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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of common shares that can be acquired by the employee and trustees under employees share purchase plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Value Of Common Shares That Can Be Acquired By Employee And Trustees Under Employees Share Purchase Plan</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardValueOfCommonSharesThatCanBeAcquiredByEmployeeAndTrusteesUnderEmployeesSharePurchasePlan_AC0E8E1371EB9420B1AC4CE62425824E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the maximum value of common shares an employee can acquire under the employee share purchase plan on an annual basis.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardnumberofsharesauthorizedafteramendment_521648D6E479570D41F24CE624257CB3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardnumberofsharesauthorizedafteramendment_521648D6E479570D41F24CE624257CB3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the number of shares authorized for purchase under the employee share purchase plan after the most recent amendment.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardInformationRegardingCommonSharesIssuedUnderEmployeeSharePurchasePlanAbstract_B88410E8A468E26CE4074CE62425D552" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Summary of information regarding the Common Shares issued under the ESPP</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares issued</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C786BD95141B53A084C94CE62425434D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Share Purchase Plan Issuance Price Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Share Purchase Plan Issuance Price Minimum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMinimum_6778B756704E9B09B1A74CE62425A5A6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the minimum price that employees purchase common stock for under the employee purchase plan during the year.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Share Purchase Plan Issuance Price Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Share Purchase Plan Issuance Price Maximum</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeeSharePurchasePlanIssuancePriceMaximum_72C68B8844C8EC09F62B4CE62426C3AD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the maximum price that employees purchase common stock for under the employee purchase plan during the year.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_835180A7E556B8E069C04CE6242621C8" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans_835180A7E556B8E069C04CE6242621C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum eligible compensation percentage for the defined contribution plan (the 401(k) Plan)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Maximum Eligible Compensation Percentage For Defined Contribution Plan by employer</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MaximumEligibleCompensationPercentageForDefinedContributionPlanByEmployer_A16D108B1FAC3071CBE24CE62426D032" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the maximum amount of an employee's contribution to the defined contribution plan that is matched by the company.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined contribution plan vesting period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined contribution plan vesting period</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to contribution plus actual earnings is no longer contingent on satisfaction of a service condition.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DefinedContributionPlanVestingPeriod_10F75333692CF20BDF0E4CE62426DC66" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined contribution plan, compensation expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_3E3C31A82CFE32EBDE354CE624260BB2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in Partially Owned Entities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in Partially Owned Entities.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_09E17F39F7DCAD6825994CFD177AE227" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Property Balance Sheet Schedule [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Property Balance Sheet Schedule [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents a summary of the financial position of the Company's investments in partially owned entities which are either consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting (unconsolidated). Includes development projects, joint ventures and other partnerships.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyBalanceSheetScheduleTableTextBlock_68C6116119389044E8414CFD177A122B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Property Income Statement Schedule [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Property Income Statement Schedule [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents a summary of the operations of the Company's investments in partially owned entities which are either consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting (unconsolidated). Includes development projects, joint ventures and other partnerships.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedPropertyIncomeStatementScheduleTableTextBlock_8242279365E0ED5D396E4CFD177AD48C" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BusinessAbstract_9C95C08E0E8D895A6D314CE23453335B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BusinessAbstract_9C95C08E0E8D895A6D314CE23453335B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Business [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_6B49EA402540965E99404CE23456AEDF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_6B49EA402540965E99404CE23456AEDF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis]</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_3F61181EF8926D31E56463509107FBB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Los Angeles</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Los Angeles [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Los Angeles [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LosAngelesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:to="lab_eqr_LosAngelesMember_D3AD6BAAD55B4114EECF635091074A48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Diego</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Diego [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Diego [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SanDiegoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SanDiegoMember_BDD219CCA6A0ABB9978463509107D4E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Orange County</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Orange County [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Orange County [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OrangeCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:to="lab_eqr_OrangeCountyMember_3692C023D138CB5526496350910766F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Subtotal - Southern California</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Southern California [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Southern California [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SouthernCaliforniaMember_5EEA4899FF3AE92C0E56635091070379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">New York</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">NEW YORK</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:to="lab_stpr_NY_F99232A7ABD996E5F32063509107FFFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Washington D.C.</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:to="lab_stpr_DC_A752F738C91C390C7116635091071AC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Francisco</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Francisco [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">San Francisco [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SanFranciscoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SanFranciscoMember_30942D333FD64A4CC15563509107E458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Boston</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Boston [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Boston [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BostonMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:to="lab_eqr_BostonMember_21F174EF458517F39F4163509107B529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seattle</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seattle [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Seattle [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SeattleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SeattleMember_A3223D4CCA2E73F825F5635091071CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Markets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-core [Member]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NonCoreMember_7A0558C19A7D435DB70E635091075A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other (3)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:to="lab_eqr_OtherMember_B3D04FA7F9560E3F1A18635091071AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Same store (1)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Same Store [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Same Store [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SameStoreMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SameStoreMember_51EDC6E2C3676256EC5D63509107400E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-same store/other (2) (3)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-same store [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-same store [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NonsamestoreMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NonsamestoreMember_BA13483FBA2AD24783AE635091079277" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3A70823B996FA4323E6635091079076" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReportableSegmentsTextualsAbstract_F3E250A8EE1959548E57635091079909" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property and maintenance expense</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance_223891C5C85B51AF05006350910761BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real estate taxes and insurance expense</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_409632810FBE99B07EF763509107D0E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1_negatedTotalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total operating expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Operating Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:to="lab_eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses_19982760FC206D88496D635091161AC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net operating income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information Net Operating Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental income less total operating expenses including property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for reportable segments.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome_69676792A15C1A3E8328635091166A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reportable Segments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SegmentReportingMeasurementDisclosuresAbstract_253CCBA8673732AAB33463509116F2E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental income:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental Income Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental Income.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RentalIncomeAbstract_6DB7D3F27E8C91BD2704635091165466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental Income - same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Same Store Rental Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue for properties acquired two or more fiscal years ago, less properties subsequently sold.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome_84298AB5E58F1778172A635091160ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental Income - non-same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue for properties acquired during the past two fiscal years, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized within the last two fiscal years.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome_E318D6E1BA15F153303663509116D7BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information Revenues</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amount of total revenue for the reportable segments, including revenue from external customers, transactions with other operating segments of the same entity, and (gross) interest revenue. All considered to be "operating revenue" for purposes of the taxonomy.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues_C1DE6133D1CBBB60249263509116E7B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating expenses:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Operating Expenses Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating expenses.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpensesAbstract_2C7BC8B3FCEB95CFEB5363509116D98B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Expenses - same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Same Store Operating Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for properties acquired or completed and stabilized two or more fiscal years ago, less properties subsequently sold.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses_8A375658DF6347E7AA50635091166AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Operating Expenses - non-same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Operating Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for properties acquired during the last two fiscal years, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized within the last two fiscal years.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses_C3A4CFE82ED8E73761D4635091168105" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total operating expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Segment Operating Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for reportable segments.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses_B70C2B8595A02AB8F99A6350911651E8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">NOI:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information Net Operating Income Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Operating Income.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncomeAbstract_834300F448531234FA09635091167274" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">NOI - same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information Same Store Net Operating Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental income less total operating expenses including property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for properties acquired or completed and stabilized two or more fiscal years ago, less properties subsequently sold.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_B036AD00E472D9D497A6635091161C03" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">NOI - non-same store</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Segment Reporting Information Non Same Store Net Operating Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Rental income less total operating expenses including property and maintenance expense, real estate taxes and insurance expense and property management expense for properties acquired during the last two fiscal years, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized within the last two fiscal years.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome_7539111E92F7C54BDBB863509116856B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Units in same store properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number Of Units In Same Store Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of units associated with properties acquired or completed and stabilized two or more fiscal years ago, less properties subsequently sold.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties_47EBB0A2EBE62740EF6D6350911626B4" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_Assets_2867A33325BC326D63C2635091167321_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_Assets_2867A33325BC326D63C2635091167321" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Assets</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital Expenditures</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_85458617BCE70F8A8C79635091160EB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity, Capital and other Interests [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the Equity of the Parent Company and the Capital of the Operating Partnership as well as the interests of Partially Owned and Limited Partners.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_EquityCapitalAndOtherInterestsAbstract_21E5478FCC6F4028DCBF58AA4007C027" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERPOP [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERPOP [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ERP Operating Limited Partnership</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ERPOPMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ERPOPMember_5436811D23566B56C4ED58AA40077850" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Shares And Units Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Shares And Units Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of all classes of common stock held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock, and number of all Operating Partnership Units held by various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:to="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsOutstanding_1097431CC31C4379D29958AA4007FF52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Exercise of EQR share options</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AF31C25F3DD0B7F8522F58AA4007AF9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">EQR's Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_EB68803F42D25CC6F73E58AA4007B548" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">EQR's restricted share grants, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Share Grants Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number of restricted shares granted during the reporting period, net of cancellations.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RestrictedShareGrantsNet_AFE4BC35214A1532F82C58AA40070ED7" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted unit grants, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance Of LTIPs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of units issued during the period as a result of a long-term incentive plan.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLtips" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLtips_B88F58DDC60B1432F88F58AA4007FBF8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_1D45C75889F8E928897758AA40079FF7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conversion of restricted shares to restricted units</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConversionOfRestrictedSharesToLtipUnitsShares_1FB734A9E1533083164358AA40073B14" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number of long term incentive plan units issued during the period as a result of the conversion of restricted shares prior to vesting.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Shares Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Units To Common Shares</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SharesIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnitsToCommonShares_4E75B53740CBF8585C4E58AA4007673F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OP Units converted into shares of stock during the period. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit). Subject to certain exceptions, this unit can be exchanged for Common Shares on a one-for-one basis.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Units Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total Units Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TotalUnitsOutstanding_BA92DA5757EACCAA6E0558AA4007E0CD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of all Operating Partnership Units held by various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership. These units are referred to as noncontrolling interests.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnitsOwnershipInterestInOperatingPartnership_7344625E9E82C03E4A3958AA4007A044" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the noncontrolling interests (comprised of Units and LTIP Units) ownership interest in the Operating Partnership.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redeemable Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redeemable Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The greater of carrying value (book value) or fair market value of an entity's issued and outstanding Units which is not included within Partner's Capital in Capital. Represents a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the units to another class of equity.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_B592DFD16904D8B81B3258AA40088241" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partners Change In Redemption Value</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInRedemptionValue_245A5DC6A90D7FAF7BB558AA40081622" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in the value of Redeemable Limited Partners Units as a result of changes in the fair value of the company's common shares during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partners Change In Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partners Change In Carrying Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the change in the proportional relationship between the carrying values of capital associated with general partner units relative to that of the Limited Partners.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersChangeInCarryingValue_994C0C17BC4688BEC06058AA40081779" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B746059DDBF2F99813BA588FA844CC3F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B746059DDBF2F99813BA588FA844CC3F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_1C7EAC2E3E945C7C66C9588FA8442FAF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_1C7EAC2E3E945C7C66C9588FA8442FAF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Historical Volatility Period Basis</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_HistoricalVolatilityPeriodBasis_CF560DDAB4E09D225AA758905D2593D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The historical time period (in years) used by the company to calculate the change in its stock price that is to be used in a fair value calculation.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_CDE6F3574FBD5924BE63676930320B1B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AdjustmentDepreciation_CDE6F3574FBD5924BE63676930320B1B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes depreciation from discontinued operations.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D4105848FDEF2FF7A18F67693032C113_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_D4105848FDEF2FF7A18F67693032C113" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization of above/below market leases</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_3DA0FAFFD21838A73E5E67693032E1AD_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_3DA0FAFFD21838A73E5E67693032E1AD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_2B3D0344C79DD9A38BA56769303246F0_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_2B3D0344C79DD9A38BA56769303246F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Write-off of pursuit costs</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_BC2939C1F9C69F88CB336769303264B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Realized/unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4028599054835D8BDB07676930327088" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Compensation paid with Company Common Shares</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_F2AD2267B66D24EC25DA676930324758" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_09F0310A594C42756BAA67693032495E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease (increase) in deposits &#8211; restricted</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashForOperatingActivities_64B758136264B2781A896769303233E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">(Increase) decrease in mortgage deposits</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncreaseDecreaseInMortgageDeposits_69F15AB4FC3B3DD76E016769303251E6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with insurance, taxes or miscellaneous operating activities.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_E46670E687C8A944F52467693032A3B2_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_E46670E687C8A944F52467693032A3B2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease (increase) in other assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_043D16C76627A11CC9F76769303204BD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_043D16C76627A11CC9F76769303204BD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by operating activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B748AC7B2C5785E77C5567693032EE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_878F385943E7737FC90A676930327C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in real estate &#8211; acquisitions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Real Estate</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_2A185A218FA194C3D113676930329611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in real estate &#8211; development/other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Develop Real Estate Assets</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopRealEstateAssets_7D2D7D946C07B634DF6E67693032BE9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital expenditures to real estate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_C79B442E45D724CB0AE767693032CF24" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for Capital Improvements</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-real estate capital additions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments To Acquire Other Capital Assets</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements of property, plant and equipment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PaymentsToAcquireOtherCapitalAssets_0792807412FC3611C63867693032BEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest capitalized for real estate and unconsolidated entities under development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest capitalized for real estate and unconsolidated entities in development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest capitalized for real estate and unconsolidated entities in development</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Interestcapitalizedforrealestateandunconsolidatedentitiesindevelopment_D8B236C473DB0B70AEAE676930329D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from disposition of real estate, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstateHeldforinvestment_6F2EE8E2C8349156F8C267693032A3EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_4812E12DD2DC899C2FAB6769303257F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Distributions from unconsolidated entities &#8211; return of capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds From Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Subsidiaries</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash inflow from distributions of capital received from unconsolidated joint ventures ( i.e proportionate share of proceeds and/or gain/loss from property sales).</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_5633126101066164013C676930320299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from sale of investment securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_6399784BAA73818C4206676930329C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">(Increase) decrease in deposits on real estate acquisitions and investments, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDepositsOnRealEstateAcquisitions_DD7B93913A6ECD10084067693032351B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease (increase) in mortgage deposits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Deposits Investing Activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with replacement reserve obligations.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsInvestingActivities_C502D38B600E1D72297A67693032504E" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidation of previously unconsolidated properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments to Acquire Partners Interest in Real Estate Partnership, Net of Cash Acquired</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePartnersInterestInRealEstatePartnershipNetOfCashAcquired_74263EC110B6CFD232FC67693032269D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3D57DC7F8026143E339267693032D54C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_127D242EC817AD729DA067693032FFA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt financing costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments of Financing Costs</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_FD7CC814A1568141166567693032BBAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage deposits</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Deposits Financing Activities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with debt obligations.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:to="lab_eqr_MortgageDepositsFinancingActivities_EA77CDF2A68ECF36EFDC676930323F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage notes payable:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Secured Debt [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_41B09BFA214E4A1DD912676930322C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lump sum payoffs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Notes Payable Lump Sum Pay Offs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow from the lump sum payment of collateralized debt obligations (backed by pledge, mortgage or other lien in the entity's assets).</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:to="lab_eqr_MortgageNotesPayableLumpSumPayOffs_A1CD55DE74549B45C378676930328F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Scheduled principal repayments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments Of Mortgage Notes Payable</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RepaymentsOfMortgageNotesPayable_2502EC786788CBD04E07676930329ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Notes, net:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unsecured Debt [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_UnsecuredLongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_77ED66EE9308FA6C0B3B67693032A394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Notes Payable</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable_5190C7BD941E088F272B67693032D6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lump sum payoffs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Notes Payable</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_FCB75665B0EA8831F5D567693032456E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of credit and commercial paper:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_DEE472C42415CF71D69A67693032E1BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of credit proceeds</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Proceeds from Lines of Credit</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_5151B5CD88A9B43151E8676930321AED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of credit repayments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_6D325876F9AC60ADAC5E676930326D3B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Lines of Credit</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_3766C481ECB0C80CF98F67693041D451_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferenceUnits_3766C481ECB0C80CF98F67693041D451" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow for the return on capital for preference units.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_5D5B72DEC249BA2EE47E676930418FAB_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DistributionsLimitedPartners_5D5B72DEC249BA2EE47E676930418FAB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OP Units &#8211; Limited Partners</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_8BB83BBC0F5581CC5031676930418B34_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_8BB83BBC0F5581CC5031676930418B34" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Paid, Net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_C2262616EF09928BCAD8676930418EAF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_C2262616EF09928BCAD8676930418EAF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Taxes Paid, Net</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtAbstract_308FE015CF0DCBDFC20C67693041CD9D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the realted debt instruments.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_06C4E6FAA48474489FDA676930415F5E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtMortgageNotesPayable_06C4E6FAA48474489FDA676930415F5E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the mortgage notes payable during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Notes, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums On Debt Notes Net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the unsecured notes during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:to="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsOnDebtNotesNet_51FC61FCD9BC538872EA6769304177D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of credit and commercial paper</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationofDiscountsandPremiumsonLineofCreditandCommercialPapernet_5E36FFAAFA6AD0004FF76769304142B4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the line of credit and commercial paper during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amortization Of Deferred Settlements On Derivative Instruments Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsAbstract_E5117F3B6EC2F630AE6F676930417D03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of expense charged against earnings by an Entity to record deferred gains and losses on hedge instruments.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_214D0A50010C65B76F9067693041EC77_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AmortizationOfDeferredSettlementsOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_214D0A50010C65B76F9067693041EC77" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for deferred gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in other liabilities that was charged against earnings during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WriteoffofpursuitcostsAbstract_BF0D19A4A9DCD8590B6967693041A448" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The expense charged against earnings to eliminate the capitalized costs of projects that have been terminated during the reporting period, which is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivative Instruments Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_6E6B41D706BC73E5AA0C67693041AD9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The increases (decreases) in the market value of derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedging instruments that was recognized in other liabilities during the current period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Capitalized For Real Estate And Unconsolidated Entities Under Development [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of interest that was capitalized during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateAndUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopmentAbstract_029C184105C28036583967693041302E" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in real estate, net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of interest that was capitalized to construction in progress for properties under development during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForRealEstateUnderDevelopment_5EDF76FEF4B7C4FEA4AE67693041580C" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Interest Capitalized For Unconsolidated Entities Under Development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of interest that was capitalized to construction in progress for unconsolidated entities under development during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InterestCapitalizedForUnconsolidatedEntitiesUnderDevelopment_E6BEF48FD8753C46711D67693041FA0A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_InvestmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesAbstract_2AF4B396F90FBC37E1E667693041E535" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The value of unconsolidated entities real estate assumed by the Company during the reporting period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentities_784A827098E3B102C0736769304174F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investments in unconsolidated entities other liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The value of other liabilities assumed by the Company for investments in unconsolidated entities during the reporting period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Investmentsinunconsolidatedentitiesotherliabilities_511B2D040333B131E5B267693041FD9C" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">distributions from unconsolidated entities - Return of Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesReturnofCapitalAbstract_766C60EA52E59AE576AF676930414313" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_F5E21BAD54B87DAC811C6769304192BF_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedEntities_F5E21BAD54B87DAC811C6769304192BF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Distributions from unconsolidated entities return of capital - Investments in Unconsolidated Entities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_FE58A2906BCE753C2CCD6769304174E8_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_FE58A2906BCE753C2CCD6769304174E8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Distributions from unconsolidated entities - return of capital: Other Assets</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DistributionsfromunconsolidatedentitiesreturnofcapitalOtherAssets_FE58A2906BCE753C2CCD6769304174E8" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DebtfinancingcostsAbstract_E9FCF29D62B5DBFE20836769304112F4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt financing costs [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsOtherAssets_7C13A9E0D9C1E8B872D7676930418389" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_3FDE3D6C16D26624D318676930419AC3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_3FDE3D6C16D26624D318676930419AC3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Financing Costs Mortgage Notes Payable, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsMortgageNotesPayableNet_3FDE3D6C16D26624D318676930419AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_170563108530057AA1BC6769304183C1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_170563108530057AA1BC6769304183C1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Financing Costs Notes, Net</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DebtFinancingCostsNotesNet_170563108530057AA1BC6769304183C1" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_12B0026AD54A2A9037D9676930516934_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherAssets_12B0026AD54A2A9037D9676930516934" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_77FC491AA2722A15F4E74CE624FFB9F0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAbstract_77FC491AA2722A15F4E74CE624FFB9F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Real Estate Investments And Accumulated Depreciation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule Of Real Estate Investments And Accumulated Depreciation [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfRealEstateInvestmentsAndAccumulatedDepreciationTableTextBlock_DC8F27E873BC8ED98E4D4CE625000212" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Tabular disclosure of the cost of land, buildings and improvements, furniture and fixtures and accumulated depreciation in aggregate for all consolidated properties owned at the balance sheet date.</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acquired Properties Table</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acquired Properties Table Text Block [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquiredPropertiesTableTextBlockTableTextBlock_8124ECC05E8F092F70C04CE625001229" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discloses properties and associated units that the Company purchased from unaffiliated parties as well as purchase price.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_8C04C5BD657958E2A76F4CE6250098F1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock_8C04C5BD657958E2A76F4CE6250098F1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock_02DDB809521A5BD1A5E54CE624297829_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchasePlanTableTextBlock_02DDB809521A5BD1A5E54CE624297829" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Summary of information regarding the Common Shares issued under the ESPP</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_5CFAEFABEB5BC206FA796284779D75AF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommitmentsToAcquireDisposeOfRealEstateAbstract_5CFAEFABEB5BC206FA796284779D75AF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commitments to Acquire Dispose of Real Estate [Abstract]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate To Be Disposed Table Text Block</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate To Be Disposed Of [Table Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateToBeDisposedOfTableTextBlock_75536F4BC571A1E6FC116284779EEAA6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Breakdown of rental properties, units and land parcels to be disposed of subsequent to the balance sheet date per separate agreements entered into prior to the balance sheet date.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common shares and units rollforward</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsRollforwardTableTextBlock_F4E74D8528AF3A2F0C534CE62523273F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents changes in the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares and Units for the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock_3B5C9D0BD64487D86A074CE53260D327_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlock_3B5C9D0BD64487D86A074CE53260D327" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Describes the basis of accounting used to prepare the financial statements.</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cost Capitalization</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Cost Capitalization [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CostCapitalizationPolicyTextBlock_B547D373994A7200ECB64CE532613639" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Describes the entity's capitalization policy for development projects, including whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment Securities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesPolicy_A00299C8CEAA46BBF4344CE532610A57" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">General Partner [Member]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_417C9CA4971E838A4A1B628479F5E143" xlink:type="arc" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_3DE260562F569CE7FA92628479F63353_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_3DE260562F569CE7FA92628479F63353" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partner [Member]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4A84586256CAB79E3B70628479F62FDB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_156D5ACD2E0A5505C433628479F6637D_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SeriesKPreferredStockMember_156D5ACD2E0A5505C433628479F6637D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Series K Preferred Stock [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D84A861D00FE41257F2362B72EB35509_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartnersCapitalAttributableToParent_D84A861D00FE41257F2362B72EB35509" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance, beginning of year</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_405AA375D664AFF80D77628479F7F80A_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_405AA375D664AFF80D77628479F7F80A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partial redemption of 8.29% Series K Cumulative Redeemable</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_96B735674366EA4E6C60628479F7B030_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConversionofrestrictedsharestoRestrictedUnits_96B735674366EA4E6C60628479F7B030" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conversion of EQR restricted shares to restricted units</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E09861B13C0C7ABF65E3628479FD8DD9" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_E09861B13C0C7ABF65E3628479FD8DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OP Units repurchased and retired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Payments For Repurchase Of Op Units</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The cash outflow to reacquire OP Units during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOpUnits_CD9C79142BA3704BE038628479FDF46A" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">OP Units &#8211; General Partner distributions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">General Partner Distribution</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease in General Partner balance from payment of dividends or other distributions.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution" xlink:label="loc_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:to="lab_eqr_GeneralPartnerDistribution_178432F9E8E6FD7A989A628479FE2E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Offering costs</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_8C4343829CB2B4E4AB01628479FE975E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Serp</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in the value of company common shares contained in the company's supplemental executive retirement plan.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp_5D8B6E280A722D61A2C0628479FE8B8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests &#8211; Partially Owned Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acquisition Noncontrolling Interests Partially Owned Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">(Reduction to) increase in paid in capital (included in general partner's capital) due to Units issued to noncontrolling interests as a result of an acquisition and/or the buy out of a joint venture partner's interest during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties_A8523A0D736016C50CD3628479FE7E60" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in market value of Redeemable Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partners Redemptions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total change in redeemable limited partners during the period due to redemptions and adjustments to redemption value of limited partners.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:to="lab_eqr_LimitedPartnersRedemptions_61ED35D65235F765BF2A628479FE2325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment for Limited Partners ownership in Operating Partnership</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustment For Limited Partners Ownership In Operating Partnership</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in capital as a result of a reallocation of General Partner's capital to Limited Partners due to the General Partner using Units.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:to="lab_eqr_AdjustmentForLimitedPartnersOwnershipInOperatingPartnership_DE9C91BB210E90ED5EAE628479FF2D71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">LIMITED PARTNERS</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountAbstract_AEFCC5BECA58FBC94633628479FE8D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance of restricted units to Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Issuance Of Long Term Incentive Plan Units Into Noncontrolling Interest</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of long term incentive plan units issued during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:to="lab_eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest_4C517C2B679AC8B3D35E628479FE8A20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Equity compensation associated with Units &#8211; Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_05297384643CC60A9013628479FE2943" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_EF321D83954036BAF6C4628479FE48AF_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners_EF321D83954036BAF6C4628479FE48AF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Net income available to Units &#8211; Limited Partners</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Units &#8211; Limited Partners distributions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Units Limited Partners Distributions</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Decrease in Limited Partners balance from payment of dividends or other distributions.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions" xlink:label="loc_eqr_UnitsLimitedPartnersDistributions_2A23D7A65AF46AF01EFC628479FF30EA" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ChangeInCarryingValueOfRedeemableLimitedPartners_FA6A2ADEBBD401130225628479FF18AE_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ChangeInCarryingValueOfRedeemableLimitedPartners_FA6A2ADEBBD401130225628479FF18AE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in carrying value of Redeemable Limited Partners</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentsInPartiallyOwnedEntitiesAbstract_454593001A13ABA440C362847A0476D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">PARTIALLY OWNED PROPERTIES</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_510C492B2B3E91DFBF0E523875E91BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_510C492B2B3E91DFBF0E523875E91BA1" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardequityinstrumentsotherthanoptionsexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_510C492B2B3E91DFBF0E523875E91BA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Share, Ending Balance</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_88840753BE871C774DE7523875E96F8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Beginning Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number of outstanding units under a long-term incentive plan at the balance sheet date for which the employee has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to the proceeds.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_67C2244A149940FCBCDB523875E9D0E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Awards Granted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Grants</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number of long-term incentive plan units granted during the period under a long-term incentive plan.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrants_577FB26336F7EC3AA68E523875E931C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Awards exercised/vested</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanVestExercisedInPeriod</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number (units) of long-term incentive plan units vested/exercised during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestexercisedinperiod_535580764A3A03D3EA3D523875E91944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Awards forfeited</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Forfeited</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number of units under a long-term incentive plan that were settled during the reporting period due to a failure to satisfy vesting conditions.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeited_07A6DEF45A52083D13E5523875E9F20B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Awards Expired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanExpiredInPeriod</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The number (units) of long-term incentive plan units expired during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiod_FF36AA3CC3FBA950048F523875E99EF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Units, Ending Balance</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanOutstanding_F221F44C0F4CCF5A65F2523875E9B11D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Beginning Balance</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average fair value of nonvested long-term incentive plan units at the balance sheet date for which the employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria to gain title.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B8762BFE262D0EBC59D523875E9C916" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Awards granted</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Grants Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average fair value at grant for nonvested long-term incentive plan units issued during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanGrantsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_53FEB13D4E14B03C3520523875E96E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Awards exercised/vested</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanVestedExercisedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average fair value for long-term incentive plan units vested/exercised during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanvestedexercisedinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_E0A31941A7D096AC9E3A523875E9D385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Awards forfeited</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Long Term Incentive Plan Forfeited Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average fair value as of the grant date of long term incentive plans that were not exercised during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in the contractual agreement.</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanForfeitedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_2DEAB6FF21D0BA5FACD6523875E96274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Awards Expired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanExpiredInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Sharebasedcompensationarrangementbysharebasedpaymentawardlongtermincentiveplanexpiredinperiodweightedaveragegrantdatefairvalue_8208683FBB6B76EB2D4C523875E9FC22" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average fair value for long-term incentive plan units expired during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B91159C8431F408F8E6523875E9A539_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_5B91159C8431F408F8E6523875E9A539" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Fair Value per Restricted Unit, Ending Balance</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DA4FB7EDDEC3BAC57B74523875E9DB30" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_DA4FB7EDDEC3BAC57B74523875E9DB30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Intrinsic value of options exercised</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_801FAB3C5C6E0A02B104523875E92079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_9FBD70796F619AF3F1B1523875E90038" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_702AE41C7E5E39D7B0B7526FCA755D85_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_702AE41C7E5E39D7B0B7526FCA755D85" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Distributions declared per Common Share outstanding</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract_A0E316486A64838DD7E357D704232C6E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">REVENUES</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B46D6CF9F67C834069E157D70423C018" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">EXPENSES</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Units Acquired Units</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partially Owned Units Acquired Units</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of rental unit or units acquired as part of the acquisition of an outside partner's interest.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnitsAcquiredUnits_8D2CE4B71921524F046E5C2634AC3637" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Land parcels acquired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Land parcels acquired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of land parcel or parcels acquired from unaffiliated third parties during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LandParcelsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:to="lab_eqr_LandParcelsAcquired_AFA86E05B3F1770558FE5C2634ACCD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Price, Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Purchase Price, Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The total cost of the acquired entity including the cash paid to shareholders of acquired entities, fair value of debt and equity securities issued to shareholders of acquired entities, the fair value of the liabilities assumed, and direct costs of the acquisition.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PurchasePriceBusinessAcquisitionCostofAcquiredEntity_407B9133A53762EB2F4C5C2634AC225F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Change in Paid In Capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Increase To Reduction Of Paid In Capital</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The change in paid in capital due to Units issued to noncontrolling interests as a result of an acquisition and/or the buy out of a joint venture partner's interest during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_eqr_IncreaseToReductionOfPaidInCapital_CBB0BB0A057A0AD5EE805C2634ACE0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction In Partially Owned Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction In Partially Owned Properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction in noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties as a result of the buy-out of a joint venture partner's interest during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReductionInPartiallyOwnedProperties_2B9062AEC256C46F64D05C2634AC8AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction In Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction In Other Liabilities</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reduction in other liabilities due to units issued to noncontrolling interests as a result of an acquisition and/or the buy-out of a joint venture partner's interest during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ReductionInOtherLiabilities_D780DBC6F78056A185525C2634AC11EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CB0A286C60C90D9BB1C94CE625BFD6DD_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CB0A286C60C90D9BB1C94CE625BFD6DD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other assets</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_519E5F7D17FAE70B90284CE625BFAB48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_4C9C4186E8C1F5AF34844CE625BF1A84_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_4C9C4186E8C1F5AF34844CE625BF1A84" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Distributions payable</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redeemable Limited Partners</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RedeemableLimitedPartners_4A182CF7B0B340D348424CE625BF58F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capital:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_E42D6F48F5A4E136F4EC4CE625BFAEE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partners' Capital:</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract_BD4D3AC156E4B4FEEA224CE625BFBB87" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Partners' Capital [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preference Units</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts_95137A3BBD2D475EBEDD4CE625BFBFA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Preferred Units, Preferred Partners' Capital Accounts</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">General Partner</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccount_8F1F7FC19578530E31944CE625C0BE3F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">General Partners' Capital Account</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties_8818752D7EF6AA6F716C4DE01D4E42CA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationProperties_8818752D7EF6AA6F716C4DE01D4E42CA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of properties which the company directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities owns all or a portion of.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_F402EECB6613404EFB9B4DE01D4ECF84_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_F402EECB6613404EFB9B4DE01D4ECF84" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of units associated with rental properties which the company directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities owns all or a portion of.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_FE76478EF7323868273A4DE01D4E2B8A_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandBuildingsAndFurnituresAndFixtures_FE76478EF7323868273A4DE01D4E2B8A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in Real Estate, Gross</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Investment in Real Estate Net</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet_2212EC005679D9F1924C4DE01D4FE339" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The net book value of each property at the end of the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_FB68D42B9CA5521363BC4DE01D4FE742_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_FB68D42B9CA5521363BC4DE01D4FE742" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Encumbrances</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Encumbrances Reconciliation [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Encumbrances Reconciliation [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Encumbrances Reconciliation.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationEncumbrancesReconciliationAbstract_F7EABDE5D3F955C6DD154DE01D4F9ABD" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Properties Encumbered</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Number of Properties Encumbered</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the number of rental properties encumbered by a lien or mortgage.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NumberOfPropertiesEncumbered_19F02AF4DB9C95096E984DE01D4F6165" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in total real estate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward_DCB1CC463B9AB52C85FC4DE01D4FB3F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74_periodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance, beginning of year</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_1B4C8D58F1BC6F83D9C44DE01D4F8B74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Acquisitions and development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Acquisitions And Development</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross amount at which new acquisitions and development properties are carried at the end of the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RealEstateAcquisitionsAndDevelopment_9ADC6398D976751A63E94DE01D4F7EA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Improvements</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Improvements</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateImprovements_736063492ED1DC25F8A94DE01D4FF2DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dispositions and other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Dispositions And Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Gross amount at which dispositions are removed from the balance sheet for properties sold during the year.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RealEstateDispositionsAndOther_BDD8739A3107AB8334D24DE01D4F6712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0_periodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance, end of year</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_0FF4D0E451A824C85BB34DE01D4F0DC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Changes in accumulated depreciation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationRollForward_DEF1E31AA7CE1E1BEE514DE01D4FA3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244_negatedPeriodStartLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance, beginning of year</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_C41433F9D47AC04200094DE01D4FD244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Depreciation</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDepreciationExpense_FE0BACB586536E8E1D834DE01D50CE16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dispositions and other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Dispositions And Other</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of depreciation expense related to dispositions that has been reclassified to discontinued operations.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciationDispositionsAndOther_48AB17A63D1E3ABD03554DE01D5027B9" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5_negatedPeriodEndLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Balance, end of year</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_93E8BC85C619DCEF0A584DE01D50A9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">COMMON SHARES, $0.01 PAR VALUE</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_647D6FB0BFDF1C591E9457FFCF292CCD" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock [Member]</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_300F5518AC2864152FB6669679955F32" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33E5120636F7BA67202F6696799530B3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33E5120636F7BA67202F6696799530B3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Revolving Credit Facility [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_02FA0532B615DCF0BA9366967995C5E4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_B75748930BA2C2DB4FFC66967995B3EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">A 250 billion LOC [Member] [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">A 250 billion LOC [Member] [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">A $2.50 billion LOC</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A250BillionLocMemberDomain_EF4C812C2B848F2E1ADC669679955DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">200 billion LOC [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">200 billion LOC [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">a $2.0 billion LOC</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_A200billionLOCDomain" xlink:label="loc_eqr_A200billionLOCDomain_A1DC9B44A33EB959B9EC669679951767" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_782DC4E94DDB8E720FC466967995E03B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">ability to increase LOC facility</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_AbilityToIncreaseLineOfCredit_E472F028E81F130E5F2C669679955357" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the amount by which available borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facility may be increased. The available borrowings may be increased by adding additional banks to the facility or obtaining the agreement of existing banks to increase their commitments.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFee_CB26815357EAB0000BCD6696799570CC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Commercialpapermaximumborrowingcapacity_3326A460386C3C8D08D7669679956651" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper, net</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper</link:label>
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    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_CommercialPaper_BAE4983900F1D278B7A76696799574AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">commercial paper principal outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">commercial paper principal outstanding</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Commercialpaperprincipaloutstanding_AB39DFA09EF5C2A8C13B66967995FAD5" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the gross amount of commercial paper outstanding, not adjusted for the discount.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Interest Rate Commercial Paper</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Interest Rate Commercial Paper</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateCommercialPaper_26D0C334B8D573B4027A66967995A579" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average interest rate on commercial paper during the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper Weighted average days outstanding</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Paper Weighted average days outstanding</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommercialPaperWeightedaveragedaysoutstanding_42A37FFD86E9E3CD7FEA6696799545F6" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_47C957CC038F606BC32266967995D3F0_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_47C957CC038F606BC32266967995D3F0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_6A0F96F0293FFA24876166967995339B_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_6A0F96F0293FFA24876166967995339B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Amount restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted average interest rate on revolving letter of credit</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Interest Rate Revolving Credit Facility</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average interest rate on the revolving line of credit during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageInterestRateRevolvingCreditFacility_636AE138A2ABFD49D86F66967995CF1E" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_09E732BD625712B4FD194CE624B9C126_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RestrictedAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_09E732BD625712B4FD194CE624B9C126" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Rental Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Rental Properties [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Consolidated Rental Properties [Member].</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ConsolidatedRentalPropertiesMember_A1A004E703FC2DD784E74CE624E62D4F" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">South Florida</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-core South Florida [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-core - South Florida [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncoreSouthFloridaMember_91B7A6F7CF4512678C904CE624E77C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Denver</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Non-core - Denver [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_NoncoreDenverMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_NoncoreDenverMember_40FA1AEDA43C4952B0494CE624E78241" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member_8D75DD2C710B7C8A08544CE624E778FF_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member_8D75DD2C710B7C8A08544CE624E778FF" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Washington D.C. [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WashingtonD.C.Member_8D75DD2C710B7C8A08544CE624E778FF" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_NoncoreotherInlandEmpireCAMember_5CDE017EF493D727881D4CE624E7D61B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_NoncoreotherInlandEmpireCAMember_5CDE017EF493D727881D4CE624E7D61B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Los Angeles</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The aggregate total of real estate taxes and insurance expense that is attributable to the disposal group.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance" xlink:label="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:to="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRealEstateTaxesAndInsurance_4C396180047D3EA2182B4CE624564FB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_3CC754A4181298D19BFD4CE624560E05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_80B425A1BDCA756DB49C4CE62456EB5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_D1126A63E3995DCD3AEB4CE62456900C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Interest And Other Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Interest And Other Income</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome_422CBB67DC5C417472574CE6245615B1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount of interest income and other income recognized during the period attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation).</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Expenses</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses_69D783C78DE0ED9077D04CE624561DD4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Any other expense items resulting from secondary business-related activities, excluding those considered part of the normal operations of the business that have not been previously categorized that are attributable to the disposal group.</link:label>
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    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Loss From Discontinued Operations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Loss From Discontinued Operations</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperations_BC74BE1440DC8291E7334CE6245680CE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This element represents the income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items, the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any, and gain (loss) on disposal.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0DD18959E1106B0DDFFF4CE62456AAF6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0DD18959E1106B0DDFFF4CE62456AAF6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Shares and Units [Table]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesAndUnitsTable_4B4BFA4696F3B45EBEC558AA400CE039" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schedule showing the changes in the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares and Units for the period.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2D28CAC960D7956668B458AA400C2F42_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2D28CAC960D7956668B458AA400C2F42" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Common Shares Issued:</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CommonSharesIssuedAbstract_AB4B99486390BFD83D5158AA400C9B03" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits_E22C0957BEFB508CFA2A58AA400C8474_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits_E22C0957BEFB508CFA2A58AA400C8474" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conversion of OP Units</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_23DD900D2166FB496B1C4DE0207C431B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_23DD900D2166FB496B1C4DE0207C431B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renovations and Improvements Maximum [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenovationsAndImprovementsMaximumMember_23DD900D2166FB496B1C4DE0207C431B" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_3AF94FF406A5BC5280364DE0207C74B9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Assets [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_533A52BFDE635BAE3D9C4DE0207DACA8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_533A52BFDE635BAE3D9C4DE0207DACA8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Type of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_10E53BCDFBEFDF980EAB4DE0207D7C2C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Type of Adoption [Domain]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_08F4AC958713A0DEA8484DE0207D8F2F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of furniture and fixtures minimum range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of furniture and fixtures minimum range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of the minimum amount applied on a per apartment unit basis to estimate the fair value of furniture and fixtures inside the unit for newly acquired properties based on economic age.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange_9CD1EDD5434C27D8DC394DE0207D47DC" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of furniture and fixtures maximum range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of furniture and fixtures maximum range</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Value of the maximum amount applied on a per apartment unit basis to estimate the fair value of furniture and fixtures inside the unit for newly acquired properties based on economic age.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange_9D8CCF750BDADA3791DE4DE0207E56B6" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_5146F6AED939F59329424DE0207E5999" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lease Intangibles, Average Term</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the average term in months of In-place lease intangibles over which the asset is amortized.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm_40F6BD7D6C1AA21B18E84DE0207E1481" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Capitalized Costs Development and Renovation</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation_B26A1237E052ABD9AFB54DE0207E3540" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents payroll and associated costs of employees directly responsible for and who spend their time on the supervision of development activities as well as major capital and/or renovation projects that are capitalized on the balance sheet</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Retail/Commercial Leases Term</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the average term in years of retail/commercial leases.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesTerm_50962684CBFF6854FC9F4DE0207EC98F" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_28EE2A42F57651DC90A36767CFDC46F4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ProceedsFromPaymentsOnSettlementOfDerivativeInstrumentsOtherLiabilities_28EE2A42F57651DC90A36767CFDC46F4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other liabilities</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_EmployeePlansTextBlock_4FBDC646F62E3B2027124CE6242BA48D_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_EmployeePlansTextBlock_4FBDC646F62E3B2027124CE6242BA48D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Employee Plans</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9BD4B718B892D76D00124CE6246A26CC_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9BD4B718B892D76D00124CE6246A26CC" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToCommonShares_F31F7E6E80DCA9998A0C4CE6246BADC9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToCommonShares_F31F7E6E80DCA9998A0C4CE6246BADC9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may be defined as revenues less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DilutiveOpUnits_F70B84037787B4C75BED4CE6246BCC2D_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DilutiveOpUnits_F70B84037787B4C75BED4CE6246BCC2D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Dilutive Op Units</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DilutiveSecuritiesOptions_A69C306BEB2C9D8273A24CE6246B39BA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DilutiveSecuritiesOptions_A69C306BEB2C9D8273A24CE6246B39BA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The amount resulting from the "as if" assumption that stock options were exercised for purposes of computing the dilutive effect of convertible securities.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DividendPreferenceUnits_DB0CB55FA4813DAD191E4CE6246B659A_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DividendPreferenceUnits_DB0CB55FA4813DAD191E4CE6246B659A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Allocation to Preference Units</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14_totalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Loss From Continuing Operations Available To Units</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAvailableToUnits_FE9C05F5C1B2D17D146D4CE6246B2F14" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Income Loss From Continuing Operations Available To Units</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A7.570NotesMember_2B8760F10ECFFDF0DF624CE6249DE7A3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A7.570NotesMember_2B8760F10ECFFDF0DF624CE6249DE7A3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">7.570% Notes [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A4.50NotesMember_60EA8BDD3361B4E59BE94CE6249E794D_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A4.50NotesMember_60EA8BDD3361B4E59BE94CE6249E794D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">4.50% Notes [Member]</link:label>
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    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_12C418A3DCA460E03B9C4CE6249F5BF1" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1_12C418A3DCA460E03B9C4CE6249F5BF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fannie Mae Pool 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fannie Mae Pool 3 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Fannie Mae Pool 3, loan pool ERPOP assumed at Archstone Acquisition</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_FannieMaePool3Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_FannieMaePool3Member_AADEE3B8D49A0B2F1E3C630D3952C70E" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgages [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgages [Member]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_1F4E525C5CEFC61EA3B2630D39526E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Bonds [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Bonds [Member]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_BondsMember_D8027B2C716E5C2F88F6630D39522F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conventional Mortgage Loan [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Conventional Mortgage Loan [Member]</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ConventionalLoanMember_0034C81EDFC8250E302E630D39520CD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loan - Floating Rate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loan - Floating Rate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Mortgage Loan - Floating Rate [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:to="lab_eqr_MortgageLoanFloatingRateMember_AD20A69B76EE9459F58F630D3952EB17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit enhanced debt [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit enhanced debt [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Credit enhanced debt [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:to="lab_eqr_CreditEnhancedDebtMember_6FA53C432A22DED42407630D3952C436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Repayments of Long-term Debt</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_92729BC8871F314D70F6630D3953D23C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_AF4D2D6B8023DBCC5E8A630D395319AE" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Properties acquired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Properties acquired</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Total number of property or properties acquired from unaffiliated third parties during the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PropertiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PropertiesAcquired_12051AC8D7ADF3E4CD74630D395347CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Mortgage Debt Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Weighted Average Mortgage Debt Interest Rate</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The weighted average interest rate on total mortgage debt for the period.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WeightedAverageMortgageDebtInterestRate_29497C55D86375302E76630D395313D1" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation, of encumbered properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Historical cost of encumbered properties</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents a total which may include the following: land available-for-development, investments in building and building improvements, developments-in-process, and furniture and fixtures for properties that are encumbered by mortgages.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties" xlink:label="loc_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:to="lab_eqr_HistoricalCostOfEncumberedProperties_5A37C4752CE6288472CF630D39533A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_29BE969412C1B288C4154CE625942517_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_29BE969412C1B288C4154CE625942517" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other comprehensive income (loss):</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Other comprehensive income loss.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:to="lab_eqr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAbstract_036B351743136AE7DB504CE625951AA8" xlink:type="arc" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember_8B2060B9FCC2CD18BC53637FFCC19396_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember_8B2060B9FCC2CD18BC53637FFCC19396" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Park Hacienda (fka Hacienda) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prado (fka Glendale) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember_206B693146B5974651FB637FFCC20254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prime, The [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prime, The [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prime, The EQR property.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PrimeTheMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PrimeTheMember_6CED8B721A7A60234FD8637FFCC22D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prism at Park Avenue South (fka 400 Park Aveue South (EQR)) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">APrism at Park Avenue South (fka 400 Park Aveue South (EQR)) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Prism at Park Avenue South (fka 400 Park Aveue South (EQR)) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:to="lab_eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember_59E2E1B9CBB8BEFA5BDE637FFCC2A573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Promenade at Town Center I &amp; II [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Promenade at Town Center I &amp; II [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Promenade at Town Center I &amp; II [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:to="lab_eqr_PromenadeatTownCenterIIIMember_64F352FC1751A17471B8637FFCC2FE45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Quarry Hills [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Quarry Hills [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Quarry Hills [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_QuarryHillsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:to="lab_eqr_QuarryHillsMember_AC268433477FE778CD72637FFCC3D0EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Red 160 (fka Redmond Way) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Red 160 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Red 160.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_Red160Member" xlink:label="loc_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:to="lab_eqr_Red160Member_CBE7B9731D65F192CFBC637FFCC37893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redmond Court [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redmond Court [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Redmond Court [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RedmondCourtMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RedmondCourtMember_A26CE71C067202965AF0637FFCC33A67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regency Palms [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regency Palms [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Regency Palms.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RegencyPalmsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RegencyPalmsMember_EF9A12E6998CF4E49DE3637FFCC35E10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renaissance Villas [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renaissance Villas [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Renaissance Villas [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember_F6910BDD6C6F848F37BF637FFCC3359F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Mountain View (fka Mountain View) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Mountain View (fka Mountain View) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Mountain View (fka Mountain View) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember_66E30BF01D3538F76819637FFCC3BFA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Potomac Yard [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Potomac Yard [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Potomac Yard.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember_F6213EA9690BAF9B680A637FFCC3493A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Town Center I-III (WA) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Town Center I-III (WA) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Reserve at Town Center I-III (WA) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ReserveatTownCenterIIIIWAMember_059E937EDDB6D2565737637FFCC3EF4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residences at Westgate I (fka Westage II) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residences at Westgate I (fka Westage II) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Residences at Westgate I (fka Westage II) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember_6817C23DFC4FAC048204637FFCC38749" xlink:type="arc" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember_1CFD4CA051703300BDD5637FFCC6B203_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember_1CFD4CA051703300BDD5637FFCC6B203" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Town Square at Mark Center II [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Urbana (fka Market Street Landing) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Urbana (fka Market Street Landing) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember_FE3D0AEF68D2610F09F1637FFCC6453A" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Urbana (fka Market Street Landing) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VantagePointeMember_322CDC8F3E4CA85353D2637FFCC68AB0_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VantagePointeMember_322CDC8F3E4CA85353D2637FFCC68AB0" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vantage Pointe [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VeloceMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VeloceMember_184C23BF6452E23F8BFD637FFCC63C32" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Verde Condominium Homes (fka Mission Verde, LLC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Verde Condominium Homes (fka Mission Verde, LLC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Verde Condominium Homes (fka Mission Verde, LLC) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember_513D5D0904551B17BF79637FFCC6E45F" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Veridian (fka Silver Spring) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Veridian (fka Silver Spring) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Veridian (fka Silver Spring) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember_EDE97B7FDB50D910A73E637FFCC61708" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Villa Solana [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Villa Solana [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Villa Solana.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VillaSolanaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:to="lab_eqr_VillaSolanaMember_14A1D46DB8357CA13933637FFCC72852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Village at Del Mar Heights, The (fka Del Mar Heights) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The Village at Del Mar Heights (fka Del Mar Heights) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember_BE91C398B5D9DD6D1AAF637FFCC7193B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The Village at Del Mar Heights (fka Del Mar Heights) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virginia Square [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virginia Square [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirginiaSquareMember_8FF9FBD0E9F48146520C637FFCC703E9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virginia Square [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vista 99 (fka Tasman) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vista 99 (fka Tasman) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_Vista99fkaTasmanMember_785BC3B45B823B380B6C637FFCC79D24" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vista 99 (fka Tasman) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VistaDelLagoMember_56B3A6FBE0698DC4AF6C637FFCC7DD35_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VistaDelLagoMember_56B3A6FBE0698DC4AF6C637FFCC7DD35" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Vista Del Lago.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A101WestEndMember_D48696218C813F341655637FFCC9E903_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A101WestEndMember_D48696218C813F341655637FFCC9E903" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">101 West End [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Joyce On Pentagon Row 1401 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Joyce On Pentagon Row 1401 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member_317A1BE98A5E9B7E17E7637FFCC93B51" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">1401 Joyce on Pentagon Row.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">300 East 39th [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">300 East 39th [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A300East39thMember_4D8B7675ED8A564B17B0637FFCC9CA77" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">300 East 39th [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember_CFC3AFEE66A38564BB94637FFCC989A2_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember_CFC3AFEE66A38564BB94637FFCC989A2" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">303 East 83rd (fka Camargue) [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">La Terrazza at Colma Station [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember_3073F7D58AB194402012637FFCCD9E87" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">La Terrazza at Colma Station.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LagunaClaraMember_F1377B47A0A19E8FBD83637FFCCD97D7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LagunaClaraMember_F1377B47A0A19E8FBD83637FFCCD97D7" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Laguna Clara [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LibertyParkMember_6665C6D5B4903DEF73A1637FFCCD6B49_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LibertyParkMember_6665C6D5B4903DEF73A1637FFCCD6B49" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liberty Park [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LibertyTowerMember_8820646A2D1EADD1E784637FFCCD2ACA_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LibertyTowerMember_8820646A2D1EADD1E784637FFCCD2ACA" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Liberty Tower [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Longview Place [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LongviewPlaceMember_BED10B7B2592F567DAFE637FFCCDF843" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Longview Place.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember_7126B72B9DBE2E0BD573637FFCCD7A4B_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember_7126B72B9DBE2E0BD573637FFCCD7A4B" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Market Street Village [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Via Ventura [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_ViaVenturaMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:to="lab_eqr_ViaVenturaMember_F97C8FF2EEFA8FDB8D75637FFCD2E64C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Wood Creek II (fka Willow Brook (CA))</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Wood Creek II (fka Willow Brook (CA)) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Wood Creek II (fka Willow Brook (CA)).</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:to="lab_eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember_000BFAA0C1B5F462E398637FFCD26260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Bellevue Meadows [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Bellevue Meadows [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Bellevue Meadows.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:to="lab_eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember_7A5EA00E9F102829CF4C637FFCD2867C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Canyon Creek (CA) [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Canyon Creek C [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Canyon Creek (CA).</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_CanyonCreekCMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:to="lab_eqr_CanyonCreekCMember_CC0163C3EFA476C5C3CA637FFCD2B865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lantern Cove [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lantern Cove [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Lantern Cove.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_LanternCoveMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:to="lab_eqr_LanternCoveMember_494A95B8785CA0CCDF4D637FFCD27E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay I [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay One [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay I.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember_9C98BF6B12DCB83681F8637FFCD29711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay II [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay Two [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Schooner Bay II.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember_4632D2D586D89A74A320637FFCD24318" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Surrey Downs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Surrey Downs [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Surrey Downs.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_SurreyDownsMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:to="lab_eqr_SurreyDownsMember_3C1AD345C4A66C50F6F1637FFCD2E36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virgil Square [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virgil Square [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Virgil Square.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_VirgilSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:to="lab_eqr_VirgilSquareMember_B7E48CB48A816B4ED3E3637FFCD2F559" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estates and Accumulated Depreciation.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RealEstatesAndAccumulatedDepreciationAbstract_C992D703360C5EDBBEB5637FFCD3C9A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Represents the location of the property within the United States.</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfLocation_95301F4A45CCBFD87A2E637FFCD358D9" xlink:type="locator" />
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:href="eqr-20161231.xsd#eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits" xlink:label="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:to="lab_eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits_6F541DFEC746199030CE637FFCD37BB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28_verboseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Initial Cost to Company, Land</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_33C700C726D0B5545DBB637FFCD38B28" xlink:type="arc" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754_negatedLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Due, Year 3</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_8F509C496A1EB3B910475CD0A0B8D754" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_F2BC136D983133E1C3575CD0A0B84E71_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_F2BC136D983133E1C3575CD0A0B84E71" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_13FE498FDE89D47E4A695CD0A0C8FC20_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_13FE498FDE89D47E4A695CD0A0C8FC20" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five</link:label>
    <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" />
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967_negatedTerseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Due, Thereafter</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter</link:label>
    <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:labelArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_177888A5C51D0B0B05645CD0A0C8F967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919_negatedTotalLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Deferred Compensation Due, Total</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayments_B90D35DB3B6B752249D45CD0A0C89919" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">The total amount of benefits to be paid related to a defined benefit plan.</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_030B41077F4F3BCCBAFB4CE6241A6F13_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_030B41077F4F3BCCBAFB4CE6241A6F13" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_2DA1B4D945982DABDEBD57D6BBF93E3F_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_2DA1B4D945982DABDEBD57D6BBF93E3F" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Commercial Real Estate [Member]</link:label>
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    <link:label id="lab_eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired_B4A9A7917AA0B3688D5457D6BBFAFB58_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_eqr_PropertyUnitsAcquired_B4A9A7917AA0B3688D5457D6BBFAFB58" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xml:lang="en-US">Property Units Acquired</link:label>
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