111E1A9D72496092F0D4CE623723E31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_338AF76F2B9EF16D059B4CE62372D381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B111E1A9D72496092F0D4CE623723E31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_28F22834D7830859A1E44CE62372B5C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B111E1A9D72496092F0D4CE623723E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_28F22834D7830859A1E44CE62372B5C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_60E38152191A38AD21EC4CE623720730" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7D5502A4A3E2B554C2B54CE623735C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7D5502A4A3E2B554C2B54CE623735C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7325A3A3946F6C077B484CE6237389F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_7325A3A3946F6C077B484CE6237389F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_350A7F02198CC6B72C514CE62373C381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_350A7F02198CC6B72C514CE62373C381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_893A764898E469A13D954CE62373B67C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_893A764898E469A13D954CE62373B67C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_851C00B3CA9E4BF9776A4CE623737AA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_851C00B3CA9E4BF9776A4CE623737AA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic_8E478F061D8760E8660A4CE6237303CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholderBasic_8E478F061D8760E8660A4CE6237303CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E4DD922A3145CD665FA44CE623735404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E4DD922A3145CD665FA44CE623735404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_C43FC1037AE38625F7E14CE623731B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_C43FC1037AE38625F7E14CE623731B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_F578FB73393D08D689894CE623737046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_C43FC1037AE38625F7E14CE623731B67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_F578FB73393D08D689894CE623737046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_37B984EF178DA2E49CB14CE62373A46B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_C43FC1037AE38625F7E14CE623731B67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_37B984EF178DA2E49CB14CE62373A46B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_22E9137C24F731E4578B4CE6237357D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_C43FC1037AE38625F7E14CE623731B67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitsOutstandingBasic_22E9137C24F731E4578B4CE6237357D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_48F61163BA5B7FA6FB7F4CE623736FCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataLineItems_797AECE2C2618CD443374CE62372F6B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_48F61163BA5B7FA6FB7F4CE623736FCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_788E2E81E8A182C9A70A4CE6237385F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_48F61163BA5B7FA6FB7F4CE623736FCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_788E2E81E8A182C9A70A4CE6237385F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BA9926B677B6DC9FBC434CE62374D196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_48F61163BA5B7FA6FB7F4CE623736FCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_BA9926B677B6DC9FBC434CE62374D196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageNumberOfLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingDiluted" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageNumberOfLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingDiluted_B3B01848B1546AF140684CE623740DB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_48F61163BA5B7FA6FB7F4CE623736FCE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageNumberOfLimitedPartnershipAndGeneralPartnershipUnitOutstandingDiluted_B3B01848B1546AF140684CE623740DB6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_4DE1E61F1C6D7D2C35C84CE6237745A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5DFE0B13893DA55B4CD84CE6237718E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialDataAbstract_4DE1E61F1C6D7D2C35C84CE6237745A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5DFE0B13893DA55B4CD84CE6237718E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9FFFF436247D0394CFFB4CE623775760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5DFE0B13893DA55B4CD84CE6237718E5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9FFFF436247D0394CFFB4CE623775760" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0E716B4CAF94872EAC8A4CE62377FAEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9FFFF436247D0394CFFB4CE623775760" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0E716B4CAF94872EAC8A4CE62377FAEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_0E1DA97B698DF2A9B8C54CE623775C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0E716B4CAF94872EAC8A4CE62377FAEB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_0E1DA97B698DF2A9B8C54CE623775C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4514FB6A3290EEE27E2A4CE6237886CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5DFE0B13893DA55B4CD84CE6237718E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4514FB6A3290EEE27E2A4CE6237886CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_403D8423A79324DEBD744CE623787737" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4514FB6A3290EEE27E2A4CE6237886CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_403D8423A79324DEBD744CE623787737" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstate" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_478002D64589851522844CE625023505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock_E68106B2AA2F94394C274CE62502B16C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_478002D64589851522844CE625023505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock_E68106B2AA2F94394C274CE62502B16C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_20AAE9F1E1E2D5F6F27357D6BBF928D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_20AAE9F1E1E2D5F6F27357D6BBF928D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3E7C259DB4A668239FAA57D6BBF912FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3E7C259DB4A668239FAA57D6BBF912FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3E7C259DB4A668239FAA57D6BBF912FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_BCF540F091890C0B2B2257D6BBF94D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_BCF540F091890C0B2B2257D6BBF94D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_CB2698053D2CD29EC11D57D6BBF9061C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_CB2698053D2CD29EC11D57D6BBF9061C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_2DA1B4D945982DABDEBD57D6BBF93E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_2DA1B4D945982DABDEBD57D6BBF93E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_18F307EA719FBF9B6A2657D6BBF91D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C1956DD11E71678B2CB757D6BBF9E5D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_18F307EA719FBF9B6A2657D6BBF91D02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3722DE69E116E9A2881957D6BBF9A4A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3722DE69E116E9A2881957D6BBF9A4A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_94BC0397CD87E77A5A8B57D6BBF90F41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3722DE69E116E9A2881957D6BBF9A4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_94BC0397CD87E77A5A8B57D6BBF90F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_34DB32F15EB2CDA8804557D6BBFA1BD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_94BC0397CD87E77A5A8B57D6BBF90F41" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_34DB32F15EB2CDA8804557D6BBFA1BD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1DCFEBBCD4120527533057D6BBFAFBF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1DCFEBBCD4120527533057D6BBFAFBF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_7022696D6E14DEB27BE957D6BBFAF08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1DCFEBBCD4120527533057D6BBFAFBF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_7022696D6E14DEB27BE957D6BBFAF08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_7022696D6E14DEB27BE957D6BBFAF08C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_CB2698053D2CD29EC11D57D6BBF9061C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember_C7B95550B27A831A9C1A57D6BBFAA962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_7022696D6E14DEB27BE957D6BBFAF08C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember_C7B95550B27A831A9C1A57D6BBFAA962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_31E862DF9B642869967057D6BBF9BB51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PropertiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_857BF038F1B87BFE71F257D6BBFACEA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_857BF038F1B87BFE71F257D6BBFACEA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandParcelsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_3B36821EDCA5118DB64957D6BBFA213C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_3B36821EDCA5118DB64957D6BBFA213C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired_B4A9A7917AA0B3688D5457D6BBFAFB58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired_B4A9A7917AA0B3688D5457D6BBFAFB58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_BC2E66E8FA2345D634C157D6BBFAF180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_BC2E66E8FA2345D634C157D6BBFAF180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_67C2537C7F3E3AE3DACC57D6BBFA6069" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_67C2537C7F3E3AE3DACC57D6BBFA6069" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedLandParcels_0962C306D9FA0D2D406957D6BBFA9E76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedLandParcels_0962C306D9FA0D2D406957D6BBFA9E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommercialPropertiesDisposed" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommercialPropertiesDisposed_39F75BCA98FB8CFD14F157D6BBFA75F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CommercialPropertiesDisposed_39F75BCA98FB8CFD14F157D6BBFA75F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_141CDA438891D849A6CF57D6BBFA5099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_141CDA438891D849A6CF57D6BBFA5099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_A2A2FF02399A7964588557D6BBFAE11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_A2A2FF02399A7964588557D6BBFAE11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_02724A3362CC73FBAE2E57D6BBFACAD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_02724A3362CC73FBAE2E57D6BBFACAD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_8E774355405CDCFF246757D6BBFB766D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_8E774355405CDCFF246757D6BBFB766D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_FEFFDED9ACE3E039E8AB57D6BBFB0636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_FEFFDED9ACE3E039E8AB57D6BBFB0636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_0C1CEF8AA364A47AE2E357D6BBFB783D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6DC9747993ECFB532F0457D6BBFAC9C9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GainLossOnSalesOfLandParcels_0C1CEF8AA364A47AE2E357D6BBFB783D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_68BEB3A9A79E61C4D1F74CE6236C2DE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureTextBlock_15F5E99D3E2E16DFB4A04CE6236CBDF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_68BEB3A9A79E61C4D1F74CE6236C2DE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureTextBlock_15F5E99D3E2E16DFB4A04CE6236CBDF2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_3AD0F31734E259DA4488637FFCB549CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_3AD0F31734E259DA4488637FFCB549CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8F36C767B1D254AFC7ED637FFCB5F35D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8F36C767B1D254AFC7ED637FFCB5F35D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_8F36C767B1D254AFC7ED637FFCB5F35D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember_6EE21A34CB9C100F748B637FFCB6A166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember_6EE21A34CB9C100F748B637FFCB6A166" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_7BF33AC6A8AE59CA2D14637FFCB6A82D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_7BF33AC6A8AE59CA2D14637FFCB6A82D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember_2CDAABB49B36B65A9B2A637FFCB69B99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember_2CDAABB49B36B65A9B2A637FFCB69B99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_12CB19F89A4E6D28348C637FFCB65B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_12CB19F89A4E6D28348C637FFCB65B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember_8D522D73C329CD938269637FFCB6ACFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember_8D522D73C329CD938269637FFCB6ACFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember_FF3949076DD7ADD513B4637FFCB6B613" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember_FF3949076DD7ADD513B4637FFCB6B613" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMemberMember_A3A111386014CF89AB38637FFCB6D75D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMemberMember_A3A111386014CF89AB38637FFCB6D75D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMemberMember_7E99324F475D80303A37637FFCB698AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBBEBB9C07FB64289A7C637FFCB6019F" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessRenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMemberMember_7E99324F475D80303A37637FFCB698AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_1C59A0B62E086F3457D1637FFCB6D300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_1C59A0B62E086F3457D1637FFCB6D300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_6421329AF70AF0A6EF0F637FFCB6F881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_1C59A0B62E086F3457D1637FFCB6D300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_6421329AF70AF0A6EF0F637FFCB6F881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_EB65BECDA46BA1D447C3637FFCB659B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_6421329AF70AF0A6EF0F637FFCB6F881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_EB65BECDA46BA1D447C3637FFCB659B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_3E2C8DF19F46812B54FB637FFCB63DE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_3E2C8DF19F46812B54FB637FFCB63DE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_3E2C8DF19F46812B54FB637FFCB63DE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A100KStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A100KStreetMember_8327D31440612B91A873637FFCB7FDC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A100KStreetMember_8327D31440612B91A873637FFCB7FDC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember_34E50B1A136B46E5441E637FFCB78674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember_34E50B1A136B46E5441E637FFCB78674" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember_76BD215FD5C948280768637FFCB7AF3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember_76BD215FD5C948280768637FFCB7AF3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A170AmsterdamMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A170AmsterdamMember_3A6EE76D4789D94B3341637FFCB7BCA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A170AmsterdamMember_3A6EE76D4789D94B3341637FFCB7BCA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A175KentMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A175KentMember_F3A91BEA42B030A4E7B3637FFCB7AD92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A175KentMember_F3A91BEA42B030A4E7B3637FFCB7AD92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A180MontagueMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A180MontagueMember_2F7447F68E4B78C8FD5E637FFCB7907B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A180MontagueMember_2F7447F68E4B78C8FD5E637FFCB7907B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember_80EC1150C2B78D1CB5EC637FFCB72022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember_80EC1150C2B78D1CB5EC637FFCB72022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember_DBFFD70F62B2E013B5B5637FFCB75711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember_DBFFD70F62B2E013B5B5637FFCB75711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Mass1210Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Mass1210Member_27A1D65278B24D464537637FFCB70487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Mass1210Member_27A1D65278B24D464537637FFCB70487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A1401EMadisonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A1401EMadisonMember_E36405BC2F2EEFA9C6E6637FFCB77E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A1401EMadisonMember_E36405BC2F2EEFA9C6E6637FFCB77E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A1500MassAveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A1500MassAveMember_909CDC7ED6B66E044B13637FFCB8CB0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A1500MassAveMember_909CDC7ED6B66E044B13637FFCB8CB0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A1800OakMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A1800OakMember_824DA0EF28E837A53733637FFCB82754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A1800OakMember_824DA0EF28E837A53733637FFCB82754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember_581E1D0ACBED4A021142637FFCB8A88D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember_581E1D0ACBED4A021142637FFCB8A88D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2201WilsonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2201WilsonMember_2F0C1DC11B800BCE3820637FFCB8540B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2201WilsonMember_2F0C1DC11B800BCE3820637FFCB8540B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MSt2400Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MSt2400Member_65724235F3F5949E3157637FFCB8FC08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MSt2400Member_65724235F3F5949E3157637FFCB8FC08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A315onAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A315onAMember_B2C4329370C12E6DA7FE637FFCB81C54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A315onAMember_B2C4329370C12E6DA7FE637FFCB81C54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A340FremontMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A340FremontMember_257E0D03CED95B6CE195637FFCB8CE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A340FremontMember_257E0D03CED95B6CE195637FFCB8CE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A3003VanNessMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A3003VanNessMember_4A2ADA933D6A1E6C2B6C637FFCB8FCA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A3003VanNessMember_4A2ADA933D6A1E6C2B6C637FFCB8FCA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A45WorthingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A45WorthingtonMember_F3F3A7DC3A1D501A1E44637FFCB814F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A45WorthingtonMember_F3F3A7DC3A1D501A1E44637FFCB814F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember_7B48A9A6C78816B94BC9637FFCB85DC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember_7B48A9A6C78816B94BC9637FFCB85DC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A425MassMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A425MassMember_2F7D1F90ABF2242630C6637FFCB87162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A425MassMember_2F7D1F90ABF2242630C6637FFCB87162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A455IStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A455IStreetMember_7E27395A5778DCF1652B637FFCB8C3F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A455IStreetMember_7E27395A5778DCF1652B637FFCB8C3F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember_83B9A6A519478C302032637FFCB90850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember_83B9A6A519478C302032637FFCB90850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A4thandHillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A4thandHillMember_039292BA45EC8809472F637FFCB9A995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A4thandHillMember_039292BA45EC8809472F637FFCB9A995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A660WashingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A660WashingtonMember_016785AB9A9AC0CC1FAC637FFCB918E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A660WashingtonMember_016785AB9A9AC0CC1FAC637FFCB918E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A600WashingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A600WashingtonMember_9E3EE39F4590F37E1A77637FFCB90E27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A600WashingtonMember_9E3EE39F4590F37E1A77637FFCB90E27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Greene70Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Greene70Member_18BD76F9B0BB11881B33637FFCB91AD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Greene70Member_18BD76F9B0BB11881B33637FFCB91AD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Broadway71Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Broadway71Member_6B9AB6CF65D141F35C0E637FFCB992ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Broadway71Member_6B9AB6CF65D141F35C0E637FFCB992ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A77BluxomeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A77BluxomeMember_155E11515E0A260452AE637FFCB9FD38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A77BluxomeMember_155E11515E0A260452AE637FFCB9FD38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember_D6D2A6F75096E5CCF71F637FFCB934A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember_D6D2A6F75096E5CCF71F637FFCB934A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A777SixthMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A777SixthMember_B8D99718FB003510F690637FFCB97A1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A777SixthMember_B8D99718FB003510F690637FFCB97A1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A88HillsideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A88HillsideMember_68BC975C2903457F5E3D637FFCB98DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A88HillsideMember_68BC975C2903457F5E3D637FFCB98DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A855BrannanMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A855BrannanMember_FF4D33F4C6D8AD661766637FFCB90506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A855BrannanMember_FF4D33F4C6D8AD661766637FFCB90506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ActonCourtyardMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ActonCourtyardMember_48AE31697F63D2EE346A637FFCB957F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ActonCourtyardMember_48AE31697F63D2EE346A637FFCB957F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AlbanTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AlbanTowersMember_AFB2DD11E09AB5718058637FFCB90E17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AlbanTowersMember_AFB2DD11E09AB5718058637FFCB90E17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AltitudeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AltitudeMember_47C209D6795741F3ECB6637FFCB91BB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AltitudeMember_47C209D6795741F3ECB6637FFCB91BB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AltonTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AltonTheMember_B6F15ED77AF25A946124637FFCBAE592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AltonTheMember_B6F15ED77AF25A946124637FFCBAE592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArborTerraceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArborTerraceMember_4CE6A4A447AA77C5BF8A637FFCBA427A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArborTerraceMember_4CE6A4A447AA77C5BF8A637FFCBA427A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArtechBuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArtechBuildingMember_17DD7F65E519D34D3740637FFCBA3F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArtechBuildingMember_17DD7F65E519D34D3740637FFCBA3F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember_7B5B56ADAA1A7FBDCEA1637FFCBA9E7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember_7B5B56ADAA1A7FBDCEA1637FFCBA9E7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember_3A0A82E1EA4D8BF82F43637FFCBA9FC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember_3A0A82E1EA4D8BF82F43637FFCBA9FC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AtelierMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AtelierMemberMember_F206F73C665BB224DA24637FFCBA5F1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AtelierMemberMember_F206F73C665BB224DA24637FFCBA5F1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AvenueTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AvenueTwoMember_1806F7D1F458F043A5AF637FFCBA3D62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="43" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AvenueTwoMember_1806F7D1F458F043A5AF637FFCBA3D62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member_64EE66F63E8F07152026637FFCBA0F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="44" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member_64EE66F63E8F07152026637FFCBA0F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BayHillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BayHillMember_E56666E32EFEBE7ABA93637FFCBA2371" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="45" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BayHillMember_E56666E32EFEBE7ABA93637FFCBA2371" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BeatriceTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BeatriceTheMember_0072C95265BE3BA23C3E637FFCBAFAE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="46" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BeatriceTheMember_0072C95265BE3BA23C3E637FFCBAFAE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember_F0FE23BAE4DB1DF681C6637FFCBAA02F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="47" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember_F0FE23BAE4DB1DF681C6637FFCBAA02F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BellaFontaineMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BellaFontaineMember_F3D16E0C820A036B77B0637FFCBA37FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="48" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BellaFontaineMember_F3D16E0C820A036B77B0637FFCBA37FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember_F06DF6E567DEB949B387637FFCBAA908" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="49" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember_F06DF6E567DEB949B387637FFCBAA908" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BriarwoodCAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BriarwoodCAMember_005A1DB1838CF033B23C637FFCBAA488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="50" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BriarwoodCAMember_005A1DB1838CF033B23C637FFCBAA488" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember_B07E112B3E392AA1BA66637FFCBA2E74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="51" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember_B07E112B3E392AA1BA66637FFCBA2E74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember_532ECF578782A325DBC0637FFCBAB44C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="52" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember_532ECF578782A325DBC0637FFCBAB44C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConPicoMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConPicoMemberMember_DF13D5AA4CA7DC7F92F6637FFCBA6934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="53" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConPicoMemberMember_DF13D5AA4CA7DC7F92F6637FFCBA6934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CambridgeParkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CambridgeParkMember_8BDE86B5E3168DA02410637FFCBB800C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="54" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CambridgeParkMember_8BDE86B5E3168DA02410637FFCBB800C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CarlyleMillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CarlyleMillMember_3863699CFA3757B6B14A637FFCBB443F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="55" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CarlyleMillMember_3863699CFA3757B6B14A637FFCBB443F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CascadeDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CascadeDomain_8B2705732E86F00FAAD9637FFCBB6496" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="56" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CascadeDomain_8B2705732E86F00FAAD9637FFCBB6496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember_DA0A8B2799F6079221B2637FFCBBF401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="57" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember_DA0A8B2799F6079221B2637FFCBBF401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CentreClubMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CentreClubMember_0079FB971A72E5D97FBB637FFCBB972E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="58" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CentreClubMember_0079FB971A72E5D97FBB637FFCBB972E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ChurchCornerMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ChurchCornerMember_3268ADB1C41B2803E1E5637FFCBB5609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="59" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ChurchCornerMember_3268ADB1C41B2803E1E5637FFCBB5609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember_C20B66DED9118DABBD50637FFCBBE8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="60" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember_C20B66DED9118DABBD50637FFCBBE8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CityPointeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CityPointeMember_FC4CDCD7430165E9CD6C637FFCBB937F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="61" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CityPointeMember_FC4CDCD7430165E9CD6C637FFCBB937F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember_EC1414438E0D890F3D9B637FFCBB8795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="62" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember_EC1414438E0D890F3D9B637FFCBB8795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember_4CB0721FF6CCC0BE6E66637FFCBB802C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="63" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember_4CB0721FF6CCC0BE6E66637FFCBB802C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ClarendonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ClarendonMember_705EA1FA8531B8C492EA637FFCBB7A7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="64" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ClarendonMember_705EA1FA8531B8C492EA637FFCBB7A7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CleoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CleoMember_ADD5D9FB78EF5F227D2C637FFCBB8675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="65" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CleoMember_ADD5D9FB78EF5F227D2C637FFCBB8675" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember_BB889D9726950B46C4F3637FFCBC5424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="66" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember_BB889D9726950B46C4F3637FFCBC5424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember_B09C8E1758F6BFCC04D5637FFCBC2B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="67" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember_B09C8E1758F6BFCC04D5637FFCBC2B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CourthousePlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CourthousePlazaMember_FE62057EF31E401A3445637FFCBCA351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="68" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CourthousePlazaMember_FE62057EF31E401A3445637FFCBCA351" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember_788705833A577F89F69D637FFCBCED4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="69" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember_788705833A577F89F69D637FFCBCED4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CroninsLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CroninsLandingMember_27727FCA3ECF79A0B4DB637FFCBC5732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="70" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CroninsLandingMember_27727FCA3ECF79A0B4DB637FFCBC5732" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CrystalPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CrystalPlaceMember_93E4F8817BF273FF573F637FFCBC7AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="71" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CrystalPlaceMember_93E4F8817BF273FF573F637FFCBC7AD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EagleCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EagleCanyonMember_34FA4401D887D07E43BF637FFCBCD34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="72" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EagleCanyonMember_34FA4401D887D07E43BF637FFCBCD34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember_0D15C420E493BBD87579637FFCBCAD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="73" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember_0D15C420E493BBD87579637FFCBCAD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ElevMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ElevMember_D16DBD9B02A56950A5C9637FFCBC2D4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="74" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ElevMember_D16DBD9B02A56950A5C9637FFCBC2D4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmersonPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmersonPlaceMember_5CB458BBE78AC209F4FA637FFCBC21B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="75" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EmersonPlaceMember_5CB458BBE78AC209F4FA637FFCBC21B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember_8634BDE36CF53BEDE222637FFCBCE65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="76" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember_8634BDE36CF53BEDE222637FFCBCE65C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember_A50D6A16B25E40B13AED637FFCBD96CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="77" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember_A50D6A16B25E40B13AED637FFCBD96CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember_485DC59901BF485D581F637FFCBD6B47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="78" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember_485DC59901BF485D581F637FFCBD6B47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FremontCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FremontCenterMember_414ADF01B45453AD9D66637FFCBD408F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="79" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FremontCenterMember_414ADF01B45453AD9D66637FFCBD408F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GalleryMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GalleryMember_3B130E74FD753E38BEC4637FFCBD537B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="80" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GalleryMember_3B130E74FD753E38BEC4637FFCBD537B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GardenGarageMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GardenGarageMemberMember_38355EA66EC7E001AEDB637FFCBDB3DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="81" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GardenGarageMemberMember_38355EA66EC7E001AEDB637FFCBDB3DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember_86FF0D3E016C96870E15637FFCBDED94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="82" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember_86FF0D3E016C96870E15637FFCBDED94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GearyCourtYardMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GearyCourtYardMember_36849E09821ECA80CBC7637FFCBD87E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="83" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GearyCourtYardMember_36849E09821ECA80CBC7637FFCBD87E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GlenMeadowMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GlenMeadowMember_408AE7C10C4FB3514619637FFCBD6EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="84" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GlenMeadowMember_408AE7C10C4FB3514619637FFCBD6EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HampshirePlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HampshirePlaceMember_329F28AE521E19D78D35637FFCBD5C7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="85" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HampshirePlaceMember_329F28AE521E19D78D35637FFCBD5C7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HarborStepsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HarborStepsMember_B60618C9B44D2B8BF9EB637FFCBD9089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="86" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HarborStepsMember_B60618C9B44D2B8BF9EB637FFCBD9089" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember_305BBC6F7A465571B086637FFCBDAE24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="87" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember_305BBC6F7A465571B086637FFCBDAE24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember_D89B91750C3D7223CC9B637FFCBD5F85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="88" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember_D89B91750C3D7223CC9B637FFCBD5F85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HeritageRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HeritageRidgeMember_45F755A5DDD4E4E18272637FFCBDE150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="89" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HeritageRidgeMember_45F755A5DDD4E4E18272637FFCBDE150" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HesbyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HesbyMember_956AB8EFDBA177CCB208637FFCBE3D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="90" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HesbyMember_956AB8EFDBA177CCB208637FFCBE3D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember_42794E68EDD632BD2AEC637FFCBEBD61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="91" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember_42794E68EDD632BD2AEC637FFCBEBD61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember_17298387009CEA01392E637FFCBE4990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="92" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember_17298387009CEA01392E637FFCBE4990" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HikariMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HikariMember_816323FEDD3BFD4D9151637FFCBEB4B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="93" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HikariMember_816323FEDD3BFD4D9151637FFCBEB4B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HudsonCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HudsonCrossingMember_D89556845C27F17FCF37637FFCBEDEDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="94" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HudsonCrossingMember_D89556845C27F17FCF37637FFCBEDEDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember_B34819A70C6F1B02D265637FFCBEF893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="95" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember_B34819A70C6F1B02D265637FFCBEF893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HudsonPointeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HudsonPointeMember_0975845BF3324D0D31DD637FFCBECA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="96" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HudsonPointeMember_0975845BF3324D0D31DD637FFCBECA84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HuntClubTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HuntClubTwoMember_F31A9A0F96A3F61BF849637FFCBEA417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="97" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HuntClubTwoMember_F31A9A0F96A3F61BF849637FFCBEA417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IvoryWoodMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IvoryWoodMember_DE512FA8D3962DFE19E6637FFCBE364B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="98" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IvoryWoodMember_DE512FA8D3962DFE19E6637FFCBE364B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_JiaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_JiaMember_43ACCB5DE2159DB9EDA4637FFCBEE5F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="99" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_JiaMember_43ACCB5DE2159DB9EDA4637FFCBEE5F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember_C874010D183F361A56EC637FFCBE1FA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="100" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember_C874010D183F361A56EC637FFCBE1FA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_KelvinTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_KelvinTheMember_C6CDFF3474549980B9C7637FFCBE2C3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="101" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_KelvinTheMember_C6CDFF3474549980B9C7637FFCBE2C3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_KendallSquareIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_KendallSquareIIMember_DE084306B30938FC91C5637FFCBE40BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="102" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_KendallSquareIIMember_DE084306B30938FC91C5637FFCBE40BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember_42CCF83364ECCFC665BA637FFCBEE35D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="103" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember_42CCF83364ECCFC665BA637FFCBEE35D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LincolnHeightsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LincolnHeightsMember_2A1BAE9FC60BF09EA7F5637FFCBED9C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="104" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LincolnHeightsMember_2A1BAE9FC60BF09EA7F5637FFCBED9C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LindleyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LindleyMember_C6AF7A954A530A48B395637FFCBE1F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="105" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LindleyMember_C6AF7A954A530A48B395637FFCBE1F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Loft590Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Loft590Member_66ED25F659E56C1350FC637FFCBF0914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="106" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Loft590Member_66ED25F659E56C1350FC637FFCBF0914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember_D1BC24C907105F239D38637FFCBF9A19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="107" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember_D1BC24C907105F239D38637FFCBF9A19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LongacreHouseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LongacreHouseMember_2F33D01DEDA261E8C221637FFCBFAB48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="108" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LongacreHouseMember_2F33D01DEDA261E8C221637FFCBFAB48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember_3FCF496C834D3F9057C5637FFCBF5C9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="109" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember_3FCF496C834D3F9057C5637FFCBF5C9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MantenaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MantenaMember_4F35C55ED9B4AF1FD799637FFCBFFF61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="110" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MantenaMember_4F35C55ED9B4AF1FD799637FFCBFFF61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember_C7BC9AFE7D73C40F8E4A637FFCBF8438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="111" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember_C7BC9AFE7D73C40F8E4A637FFCBF8438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember_80511CF8726C8299E0F0637FFCBF77B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="112" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember_80511CF8726C8299E0F0637FFCBF77B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MilanoLoftsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MilanoLoftsMember_EF637605CA7381F09B97637FFCBFF448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="113" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MilanoLoftsMember_EF637605CA7381F09B97637FFCBFF448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MountainViewRedevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MountainViewRedevelopmentMember_FED32FD1A7EBFEA42CA8637FFCBF72B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="114" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MountainViewRedevelopmentMember_FED32FD1A7EBFEA42CA8637FFCBF72B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember_735857BC59CD90D39077637FFCBFB490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="115" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember_735857BC59CD90D39077637FFCBFB490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember_6D9961A112E9F4959111637FFCC086FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="116" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember_6D9961A112E9F4959111637FFCC086FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NorthglenMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NorthglenMember_FCB2C11CB18D0940CCFF637FFCC07B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="117" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NorthglenMember_FCB2C11CB18D0940CCFF637FFCC07B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NorthparkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NorthparkMember_235A8A392FB68667FBFF637FFCC09064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="118" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NorthparkMember_235A8A392FB68667FBFF637FFCC09064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NorthridgeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NorthridgeMember_40A835AA5A2A1B5884FF637FFCC0E4CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="119" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NorthridgeMember_40A835AA5A2A1B5884FF637FFCC0E4CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OakParkCombinedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OakParkCombinedMember_26B548A1FBB3BE32E7D3637FFCC0CB28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="120" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OakParkCombinedMember_26B548A1FBB3BE32E7D3637FFCC0CB28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OakwoodBostonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OakwoodBostonMember_1E200464E57370D7AE0E637FFCC0047A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="121" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OakwoodBostonMember_1E200464E57370D7AE0E637FFCC0047A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember_A9A0DE5C9283E9399DFB637FFCC08207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="122" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember_A9A0DE5C9283E9399DFB637FFCC08207" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember_49F496DE925065C98ACA637FFCC0B9FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="123" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember_49F496DE925065C98ACA637FFCC0B9FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OaksMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OaksMember_8A635B315EA70DEAD0BF637FFCC02948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="124" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OaksMember_8A635B315EA70DEAD0BF637FFCC02948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OceanCrestMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OceanCrestMember_7242C40A59AE69905DE6637FFCC0762F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="125" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OceanCrestMember_7242C40A59AE69905DE6637FFCC0762F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OdinfkaTallmanMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OdinfkaTallmanMember_77F0292C0BF350868FD2637FFCC1BB49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="126" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OdinfkaTallmanMember_77F0292C0BF350868FD2637FFCC1BB49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OldTownLoftsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OldTownLoftsMember_C5D29142834EC3BF6800637FFCC1809C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="127" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OldTownLoftsMember_C5D29142834EC3BF6800637FFCC1809C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember_DA56C8DD0B43745BD1DA637FFCC1CDBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="128" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember_DA56C8DD0B43745BD1DA637FFCC1CDBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PacificPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PacificPlaceMember_31D8AA3058C2A22FF74D637FFCC1D984" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="129" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PacificPlaceMember_31D8AA3058C2A22FF74D637FFCC1D984" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PackardBuildingMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PackardBuildingMemberMember_9AFDDF2FB1257E166E9A637FFCC11ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="130" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PackardBuildingMemberMember_9AFDDF2FB1257E166E9A637FFCC11ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Parc77Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Parc77Member_2122DC99AA450F868F18637FFCC1F35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="131" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Parc77Member_2122DC99AA450F868F18637FFCC1F35F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParcCameronMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParcCameronMember_773E3F6EF3159F2937E5637FFCC136E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="132" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParcCameronMember_773E3F6EF3159F2937E5637FFCC136E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParcColiseumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParcColiseumMember_3C353631013B5E3F0B56637FFCC18E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="133" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParcColiseumMember_3C353631013B5E3F0B56637FFCC18E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParcEastTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParcEastTowersMember_7025574725AE287579A4637FFCC1FA5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="134" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParcEastTowersMember_7025574725AE287579A4637FFCC1FA5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember_855DA4136ED9B19EADEF637FFCC1BA67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="135" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember_855DA4136ED9B19EADEF637FFCC1BA67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember_977AFCF391B805E2AE6B637FFCC10D65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="136" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember_977AFCF391B805E2AE6B637FFCC10D65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParkConnecticutMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParkConnecticutMember_AD4CE125504627774858637FFCC12DCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="137" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParkConnecticutMember_AD4CE125504627774858637FFCC12DCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember_8B2060B9FCC2CD18BC53637FFCC19396" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="138" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember_8B2060B9FCC2CD18BC53637FFCC19396" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParkWestCaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParkWestCaMember_7E0A5C398FB72543B810637FFCC14F7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="139" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParkWestCaMember_7E0A5C398FB72543B810637FFCC14F7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParksideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParksideMember_F81673BACDDD93E5648F637FFCC1534E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="140" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParksideMember_F81673BACDDD93E5648F637FFCC1534E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PearlTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PearlTheMember_95CBB8F61B6F6B4DB63B637FFCC19A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="141" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PearlTheMember_95CBB8F61B6F6B4DB63B637FFCC19A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PegasusMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PegasusMember_2AFB2470343F6B9A10BC637FFCC2FFDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="142" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PegasusMember_2AFB2470343F6B9A10BC637FFCC2FFDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PlayaPacificaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PlayaPacificaMember_C6E602ADC75A1058346D637FFCC2B616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="143" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PlayaPacificaMember_C6E602ADC75A1058346D637FFCC2B616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PortofinoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PortofinoMember_A2EEAC246EAF7742DAD2637FFCC28FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="144" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PortofinoMember_A2EEAC246EAF7742DAD2637FFCC28FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PortofinoValMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PortofinoValMember_C66EA08BF5DF9579086A637FFCC2C6EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="145" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PortofinoValMember_C66EA08BF5DF9579086A637FFCC2C6EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PortsideTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PortsideTowersMember_E7014AB5568C69C837A3637FFCC25F01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="146" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PortsideTowersMember_E7014AB5568C69C837A3637FFCC25F01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Potrero1010Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Potrero1010Member_FE54EEF39C74FBF7A115637FFCC2692E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="147" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Potrero1010Member_FE54EEF39C74FBF7A115637FFCC2692E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="148" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PrimeTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="149" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="150" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="151" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_QuarryHillsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="152" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Red160Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="153" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedmondCourtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="154" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RegencyPalmsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="155" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="156" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="157" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="158" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="159" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="160" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember_78222543DE1731720850637FFCC4243D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="161" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember_78222543DE1731720850637FFCC4243D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RiannaIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RiannaIMember_377F5F4D39A5C4DFCBBD637FFCC4C57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="162" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RiannaIMember_377F5F4D39A5C4DFCBBD637FFCC4C57C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember_4098E62A2B0C8EEA567E637FFCC4BD48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="163" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember_4098E62A2B0C8EEA567E637FFCC4BD48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RivaTerraIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RivaTerraIMember_E5A13F50F37D87BC11CB637FFCC4A063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="164" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RivaTerraIMember_E5A13F50F37D87BC11CB637FFCC4A063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RivaTerraIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RivaTerraIIMember_1737A20846A7F3278B5F637FFCC41BC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="165" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RivaTerraIIMember_1737A20846A7F3278B5F637FFCC41BC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RiverparkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RiverparkMember_F6C2A8428B3B05795DDE637FFCC4DC1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="166" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RiverparkMember_F6C2A8428B3B05795DDE637FFCC4DC1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember_C9FB818CD7F54B68A230637FFCC4DD6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="167" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember_C9FB818CD7F54B68A230637FFCC4DD6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RosecliffIiMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RosecliffIiMember_A10F2F3AEF9F3022C18F637FFCC48492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="168" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RosecliffIiMember_A10F2F3AEF9F3022C18F637FFCC48492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SakuraCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SakuraCrossingMember_D372491EEBDB2AA0B2E2637FFCC4D7D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="169" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SakuraCrossingMember_D372491EEBDB2AA0B2E2637FFCC4D7D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeventhJamesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeventhJamesMember_3D3E5A447A8C58F1A092637FFCC45F14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="170" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeventhJamesMember_3D3E5A447A8C58F1A092637FFCC45F14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SheffieldCourtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SheffieldCourtMember_5C96212E6B189BFDD91E637FFCC4041E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="171" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SheffieldCourtMember_5C96212E6B189BFDD91E637FFCC4041E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SkycrestMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SkycrestMember_5A2715131D7273A1670B637FFCC4E753" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="172" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SkycrestMember_5A2715131D7273A1670B637FFCC4E753" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SkylarkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SkylarkMember_54EC02230ADA3868F3D1637FFCC59BFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="173" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SkylarkMember_54EC02230ADA3868F3D1637FFCC59BFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SkylineTerraceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SkylineTerraceMember_D570A79C716EF9BDD35E637FFCC5D40E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="174" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SkylineTerraceMember_D570A79C716EF9BDD35E637FFCC5D40E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SkylineTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SkylineTowersMember_58AA3BFBA5FE7DFEBAEC637FFCC5B3B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="175" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SkylineTowersMember_58AA3BFBA5FE7DFEBAEC637FFCC5B3B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SomaIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SomaIIMember_573DA613E314FC2E0A94637FFCC5C151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="176" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SomaIIMember_573DA613E314FC2E0A94637FFCC5C151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchMember_08AE45ECBD4E0D2D7B4B637FFCC55AC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="177" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchMember_08AE45ECBD4E0D2D7B4B637FFCC55AC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember_F341C05A4B6C5B16A8CB637FFCC5777E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="178" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember_F341C05A4B6C5B16A8CB637FFCC5777E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SouthwoodMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SouthwoodMember_5D408798B5664CED7A54637FFCC5EC95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="179" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SouthwoodMember_5D408798B5664CED7A54637FFCC5EC95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember_7AB35AC00CCA93203F33637FFCC5796E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="180" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember_7AB35AC00CCA93203F33637FFCC5796E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember_8C95C27FB0B34D25FED5637FFCC51791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="181" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember_8C95C27FB0B34D25FED5637FFCC51791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember_613CC48DD09E80D73BEB637FFCC6DCB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="182" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember_613CC48DD09E80D73BEB637FFCC6DCB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember_D6AF0D38665D7AE2D590637FFCC67AD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="183" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember_D6AF0D38665D7AE2D590637FFCC67AD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TerracesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TerracesMember_FCE88A52FBAB8FA5B3BE637FFCC67DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="184" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TerracesMember_FCE88A52FBAB8FA5B3BE637FFCC67DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ThirdSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ThirdSquareMember_BC094554D836508913FF637FFCC6A606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="185" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ThirdSquareMember_BC094554D836508913FF637FFCC6A606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Three20Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Three20Member_9587377E7D280C24F656637FFCC66B3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="186" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Three20Member_9587377E7D280C24F656637FFCC66B3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember_55BAE46E75E332868E02637FFCC6D666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="187" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember_55BAE46E75E332868E02637FFCC6D666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember_1CFD4CA051703300BDD5637FFCC6B203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="188" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember_1CFD4CA051703300BDD5637FFCC6B203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="189" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember_CAC264032115D965A264637FFCC68CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="190" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember_CAC264032115D965A264637FFCC68CA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VantagePointeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VantagePointeMember_322CDC8F3E4CA85353D2637FFCC68AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="191" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VantagePointeMember_322CDC8F3E4CA85353D2637FFCC68AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VeloceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VeloceMember_184C23BF6452E23F8BFD637FFCC63C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="192" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VeloceMember_184C23BF6452E23F8BFD637FFCC63C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="193" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="194" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VillaSolanaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="195" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="196" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VirginiaSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="197" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="198" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VistaDelLagoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VistaDelLagoMember_56B3A6FBE0698DC4AF6C637FFCC7DD35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="199" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VistaDelLagoMember_56B3A6FBE0698DC4AF6C637FFCC7DD35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember_1AA9DA91342C54D8D1DF637FFCC7E8EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="200" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember_1AA9DA91342C54D8D1DF637FFCC7E8EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WaldenParkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WaldenParkMember_1CB979FEBB3592F9CE77637FFCC78DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="201" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WaldenParkMember_1CB979FEBB3592F9CE77637FFCC78DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WaterParkTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WaterParkTowersMember_C36946452756F49BD8B9637FFCC75E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="202" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WaterParkTowersMember_C36946452756F49BD8B9637FFCC75E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WatertownSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WatertownSquareMember_0BB0927A23625A371057637FFCC799F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="203" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WatertownSquareMember_0BB0927A23625A371057637FFCC799F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_West96thMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_West96thMember_8249B7CF8328583150EB637FFCC748D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="204" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_West96thMember_8249B7CF8328583150EB637FFCC748D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember_27F3A5267BDF31A6F172637FFCC8EE26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="205" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember_27F3A5267BDF31A6F172637FFCC8EE26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember_7D3DC53F70AB242487DB637FFCC8D043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="206" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember_7D3DC53F70AB242487DB637FFCC8D043" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestmontMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestmontMember_9588575F180154277250637FFCC86883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="207" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestmontMember_9588575F180154277250637FFCC86883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideMember_C73ED0BE0E1E0EBDB097637FFCC8EE52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="208" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideMember_C73ED0BE0E1E0EBDB097637FFCC8EE52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideBarringtonfkaWestsideVillasIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideBarringtonfkaWestsideVillasIIIMember_7578801C4807F6259D18637FFCC836F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="209" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideBarringtonfkaWestsideVillasIIIMember_7578801C4807F6259D18637FFCC836F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideBarryfkaWestsideVillasVIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideBarryfkaWestsideVillasVIMember_E2B6C048C14106C603BB637FFCC82CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="210" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideBarryfkaWestsideVillasVIMember_E2B6C048C14106C603BB637FFCC82CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideBeloitfkaWestsideVillasIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideBeloitfkaWestsideVillasIMember_1017FB2DF5B825694C15637FFCC81590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="211" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideBeloitfkaWestsideVillasIMember_1017FB2DF5B825694C15637FFCC81590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideBundyfkaWestsideVillasIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideBundyfkaWestsideVillasIIMember_9494A02E2DB82DB724C2637FFCC8A2EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="212" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideBundyfkaWestsideVillasIIMember_9494A02E2DB82DB724C2637FFCC8A2EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideButlerfkaWestsideVillasIVMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideButlerfkaWestsideVillasIVMember_36EFB1503DF93C4E9C0C637FFCC9992E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="213" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideButlerfkaWestsideVillasIVMember_36EFB1503DF93C4E9C0C637FFCC9992E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestsideVillasfkaWestsideVillasVVIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestsideVillasfkaWestsideVillasVVIIMember_D32C0751CB24FC31AEF1637FFCC933AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="214" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestsideVillasfkaWestsideVillasVVIIMember_D32C0751CB24FC31AEF1637FFCC933AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WindridgeCaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WindridgeCaMember_344E6EF9372238241483637FFCC98DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="215" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WindridgeCaMember_344E6EF9372238241483637FFCC98DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WoodCreekICAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WoodCreekICAMember_D068164A9191D711D3BD637FFCC9D762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="216" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WoodCreekICAMember_D068164A9191D711D3BD637FFCC9D762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ManagementBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessMember_8AEDEA5A6241961BF8B8637FFCC9B0C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="217" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ManagementBusinessMember_8AEDEA5A6241961BF8B8637FFCC9B0C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember_39D5E6CF4382F5F3C6A5637FFCC918E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="218" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember_39D5E6CF4382F5F3C6A5637FFCC918E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherMember_79EEEF498EB39E5AC275637FFCC9D9A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="219" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherMember_79EEEF498EB39E5AC275637FFCC9D9A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember_0E1B060EA0A434A35020637FFCC97306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="220" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember_0E1B060EA0A434A35020637FFCC97306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A101WestEndMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A101WestEndMember_D48696218C813F341655637FFCC9E903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="221" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A101WestEndMember_D48696218C813F341655637FFCC9E903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="222" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A2501PorterMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A2501PorterMember_4DC1B755F133AEE8A18B637FFCC952CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="223" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A2501PorterMember_4DC1B755F133AEE8A18B637FFCC952CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A300East39thMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="224" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember_CFC3AFEE66A38564BB94637FFCC989A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="225" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember_CFC3AFEE66A38564BB94637FFCC989A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A425BroadwayMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A425BroadwayMember_B80930CF7B52062D4007637FFCC97ED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="226" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A425BroadwayMember_B80930CF7B52062D4007637FFCC97ED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A4701WillardAveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A4701WillardAveMember_03DA1CD193D0AC96BD2C637FFCCA1274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="227" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A4701WillardAveMember_03DA1CD193D0AC96BD2C637FFCCA1274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember_768D2967AFDE63E7D80C637FFCCAC1CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="228" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember_768D2967AFDE63E7D80C637FFCCAC1CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember_6BB38D32C48E0CEA8454637FFCCAAF74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="229" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember_6BB38D32C48E0CEA8454637FFCCAAF74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A929Massfka929HouseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A929Massfka929HouseMember_F441739EAEED4F7A2B01637FFCCABCC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="230" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_A929Massfka929HouseMember_F441739EAEED4F7A2B01637FFCCABCC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcademyVillageMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcademyVillageMember_97F441ACA1E2B1C47EBE637FFCCA240C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="231" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcademyVillageMember_97F441ACA1E2B1C47EBE637FFCCA240C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcappellaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcappellaMember_1159917BBF27B67E5397637FFCCA928D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="232" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcappellaMember_1159917BBF27B67E5397637FFCCA928D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AlboradaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AlboradaMember_47DD2255CB143BB9E08E637FFCCA153F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="233" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AlboradaMember_47DD2255CB143BB9E08E637FFCCA153F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AlcyoneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AlcyoneMember_C4592ADF41E69C9FFB38637FFCCAE342" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="234" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AlcyoneMember_C4592ADF41E69C9FFB38637FFCCAE342" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArchesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArchesMember_A9832257C80D590CAD18637FFCCA4556" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="235" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArchesMember_A9832257C80D590CAD18637FFCCA4556" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArtisanSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArtisanSquareMember_B05BAC8363F3E5FAC7CB637FFCCBE27F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="236" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArtisanSquareMember_B05BAC8363F3E5FAC7CB637FFCCBE27F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AvantiMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AvantiMember_3D0CC9CFDE9E2793A5F9637FFCCB5006" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="237" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AvantiMember_3D0CC9CFDE9E2793A5F9637FFCCB5006" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AvenirMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AvenirMember_C49D182CA1DBE680E2F2637FFCCB11EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="238" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AvenirMember_C49D182CA1DBE680E2F2637FFCCB11EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember_399FB20292B5FB3CD681637FFCCB9135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="239" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember_399FB20292B5FB3CD681637FFCCB9135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BerkeleyanMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BerkeleyanMember_B76D6A7706F0724A4F06637FFCCB9EFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="240" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BerkeleyanMember_B76D6A7706F0724A4F06637FFCCB9EFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember_704B8B79F11B8D6AE6A9637FFCCB1E14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="241" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember_704B8B79F11B8D6AE6A9637FFCCB1E14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CarmelTerraceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CarmelTerraceMember_1FFF7B6BC628981E6ABF637FFCCB0C67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="242" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CarmelTerraceMember_1FFF7B6BC628981E6ABF637FFCCB0C67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ChelseaSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ChelseaSquareMember_0BDB982A16BB6FBE7795637FFCCB7925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="243" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ChelseaSquareMember_0BDB982A16BB6FBE7795637FFCCB7925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CitrusSuitesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CitrusSuitesMember_016C2FDE2692687C03CD637FFCCB482F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="244" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CitrusSuitesMember_016C2FDE2692687C03CD637FFCCB482F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ClevelandHouseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ClevelandHouseMember_AA837991FAE8295C82CA637FFCCB63E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="245" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ClevelandHouseMember_AA837991FAE8295C82CA637FFCCB63E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember_9DD38E94B4CF717BA5A4637FFCCBBB07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="246" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember_9DD38E94B4CF717BA5A4637FFCCBBB07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DeerwoodSdMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DeerwoodSdMember_E2E406AADF6028DB1812637FFCCBDC01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="247" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DeerwoodSdMember_E2E406AADF6028DB1812637FFCCBDC01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DelmarridgeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DelmarridgeMember_9D323198683E4613D1F6637FFCCB77C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="248" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DelmarridgeMember_9D323198683E4613D1F6637FFCCB77C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember_5E065A8452156F2797A2637FFCCC7907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="249" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember_5E065A8452156F2797A2637FFCCC7907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FairchaseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FairchaseMember_20223281AF7CCB195931637FFCCC56DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="250" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FairchaseMember_20223281AF7CCB195931637FFCCC56DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FairfieldMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FairfieldMember_6FED44FEB27287319731637FFCCC0E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="251" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FairfieldMember_6FED44FEB27287319731637FFCCC0E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember_DD57DFAA28C02398BAA1637FFCCC5793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="252" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember_DD57DFAA28C02398BAA1637FFCCC5793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember_05CCE83EB16A62F909C1637FFCCCC219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="253" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember_05CCE83EB16A62F909C1637FFCCCC219" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GaiaBuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GaiaBuildingMember_795199C5F276424F89BA637FFCCC701E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="254" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GaiaBuildingMember_795199C5F276424F89BA637FFCCC701E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GaithersburgStationMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GaithersburgStationMember_F0EFFC7F824074CD2498637FFCCCC0EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="255" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GaithersburgStationMember_F0EFFC7F824074CD2498637FFCCCC0EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GloMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GloMember_23A8E11A3430F08D23D9637FFCCCF87F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="256" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GloMember_23A8E11A3430F08D23D9637FFCCCF87F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HathawayMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HathawayMember_B28E27ABE8D9A1CD1B4A637FFCCCA6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="257" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HathawayMember_B28E27ABE8D9A1CD1B4A637FFCCCA6CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember_C11635022F6176B959F6637FFCCD32BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="258" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember_C11635022F6176B959F6637FFCCD32BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_KelvinCourtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_KelvinCourtMember_01BEC5A54C7E9D867BC4637FFCCD7821" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="259" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_KelvinCourtMember_01BEC5A54C7E9D867BC4637FFCCD7821" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_KenwoodMewsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_KenwoodMewsMember_9E5C08C22AD1D9DC8666637FFCCD498B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="260" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_KenwoodMewsMember_9E5C08C22AD1D9DC8666637FFCCD498B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="261" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LagunaClaraMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LagunaClaraMember_F1377B47A0A19E8FBD83637FFCCD97D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="262" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LagunaClaraMember_F1377B47A0A19E8FBD83637FFCCD97D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LibertyParkMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LibertyParkMember_6665C6D5B4903DEF73A1637FFCCD6B49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="263" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LibertyParkMember_6665C6D5B4903DEF73A1637FFCCD6B49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LibertyTowerMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LibertyTowerMember_8820646A2D1EADD1E784637FFCCD2ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="264" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LibertyTowerMember_8820646A2D1EADD1E784637FFCCD2ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LongviewPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="265" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember_7126B72B9DBE2E0BD573637FFCCD7A4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="266" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember_7126B72B9DBE2E0BD573637FFCCD7A4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MetroOnFirstMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MetroOnFirstMember_BE0A7F9EBE6DDFE58762637FFCCED7DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="267" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MetroOnFirstMember_BE0A7F9EBE6DDFE58762637FFCCED7DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MillCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MillCreekMember_9A90C9B65FB622E038FC637FFCCE3DAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="268" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MillCreekMember_9A90C9B65FB622E038FC637FFCCE3DAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ModaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ModaMember_66CF271C0235E9C8CFAB637FFCCE8527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="269" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ModaMember_66CF271C0235E9C8CFAB637FFCCE8527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MontierraMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MontierraMember_49DEEA640F5ED05DFAD8637FFCCEE069" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="270" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MontierraMember_49DEEA640F5ED05DFAD8637FFCCEE069" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember_1B010203126D98054C60637FFCCE643C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="271" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember_1B010203126D98054C60637FFCCE643C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember_F3A689D9478A40E2B33E637FFCCE86C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="272" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember_F3A689D9478A40E2B33E637FFCCE86C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OlympusTowersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OlympusTowersMember_9E46EFB38ECB7D4F2953637FFCCE6B42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="273" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OlympusTowersMember_9E46EFB38ECB7D4F2953637FFCCE6B42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember_203AC4CD0525885FC7D8637FFCCE50CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="274" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember_203AC4CD0525885FC7D8637FFCCE50CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProvidenceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProvidenceMember_DE3B50CDCB2C33420877637FFCCE7413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="275" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProvidenceMember_DE3B50CDCB2C33420877637FFCCE7413" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember_67F4778818B2C7BCFD1F637FFCCE9514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="276" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember_67F4778818B2C7BCFD1F637FFCCE9514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember_E195455C3B63742C310F637FFCCE78BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="277" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember_E195455C3B63742C310F637FFCCE78BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember_74849B3BE33EC9EB6BAB637FFCCE330B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="278" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember_74849B3BE33EC9EB6BAB637FFCCE330B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember_5570BA5CF825A195A236637FFCCE6893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="279" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember_5570BA5CF825A195A236637FFCCE6893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RiannaIiMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RiannaIiMember_81B0165549AEECDD8167637FFCCF577F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="280" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RiannaIiMember_81B0165549AEECDD8167637FFCCF577F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SienaTerraceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SienaTerraceMember_EDBBE5DB769F950371A1637FFCCF73AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="281" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SienaTerraceMember_EDBBE5DB769F950371A1637FFCCF73AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SkyviewMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SkyviewMember_A63CDE8E57902A6A0E0D637FFCCF9F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="282" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SkyviewMember_A63CDE8E57902A6A0E0D637FFCCF9F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember_687119076762B2192416637FFCCF5360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="283" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember_687119076762B2192416637FFCCF5360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SquareOneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SquareOneMember_E5BEA42BDED8BB558B50637FFCCF7032" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="284" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SquareOneMember_E5BEA42BDED8BB558B50637FFCCF7032" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummersetVillageMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummersetVillageMember_1ABB4188C4AD3585D771637FFCCF2E1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="285" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SummersetVillageMember_1ABB4188C4AD3585D771637FFCCF2E1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TalleyrandMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TalleyrandMember_0B387E89AAD7F988BB2F637FFCCF98D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="286" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TalleyrandMember_0B387E89AAD7F988BB2F637FFCCF98D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TeresinaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TeresinaMember_4B7B4F8AE90540F30672637FFCD04C29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="287" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TeresinaMember_4B7B4F8AE90540F30672637FFCD04C29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ToscanaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ToscanaMember_7EEF74B9A8363E825F5B637FFCD02905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="288" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ToscanaMember_7EEF74B9A8363E825F5B637FFCD02905" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TourielBuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TourielBuildingMember_1B620C64E2D00AB7BE90637FFCD03203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="289" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TourielBuildingMember_1B620C64E2D00AB7BE90637FFCD03203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember_13D83E96602E841546EF637FFCD0A2D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="290" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember_13D83E96602E841546EF637FFCD0A2D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VantageHollywoodMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VantageHollywoodMemberMember_4065B087407620C1940E637FFCD0B347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="291" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VantageHollywoodMemberMember_4065B087407620C1940E637FFCD0B347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VersaillesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VersaillesMember_B1E172152F3AFA21A6E5637FFCD05089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="292" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VersaillesMember_B1E172152F3AFA21A6E5637FFCD05089" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VersaillesKTownMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VersaillesKTownMember_82AE36C3D84582495E18637FFCD0C0BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="293" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VersaillesKTownMember_82AE36C3D84582495E18637FFCD0C0BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember_FFE45F40DC1E0E4AB79E637FFCD0473D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="294" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember_FFE45F40DC1E0E4AB79E637FFCD0473D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VintageMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VintageMember_210CEB5F9D2BB9889949637FFCD0F003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="295" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VintageMember_210CEB5F9D2BB9889949637FFCD0F003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember_388F8E27665478967561637FFCD0F8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="296" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember_388F8E27665478967561637FFCD0F8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_West54thMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_West54thMember_4C23D7BADE99924AFF48637FFCD08BDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="297" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_West54thMember_4C23D7BADE99924AFF48637FFCD08BDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember_F7D207A4BF92DEB36980637FFCD070E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="298" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember_F7D207A4BF92DEB36980637FFCD070E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WoodleafMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WoodleafMember_B55638DBEB2053D1618A637FFCD07D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="299" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WoodleafMember_B55638DBEB2053D1618A637FFCD07D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember_F25A02F278DA53D31307637FFCD18DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="300" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember_F25A02F278DA53D31307637FFCD18DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember_9C581D4B7F7E9AA26135637FFCD12C07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="301" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember_9C581D4B7F7E9AA26135637FFCD12C07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Elliott2300Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Elliott2300Member_51666D0087E5CB1F3D35637FFCD184ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="302" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_Elliott2300Member_51666D0087E5CB1F3D35637FFCD184ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CanyonRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CanyonRidgeMember_95690A38F21E42E58837637FFCD14887" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="303" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CanyonRidgeMember_95690A38F21E42E58837637FFCD14887" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CountryOaksMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CountryOaksMember_0BE93AA6B936F3160AC0637FFCD14B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="304" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CountryOaksMember_0BE93AA6B936F3160AC0637FFCD14B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain_C987D851DC9FE8F0FDE2637FFCD1B0E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="305" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain_C987D851DC9FE8F0FDE2637FFCD1B0E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember_A4D90DFCB9ECAAAAE484637FFCD18EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="306" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember_A4D90DFCB9ECAAAAE484637FFCD18EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RosecliffMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RosecliffMember_DA66E66584A26917A722637FFCD1B6BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="307" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RosecliffMember_DA66E66584A26917A722637FFCD1B6BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember_D1C034E6F284B3F510A9637FFCD2475A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="308" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember_D1C034E6F284B3F510A9637FFCD2475A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ViaVenturaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="309" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="310" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember_F7F9F45B930D28DA1A58637FFCD2A438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="311" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember_F7F9F45B930D28DA1A58637FFCD2A438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="312" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CanyonCreekCMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="313" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LanternCoveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="314" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="315" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="316" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SurreyDownsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="317" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VirgilSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="318" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain_A8603003AB74B936791B637FFCD2B46C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="319" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain_A8603003AB74B936791B637FFCD2B46C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember_F87C0562CB3F9CE8DDC9637FFCD2185A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="320" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember_F87C0562CB3F9CE8DDC9637FFCD2185A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember_08742A9EFFB2B16DF6BD637FFCD3C313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="321" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_47F1A86F92805EB60587637FFCB677AD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember_08742A9EFFB2B16DF6BD637FFCD3C313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_5577A8C95989F76BBA0F637FFCB5C077" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_4DE51A76F72752ACE8AA637FFCD3DCE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_4DE51A76F72752ACE8AA637FFCD3DCE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet_541EFDCA230EB64895D7637FFCD394AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet_541EFDCA230EB64895D7637FFCD394AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements_35BBAF84F518AA0C6E9F637FFCD406C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements_35BBAF84F518AA0C6E9F637FFCD406C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures_60397C43D45DA9671143637FFCD49C39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures_60397C43D45DA9671143637FFCD49C39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand_05461C2E0E2A8BD7749E637FFCD44D38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand_05461C2E0E2A8BD7749E637FFCD44D38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_335577991ECEF437DF96637FFCD4D215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_335577991ECEF437DF96637FFCD4D215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_029A3EAD04B21317508A637FFCD492FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_029A3EAD04B21317508A637FFCD492FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_18447F6393C1F29A2F7C637FFCD4A262" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_18447F6393C1F29A2F7C637FFCD4A262" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2EF432A6B1443F3B75A4637FFCD4F968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2EF432A6B1443F3B75A4637FFCD4F968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReference" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReference_C5C5ACE2A4D23BB0DD4D637FFCD57D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReference_C5C5ACE2A4D23BB0DD4D637FFCD57D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_2BE31F473A1F005505A6637FFCD58F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_2BE31F473A1F005505A6637FFCD58F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_0D36B97718D7B0FD7D9E637FFCD5746D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_0D36B97718D7B0FD7D9E637FFCD5746D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_D3746A4105C787ACE2A0637FFCD52BD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_D3746A4105C787ACE2A0637FFCD52BD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_FB19A76446A3EFFE1A90637FFCD57425" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_D319C97E18B699FC7EE4637FFCD371FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_FB19A76446A3EFFE1A90637FFCD57425" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationOverallSummaryAndEncumbrancesReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_1D16D82A53C5523EC7514DE01D4CFDE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_57BCAD75A599B5E4A1964DE01D4C900C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDisclosureAbstract_1D16D82A53C5523EC7514DE01D4CFDE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_57BCAD75A599B5E4A1964DE01D4C900C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E96502F8214701A9AED94DE01D4CE3BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_57BCAD75A599B5E4A1964DE01D4C900C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E96502F8214701A9AED94DE01D4CE3BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E96502F8214701A9AED94DE01D4CE3BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember_FD3436620B881ABB21B94DE01D4CD8FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember_FD3436620B881ABB21B94DE01D4CD8FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember_6A76A597810FF2142ABF4DE01D4C6FEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrWhollyOwnedEncumberedMember_6A76A597810FF2142ABF4DE01D4C6FEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember_06E5DDE4DE45EA6725544DE01D4C7046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember_06E5DDE4DE45EA6725544DE01D4C7046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember_09D0EA71BFC8C6737BDF4DE01D4C97C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember_09D0EA71BFC8C6737BDF4DE01D4C97C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember_77DEE452BC175C5667364DE01D4C8784" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrPartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember_77DEE452BC175C5667364DE01D4C8784" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_D374C712D91D48D37C514DE01D4CE5AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember_D374C712D91D48D37C514DE01D4CE5AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnencumberedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnencumberedPropertiesMember_59EF35FCC29178E31B404DE01D4D3D3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_UnencumberedPropertiesMember_59EF35FCC29178E31B404DE01D4D3D3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EncumberedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EncumberedPropertiesMember_C1D726CCA5391A58BE934DE01D4DD6DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EncumberedPropertiesMember_C1D726CCA5391A58BE934DE01D4DD6DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember_79650E63793872BC52CF4E0111645925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_176AD117720C54A588844DE01D4C57D1" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember_79650E63793872BC52CF4E0111645925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_359E36A8BA4A67529F0D4DE01D4D3B5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_57BCAD75A599B5E4A1964DE01D4C900C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_359E36A8BA4A67529F0D4DE01D4D3B5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_359E36A8BA4A67529F0D4DE01D4D3B5A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrFanwell2007LpMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrFanwell2007LpMember_1858602383B9CD31A0FE4DE01D4D3DB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrFanwell2007LpMember_1858602383B9CD31A0FE4DE01D4D3DB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EqrWellfan2008LpMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EqrWellfan2008LpMember_E203D9BDC4DB82EA38E14DE01D4DA625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EqrWellfan2008LpMember_E203D9BDC4DB82EA38E14DE01D4DA625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ArchstoneMasterPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ArchstoneMasterPropertyDomain_731E78E2FD072FA211814DE01D4D90BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ArchstoneMasterPropertyDomain_731E78E2FD072FA211814DE01D4D90BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember_461363246E1C29E0B7E84DE01D4E2069" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember_461363246E1C29E0B7E84DE01D4E2069" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IndividualPropertyEncumbrancesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IndividualPropertyEncumbrancesMember_103D14AC7B01AEAEA78F4DE01D4E71AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_110396739438A82DF4C34DE01D4D7112" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IndividualPropertyEncumbrancesMember_103D14AC7B01AEAEA78F4DE01D4E71AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_57BCAD75A599B5E4A1964DE01D4C900C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_CBF1F9F4F0069BCD1FFC4DE01D4EA9BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_CBF1F9F4F0069BCD1FFC4DE01D4EA9BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties_8818752D7EF6AA6F716C4DE01D4E42CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties_8818752D7EF6AA6F716C4DE01D4E42CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_F402EECB6613404EFB9B4DE01D4ECF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_F402EECB6613404EFB9B4DE01D4ECF84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_FE76478EF7323868273A4DE01D4E2B8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_FE76478EF7323868273A4DE01D4E2B8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_BFEF23CAFBEC4B5427904DE01D4F4A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_BFEF23CAFBEC4B5427904DE01D4F4A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_FB68D42B9CA5521363BC4DE01D4FE742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OverallSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_7DD35D7DCEA7ECE3B58C4DE01D4E5458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_FB68D42B9CA5521363BC4DE01D4FE742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_F49CE3866E2A02BC44CC4DE01D4E493C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateInvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_E2435EEC5D64A8554477676BE08EAC8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_798900A4699394A499FC676BE08E0872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_E2435EEC5D64A8554477676BE08EAC8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_798900A4699394A499FC676BE08E0872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis_473701FBDA9465E4F302676BE08E9D87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_798900A4699394A499FC676BE08E0872" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis_473701FBDA9465E4F302676BE08E9D87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain_C5D7E1DEAE7B84FE63F9676BE08ECE43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis_473701FBDA9465E4F302676BE08E9D87" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain_C5D7E1DEAE7B84FE63F9676BE08ECE43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember_8111B465E6FCE8B95837676BE08F37B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain_C5D7E1DEAE7B84FE63F9676BE08ECE43" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember_8111B465E6FCE8B95837676BE08F37B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandHeldForDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandHeldForDevelopmentMember_ECF58DCEB6D59525551A676BE08FE158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyDomain_C5D7E1DEAE7B84FE63F9676BE08ECE43" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandHeldForDevelopmentMember_ECF58DCEB6D59525551A676BE08FE158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D5C525826CCA194E50C8676BE08F0298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_798900A4699394A499FC676BE08E0872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D5C525826CCA194E50C8676BE08F0298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D5C525826CCA194E50C8676BE08F0298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsMember_5663EA07AEE969DFC4CA676BE08F64BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsMember_5663EA07AEE969DFC4CA676BE08F64BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_B46B094EB75BEF238E95676BE08F684E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_B46B094EB75BEF238E95676BE08F684E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GroundLeaseMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GroundLeaseMember_C3F4BFA39E50C55F0477676BE08F1AC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:to="loc_eqr_GroundLeaseMember_C3F4BFA39E50C55F0477676BE08F1AC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetailSiteMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetailSiteMember_B6D7A03D5A1F10F19389676BE08F9201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_7D4F7A6DB434FFBBB11F676BE08F509E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetailSiteMember_B6D7A03D5A1F10F19389676BE08F9201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_798900A4699394A499FC676BE08E0872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Land" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_C788FAC74F54BCB777DD676BE08F507F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_C788FAC74F54BCB777DD676BE08F507F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract_B7B5BC928ADB7D9E2998676BE08F3030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract_B7B5BC928ADB7D9E2998676BE08F3030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_8CE1EEF7721F4BCC9BAF676BE08F0ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract_B7B5BC928ADB7D9E2998676BE08F3030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_8CE1EEF7721F4BCC9BAF676BE08F0ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_9145375E761FF67A104E676BE08F3526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract_B7B5BC928ADB7D9E2998676BE08F3030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_9145375E761FF67A104E676BE08F3526" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAcquiredInPlaceLeases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAcquiredInPlaceLeases_F3F41E9FF875B7B74B63676BE08FF0C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract_B7B5BC928ADB7D9E2998676BE08F3030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAcquiredInPlaceLeases_F3F41E9FF875B7B74B63676BE08FF0C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract_C061B137C51FD2237208676BE0904A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract_C061B137C51FD2237208676BE0904A53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandUnderDevelopment_A36F3D66D29FEBEC7237676BE090C41B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract_C061B137C51FD2237208676BE0904A53" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandUnderDevelopment_A36F3D66D29FEBEC7237676BE090C41B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_E9494B09ABEB5D1C3673676BE090F314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract_C061B137C51FD2237208676BE0904A53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_E9494B09ABEB5D1C3673676BE090F314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract_CA4AB731C10604EC32DF676BE09002D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract_CA4AB731C10604EC32DF676BE09002D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_D0265DC6EAFA9F64D4E2676BE0907E5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract_CA4AB731C10604EC32DF676BE09002D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment_D0265DC6EAFA9F64D4E2676BE0907E5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract_CA4AB731C10604EC32DF676BE09002D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess_E9494B09ABEB5D1C3673676BE090F314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_DD85F7E88D08BDE0DCF9676BE09067D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_DD85F7E88D08BDE0DCF9676BE09067D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_B9064340A14223C9F46D676BE090B91F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_B9064340A14223C9F46D676BE090B91F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_2ADB16A537F244D14B27676BE09094B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_2ADB16A537F244D14B27676BE09094B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross_EE1480320627EDD51FD7676BE090B4A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross_EE1480320627EDD51FD7676BE090B4A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetOffMarketLeaseFavorableGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetOffMarketLeaseFavorableGross_FEDB7067BC8DD359D02E676BE090F581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetOffMarketLeaseFavorableGross_FEDB7067BC8DD359D02E676BE090F581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_140945D09EABD144B410676BE090A358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_140945D09EABD144B410676BE090A358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_8A2F6984593B5F2F3DB3676BE09165CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_8A2F6984593B5F2F3DB3676BE09165CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5D6F6A4167C007D93FAF676BE0911E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5D6F6A4167C007D93FAF676BE0911E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorable_8A0BB11A05BCE73C3C98676BE091F4CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorable_8A0BB11A05BCE73C3C98676BE091F4CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilities_189C0500AA8960E29958676BE091929F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilities_189C0500AA8960E29958676BE091929F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization_DD13C85ACD7D27B05591676BE09154B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization_DD13C85ACD7D27B05591676BE09154B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilitiesnet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilitiesnet_51DC2F7CE3C699D10933676BE09150C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilitiesnet_51DC2F7CE3C699D10933676BE09150C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_54EE2EB72B0A65C100F9676BE0913587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_54EE2EB72B0A65C100F9676BE0913587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpNextTwelveMonths_56E5131823D71595841C67B94E470A29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpNextTwelveMonths_56E5131823D71595841C67B94E470A29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_D35BC232B0B075A1138F676BE09173BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_D35BC232B0B075A1138F676BE09173BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear2" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear2_7AA845F6A1A41D7D01D467BB1395D766" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear2_7AA845F6A1A41D7D01D467BB1395D766" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_165ED1ECD5F3B454D806676BE091FFD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_165ED1ECD5F3B454D806676BE091FFD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear3" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear3_6707EE6DD0AD938FAA3567BC15F91E6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear3_6707EE6DD0AD938FAA3567BC15F91E6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_C6FC51A001B20DF058FC676BE09143E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_C6FC51A001B20DF058FC676BE09143E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear4" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear4_0E45FE570B1377E0612767BCFF0911E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear4_0E45FE570B1377E0612767BCFF0911E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_DE307AE5447A98B7C52F676BE0913BAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_DE307AE5447A98B7C52F676BE0913BAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear5" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear5_EBF8356621B75DEA876867BDCC651F49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpYear5_EBF8356621B75DEA876867BDCC651F49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_9609D322CA416C2230CA676BE091EF31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0D198D9B02EAC6FA7829676BE08F6778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_9609D322CA416C2230CA676BE091EF31" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateOtherDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_AF9573D6B4EA69F1403B4CE624E08127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0C86060FB33F6C2F55754CE624E0F818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_AF9573D6B4EA69F1403B4CE624E08127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0C86060FB33F6C2F55754CE624E0F818" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_620E207F68F32CA269E24CE624E035B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0C86060FB33F6C2F55754CE624E0F818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_620E207F68F32CA269E24CE624E035B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C777119BCFC205ACF5D64CE624E0A292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_620E207F68F32CA269E24CE624E035B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C777119BCFC205ACF5D64CE624E0A292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CompanysPortionMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CompanysPortionMember_208A315FAE442B3F85784CE624E0D007" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C777119BCFC205ACF5D64CE624E0A292" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CompanysPortionMember_208A315FAE442B3F85784CE624E0D007" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_JointVenturePartnerMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_JointVenturePartnerMember_1DDCCA2C29C494118C004CE624E0FBDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C777119BCFC205ACF5D64CE624E0A292" xlink:to="loc_eqr_JointVenturePartnerMember_1DDCCA2C29C494118C004CE624E0FBDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0C86060FB33F6C2F55754CE624E0F818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandPurchasePrice" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandPurchasePrice_E3F99EABF23BBC8C16204CE624E069D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandPurchasePrice_E3F99EABF23BBC8C16204CE624E069D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_00105AFAC78DE7DD91FE4CE624E05F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_00105AFAC78DE7DD91FE4CE624E05F55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_5DCC5C8379FAB23D8BED4CE624E02DE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_5DCC5C8379FAB23D8BED4CE624E02DE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_CFF98DC50E60D1EDA9164CE624E0DC51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_CFF98DC50E60D1EDA9164CE624E0DC51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_03D9F19CF485B1959BE64CE624E04F97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_03D9F19CF485B1959BE64CE624E04F97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_22E21B54AF3E8295E3634CE624E0DA36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_599B2F87BFA30AF3C5354CE624E09ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_22E21B54AF3E8295E3634CE624E0DA36" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateStarwoodDisposition" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_A1B1732B7F783DDD23A44CE624E66AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_A1B1732B7F783DDD23A44CE624E66AA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_EEA0974AF43B6C773CEB4CE624E69483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_EEA0974AF43B6C773CEB4CE624E69483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_294B4BC0881AAE95A6664CE624E69BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_EEA0974AF43B6C773CEB4CE624E69483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_294B4BC0881AAE95A6664CE624E69BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_294B4BC0881AAE95A6664CE624E69BC5" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8429B8864D3169F8F39D4CE624E60306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8429B8864D3169F8F39D4CE624E60306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BC1BDBA9D01CB10E0CEC4CE624E641CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8429B8864D3169F8F39D4CE624E60306" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BC1BDBA9D01CB10E0CEC4CE624E641CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_E62EC6325A1F52A75E484CE624E7FA53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BC1BDBA9D01CB10E0CEC4CE624E641CF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_E62EC6325A1F52A75E484CE624E7FA53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_35077477A6E7B60B2B2E4CE624E76659" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_35077477A6E7B60B2B2E4CE624E76659" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_35077477A6E7B60B2B2E4CE624E76659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncoreDenverMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member_8D75DD2C710B7C8A08544CE624E778FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:to="loc_eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member_8D75DD2C710B7C8A08544CE624E778FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeattleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_E9F8692DB40435756F804CE624E7ED8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_E9F8692DB40435756F804CE624E7ED8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncoreotherInlandEmpireCAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncoreotherInlandEmpireCAMember_5CDE017EF493D727881D4CE624E7D61B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6C7C5B1C3F5C334D7F054CE624E76379" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncoreotherInlandEmpireCAMember_5CDE017EF493D727881D4CE624E7D61B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3DDBD2E06A4A5E4876004CE624E6E5DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_C4C364415A9633B1F9EA4CE624E7F5D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedProperties_C4C364415A9633B1F9EA4CE624E7F5D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_2F0DDCAE4761F72523764CE624E75411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_2F0DDCAE4761F72523764CE624E75411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_3C02031E370186F52B404CE624E7F65D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_3C02031E370186F52B404CE624E7F65D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits_37FD63E4D460B6CF2B1D4CE624E7FE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarnestMoneyDeposits_37FD63E4D460B6CF2B1D4CE624E7FE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Land" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_E13D1CA0C7CD46FBA0234CE624E7D1A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_E13D1CA0C7CD46FBA0234CE624E7D1A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract_9967E83E90E7CCDD207A4CE624E762D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract_9967E83E90E7CCDD207A4CE624E762D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_DCD36444F110DBD0753B4CE624E891D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract_9967E83E90E7CCDD207A4CE624E762D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements_DCD36444F110DBD0753B4CE624E891D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_D4133EF75B58172739D04CE624E8D4BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract_9967E83E90E7CCDD207A4CE624E762D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross_D4133EF75B58172739D04CE624E8D4BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_A5F7B77348F21044F6FB4CE624E82B9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DepreciablePropertyAbstract_9967E83E90E7CCDD207A4CE624E762D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_A5F7B77348F21044F6FB4CE624E82B9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_2B38F67CD7E1475E1BC94CE624E845AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_2B38F67CD7E1475E1BC94CE624E845AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_065B54418CDD54A4D18F4CE624E8DDFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_065B54418CDD54A4D18F4CE624E8DDFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_B20E5D4E3096456CF2D74CE624E82512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_B20E5D4E3096456CF2D74CE624E82512" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_C5DDDAAC1E7F24ACB0354CE624E89360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_C5DDDAAC1E7F24ACB0354CE624E89360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_B052F93EDE14751964A64CE624E839F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1F99B5186025D93FC49E4CE624E70B12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_B052F93EDE14751964A64CE624E839F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/RealEstateTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_77FC491AA2722A15F4E74CE624FFB9F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6B77336522C1D7953DA34CE624FF16F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_77FC491AA2722A15F4E74CE624FFB9F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6B77336522C1D7953DA34CE624FF16F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84F95DB963A6C47B273C4CE625000D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6B77336522C1D7953DA34CE624FF16F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84F95DB963A6C47B273C4CE625000D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8AAB2634E7C45431612F4CE62500FCB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84F95DB963A6C47B273C4CE625000D13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8AAB2634E7C45431612F4CE62500FCB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_EB32795646E6A98F62CB4CE625001E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8AAB2634E7C45431612F4CE62500FCB8" xlink:to="loc_eqr_StarwoodPortfolioMember_EB32795646E6A98F62CB4CE625001E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6B77336522C1D7953DA34CE624FF16F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_12C445078E269A2C56104CE62500153F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_12C445078E269A2C56104CE62500153F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_CF6F59AA9BC1920416D54CE62500317F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_CF6F59AA9BC1920416D54CE62500317F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_C2951C7EC09D28F7BB8B4CE62500EDE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_C2951C7EC09D28F7BB8B4CE62500EDE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTextBlock_2B80CBE03C06C734B6B04CE62500936F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTextBlock_2B80CBE03C06C734B6B04CE62500936F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_8C04C5BD657958E2A76F4CE6250098F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC00DC8810F7FBB386A64CE62500B3B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_8C04C5BD657958E2A76F4CE6250098F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_69F59DD02C8570AF22C54CE6239899B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_F541621D206B098B2FFE4CE62398F12A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_69F59DD02C8570AF22C54CE6239899B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_F541621D206B098B2FFE4CE62398F12A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_A573F1B729A98981C3F863509107250E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E2FBA43CC1F86B362C83635091075139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_A573F1B729A98981C3F863509107250E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E2FBA43CC1F86B362C83635091075139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_45C8B47C9FA82F9179D7635091072527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E2FBA43CC1F86B362C83635091075139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_45C8B47C9FA82F9179D7635091072527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_45C8B47C9FA82F9179D7635091072527" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LosAngelesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SanDiegoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OrangeCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NY" xlink:label="loc_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_DC" xlink:label="loc_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SanFranciscoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BostonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeattleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonCoreMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E9080D2C2E94C59017A63509107FCB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E2FBA43CC1F86B362C83635091075139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E9080D2C2E94C59017A63509107FCB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8B7C2D75427B0F84479F6350910752BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0E9080D2C2E94C59017A63509107FCB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8B7C2D75427B0F84479F6350910752BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SameStoreMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8B7C2D75427B0F84479F6350910752BF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NonsamestoreMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8B7C2D75427B0F84479F6350910752BF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E2FBA43CC1F86B362C83635091075139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_73926E8B3A04F60ED684635091077CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_73926E8B3A04F60ED684635091077CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_2867A33325BC326D63C2635091167321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_2867A33325BC326D63C2635091167321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_5589E6EE389DA23C00A74CE623976645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReconciliationOfNoiTextBlockTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReconciliationOfNoiTextBlockTableTextBlock_08B0A3F11FEC9AF3DC8E4CE62397B827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_5589E6EE389DA23C00A74CE623976645" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReconciliationOfNoiTextBlockTableTextBlock_08B0A3F11FEC9AF3DC8E4CE62397B827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_DC82D2C53341CE62571C4CE623977105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsAbstract_5589E6EE389DA23C00A74CE623976645" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_DC82D2C53341CE62571C4CE623977105" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_3083BC9A29B78EA25E644CE6244E0AF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_302D804D3A69A5547CF24CE6244EDA83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_3083BC9A29B78EA25E644CE6244E0AF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock_302D804D3A69A5547CF24CE6244EDA83" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_D2B70559ED82AC16936352386D3B51C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_441195706B74ED5A162652386D3BEA09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_D2B70559ED82AC16936352386D3B51C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_441195706B74ED5A162652386D3BEA09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2AD2340CB0CD72D3EF8052386D3BE07B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_441195706B74ED5A162652386D3BEA09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2AD2340CB0CD72D3EF8052386D3BE07B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2AD2340CB0CD72D3EF8052386D3BE07B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_D2376BEA52F3051ABEE85242F6FA5F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_D2376BEA52F3051ABEE85242F6FA5F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_54D103811092AAF9F4F852386D3B1F98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_54D103811092AAF9F4F852386D3B1F98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_49601FC38DBD999DC11C52386D3B8676" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_49601FC38DBD999DC11C52386D3B8676" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_82E484CFD4AEB886326452386D3BCC7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_82E484CFD4AEB886326452386D3BCC7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanDiscountMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanDiscountMember_7821F0FD76881D5AA78252386D3B16EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_29FADA0C3FA3F46C731552386D3BF0FE" xlink:to="loc_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanDiscountMember_7821F0FD76881D5AA78252386D3B16EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_441195706B74ED5A162652386D3BEA09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_7D55C07A111E207D96A452386D3BF8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_7D55C07A111E207D96A452386D3BF8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_85465FE0FA2F0362127B52386D3B8C0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_85465FE0FA2F0362127B52386D3B8C0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_6CDCC2B6B6F2B788513352386D416F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_6CDCC2B6B6F2B788513352386D416F70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_C3F77573C7461638047652386D411127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_C3F77573C7461638047652386D411127" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_53FEC7CB6B9B21A0FB9652386D414A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueIssuedForServices_53FEC7CB6B9B21A0FB9652386D414A53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_23E7E0F0F3D0CE93C25F52386D415219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_23E7E0F0F3D0CE93C25F52386D415219" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDividendsIncurred" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDividendsIncurred_914D8885DA869F028B7052386D415564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseRelatedDisclosureAbstract_B2ED0A3A33D1C9262AAF52386D3B1A79" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareIncentivePlansDividendsIncurred_914D8885DA869F028B7052386D415564" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_96609B220C5EF270518652386D4167D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_96609B220C5EF270518652386D4167D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_41BBD010EC20380219E252386D41421A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C888823871FFA71CE5C652386D3B4458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_41BBD010EC20380219E252386D41421A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/ShareIncentivePlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_0615B601D36DB4B2C8A84CE6244C1AB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_7D5DA7780CC0358FA7804CE6244C8B26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_0615B601D36DB4B2C8A84CE6244C1AB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_7D5DA7780CC0358FA7804CE6244C8B26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_C14A541BF914C25E85B14CE6244C8417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_0615B601D36DB4B2C8A84CE6244C1AB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_C14A541BF914C25E85B14CE6244C8417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock_684C1CF160A9B0E10DEB4CE6244C33B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract_0615B601D36DB4B2C8A84CE6244C1AB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock_684C1CF160A9B0E10DEB4CE6244C33B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SubsequentEventsOther" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract_B1FDCAA1D9F5761462024CE6238AFD41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SubsequentEventsAndOtherTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsAndOtherTextBlock_852CB9B2FC26F5FFD8664CE6238A9F03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract_B1FDCAA1D9F5761462024CE6238AFD41" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsAndOtherTextBlock_852CB9B2FC26F5FFD8664CE6238A9F03" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SubsequentEventsOtherDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract_5B6AE9FE858CD4D2A7DF57B5B94CBB50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_7653DF73BAAFAD9BCBE457B5B94CBA38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SubsequentEventsOtherAbstract_5B6AE9FE858CD4D2A7DF57B5B94CBB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_7653DF73BAAFAD9BCBE457B5B94CBA38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C90E4301307D1F98883157B729A53B51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_7653DF73BAAFAD9BCBE457B5B94CBA38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C90E4301307D1F98883157B729A53B51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_491B7751E4FD87B05E4A57B72B91D6CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C90E4301307D1F98883157B729A53B51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_491B7751E4FD87B05E4A57B72B91D6CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeriesPDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeriesPDomain_F26B3CED4A51560F6E9257B72AD35287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_491B7751E4FD87B05E4A57B72B91D6CB" xlink:to="loc_eqr_SeriesPDomain_F26B3CED4A51560F6E9257B72AD35287" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_FAEC7F6415760CE9607157B91A665C66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_7653DF73BAAFAD9BCBE457B5B94CBA38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_FAEC7F6415760CE9607157B91A665C66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6271B19D5C3F29F18E9757B91C536B86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_FAEC7F6415760CE9607157B91A665C66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6271B19D5C3F29F18E9757B91C536B86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MilitaryHousingMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MilitaryHousingMember_69E99D6159A5D20B4CA757B91AD17CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6271B19D5C3F29F18E9757B91C536B86" xlink:to="loc_eqr_MilitaryHousingMember_69E99D6159A5D20B4CA757B91AD17CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_7653DF73BAAFAD9BCBE457B5B94CBA38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_E7A80B08C5D62C94AF0657B5B94E8D7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage_E7A80B08C5D62C94AF0657B5B94E8D7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_DF8751FD2AACD40C59FC57B5BD4570BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LiquidationValuePreferredInterests_DF8751FD2AACD40C59FC57B5BD4570BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_6F30F987E68995C78CDA57B5B95371DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_6F30F987E68995C78CDA57B5B95371DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedemptionofSeriesPPreferenceUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedemptionofSeriesPPreferenceUnits_B8CA820CDF98F714B16157B6167C8E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RedemptionofSeriesPPreferenceUnits_B8CA820CDF98F714B16157B6167C8E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_12749B459A3AB3B021DC57B7DF2BFA05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_12749B459A3AB3B021DC57B7DF2BFA05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposedUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_4A172ADF5F1CACEB04C357B5B953354C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_DisposedUnits_4A172ADF5F1CACEB04C357B5B953354C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_07A0B92837235971101757B5B9534DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromSaleOfProperty_07A0B92837235971101757B5B9534DBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_4F1EBBD6F23A7BF7BB2E57B5B953E9C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_4F1EBBD6F23A7BF7BB2E57B5B953E9C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_563027C581E7232D871757B5B9546D33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_563027C581E7232D871757B5B9546D33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_72DC041068D36540091357B5B95470F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_72DC041068D36540091357B5B95470F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_57F7C6FB857AD8F4189557B5B95403F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_57F7C6FB857AD8F4189557B5B95403F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_23316DAEDAAE87BD719F57B5B9547FEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_63B367EF6C1DDD2E2FFF57B5B94EBE84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_23316DAEDAAE87BD719F57B5B9547FEE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4D94A5856DD9B3FE61ED4CE531BFF6AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_A2F6CC5CF7FA39F673CA4CE531BFAD50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4D94A5856DD9B3FE61ED4CE531BFF6AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_A2F6CC5CF7FA39F673CA4CE531BFAD50" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B746059DDBF2F99813BA588FA844CC3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B746059DDBF2F99813BA588FA844CC3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_1C7EAC2E3E945C7C66C9588FA8442FAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_1C7EAC2E3E945C7C66C9588FA8442FAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_3D97808ACC21872B63B9588FA844F810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_3D97808ACC21872B63B9588FA844F810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_67B0D2C8574D529AC69C588FA8448584" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_67B0D2C8574D529AC69C588FA8448584" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_79531DE0CA092EAF8B09588FA8445463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_79531DE0CA092EAF8B09588FA8445463" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8916322BAF0B10B40ACA588FA84462AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8916322BAF0B10B40ACA588FA84462AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_4F7A7D76D2EB530A3FC4588FA83F4AAF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock_3B5C9D0BD64487D86A074CE53260D327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock_3B5C9D0BD64487D86A074CE53260D327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock_F8F659F0C77E152714844CE532619E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock_F8F659F0C77E152714844CE532619E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_6593D13598C250F6A1C04CE5326125BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_6593D13598C250F6A1C04CE5326125BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_B39280AD7B5EC28C0BC44CE53261D54A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_B39280AD7B5EC28C0BC44CE53261D54A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_E414AA62FC8734F426E64CE53261AEF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_E414AA62FC8734F426E64CE53261AEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_B5D67DE09B797FC09C214CE5326164C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_B5D67DE09B797FC09C214CE5326164C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_7274B36DB909B56489824CE53261AC3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_7274B36DB909B56489824CE53261AC3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_98D5F791DF7A1E6F4FBD4CE53261BC47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_98D5F791DF7A1E6F4FBD4CE53261BC47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPolicyTextBlock_BBFFBD353F84BA5EFF7D4CE532611997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPolicyTextBlock_BBFFBD353F84BA5EFF7D4CE532611997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_01BDE151BDA2196EB1F04CE5326193DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_01BDE151BDA2196EB1F04CE5326193DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComparabilityOfPriorYearFinancialData" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComparabilityOfPriorYearFinancialData_4BEC38A9C40D641CEB494CE53261815B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComparabilityOfPriorYearFinancialData_4BEC38A9C40D641CEB494CE53261815B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6C46889E75B9E352CBE34CE5326936D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6C46889E75B9E352CBE34CE5326936D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock_90308A70B6CCA7C74B344CE5326A7BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7DF98672AAD9F97B31894CE532609DFF" xlink:to="loc_eqr_OtherSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicyTextBlock_90308A70B6CCA7C74B344CE5326A7BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_359342A29270263ECF2D4CE5319635D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyTableTextBlock_4ECA421C071EF3EE666E4CE531963D8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_359342A29270263ECF2D4CE5319635D4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyTableTextBlock_4ECA421C071EF3EE666E4CE531963D8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AllocationOfIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxesInConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AllocationOfIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxesInConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsTableTextBlock_FFCB723FC3D5F66726E54CE531969DA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_359342A29270263ECF2D4CE5319635D4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_AllocationOfIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxesInConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsTableTextBlock_FFCB723FC3D5F66726E54CE531969DA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsTableTextBlock_F30F84DF90DB0687B1834CE531961FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_359342A29270263ECF2D4CE5319635D4" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsTableTextBlock_F30F84DF90DB0687B1834CE531961FD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_8BB0F261BB9AE38B859D4CE531968491" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_359342A29270263ECF2D4CE5319635D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_8BB0F261BB9AE38B859D4CE531968491" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTaxDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7231A03B8710F568594E4CE53226568E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A4298BB8FD73A1C87814CE53226B3FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_7231A03B8710F568594E4CE53226568E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A4298BB8FD73A1C87814CE53226B3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69F9A238465331F29BBE4CE53227EBF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A4298BB8FD73A1C87814CE53226B3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69F9A238465331F29BBE4CE53227EBF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_868F2E6D320F368E29654CE53227453B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_69F9A238465331F29BBE4CE53227EBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_868F2E6D320F368E29654CE53227453B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncomeFranchiseandExiseTaxesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncomeFranchiseandExiseTaxesMember_6D0E9BA584CF85615E974CE53227360E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_868F2E6D320F368E29654CE53227453B" xlink:to="loc_eqr_IncomeFranchiseandExiseTaxesMember_6D0E9BA584CF85615E974CE53227360E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B60DA757977C41E053E84CE53227E0B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A4298BB8FD73A1C87814CE53226B3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B60DA757977C41E053E84CE53227E0B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_18F15264DABBA2DF668C4CE53227F4C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B60DA757977C41E053E84CE53227E0B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_18F15264DABBA2DF668C4CE53227F4C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_8D3DE868F0BEEEAB57114CE532276793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_18F15264DABBA2DF668C4CE53227F4C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_8D3DE868F0BEEEAB57114CE532276793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E7D9844E49033821113A4CE532274A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_18F15264DABBA2DF668C4CE53227F4C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E7D9844E49033821113A4CE532274A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A4298BB8FD73A1C87814CE53226B3FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_8A86BB1B5BD76BA40F694CE5322CB2E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_8A86BB1B5BD76BA40F694CE5322CB2E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_82298285B7DA2D38A69E4CE5322CA66D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_82298285B7DA2D38A69E4CE5322CA66D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_89369BE529A7CF2A49884CE5322D6B26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation_89369BE529A7CF2A49884CE5322D6B26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProvisionForIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProvisionForIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxes_03C87AD74059EB2AEF1B4CE5322D3B9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ProvisionForIncomeFranchiseAndExciseTaxes_03C87AD74059EB2AEF1B4CE5322D3B9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_A080207BF48F9AF257ED4CE5322D2C78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_A080207BF48F9AF257ED4CE5322D2C78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_F6227D225427CCF69AE24CE5322DCE8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_F6227D225427CCF69AE24CE5322DCE8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsOrdinaryDividends" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsOrdinaryDividends_CF01C2981561186F4B564CE5322D2026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsOrdinaryDividends_CF01C2981561186F4B564CE5322D2026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsQualifiedDividends" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsQualifiedDividends_D1F160556E52F55262DF4CE5322D6302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsQualifiedDividends_D1F160556E52F55262DF4CE5322D6302" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsLongTermCapitalGain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsLongTermCapitalGain_4D3849C701979502CE764CE5322DB39B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsLongTermCapitalGain_4D3849C701979502CE764CE5322DB39B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsUnrecapturedSectionTwelveHundredAndFiftyGain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsUnrecapturedSectionTwelveHundredAndFiftyGain_53CBDF1BFB3D5F2EA4FD4CE5322D468A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_TaxTreatmentOfDividendsAndDistributionsUnrecapturedSectionTwelveHundredAndFiftyGain_53CBDF1BFB3D5F2EA4FD4CE5322D468A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_23C0F76EE1211236B0DE4CE5322DE0D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_23C0F76EE1211236B0DE4CE5322DE0D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet_C6E24E19F63D044EEB844CE5322D339D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C0896E4BFADB334E49EA4CE53227C626" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet_C6E24E19F63D044EEB844CE5322D339D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_9D8DB4E7953DB3A0AAF64DE0207BBD31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_9D8DB4E7953DB3A0AAF64DE0207BBD31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_E08FC6C9D9F938D48B4F4DE0207B5A73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_E08FC6C9D9F938D48B4F4DE0207B5A73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_8B7100BBAAA62A1053E44DE0207B6288" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_E08FC6C9D9F938D48B4F4DE0207B5A73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_8B7100BBAAA62A1053E44DE0207B6288" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_62B3E85C9F27D075CCEE4DE0207BAB25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_8B7100BBAAA62A1053E44DE0207B6288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnconsolidatedPropertiesMember_62B3E85C9F27D075CCEE4DE0207BAB25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_70607AD431626EC903C04DE0207B58A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_8B7100BBAAA62A1053E44DE0207B6288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember_70607AD431626EC903C04DE0207B58A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedLifePartnershipPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedLifePartnershipPropertiesMember_C4C62F0DBFBD7E56CBBF4DE0207B68B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_8B7100BBAAA62A1053E44DE0207B6288" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LimitedLifePartnershipPropertiesMember_C4C62F0DBFBD7E56CBBF4DE0207B68B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0D99395E132EB9F78F2A4DE0207B6FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0D99395E132EB9F78F2A4DE0207B6FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0D99395E132EB9F78F2A4DE0207B6FA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_D68E2FE7F023E3F354724DE0207B5FE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_D68E2FE7F023E3F354724DE0207B5FE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FurnitureAndFixturesMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FurnitureAndFixturesMaximumMember_B0183E088FE6498B38214DE0207B1D3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_FurnitureAndFixturesMaximumMember_B0183E088FE6498B38214DE0207B1D3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_46D5C8AAA1045ED8A5074DE0207BC0BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_46D5C8AAA1045ED8A5074DE0207BC0BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember_D43F51B4CF19FB5021F74DE0207B3E15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingImprovementsMember_D43F51B4CF19FB5021F74DE0207B3E15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember_4A791EB943BF0A7D0FA84DE0207B0316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMinimumMember_4A791EB943BF0A7D0FA84DE0207B0316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember_8AD10774CE1C646EDFA64DE0207B285D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ReplacementsMaximumMember_8AD10774CE1C646EDFA64DE0207B285D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember_3D80F13CF4409AF097EF4DE0207C2B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMinimumMember_3D80F13CF4409AF097EF4DE0207C2B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_23DD900D2166FB496B1C4DE0207C431B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1CB132AE7D6B7FF3F4534DE0207BA2C6" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_23DD900D2166FB496B1C4DE0207C431B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E6438F1FCC7C6963AAF14DE0207CA622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E6438F1FCC7C6963AAF14DE0207CA622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EC497CF846631683A9E34DE0207CFB7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E6438F1FCC7C6963AAF14DE0207CA622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EC497CF846631683A9E34DE0207CFB7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EC497CF846631683A9E34DE0207CFB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_188DF7E1A4C676A86FF84DE0207C2A63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_188DF7E1A4C676A86FF84DE0207C2A63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6FDB1B230ABB745232624DE0207CC6B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_188DF7E1A4C676A86FF84DE0207C2A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6FDB1B230ABB745232624DE0207CC6B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_91C57341C9EBAB7184434DE0207CB983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6FDB1B230ABB745232624DE0207CC6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_91C57341C9EBAB7184434DE0207CB983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_533A52BFDE635BAE3D9C4DE0207DACA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_533A52BFDE635BAE3D9C4DE0207DACA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_533A52BFDE635BAE3D9C4DE0207DACA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2ADBA1FFB1AAEB0697834DE0207D4BE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2ADBA1FFB1AAEB0697834DE0207D4BE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E2C312E09BE8005DD424DE0207DE3C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2ADBA1FFB1AAEB0697834DE0207D4BE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E2C312E09BE8005DD424DE0207DE3C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_6F46AF8FF27FC249738B4DE0207D0BFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E2C312E09BE8005DD424DE0207DE3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_6F46AF8FF27FC249738B4DE0207D0BFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_CD0FDE67055247942D434DE0207D0AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9E2C312E09BE8005DD424DE0207DE3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_CD0FDE67055247942D434DE0207D0AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FEF3D4A80FB73348AC94DE0207B4EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_5CED21F13A317B76AAC44DE0207D4998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_5CED21F13A317B76AAC44DE0207D4998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_4BDCCDEF81DDA262FA044DE0207EF42C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_4BDCCDEF81DDA262FA044DE0207EF42C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_AAFEA0F149A4FA645B924DE0207E0244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_AAFEA0F149A4FA645B924DE0207E0244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_637A42B2BD393AF16BDB4DE0207E111C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_637A42B2BD393AF16BDB4DE0207E111C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_C64AED1150E7A79D795A4DE0207E7E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_C64AED1150E7A79D795A4DE0207E7E0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_3CBE59BE3611E52D5C544DE0207E1EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty_3CBE59BE3611E52D5C544DE0207E1EC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_C8139286B77B8FD58E294DE0207E0E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_C8139286B77B8FD58E294DE0207E0E52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue_F7AD3E481E2D242415B44DE0207E8F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_35B5E253072C1FE254E34DE0207D27C3" xlink:to="loc_eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue_F7AD3E481E2D242415B44DE0207E8F80" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/TransactionsWithRelatedParties" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract_7EA157943821767960664CE6241AAE2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_030B41077F4F3BCCBAFB4CE6241A6F13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract_7EA157943821767960664CE6241AAE2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_030B41077F4F3BCCBAFB4CE6241A6F13" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.equityapartments.com/role/TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract_C36FDED77CFCBB1CE63B5CD0A0D87F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_80F820B60CFAA33E4F545CD0A0D86A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eqr_TransactionsWithRelatedPartiesAbstract_C36FDED77CFCBB1CE63B5CD0A0D87F08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_80F820B60CFAA33E4F545CD0A0D86A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9EE5D5EE9BA344BA39AE5CD0A0D886AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_80F820B60CFAA33E4F545CD0A0D86A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9EE5D5EE9BA344BA39AE5CD0A0D886AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F9B09A79C371B94E656F5CD0A0D887AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9EE5D5EE9BA344BA39AE5CD0A0D886AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F9B09A79C371B94E656F5CD0A0D887AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_150DA33E4C03FA0A85C45CD0A0E7D98B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_80F820B60CFAA33E4F545CD0A0D86A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_150DA33E4C03FA0A85C45CD0A0E7D98B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_A41998E11935248FC68B5CD0A0E7A6FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_150DA33E4C03FA0A85C45CD0A0E7D98B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_A41998E11935248FC68B5CD0A0E7A6FE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
