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Consolidated Statements of Capital (Parenthetical) - $ / shares | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
Essex Portfolio, L.P. | Preferred Equity |  |  |
Distributions declared (in dollars per share) | $ 8.31 | $ 7.80 | $ 7.44

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