<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva, formerly WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/BorrowingArrangements" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#BorrowingArrangements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/BorrowingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#BorrowingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactions" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpense" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpense" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareCalculationOfNumeratorAndDenominatorInEpsTableDetails" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareCalculationOfNumeratorAndDenominatorInEpsTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EstimatedAmortizationOfIdentifiedIntangibleAssetsForNextFiveYearsDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#EstimatedAmortizationOfIdentifiedIntangibleAssetsForNextFiveYearsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/FairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndTheirClassificationOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#FairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndTheirClassificationOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/FinancialInformationForOperationSegmentsDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#FinancialInformationForOperationSegmentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVentures" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInJointVentures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVenturesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInJointVenturesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVenturesTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInJointVenturesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstateAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInRealEstateAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstatePropertiesDisposedTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInRealEstatePropertiesDisposedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstateScheduleOfIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#InvestmentInRealEstateScheduleOfIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/LongTermCashIncentivePlan" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#LongTermCashIncentivePlan" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/LongTermCashIncentivePlanAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#LongTermCashIncentivePlanAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/NotesReceivable" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#NotesReceivable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/NotesReceivableAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#NotesReceivableAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegments" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ReportableSegments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ReportableSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegmentsReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#ReportableSegmentsReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/StockOptionPlanAndStockGrants" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#StockOptionPlanAndStockGrants" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/StockOptionPlanAndStockGrantsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#StockOptionPlanAndStockGrantsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/BorrowingArrangements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/BorrowingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_E008644459D4685254BF5D87D5C57A0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_E008644459D4685254BF5D87D5C57A0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DE7AECC1801E57DD4A2C5D87D5C587F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_E008644459D4685254BF5D87D5C57A0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DE7AECC1801E57DD4A2C5D87D5C587F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DE7AECC1801E57DD4A2C5D87D5C587F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_E008644459D4685254BF5D87D5C57A0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DE7AECC1801E57DD4A2C5D87D5C587F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewpolicyMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewpolicyMember_BDE1776AAF682153EEA45D87D5C5A827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DE7AECC1801E57DD4A2C5D87D5C587F8" xlink:to="loc_els_NewpolicyMember_BDE1776AAF682153EEA45D87D5C5A827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F1DA99EE2A9836094D845D87D5C56063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F1DA99EE2A9836094D845D87D5C56063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_527C1A617C6409909C6D5D87D5C54179_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F1DA99EE2A9836094D845D87D5C56063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_527C1A617C6409909C6D5D87D5C54179_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_527C1A617C6409909C6D5D87D5C54179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F1DA99EE2A9836094D845D87D5C56063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_527C1A617C6409909C6D5D87D5C54179" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_63196304C01706DB29655D87D5C61D72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_527C1A617C6409909C6D5D87D5C54179" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_63196304C01706DB29655D87D5C61D72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_8718A1DB0450A0D7CDBC5D87D5C64163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_8718A1DB0450A0D7CDBC5D87D5C64163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_8718A1DB0450A0D7CDBC5D87D5C64163" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_8718A1DB0450A0D7CDBC5D87D5C64163" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RVResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_RVResortMember_FE795D39E5E626C972FC5D87D5C6D8EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9" xlink:to="loc_els_RVResortMember_FE795D39E5E626C972FC5D87D5C6D8EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ManufacturedHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_C16C9E4B868BA5CCE28E5D87D5C63CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_A892B7BEF9F2FFD45FD15D87D5C60EB9" xlink:to="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_C16C9E4B868BA5CCE28E5D87D5C63CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3A73766C166BF84C8A725D87D5C6E096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3A73766C166BF84C8A725D87D5C6E096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F54C5DDA8F0E1C54D5AB5D87D5C61076_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3A73766C166BF84C8A725D87D5C6E096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F54C5DDA8F0E1C54D5AB5D87D5C61076_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F54C5DDA8F0E1C54D5AB5D87D5C61076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3A73766C166BF84C8A725D87D5C6E096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F54C5DDA8F0E1C54D5AB5D87D5C61076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_46E4527BF13BEB4E0E355D87D5C66B7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F54C5DDA8F0E1C54D5AB5D87D5C61076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_46E4527BF13BEB4E0E355D87D5C66B7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_238DF91ECD46C973B8D35D87D5CBA158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_238DF91ECD46C973B8D35D87D5CBA158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_238DF91ECD46C973B8D35D87D5CBA158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_238DF91ECD46C973B8D35D87D5CBA158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B827894E2C99927210425D87D5CC67AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B827894E2C99927210425D87D5CC67AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C9BB2B0143197031757C5D87D5CC2A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3F687DB28632162A422B5D87D5CBFD85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C9BB2B0143197031757C5D87D5CC2A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2052BE5775001126E1C75D87D5CC7D05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B1BB820986F391459F165D87D5C4BE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2052BE5775001126E1C75D87D5CC7D05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2052BE5775001126E1C75D87D5CC7D05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2052BE5775001126E1C75D87D5CC7D05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember_97C6C365C55B984CA3855D87D5CC73AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1" xlink:to="loc_els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember_97C6C365C55B984CA3855D87D5CC73AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_35B1FCCF7305D84489455D87D5CC4AB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1" xlink:to="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_35B1FCCF7305D84489455D87D5CC4AB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember_5264B3502D02D367C5965D87D5CCF303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C3F946F4A667986142275D87D5CCD9B1" xlink:to="loc_els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember_5264B3502D02D367C5965D87D5CCF303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_8238C25140FD561EBF475D87D5CDEF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_8238C25140FD561EBF475D87D5CDEF9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_E6286847903ACD9E57C45D87D5CD492B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_E6286847903ACD9E57C45D87D5CD492B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_81AC1411B78DC79269105D87D5CD3754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_81AC1411B78DC79269105D87D5CD3754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_D8E3F40717D3951379895D87D5CDBC1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_D8E3F40717D3951379895D87D5CDBC1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_B9527089CB3AB0F5119A5D87D5CDBCA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_B9527089CB3AB0F5119A5D87D5CDBCA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear" xlink:label="loc_els_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear_49A5416209AAB69889E15D87D5CDAE9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear_49A5416209AAB69889E15D87D5CDAE9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_82586AFE15486A923FC25D87D5CDFE27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_82586AFE15486A923FC25D87D5CDFE27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_6590820F7E90659CF6BF5D87D5CDC9BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_6590820F7E90659CF6BF5D87D5CDC9BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_CBC987E2C398BC977ADA5D87D5CD970F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_CBC987E2C398BC977ADA5D87D5CD970F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_499C3A65764909CE09B95D87D5CDBCB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_499C3A65764909CE09B95D87D5CDBCB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberOfPledgedProperties" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberOfPledgedProperties_732CDD5189B067C77A015D87D5CE89AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberOfPledgedProperties_732CDD5189B067C77A015D87D5CE89AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate_60A9139DBF9DA1AE100B5D87D5CEB8A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate_60A9139DBF9DA1AE100B5D87D5CEB8A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_CB504530AD57223D1B405D87D5CE52DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_CB504530AD57223D1B405D87D5CE52DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0313C775D95BC76AB7D55D87D5CE1677" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0313C775D95BC76AB7D55D87D5CE1677" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_A81523488BBA8F00C6905D87D5CEAC32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_A81523488BBA8F00C6905D87D5CEAC32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_12C92646269C44812C935D87D5CE7F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_12C92646269C44812C935D87D5CE7F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate" xlink:label="loc_els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate_5E17F52D770E3EC6851B5D87D5CE4224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate_5E17F52D770E3EC6851B5D87D5CE4224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_CD51494EEB05117380E55D87D5D3F6CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_CD51494EEB05117380E55D87D5D3F6CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_8E3DEE7B462AC6373A125D87D5D41F6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_8E3DEE7B462AC6373A125D87D5D41F6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_E2315D3DBABC1F815FD15D87D5D46EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_E2315D3DBABC1F815FD15D87D5D46EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativeMaturityYears" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativeMaturityYears_34234E6A083F7948123B5D87D5D4D84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativeMaturityYears_34234E6A083F7948123B5D87D5D4D84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_A62A5CE8DB57C71BB05A5D87D5D474A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_A62A5CE8DB57C71BB05A5D87D5D474A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_els_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_DA4D3FA4914387239D0A5D87D5D47FCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_DA4D3FA4914387239D0A5D87D5D47FCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_FB0D28C52AC62ECCD6B25D87D5D4CFF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_FB0D28C52AC62ECCD6B25D87D5D4CFF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialTermExtensionPeriod" xlink:label="loc_els_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialTermExtensionPeriod_3FE7CA669E87FBD4E9045D87D5D4A9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_els_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialTermExtensionPeriod_3FE7CA669E87FBD4E9045D87D5D4A9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_8CC5C2454D1C64D45D325D87D5D5113A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_8CC5C2454D1C64D45D325D87D5D5113A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_D64C9252B492D72DAF655D87D5D59747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4FB0B1C1815812AF25CB5D87D5CC3EF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_D64C9252B492D72DAF655D87D5D59747" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06B38F6EEC05CE17690F859CBB84BE44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ADB488D7A30F93193BB4859CBB8410CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06B38F6EEC05CE17690F859CBB84BE44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ADB488D7A30F93193BB4859CBB8410CB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E5E3C169491AA035F27859CBB843D07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ADB488D7A30F93193BB4859CBB8410CB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E5E3C169491AA035F27859CBB843D07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_06655AAE4465C2AA1DF4859CBB84A68C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E5E3C169491AA035F27859CBB843D07" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_06655AAE4465C2AA1DF4859CBB84A68C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_06655AAE4465C2AA1DF4859CBB84A68C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E5E3C169491AA035F27859CBB843D07" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_06655AAE4465C2AA1DF4859CBB84A68C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_9131F0298B7FDE1993B2859CBB84759D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06B38F6EEC05CE17690F859CBB84BE44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_9131F0298B7FDE1993B2859CBB84759D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_D62047EEA289686ADA19859CBC108CCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_D62047EEA289686ADA19859CBC108CCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_D62047EEA289686ADA19859CBC108CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_D62047EEA289686ADA19859CBC108CCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SanRafaelMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_els_SanRafaelMemberMember_D2874C0579A0A193FCFB859CBC10903A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:to="loc_els_SanRafaelMemberMember_D2874C0579A0A193FCFB859CBC10903A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ColonyParkMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ColonyParkMember_3E1C61E6EBFC77592502859CBC10C3AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:to="loc_els_ColonyParkMember_3E1C61E6EBFC77592502859CBC10C3AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CompensatoryDamagesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CompensatoryDamagesMember_AA6BF61B1FCB3EF5E847859CBC108B11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:to="loc_els_CompensatoryDamagesMember_AA6BF61B1FCB3EF5E847859CBC108B11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PunitiveDamagesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PunitiveDamagesMember_BFBD344D5DB6C47A015C859CBC1160F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:to="loc_els_PunitiveDamagesMember_BFBD344D5DB6C47A015C859CBC1160F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember_E8B6633CB9D888CECFBD859CBC117680" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_FE8CCCA18092BBE1C95A859CBC106A03" xlink:to="loc_els_CaliforniaHawaiianMember_E8B6633CB9D888CECFBD859CBC117680" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2DF8BFC348F85136DE9B859CBC113A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2DF8BFC348F85136DE9B859CBC113A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_5418C8FFA791DBB84027859CBC11D5A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2DF8BFC348F85136DE9B859CBC113A27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_5418C8FFA791DBB84027859CBC11D5A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_5418C8FFA791DBB84027859CBC11D5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_2DF8BFC348F85136DE9B859CBC113A27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_5418C8FFA791DBB84027859CBC11D5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AttorneyFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_AttorneyFeesMember_3B0B0906791615BFF4D8859CBC1184A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_5418C8FFA791DBB84027859CBC11D5A3" xlink:to="loc_els_AttorneyFeesMember_3B0B0906791615BFF4D8859CBC1184A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_0DF1CACD073BD0F6D5AB859CBC117F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_0DF1CACD073BD0F6D5AB859CBC117F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_1551B50DB0723169CA19859CBC116BE8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_0DF1CACD073BD0F6D5AB859CBC117F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_1551B50DB0723169CA19859CBC116BE8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_1551B50DB0723169CA19859CBC116BE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_0DF1CACD073BD0F6D5AB859CBC117F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_1551B50DB0723169CA19859CBC116BE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LegalClaimOneMember" xlink:label="loc_els_LegalClaimOneMember_76BF4E4ED8A692CF102F859CBC11EBF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_1551B50DB0723169CA19859CBC116BE8" xlink:to="loc_els_LegalClaimOneMember_76BF4E4ED8A692CF102F859CBC11EBF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_39DBB9307DBEFBBCCFFD859CBC11EEA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_39DBB9307DBEFBBCCFFD859CBC11EEA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_59F0CFDBA244CFB92116859CBC11D150_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_39DBB9307DBEFBBCCFFD859CBC11EEA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_59F0CFDBA244CFB92116859CBC11D150_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_59F0CFDBA244CFB92116859CBC11D150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_39DBB9307DBEFBBCCFFD859CBC11EEA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_59F0CFDBA244CFB92116859CBC11D150" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_2E29709BF36890EED2D2859CBC1184A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_59F0CFDBA244CFB92116859CBC11D150" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_2E29709BF36890EED2D2859CBC1184A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFABAC4A071EB3B73BB1859CBC1281E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_94860CAF6C69B64A8B8F859CBC0F1CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFABAC4A071EB3B73BB1859CBC1281E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_540E13EBABEBEC2154A5859CBC12EE39_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFABAC4A071EB3B73BB1859CBC1281E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_540E13EBABEBEC2154A5859CBC12EE39_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_540E13EBABEBEC2154A5859CBC12EE39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFABAC4A071EB3B73BB1859CBC1281E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_540E13EBABEBEC2154A5859CBC12EE39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtCompensatory" xlink:label="loc_els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtCompensatory_CAFDCA1FB9F42559A9CD859CBC12AC0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtCompensatory_CAFDCA1FB9F42559A9CD859CBC12AC0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue_CB2EC0EE7E959CF9BC1A859CBC12B64C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue_CB2EC0EE7E959CF9BC1A859CBC12B64C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentControlOrdinanceExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_els_RentControlOrdinanceExpirationPeriod_73C7F22E91EE72E1A822859CBC12DB3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_els_RentControlOrdinanceExpirationPeriod_73C7F22E91EE72E1A822859CBC12DB3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtByPlaintiff" xlink:label="loc_els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtByPlaintiff_FE0FE6B230E69EABEF21859CBC127B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_els_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtByPlaintiff_FE0FE6B230E69EABEF21859CBC127B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_JuryImposedCompensatoryDamages" xlink:label="loc_els_JuryImposedCompensatoryDamages_FAC84BE7F664885C5906859CBC12AF91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_els_JuryImposedCompensatoryDamages_FAC84BE7F664885C5906859CBC12AF91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_CD8D14B5C0E2A7FADC84859CBC125532" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_CD8D14B5C0E2A7FADC84859CBC125532" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber_ECADE738F6AE2A601428859CBC12EF1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber_ECADE738F6AE2A601428859CBC12EF1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedNumber_CC2C933FB58C0B345837859CBC12D0F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedNumber_CC2C933FB58C0B345837859CBC12D0F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedAndNotAppealedNumber" xlink:label="loc_els_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedAndNotAppealedNumber_FABFD5307627EB2B79D5859CBC12828F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_els_LossContingencyClaimsDismissedAndNotAppealedNumber_FABFD5307627EB2B79D5859CBC12828F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLoss_A3944162CE981A55C729859CBC126D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLoss_A3944162CE981A55C729859CBC126D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMinimum_066CF0CB6FC3B8553823859CBC12A433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMinimum_066CF0CB6FC3B8553823859CBC12A433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum_46E13039EBF2B1519E72859CBC12C985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum_46E13039EBF2B1519E72859CBC12C985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_00335D3120D7403F26A3859CBC129AA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_3BDA772BDAA68334B68A859CBC12B188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_00335D3120D7403F26A3859CBC129AA3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactions" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_90C03E11180943B74F10859CBAA96B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_062ED5E34D2FDBEC3060859CBAA8E857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_90C03E11180943B74F10859CBAA96B7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_062ED5E34D2FDBEC3060859CBAA8E857" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2EB3FF2E84C0FC69B694859CBAA882C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_062ED5E34D2FDBEC3060859CBAA8E857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2EB3FF2E84C0FC69B694859CBAA882C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7B7CD9D46A4BCBE8C704859CBAA87700_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2EB3FF2E84C0FC69B694859CBAA882C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7B7CD9D46A4BCBE8C704859CBAA87700_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7B7CD9D46A4BCBE8C704859CBAA87700" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_2EB3FF2E84C0FC69B694859CBAA882C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7B7CD9D46A4BCBE8C704859CBAA87700" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6CCB0428278F99F0F4B1859CBAA9F936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_062ED5E34D2FDBEC3060859CBAA8E857" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6CCB0428278F99F0F4B1859CBAA9F936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6CC64B6734A31CCD187F859CBAA9E4CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6CCB0428278F99F0F4B1859CBAA9F936" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6CC64B6734A31CCD187F859CBAA9E4CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6CC64B6734A31CCD187F859CBAA9E4CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6CCB0428278F99F0F4B1859CBAA9F936" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6CC64B6734A31CCD187F859CBAA9E4CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_01D7CDCFD2A29B089BA1859CBAA99992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_90C03E11180943B74F10859CBAA96B7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_01D7CDCFD2A29B089BA1859CBAA99992" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/CommonStockAndOtherEquityRelatedTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_69D5AD63E1D8D76FD241F15F052FDD9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_69D5AD63E1D8D76FD241F15F052FDD9A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_61487479E9D882BDE7FCF15F05365797" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_69D5AD63E1D8D76FD241F15F052FDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_61487479E9D882BDE7FCF15F05365797" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_75860C0FAB5D106CB77EF15F0536CBCB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_61487479E9D882BDE7FCF15F05365797" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_75860C0FAB5D106CB77EF15F0536CBCB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_75860C0FAB5D106CB77EF15F0536CBCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_61487479E9D882BDE7FCF15F05365797" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_75860C0FAB5D106CB77EF15F0536CBCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A66A623572C3BA483A39F15F05378B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_69D5AD63E1D8D76FD241F15F052FDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A66A623572C3BA483A39F15F05378B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A66A623572C3BA483A39F15F05378B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A66A623572C3BA483A39F15F05378B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_1D5710B8183A54D7C89AF15F0537F75B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_1D5710B8183A54D7C89AF15F0537F75B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ED883233072314E9E11AF15F05375826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_64784EA1372894B2D83CF15F0537F688" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ED883233072314E9E11AF15F05375826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_7627D676DD64AC835CADF15F053DA27E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_7627D676DD64AC835CADF15F053DA27E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_958BDBCCDF66F386E54DF15F053D5270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_958BDBCCDF66F386E54DF15F053D5270" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_73140494CE8F99FFC19CF15F053DBB9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_73140494CE8F99FFC19CF15F053DBB9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_CFDECFAEAD53FAC59F2BF15F053D933F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_30C52F9DFDA44D8423D6F15F0537F94C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_CFDECFAEAD53FAC59F2BF15F053D933F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_31B2E2CDC13FA8EDEA4C859CBAE9592E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1371F7A63FB5CE5F20AF859CBAE89A94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_31B2E2CDC13FA8EDEA4C859CBAE9592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1371F7A63FB5CE5F20AF859CBAE89A94" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_C4BFB876A2F1931F3DD2859CBAE825F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1371F7A63FB5CE5F20AF859CBAE89A94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_C4BFB876A2F1931F3DD2859CBAE825F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E72AC2230ADB69332F3D859CBAE9AD72_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_C4BFB876A2F1931F3DD2859CBAE825F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E72AC2230ADB69332F3D859CBAE9AD72_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E72AC2230ADB69332F3D859CBAE9AD72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_C4BFB876A2F1931F3DD2859CBAE825F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E72AC2230ADB69332F3D859CBAE9AD72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FFB90CBD89F7ECC67D79859CBAE96CFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1371F7A63FB5CE5F20AF859CBAE89A94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FFB90CBD89F7ECC67D79859CBAE96CFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D50D23D438AB92A67FF5859CBAE92384_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FFB90CBD89F7ECC67D79859CBAE96CFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D50D23D438AB92A67FF5859CBAE92384_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D50D23D438AB92A67FF5859CBAE92384" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_FFB90CBD89F7ECC67D79859CBAE96CFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D50D23D438AB92A67FF5859CBAE92384" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockDomain_D7C242A46F82056962FB859CBAE9E468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D50D23D438AB92A67FF5859CBAE92384" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockDomain_D7C242A46F82056962FB859CBAE9E468" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_31B2E2CDC13FA8EDEA4C859CBAE9592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Land" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Land_3F20BCFD4D9B1E2D0F08859CBAE91AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Land_3F20BCFD4D9B1E2D0F08859CBAE91AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandImprovements_CAED7E3304591F8D2D7C859CBAE9CD67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandImprovements_CAED7E3304591F8D2D7C859CBAE9CD67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross_A9321A5C5C40F30DC458859CBAEAC5AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingsAndImprovementsGross_A9321A5C5C40F30DC458859CBAEAC5AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_EA481EF72DD8290CC9C6859CBAEA15C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_EA481EF72DD8290CC9C6859CBAEA15C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_4541AEEB5575AD943898859CBAEA0F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_4541AEEB5575AD943898859CBAEA0F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_D3DF8CD115A9BCB7A518859CBAEA29D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNetAbstract_5C77E3B2F7F94C6DD384859CBAE9A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_D3DF8CD115A9BCB7A518859CBAEA29D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Cash_A367064A8147DA0DB12F859CBAEA7989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Cash_A367064A8147DA0DB12F859CBAEA7989" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_F377F9120904852D88E4859CBAEAC73A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_F377F9120904852D88E4859CBAEAC73A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_E1B760C7913DEC245012859CBAEAA881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_E1B760C7913DEC245012859CBAEAA881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FFF8D44D048ED9FCC424859CBAEA1776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FFF8D44D048ED9FCC424859CBAEA1776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent_0109CAFB7BFE690CE1A4859CBAEA5AB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent_0109CAFB7BFE690CE1A4859CBAEA5AB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_1F9207D98CAED90E344F859CBAEAE0A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_1F9207D98CAED90E344F859CBAEAE0A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_E1A50BA73EC7001E1CD7859CBAEA405C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_35642E72E105F1821BB4859CBAE90DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_E1A50BA73EC7001E1CD7859CBAEA405C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_31B2E2CDC13FA8EDEA4C859CBAE9592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_46556043DDF82BFCEDA7859CBAEA33F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_46556043DDF82BFCEDA7859CBAEA33F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_07BE1457AAB29F3118B3859CBAEA3C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_07BE1457AAB29F3118B3859CBAEA3C65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_8A8474D75C893A29E155859CBAEAC98A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_8A8474D75C893A29E155859CBAEAC98A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D04BB7C1FC08E66A3FEB859CBAEB182A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D04BB7C1FC08E66A3FEB859CBAEB182A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_8E715CDA279DC3EE6E71859CBAEBA6D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_8E715CDA279DC3EE6E71859CBAEBA6D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DeferredRevenueRightToUseAnnualPayments" xlink:label="loc_els_DeferredRevenueRightToUseAnnualPayments_F63DCD972AB6F108343D859CBAEB103E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_els_DeferredRevenueRightToUseAnnualPayments_F63DCD972AB6F108343D859CBAEB103E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_673C23CF2D2B09EA9E6D859CBAECCF62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_673C23CF2D2B09EA9E6D859CBAECCF62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerAdvancesAndDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerAdvancesAndDeposits_6676015676EA309FAF78859CBAEC3AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerAdvancesAndDeposits_6676015676EA309FAF78859CBAEC3AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_747C59D415EFF4C254FA859CBAEC19E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_747C59D415EFF4C254FA859CBAEC19E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_FD72B62A5E52C11CFC1F859CBAEC3825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_A9132165F769E085EEB1859CBAEAEAAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_FD72B62A5E52C11CFC1F859CBAEC3825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_26980C8A286D3BFD1070859CBAEC4C87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_26980C8A286D3BFD1070859CBAEC4C87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_CF8A91D0F311FB0B1340859CBAEC1518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_CF8A91D0F311FB0B1340859CBAEC1518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_B0C5231D36A6DB310097859CBAEC4EAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_B0C5231D36A6DB310097859CBAEC4EAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_64861472F6A90F1FF6AF859CBAECE46A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_64861472F6A90F1FF6AF859CBAECE46A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncome_D4476F30CA3D6210CD67859CBAEC0A1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncome_D4476F30CA3D6210CD67859CBAEC0A1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_B28D36053BF60132DAF0859CBAECF69B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9CDFC3DF8C19739B691B859CBAECD585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_B28D36053BF60132DAF0859CBAECF69B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E0DF58DF756EB55AE68F859CBAEC6981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_E0DF58DF756EB55AE68F859CBAEC6981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships_A7E0EF3F649660CDD2D0859CBAEC52AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships_A7E0EF3F649660CDD2D0859CBAEC52AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9BB047175A3CABE94B2F859CBAEDF97A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_9FF53EC634AB2780D6DF859CBAEC4015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9BB047175A3CABE94B2F859CBAEDF97A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_81DC01B1A2A2E7EB88C1859CBAEDD701" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_889E59D8281C6F78B2CA859CBAEAF39E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_81DC01B1A2A2E7EB88C1859CBAEDD701" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DED7306FE8AE7C6D4405859CBB53C27B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DED7306FE8AE7C6D4405859CBB53C27B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BE6B1F23B1EB9C9F854D859CBB53CC26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DED7306FE8AE7C6D4405859CBB53C27B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BE6B1F23B1EB9C9F854D859CBB53CC26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BE6B1F23B1EB9C9F854D859CBB53CC26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_BE6B1F23B1EB9C9F854D859CBB53CC26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_B275E3D612413DD02783859CBB53427F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_B275E3D612413DD02783859CBB53427F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesDSixPercentNonQualifiedPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesDSixPercentNonQualifiedPreferredStockMember_E5C2367CD31593B9F67D859CBB53BD60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesDSixPercentNonQualifiedPreferredStockMember_E5C2367CD31593B9F67D859CBB53BD60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesEEighteenPointSevenFivePercentNonvotingPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesEEighteenPointSevenFivePercentNonvotingPreferredStockMember_774FB9D0B09C28184479859CBB53F6F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5371E453B66D90419CFF859CBB53F743" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesEEighteenPointSevenFivePercentNonvotingPreferredStockMember_774FB9D0B09C28184479859CBB53F6F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BFD4C00289752D2EF66E859CBB54B6F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BFD4C00289752D2EF66E859CBB54B6F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_B4DC397583F70E872140859CBB541A12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_B4DC397583F70E872140859CBB541A12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_634A9264BA957FFCFF7D859CBB5421CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_634A9264BA957FFCFF7D859CBB5421CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_20AAA563477A4F8EDB9F859CBB54016C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_20AAA563477A4F8EDB9F859CBB54016C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_4B538DFF63A483893BCB859CBB5471EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_4B538DFF63A483893BCB859CBB5471EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_71F42B627A361243C195859CBB547DFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_71F42B627A361243C195859CBB547DFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_723BAA5A1D1CC8F5AB85859CBB54C9A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_723BAA5A1D1CC8F5AB85859CBB54C9A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_EF1386B39482F18EC863859CBB55C949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_EF1386B39482F18EC863859CBB55C949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_A89FB9BA40C3B3BB3084859CBB55B697" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_611C137E7DFA8AF9D28A859CBB53181F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_A89FB9BA40C3B3BB3084859CBB55B697" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1B8994705741B2DF98B86152CF6D74D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1B8994705741B2DF98B86152CF6D74D8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8407D9F46EB6B24416536152CF6D7FF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1B8994705741B2DF98B86152CF6D74D8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8407D9F46EB6B24416536152CF6D7FF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91103F31EE5A91BC9B5C6152CF6DFB04_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8407D9F46EB6B24416536152CF6D7FF5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91103F31EE5A91BC9B5C6152CF6DFB04_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91103F31EE5A91BC9B5C6152CF6DFB04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8407D9F46EB6B24416536152CF6D7FF5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91103F31EE5A91BC9B5C6152CF6DFB04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_42D372302D5A9C409A5B6152CF6D2F6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_42D372302D5A9C409A5B6152CF6D2F6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_EDBAC85BD6FE49F90E6F6152CF6E1B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_42D372302D5A9C409A5B6152CF6D2F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_EDBAC85BD6FE49F90E6F6152CF6E1B4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_42D372302D5A9C409A5B6152CF6D2F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_GainLossOnDiscontinuedRealEstateAndOther" xlink:label="loc_els_GainLossOnDiscontinuedRealEstateAndOther_D1C81EF64EE14ECB96DA6152CF6EF16B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_els_GainLossOnDiscontinuedRealEstateAndOther_D1C81EF64EE14ECB96DA6152CF6EF16B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_C635B244244189A7F1926152CF6E25FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_C635B244244189A7F1926152CF6E25FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_9D81A38F8710301C13E36152CF6E6630" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_9D81A38F8710301C13E36152CF6E6630" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_6AD2F92D8F002DE06AEF6152CF6ED85E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_6AD2F92D8F002DE06AEF6152CF6ED85E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_D77FB587F66797CB27756152CF6E2087" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_D77FB587F66797CB27756152CF6E2087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_A68C8680DD9B4C7EDD546152CF6F9B7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_A68C8680DD9B4C7EDD546152CF6F9B7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EquityInIncomeOfUnconsolidatedJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_els_EquityInIncomeOfUnconsolidatedJointVentures_55035F7986AE7E17D19D6152CF6F860F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_els_EquityInIncomeOfUnconsolidatedJointVentures_55035F7986AE7E17D19D6152CF6F860F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_C0928FC0B0653FE04FA66152CF6FC7F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_C0928FC0B0653FE04FA66152CF6FC7F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_E92211879CFA2937BE9A6152CF6FE31A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_E92211879CFA2937BE9A6152CF6FE31A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_BA47F2FF4B3A6BCBC30D6152CF6F882B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_BA47F2FF4B3A6BCBC30D6152CF6F882B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales" xlink:label="loc_els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales_4EEC5AFFFD0E2BECC0E06152CF745B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales_4EEC5AFFFD0E2BECC0E06152CF745B46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation" xlink:label="loc_els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation_64A59ED25EF826B9193E6152CF75519E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation_64A59ED25EF826B9193E6152CF75519E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5DAE425F0D0337CC88856152CF75228C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5DAE425F0D0337CC88856152CF75228C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_36A963058E86418E4B3A6152CF6EE493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndNotesReceivable_93B83C204B5DBB0DB9D46152CF75F3CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndNotesReceivable_93B83C204B5DBB0DB9D46152CF75F3CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges_B4710823F2A99ADCDC9A6152CF753880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges_B4710823F2A99ADCDC9A6152CF753880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_41B06FB93BF2CE75A56F6152CF75C9F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_41B06FB93BF2CE75A56F6152CF75C9F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_047719C649F10D9D06556152CF75AD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_047719C649F10D9D06556152CF75AD80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_5A70C9C678F0480750736152CF764D83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_5A70C9C678F0480750736152CF764D83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_06E782297D2658A2B0B86152CF76061D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherDeferredLiability_06E782297D2658A2B0B86152CF76061D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances_8235F8BA8A8834EA2ACF6152CF76B419" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_171650EAEC40CC5CC4006152CF758B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances_8235F8BA8A8834EA2ACF6152CF76B419" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_BF0E1DFC16B03FEAF0236152CF767FA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_42D372302D5A9C409A5B6152CF6D2F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_BF0E1DFC16B03FEAF0236152CF767FA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_C126FFAA6DA587E6A3906152CF766C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate_C126FFAA6DA587E6A3906152CF766C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherRealEstate_227231008A38B3865EA16152CF772962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherRealEstate_227231008A38B3865EA16152CF772962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDelayedTaxExemptExchange" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDelayedTaxExemptExchange_93CB3E374E6FABDD1A2C6152CF77D547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDelayedTaxExemptExchange_93CB3E374E6FABDD1A2C6152CF77D547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DistributionsofCapitalfromUnconsolidatedJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_els_DistributionsofCapitalfromUnconsolidatedJointVentures_8FB166661CE48F0623036152CF772E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_els_DistributionsofCapitalfromUnconsolidatedJointVentures_8FB166661CE48F0623036152CF772E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_D29F57859F88ECBFC5506152CF771712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_D29F57859F88ECBFC5506152CF771712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_D0F347FBE14CE56FC7C46152CF770A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_D0F347FBE14CE56FC7C46152CF770A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IssuanceOfNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_els_IssuanceOfNotesReceivable_C11C75CED1DF8E55ADE96152CF777969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_els_IssuanceOfNotesReceivable_C11C75CED1DF8E55ADE96152CF777969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_42ADBD631CDA4E1E6D426152CF774844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_42ADBD631CDA4E1E6D426152CF774844" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_D4A06406DB9F3F9486416152CF78D442" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1C9DD3D37D290268BFAE6152CF76593B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_D4A06406DB9F3F9486416152CF78D442" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_063695F873F1FA1EF6866152CF787CB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_063695F873F1FA1EF6866152CF787CB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_DADD1B1AFAC51BA3F5CD6152CF789417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_DADD1B1AFAC51BA3F5CD6152CF789417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest_7FDD2E50AFEA5A36567F6152CF78E8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest_7FDD2E50AFEA5A36567F6152CF78E8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_BA5BB3CF6FAF831694976152CF7972C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_BA5BB3CF6FAF831694976152CF7972C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_55520A0795CC0533B8D16152CF790781" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_55520A0795CC0533B8D16152CF790781" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_409AD4DCA2B341597AC96152CF79D4DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_409AD4DCA2B341597AC96152CF79D4DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_4D02EB8895287E1EEC0B6152CF79E1A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable_4D02EB8895287E1EEC0B6152CF79E1A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_6E152E1E171AD6BE31896152CF7978AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_6E152E1E171AD6BE31896152CF7978AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_1FF758245FF6E01FE6EC6152CF792528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_1FF758245FF6E01FE6EC6152CF792528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_54F7BC70451616F8C14F6152CF791D76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_54F7BC70451616F8C14F6152CF791D76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_546D288E4CBFBA48F0586152CF799C95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BC2F0470881775C0610F6152CF78EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_546D288E4CBFBA48F0586152CF799C95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashPeriodIncreaseDecrease_3A57353E325AEBA0F5896152CF794B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashPeriodIncreaseDecrease_3A57353E325AEBA0F5896152CF794B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Cash_ABB39E2418EEE0FA843E6152CF79B5E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Cash_ABB39E2418EEE0FA843E6152CF79B5E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_BE21A4798E85B37147A86152CF7FA891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_BE21A4798E85B37147A86152CF7FA891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_0F08DCA6A586269DF2B86152CF7FC593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_BE21A4798E85B37147A86152CF7FA891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_0F08DCA6A586269DF2B86152CF7FC593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NonCashRepossession" xlink:label="loc_els_NonCashRepossession_BDA4282AE0E32821E3B26152CF7FBDA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:to="loc_els_NonCashRepossession_BDA4282AE0E32821E3B26152CF7FBDA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReduction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReduction_B7CC23CE134D27BDA4A96152CF7FE56D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReduction_B7CC23CE134D27BDA4A96152CF7FE56D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncashReclassificationBuildingAndOtherDepreciableProperty" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncashReclassificationBuildingAndOtherDepreciableProperty_D765DCB85DF98C84831D6152CF7F2F99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncashReclassificationBuildingAndOtherDepreciableProperty_D765DCB85DF98C84831D6152CF7F2F99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncashReclassificationEscrowDepositsAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncashReclassificationEscrowDepositsAndOtherAssets_CB1180DB17C4773D57FC6152CF805058" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1AA553B842B75E44D63B6152CF7FF4FA" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncashReclassificationEscrowDepositsAndOtherAssets_CB1180DB17C4773D57FC6152CF805058" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionFixedAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionFixedAssetsAcquired1_2EA0464CD1250CBC59BC6152CF80DF73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionFixedAssetsAcquired1_2EA0464CD1250CBC59BC6152CF80DF73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredFinanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredFinanceCosts_7E39B331CD4D3E0846416152CF80B798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredFinanceCosts_7E39B331CD4D3E0846416152CF80B798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1_9F5E896EEC98579405B96152CF80F44E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1_9F5E896EEC98579405B96152CF80F44E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionPayablesAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionPayablesAssumed1_767AF831452668130CBD6152CF807C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionPayablesAssumed1_767AF831452668130CBD6152CF807C91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherAssetsAcquired1_69E3920D9E73B72E0A036152CF802CBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherAssetsAcquired1_69E3920D9E73B72E0A036152CF802CBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_2B068A5261C3E28904FD6152CF80978F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_2B068A5261C3E28904FD6152CF80978F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncashIssuanceofCommonOPUnits" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncashIssuanceofCommonOPUnits_FA4E773C42A2073520266152CF80C0DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncashIssuanceofCommonOPUnits_FA4E773C42A2073520266152CF80C0DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfOtherRealEstate_0AE7B99B5D721B1C8F426152CF8001B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfOtherRealEstate_0AE7B99B5D721B1C8F426152CF8001B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_TransferofLoansReceivable" xlink:label="loc_els_TransferofLoansReceivable_FAEA1588624471FF5ABB6152CF80F2E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_els_TransferofLoansReceivable_FAEA1588624471FF5ABB6152CF80F2E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DispositionofOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_els_DispositionofOtherAssets_D02AF9F4F186E22D7B636152CF8065B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_26031895168BC16DD4706152CF6D26EF" xlink:to="loc_els_DispositionofOtherAssets_D02AF9F4F186E22D7B636152CF8065B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CDDE424A5B071182525A859CBC04C93E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_50CBBE0489C5F44FFE85859CBC048FEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CDDE424A5B071182525A859CBC04C93E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_50CBBE0489C5F44FFE85859CBC048FEC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC1EE3CDDAFE20BAFBE5859CBC04B845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_50CBBE0489C5F44FFE85859CBC048FEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC1EE3CDDAFE20BAFBE5859CBC04B845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC1EE3CDDAFE20BAFBE5859CBC04B845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DC1EE3CDDAFE20BAFBE5859CBC04B845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_A9C205C97C13F44EB280859CBC04EC11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_A9C205C97C13F44EB280859CBC04EC11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_7FD18B6F62D1A6F8DA5A859CBC042A3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_7FD18B6F62D1A6F8DA5A859CBC042A3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_E6DA6A3D9623C6932ABC859CBC0474D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_E6DA6A3D9623C6932ABC859CBC0474D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember_A14F986BC92DB5A26A2A859CBC04F0E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember_A14F986BC92DB5A26A2A859CBC04F0E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember_E221007C09236977C160859CBC04EB73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember_E221007C09236977C160859CBC04EB73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A0EF642030C56873D66F859CBC04AB5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F366325018E4D6FC4F7A859CBC04D152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A0EF642030C56873D66F859CBC04AB5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_6A192EE9D5916850AF84859CBC04EBF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CDDE424A5B071182525A859CBC04C93E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits_6A192EE9D5916850AF84859CBC04EBF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_7BC1AE560B3230D4FAEC859CBC059911" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CDDE424A5B071182525A859CBC04C93E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_7BC1AE560B3230D4FAEC859CBC059911" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CDDE424A5B071182525A859CBC04C93E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C0A68AECE618A6294E18859CBC05FC95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C0A68AECE618A6294E18859CBC05FC95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_5AE909BDC1CEBCD06E3B859CBC0546FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_5AE909BDC1CEBCD06E3B859CBC0546FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E9A64BF4350F04326CC7859CBC05B50A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E9A64BF4350F04326CC7859CBC05B50A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_97F16EA838C7A28B4940859CBC06CCB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_97F16EA838C7A28B4940859CBC06CCB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_C6D86D02F95EB356CA23859CBC06CCE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_C6D86D02F95EB356CA23859CBC06CCE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ReleaseOfCommonSharesFromEscrow" xlink:label="loc_els_ReleaseOfCommonSharesFromEscrow_2AD89ADB21191B64127B859CBC062A2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_els_ReleaseOfCommonSharesFromEscrow_2AD89ADB21191B64127B859CBC062A2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AdjustmentForCommonUnitholdersInOperatingPartnership" xlink:label="loc_els_AdjustmentForCommonUnitholdersInOperatingPartnership_5D6EB90E3C98E7AD41BE859CBC06E135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_els_AdjustmentForCommonUnitholdersInOperatingPartnership_5D6EB90E3C98E7AD41BE859CBC06E135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_1204AD49CE6CED2262C1859CBC06FF8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_1204AD49CE6CED2262C1859CBC06FF8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_17D5AD0FF66EAA4F08A6859CBC06C35E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70C954331B6DD34F97E2859CBC05B350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Dividends_17D5AD0FF66EAA4F08A6859CBC06C35E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B6A975129A4DAD67C8B3615537D00EFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B6A975129A4DAD67C8B3615537D00EFB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F003D140FFA6C632C313615537D0A264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B6A975129A4DAD67C8B3615537D00EFB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F003D140FFA6C632C313615537D0A264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8D8587178A548F9E6863615537D03EE9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F003D140FFA6C632C313615537D0A264" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8D8587178A548F9E6863615537D03EE9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8D8587178A548F9E6863615537D03EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F003D140FFA6C632C313615537D0A264" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8D8587178A548F9E6863615537D03EE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_580AEFE9D94A3BBD2568615537D1CF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B6A975129A4DAD67C8B3615537D00EFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_580AEFE9D94A3BBD2568615537D1CF22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_580AEFE9D94A3BBD2568615537D1CF22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_580AEFE9D94A3BBD2568615537D1CF22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_6872FE5CAF93F2D32346615537D1DEA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_6872FE5CAF93F2D32346615537D1DEA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember_6FE76EBC0CF4E31251C4615537D149D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05BCE39873DB18BFF0F6615537D15CD6" xlink:to="loc_els_NoncontrollingInterestOfCommonUnitsMember_6FE76EBC0CF4E31251C4615537D149D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_9E1BCACD4FEBEBA7E210615537D151A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_9E1BCACD4FEBEBA7E210615537D151A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentalHomeIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_ACEFF4D7815331CAFB41615537D19514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_ACEFF4D7815331CAFB41615537D19514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ResortBaseRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_ResortBaseRentalIncome_9D38BEBAC640DBED4A80615537D1BC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_ResortBaseRentalIncome_9D38BEBAC640DBED4A80615537D1BC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseAnnualPayments" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseAnnualPayments_6A51AD381A5C8A69D015615537D1D7D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseAnnualPayments_6A51AD381A5C8A69D015615537D1D7D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_68D62EE9D5E8966AAA78615537D17204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_68D62EE9D5E8966AAA78615537D17204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization_93AA326A9C8C39C26262615537D2B42C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization_93AA326A9C8C39C26262615537D2B42C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UtilityAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_5A428816D22165104165615537D2666B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_5A428816D22165104165615537D2666B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_5ACF08F0732570471556615537D2EAC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_5ACF08F0732570471556615537D2EAC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_175D2B2590C5C19D57B5615537D214EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_175D2B2590C5C19D57B5615537D214EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_303F21398AE9F8025FC4615537D22308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_303F21398AE9F8025FC4615537D22308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_9A7001BCE1C1E8021FE6615537D220DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_9A7001BCE1C1E8021FE6615537D220DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BC7DB86BC0CAE693C673615537D24608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F1E0E57262959FC8ABFF615537D12778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BC7DB86BC0CAE693C673615537D24608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense_645E85C40056BBFCDDF4615537D3F949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense_645E85C40056BBFCDDF4615537D3F949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses" xlink:label="loc_els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses_228456A37F73F2EF2A6F615537D318B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses_228456A37F73F2EF2A6F615537D318B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense_0D329E1F2FD0D81DAA88615537D316D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense_0D329E1F2FD0D81DAA88615537D316D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_A1DB550FA4DD74E7D3D9615537D3595A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_A1DB550FA4DD74E7D3D9615537D3595A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet" xlink:label="loc_els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet_65F787EE1B0CA87AE371615537D363F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet_65F787EE1B0CA87AE371615537D363F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_400F9300CCE12F08C66A615537D379CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_400F9300CCE12F08C66A615537D379CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes" xlink:label="loc_els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes_EE54535403FD5DD627E2615537D3EC3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes_EE54535403FD5DD627E2615537D3EC3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations_73E950B506576EEF3158615537D45984" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations_73E950B506576EEF3158615537D45984" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales_D77508095092B0C424BC615537D4042B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales_D77508095092B0C424BC615537D4042B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingExpense_0DEE2EB0405AB1C8A953615537D4920C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingExpense_0DEE2EB0405AB1C8A953615537D4920C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_4E6276B1E088D2EE85E2615537D5EDAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_4E6276B1E088D2EE85E2615537D5EDAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_D176CFD738DEEFAF2B53615537D597EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_D176CFD738DEEFAF2B53615537D597EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther" xlink:label="loc_els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther_4DD0830FA16BA13945EB615537D56BAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther_4DD0830FA16BA13945EB615537D56BAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_323F33B53DE30A02CB3C615537D51E2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_323F33B53DE30A02CB3C615537D51E2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_E8E136B6E79396AE5191615537D5F84F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4699646FFAC83AA77A18615537D35BB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_E8E136B6E79396AE5191615537D5F84F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5534C1ABF90A3DE10104615537D5F882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5534C1ABF90A3DE10104615537D5F882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_EB631744BB5E8F3455F9615537D5622E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_EB631744BB5E8F3455F9615537D5622E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_A2CF17B3ACB594AAEAB9615537D6B8D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_A2CF17B3ACB594AAEAB9615537D6B8D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B62E64B6E8BEBE596054615537D61881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B62E64B6E8BEBE596054615537D61881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_ECAA2C2376EA94500903615537D6B9F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsAndDisposalGroupsAbstract_ECAA2C2376EA94500903615537D6B9F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax_F025D42CE479D6D784F3615537D6570A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax_F025D42CE479D6D784F3615537D6570A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0F5D72FA594F1599F5D3615537D69FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_0F5D72FA594F1599F5D3615537D69FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_E5224EC397A21A326CD8615537D6F776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_E5224EC397A21A326CD8615537D6F776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable_26FC4FD18862EE75268F615537D6C0D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable_26FC4FD18862EE75268F615537D6C0D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_C9D121B3D4A2FEE0B8B8615537D73081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_C9D121B3D4A2FEE0B8B8615537D73081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_BF0D3F8F92050B2C8602615537D7D36F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_BF0D3F8F92050B2C8602615537D7D36F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_077B632CA180D63717BE615537D79B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_077B632CA180D63717BE615537D79B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_F2B5F81EE1026E418F1B615537D84018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_077B632CA180D63717BE615537D79B8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_F2B5F81EE1026E418F1B615537D84018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_88E5A5EEE842B55CAF1D615537D85EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_88E5A5EEE842B55CAF1D615537D85EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4EDB7F99EC5509EBD679615537D8F2CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4EDB7F99EC5509EBD679615537D8F2CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends_CB17B29DF26E048420F2615537D89C5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends_CB17B29DF26E048420F2615537D89C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_81505FF318D530904594615537D884EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_81505FF318D530904594615537D884EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6E2D0431B21BB06E7BA7615537D8E7E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6E2D0431B21BB06E7BA7615537D8E7E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_3C2E4F1E9B1B87DB3981615537D97AFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6E2D0431B21BB06E7BA7615537D8E7E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_3C2E4F1E9B1B87DB3981615537D97AFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_09DA732EC0E69AE89A00615537D93C46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6E2D0431B21BB06E7BA7615537D8E7E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_09DA732EC0E69AE89A00615537D93C46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_2820DD6DFE10243EF73B615537D9E4AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6E2D0431B21BB06E7BA7615537D8E7E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_2820DD6DFE10243EF73B615537D9E4AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_146447511E9CEED81AC3615537D9C7C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_146447511E9CEED81AC3615537D9C7C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_484023E34715D462268E615537D9D1CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_146447511E9CEED81AC3615537D9C7C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_484023E34715D462268E615537D9D1CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_63906686E0AFEC40328D615537D91967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_146447511E9CEED81AC3615537D9C7C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_63906686E0AFEC40328D615537D91967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_5AE210F77296F618F68D615537DADF44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_146447511E9CEED81AC3615537D9C7C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_5AE210F77296F618F68D615537DADF44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_15F2EEFBE82CB0EF6D4B615537DAA10C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_15F2EEFBE82CB0EF6D4B615537DAA10C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_28F4C46ADC2B30A3B59F615537DAB34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_28F4C46ADC2B30A3B59F615537DAB34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_5E5F67DFE2A686234367615537DA21A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B60E9B0E7A3EBCCDA72615537D132F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_5E5F67DFE2A686234367615537DA21A9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpense" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD04A15A332BDD825CF0859CBBF1751B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C713875EC51CB931645F859CBBF1D998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD04A15A332BDD825CF0859CBBF1751B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C713875EC51CB931645F859CBBF1D998" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB7D7FA8CB7AADC4ABBD859CBBF1F234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C713875EC51CB931645F859CBBF1D998" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB7D7FA8CB7AADC4ABBD859CBBF1F234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BC9581C9FE9CFFF2E5AB859CBBF1DF07_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB7D7FA8CB7AADC4ABBD859CBBF1F234" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BC9581C9FE9CFFF2E5AB859CBBF1DF07_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BC9581C9FE9CFFF2E5AB859CBBF1DF07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FB7D7FA8CB7AADC4ABBD859CBBF1F234" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BC9581C9FE9CFFF2E5AB859CBBF1DF07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DeferredRevenueEntryOfRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_els_DeferredRevenueEntryOfRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTextBlock_824ED16A046ED25284DB859CBBF1F246" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_CD04A15A332BDD825CF0859CBBF1751B" xlink:to="loc_els_DeferredRevenueEntryOfRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTextBlock_824ED16A046ED25284DB859CBBF1F246" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_1CFE00DF23B2B41DF3A3859CBBF78C86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_1CFE00DF23B2B41DF3A3859CBBF78C86" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C962EE92DC21E8436EAD859CBBF7A1B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_1CFE00DF23B2B41DF3A3859CBBF78C86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C962EE92DC21E8436EAD859CBBF7A1B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C962EE92DC21E8436EAD859CBBF7A1B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C962EE92DC21E8436EAD859CBBF7A1B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_2D0EFE23D74F75E02CCC859CBBF7AE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_2D0EFE23D74F75E02CCC859CBBF7AE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_439FF331FD63DDAD1AB6859CBBF7693A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F926AED8CF08CB52B114859CBBF740A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_439FF331FD63DDAD1AB6859CBBF7693A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_68C7ADA82520A0D6DE87859CBBF78FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_68C7ADA82520A0D6DE87859CBBF78FD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_0DEFD1BF47DB7407CEB2859CBBF7DAA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_0DEFD1BF47DB7407CEB2859CBBF7DAA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_378A14B04D14AC482E0A859CBBF7D213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue_378A14B04D14AC482E0A859CBBF7D213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_B15B83D775B41BB94131859CBBF83529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenuePeriodIncreaseDecrease_B15B83D775B41BB94131859CBBF83529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent_2208EE00A93EB5F77A41859CBBF8FD82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsCurrentAndNoncurrent_2208EE00A93EB5F77A41859CBBF8FD82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges_CC79390CD1776F5E2851859CBBF8CAEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredCharges_CC79390CD1776F5E2851859CBBF8CAEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales" xlink:label="loc_els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales_13D141B8F15397399F49859CBBF8FBC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_els_CommissionExpenseRecognizedRelatedToRightToUseContractSales_13D141B8F15397399F49859CBBF8FBC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DeferredCommissionExpense" xlink:label="loc_els_DeferredCommissionExpense_852B7ACC7EF237EF9E1E859CBBF8CB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_els_DeferredCommissionExpense_852B7ACC7EF237EF9E1E859CBBF8CB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DeferredRevenueEstimatedPeriodOfRecognition" xlink:label="loc_els_DeferredRevenueEstimatedPeriodOfRecognition_5E75E13C6F6417FF0588859CBBF88886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_A3CDFF3985E2FA9DF85F859CBBF7C1DF" xlink:to="loc_els_DeferredRevenueEstimatedPeriodOfRecognition_5E75E13C6F6417FF0588859CBBF88886" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DeferredRevenueRightToUseContractsAndDeferredCommissionExpenseTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0A7B32D4243D3B288E55859CBBDB81A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5CE09A0D80DA2A82CC859CBBDAB70F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0A7B32D4243D3B288E55859CBBDB81A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5CE09A0D80DA2A82CC859CBBDAB70F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A6D5930234E434BFD70B859CBBDAF5A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_EF5CE09A0D80DA2A82CC859CBBDAB70F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A6D5930234E434BFD70B859CBBDAF5A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_93BDB7958A5780CD57A0859CBBDA6BC2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A6D5930234E434BFD70B859CBBDAF5A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_93BDB7958A5780CD57A0859CBBDA6BC2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_93BDB7958A5780CD57A0859CBBDA6BC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A6D5930234E434BFD70B859CBBDAF5A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_93BDB7958A5780CD57A0859CBBDA6BC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueByArrangementDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueByArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_5520FE0CA620652EAACF859CBBDBEA71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0A7B32D4243D3B288E55859CBBDB81A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueByArrangementDisclosureTextBlock_5520FE0CA620652EAACF859CBBDBEA71" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DE87D601C2A7C9A7F684859CBB9A9F8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C0537BD97F633B00799B859CBB993CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DE87D601C2A7C9A7F684859CBB9A9F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C0537BD97F633B00799B859CBB993CDF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A63CC06032B5E28D39C859CBB99E6D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C0537BD97F633B00799B859CBB993CDF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A63CC06032B5E28D39C859CBB99E6D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_67C1934358BE9762BD02859CBB995337_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A63CC06032B5E28D39C859CBB99E6D7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_67C1934358BE9762BD02859CBB995337_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_67C1934358BE9762BD02859CBB995337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A63CC06032B5E28D39C859CBB99E6D7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_67C1934358BE9762BD02859CBB995337" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_CE61A652C166C95C2B69859CBB9ABE1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_DE87D601C2A7C9A7F684859CBB9A9F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_CE61A652C166C95C2B69859CBB9ABE1E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6A479591C16016627BFD5DABB1E981CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6A479591C16016627BFD5DABB1E981CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_826F0BE396800BE56E015DABB1E9580D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6A479591C16016627BFD5DABB1E981CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_826F0BE396800BE56E015DABB1E9580D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_826F0BE396800BE56E015DABB1E9580D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6A479591C16016627BFD5DABB1E981CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_826F0BE396800BE56E015DABB1E9580D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewpolicyMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewpolicyMember_2D5B01FD6EFEF9EF8E325DABB1EAD32A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_826F0BE396800BE56E015DABB1E9580D" xlink:to="loc_els_NewpolicyMember_2D5B01FD6EFEF9EF8E325DABB1EAD32A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0FE155ADE30FC1A7C0E35DABB1EA8211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0FE155ADE30FC1A7C0E35DABB1EA8211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D7B2FE457608FBD580175DABB1EA11D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0FE155ADE30FC1A7C0E35DABB1EA8211" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D7B2FE457608FBD580175DABB1EA11D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D7B2FE457608FBD580175DABB1EA11D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0FE155ADE30FC1A7C0E35DABB1EA8211" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D7B2FE457608FBD580175DABB1EA11D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9D9AC2869A6F47B2478C5DABB1EAAA8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9D9AC2869A6F47B2478C5DABB1EAAA8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9D9AC2869A6F47B2478C5DABB1EAAA8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9D9AC2869A6F47B2478C5DABB1EAAA8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember_C7380D9265D19D6B12965DABB1EAE7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A" xlink:to="loc_els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember_C7380D9265D19D6B12965DABB1EAE7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_2CA3791BFC861B7E1C2D5DABB1EB8AF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0F0CE2E9B5AABE39915DABB1EA6F1A" xlink:to="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_2CA3791BFC861B7E1C2D5DABB1EB8AF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DFF7733F0C171A0E31F75DABB1EB86FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DFF7733F0C171A0E31F75DABB1EB86FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B8E1783EB6C90BAAFAFE5DABB1EBADAF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DFF7733F0C171A0E31F75DABB1EB86FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B8E1783EB6C90BAAFAFE5DABB1EBADAF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B8E1783EB6C90BAAFAFE5DABB1EBADAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_DFF7733F0C171A0E31F75DABB1EB86FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B8E1783EB6C90BAAFAFE5DABB1EBADAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_029115E7A065E85B09DC5DABB1EB9761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B8E1783EB6C90BAAFAFE5DABB1EBADAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_029115E7A065E85B09DC5DABB1EB9761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BDD9D96A42CB7492FACD5DABB1EB2D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BDD9D96A42CB7492FACD5DABB1EB2D23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_708BD935B6D8490222905DABB1EBD116_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BDD9D96A42CB7492FACD5DABB1EB2D23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_708BD935B6D8490222905DABB1EBD116_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_708BD935B6D8490222905DABB1EBD116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BDD9D96A42CB7492FACD5DABB1EB2D23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_708BD935B6D8490222905DABB1EBD116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_3D3EF19A52426BCE4BFF5DABB1EB88E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_708BD935B6D8490222905DABB1EBD116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_3D3EF19A52426BCE4BFF5DABB1EB88E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_2FFC9527CEEAF4CD47695DABB1EB28CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_2FFC9527CEEAF4CD47695DABB1EB28CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_6ED83C69DA8D064F76665DABB1EBBB85_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_2FFC9527CEEAF4CD47695DABB1EB28CF" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_6ED83C69DA8D064F76665DABB1EBBB85_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_6ED83C69DA8D064F76665DABB1EBBB85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_2FFC9527CEEAF4CD47695DABB1EB28CF" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_6ED83C69DA8D064F76665DABB1EBBB85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_81ABCDBD1E469FF620A95DABB1EB1926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_6ED83C69DA8D064F76665DABB1EBBB85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_81ABCDBD1E469FF620A95DABB1EB1926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6995195E7435E358110F5DABB1EB8963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6995195E7435E358110F5DABB1EB8963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6995195E7435E358110F5DABB1EB8963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6995195E7435E358110F5DABB1EB8963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_5C6C940B1CEAB37294F75DB305268A32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_5C6C940B1CEAB37294F75DB305268A32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_47CB889AC01C83722F7D5DABB1ECD82D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7E921376B8D1640ABCDA5DABB1EC9462" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_47CB889AC01C83722F7D5DABB1ECD82D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_7953B80BA7D22CBBC9DF5DABB1ECDABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_5A8E245991CEA982B5255DABB1E9D9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_7953B80BA7D22CBBC9DF5DABB1ECDABF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70E97190A3DE7C3B51085DABB1EC78EB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_7953B80BA7D22CBBC9DF5DABB1ECDABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70E97190A3DE7C3B51085DABB1EC78EB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70E97190A3DE7C3B51085DABB1EC78EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_7953B80BA7D22CBBC9DF5DABB1ECDABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70E97190A3DE7C3B51085DABB1EC78EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_0EC8CC369FE6C8AD7F295DABB1EC02DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70E97190A3DE7C3B51085DABB1EC78EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_0EC8CC369FE6C8AD7F295DABB1EC02DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_BA97B45E11C2F6C2EDA15DABB1ECAF2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_BA97B45E11C2F6C2EDA15DABB1ECAF2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_BEF1E930AD82F217F98C5DABB1ED4620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_BEF1E930AD82F217F98C5DABB1ED4620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_BF8FDEDD9B1E36A97AE75DABB1ED50A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_BF8FDEDD9B1E36A97AE75DABB1ED50A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativeMaturityYears" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativeMaturityYears_3484E61C042F26D3F0275DABB1ED46B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativeMaturityYears_3484E61C042F26D3F0275DABB1ED46B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates_F941A78F730C30BE7A8D5DABB1ED5D0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates_F941A78F730C30BE7A8D5DABB1ED5D0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_4CEF9DB9F4F29D469B205DABB1ED6FF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_4CEF9DB9F4F29D469B205DABB1ED6FF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_2D40BDF65E3C99F6D37D5DABB1EDB9C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_2D40BDF65E3C99F6D37D5DABB1EDB9C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion_9D04BE90018589AA2C9B5DABB1ED7F36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion_9D04BE90018589AA2C9B5DABB1ED7F36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_633415D58849588F2CC25DABB5B7FBD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_31B42E91D04F490FABF35DABB1EC9A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_633415D58849588F2CC25DABB5B7FBD3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_106AD3391502262151A8859CBB293FE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_106AD3391502262151A8859CBB293FE7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B92492A2A43F4910A43C859CBB29927A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_106AD3391502262151A8859CBB293FE7" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B92492A2A43F4910A43C859CBB29927A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7AF73BD37CB316355248859CBB29FFCB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B92492A2A43F4910A43C859CBB29927A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7AF73BD37CB316355248859CBB29FFCB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7AF73BD37CB316355248859CBB29FFCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B92492A2A43F4910A43C859CBB29927A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7AF73BD37CB316355248859CBB29FFCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_AEB807D9CFE04096BFEE859CBB2A12C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_AEB807D9CFE04096BFEE859CBB2A12C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_CF3FFC52D2D090ECF125859CBB2ADAC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_CF3FFC52D2D090ECF125859CBB2ADAC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_95E7AF7E34BEF588252C859CBB2A2037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_95E7AF7E34BEF588252C859CBB2A2037" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_B9B6EC2E37655EDD12BA859CBB2A71DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_B9B6EC2E37655EDD12BA859CBB2A71DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_2DDC2A72A4A4E1038CFE859CBB2A086D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_2DDC2A72A4A4E1038CFE859CBB2A086D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_31CEF5CA0DB3FFF6D6FA859CBB2A3AE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_31CEF5CA0DB3FFF6D6FA859CBB2A3AE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_1CBAAD585F7598F2FD95859CBB2A7B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_1CBAAD585F7598F2FD95859CBB2A7B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_A85D7FDDD225314FAF23859CBB2A6822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_A85D7FDDD225314FAF23859CBB2A6822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_E65B06C2B7AD149C7E25859CBB2A6E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_E65B06C2B7AD149C7E25859CBB2A6E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_55DB90B553EBD9A33EBF859CBB2A4507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_55DB90B553EBD9A33EBF859CBB2A4507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_A7B5C186083F8BC9F500859CBB2A0CED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_7A956E2EBF92353279D1859CBB2A8284" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_A7B5C186083F8BC9F500859CBB2A0CED" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BCA877E18A6026287010859CBAF23926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB6C5050B7F2AFD2F342859CBAF2050A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BCA877E18A6026287010859CBAF23926" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB6C5050B7F2AFD2F342859CBAF2050A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8158F09DEA25ED3D220859CBAF237FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB6C5050B7F2AFD2F342859CBAF2050A" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8158F09DEA25ED3D220859CBAF237FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7A25466C3302D11D88D2859CBAF2FE0C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8158F09DEA25ED3D220859CBAF237FB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7A25466C3302D11D88D2859CBAF2FE0C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7A25466C3302D11D88D2859CBAF2FE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8158F09DEA25ED3D220859CBAF237FB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7A25466C3302D11D88D2859CBAF2FE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_DBE2F7312CFB873B7105859CBAF26723" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BCA877E18A6026287010859CBAF23926" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_DBE2F7312CFB873B7105859CBAF26723" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareCalculationOfNumeratorAndDenominatorInEpsTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_6E243B96989BCF13F9475DE49F4979B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_6E243B96989BCF13F9475DE49F4979B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_803D5DD878479A46ECA45DE49F494F4D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_6E243B96989BCF13F9475DE49F4979B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_803D5DD878479A46ECA45DE49F494F4D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_803D5DD878479A46ECA45DE49F494F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_6E243B96989BCF13F9475DE49F4979B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_803D5DD878479A46ECA45DE49F494F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_C84A4E78BC4948A3E47E5DE49F4AC527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_803D5DD878479A46ECA45DE49F494F4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_C84A4E78BC4948A3E47E5DE49F4AC527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5CF78BB2AE87618C32545DE49F4AE7C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5CF78BB2AE87618C32545DE49F4AE7C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A8F6D2A2AB13FF346F765DE49F4A93C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5CF78BB2AE87618C32545DE49F4AE7C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A8F6D2A2AB13FF346F765DE49F4A93C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A8F6D2A2AB13FF346F765DE49F4A93C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5CF78BB2AE87618C32545DE49F4AE7C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A8F6D2A2AB13FF346F765DE49F4A93C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_446D5F0D39556EBE74735DE49F4A1733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A8F6D2A2AB13FF346F765DE49F4A93C7" xlink:to="loc_els_CumulativeSeriesCSixPointSevenFivePercentRedeemablePerpetualPreferredStockMember_446D5F0D39556EBE74735DE49F4A1733" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_05CCA8F2745BA8284D265DE49F4AD8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_05CCA8F2745BA8284D265DE49F4AD8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4B775BA5A093F6DF11E45DE49F4A3CD4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_05CCA8F2745BA8284D265DE49F4AD8D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4B775BA5A093F6DF11E45DE49F4A3CD4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4B775BA5A093F6DF11E45DE49F4A3CD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_05CCA8F2745BA8284D265DE49F4AD8D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_4B775BA5A093F6DF11E45DE49F4A3CD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B8A8A7F7499565873B825DE49F4A00AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureTable_35DC0EF4B779CAED3CB85DE49F49CE33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B8A8A7F7499565873B825DE49F4A00AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D9D571C78828DDF7E3505DE49F4AD026_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B8A8A7F7499565873B825DE49F4A00AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D9D571C78828DDF7E3505DE49F4AD026_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D9D571C78828DDF7E3505DE49F4AD026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B8A8A7F7499565873B825DE49F4A00AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D9D571C78828DDF7E3505DE49F4AD026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedNumeratorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedNumeratorAbstract_4AAE99A9668806AB86685DE49F4AF465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedNumeratorAbstract_4AAE99A9668806AB86685DE49F4AF465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DE704A9C1DCBA48F0F4D5DE49F4A2E45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DE704A9C1DCBA48F0F4D5DE49F4A2E45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable_5EE1A99CB42BE748F6AD5DE49F4B8FB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable_5EE1A99CB42BE748F6AD5DE49F4B8FB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends_FC0813E9BE15428480715DE49F4BB70A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockDividends_FC0813E9BE15428480715DE49F4BB70A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_19D37F5ADEF6ABE0C5415DE49F4B7D93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_19D37F5ADEF6ABE0C5415DE49F4B7D93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_3213D5ACD0DDFA48274C5DE49F4BA2C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_3213D5ACD0DDFA48274C5DE49F4BA2C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_E35F26A093A2A3D86FF85DE49F4BEB9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_E35F26A093A2A3D86FF85DE49F4BEB9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IncrementalIncomeLossRelatedToPotentialCommonShares" xlink:label="loc_els_IncrementalIncomeLossRelatedToPotentialCommonShares_969347B6CA5185745A8E5DE49F4BB8C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_els_IncrementalIncomeLossRelatedToPotentialCommonShares_969347B6CA5185745A8E5DE49F4BB8C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_BDC4666AAB41C41C561A5DE49F4B77AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_BDC4666AAB41C41C561A5DE49F4B77AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedDenominatorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedDenominatorAbstract_380F5AA991E74394997B5DE49F4B3B82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_els_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedDenominatorAbstract_380F5AA991E74394997B5DE49F4B3B82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_3E199C5A8154CE9BF16F5DE49F4BC720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_3E199C5A8154CE9BF16F5DE49F4BC720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_5B2ADA31D440269C976E5DE49F4C0E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_5B2ADA31D440269C976E5DE49F4C0E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_FFA5AB8A4262F5AEEB305DE49F4C42BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_FFA5AB8A4262F5AEEB305DE49F4C42BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfPreferredStock_A8A325CCB9CE1129F6005DE49F4C127D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfPreferredStock_A8A325CCB9CE1129F6005DE49F4C127D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_5839D28F39007BCFF1DD5DE49F4D073F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_5839D28F39007BCFF1DD5DE49F4D073F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_2DC203A6DCF425DADAAD5DE49F4E44E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_2DC203A6DCF425DADAAD5DE49F4E44E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_7F4550A553C1BB0B96F15DE49F4E70EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_7F4550A553C1BB0B96F15DE49F4E70EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_DA78D00AEDE5FF965C5A5DE49F4FB553" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_DA78D00AEDE5FF965C5A5DE49F4FB553" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E47BE5D0BE231D8BDE7D5DE49F4F2EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E47BE5D0BE231D8BDE7D5DE49F4F2EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_30D572B3565A637F476C5DE49F4F8784" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_30D572B3565A637F476C5DE49F4F8784" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_C03DE6107E5AEBC39DB75DE49F4FFF14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_C03DE6107E5AEBC39DB75DE49F4FFF14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_934D8CBC8B535C8C45DA5DE49F4FBF39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_934D8CBC8B535C8C45DA5DE49F4FBF39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_9DD8B7DD7AB3C030F2325DE49F4F7AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_EarningsPerShareDisclosureLineItems_F2750A52918AFCFF9E965DE49F4A56F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_9DD8B7DD7AB3C030F2325DE49F4F7AA0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_8841F87EB9A19933A0F9859CBBBF2352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D6EA0F945A5E5EFC13C7859CBBBE8613" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_8841F87EB9A19933A0F9859CBBBF2352" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D6EA0F945A5E5EFC13C7859CBBBE8613" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0193CE663F87430DBAE8859CBBBE5A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D6EA0F945A5E5EFC13C7859CBBBE8613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0193CE663F87430DBAE8859CBBBE5A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4028019DAC52BE089276859CBBBE6BD2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0193CE663F87430DBAE8859CBBBE5A28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4028019DAC52BE089276859CBBBE6BD2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4028019DAC52BE089276859CBBBE6BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0193CE663F87430DBAE8859CBBBE5A28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4028019DAC52BE089276859CBBBE6BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_71ED73148205ABA7BB9F859CBBBEACD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4028019DAC52BE089276859CBBBE6BD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_71ED73148205ABA7BB9F859CBBBEACD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_83036DDE6F92DE9B0A24859CBBBEEAD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D6EA0F945A5E5EFC13C7859CBBBE8613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_83036DDE6F92DE9B0A24859CBBBEEAD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_91D0ADC451AAF9206DBD859CBBBE7A4A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_83036DDE6F92DE9B0A24859CBBBEEAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_91D0ADC451AAF9206DBD859CBBBE7A4A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_91D0ADC451AAF9206DBD859CBBBE7A4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_83036DDE6F92DE9B0A24859CBBBEEAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_91D0ADC451AAF9206DBD859CBBBE7A4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_A99FA1ED54C8308D9C79859CBBBFE095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_91D0ADC451AAF9206DBD859CBBBE7A4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_A99FA1ED54C8308D9C79859CBBBFE095" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_109382C6A44D455BBD18859CBBBF8DCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D6EA0F945A5E5EFC13C7859CBBBE8613" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_109382C6A44D455BBD18859CBBBF8DCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_B8D00072B9B90273991F859CBBBF6C63_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_109382C6A44D455BBD18859CBBBF8DCA" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_B8D00072B9B90273991F859CBBBF6C63_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_B8D00072B9B90273991F859CBBBF6C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractAxis_109382C6A44D455BBD18859CBBBF8DCA" xlink:to="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_B8D00072B9B90273991F859CBBBF6C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_1AEF9E21526EEBC12568859CBBBFF731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_DerivativesByDerivativeInstrumentContractDomain_B8D00072B9B90273991F859CBBBF6C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_1AEF9E21526EEBC12568859CBBBFF731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion_0AE36D3FD9851615EEE7859CBBBF8847" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_8841F87EB9A19933A0F9859CBBBF2352" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortion_0AE36D3FD9851615EEE7859CBBBF8847" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_4D00353A6D604AAED7CC859CBBBFDCC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_8841F87EB9A19933A0F9859CBBBF2352" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_4D00353A6D604AAED7CC859CBBBFDCC6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EffectOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOnConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/EstimatedAmortizationOfIdentifiedIntangibleAssetsForNextFiveYearsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable_B4EAB1D17104F9146FFA859CBB5C76F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable_B4EAB1D17104F9146FFA859CBB5C76F9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B113620DFED1A744C115859CBB5C12BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseTable_B4EAB1D17104F9146FFA859CBB5C76F9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B113620DFED1A744C115859CBB5C12BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2B92817F8F163DB29050859CBB5C8752_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B113620DFED1A744C115859CBB5C12BF" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2B92817F8F163DB29050859CBB5C8752_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2B92817F8F163DB29050859CBB5C8752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B113620DFED1A744C115859CBB5C12BF" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2B92817F8F163DB29050859CBB5C8752" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne" xlink:label="loc_els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_A17D535C5CD15294B8EE859CBB5C51E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_A17D535C5CD15294B8EE859CBB5C51E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_52C1572452A4BE38A9C6859CBB5C57DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_52C1572452A4BE38A9C6859CBB5C57DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_7AD916B15FA5FF276F94859CBB5CCB00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_7AD916B15FA5FF276F94859CBB5CCB00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_80A6628618EADCEB06A8859CBB5CC50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_80A6628618EADCEB06A8859CBB5CC50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_065F352067E77B13007D859CBB5CC151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseLineItems_D650F143C077B45E3512859CBB5CA2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_065F352067E77B13007D859CBB5CC151" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/FairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndTheirClassificationOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_1D803F4CD37ECAC3F797859CBBEE352D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_37171DFABB06B3D44E26859CBBEE5DD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_1D803F4CD37ECAC3F797859CBBEE352D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_37171DFABB06B3D44E26859CBBEE5DD5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9BA3952230A6C10756EC859CBBEECD0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_37171DFABB06B3D44E26859CBBEE5DD5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9BA3952230A6C10756EC859CBBEECD0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ACB68A01F25BACE95BDE859CBBEEB08B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9BA3952230A6C10756EC859CBBEECD0D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ACB68A01F25BACE95BDE859CBBEEB08B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ACB68A01F25BACE95BDE859CBBEEB08B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9BA3952230A6C10756EC859CBBEECD0D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ACB68A01F25BACE95BDE859CBBEEB08B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_3974F465BCAB5764AF71859CBBEEDEC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_37171DFABB06B3D44E26859CBBEE5DD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_3974F465BCAB5764AF71859CBBEEDEC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_3C2DDB27CAD7BA9DEBEA859CBBEE5FAE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_3974F465BCAB5764AF71859CBBEEDEC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_3C2DDB27CAD7BA9DEBEA859CBBEE5FAE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_3C2DDB27CAD7BA9DEBEA859CBBEE5FAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_3974F465BCAB5764AF71859CBBEEDEC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_3C2DDB27CAD7BA9DEBEA859CBBEE5FAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_6A78BFE94162909605AA859CBBEEC8E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_1D803F4CD37ECAC3F797859CBBEE352D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_6A78BFE94162909605AA859CBBEEC8E8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/FinancialInformationForOperationSegmentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_71A0AAD5128677AEB6CC614A7C38AA2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_71A0AAD5128677AEB6CC614A7C38AA2C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66F1F46248256693B89B614A7C3952F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_71A0AAD5128677AEB6CC614A7C38AA2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66F1F46248256693B89B614A7C3952F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66F1F46248256693B89B614A7C3952F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66F1F46248256693B89B614A7C3952F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember_ABD7BCE454906FC80CAF614A7C39A780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD" xlink:to="loc_els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember_ABD7BCE454906FC80CAF614A7C39A780" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember_A36F32D05926F44E8E6A614A7C3A0A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9C9DBBC6723DCE42E575614A7C3951CD" xlink:to="loc_els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember_A36F32D05926F44E8E6A614A7C3A0A86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_631E7423C37A96E34DA7614A7C3B9EBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_631E7423C37A96E34DA7614A7C3B9EBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_E6F317B34C4EF6D5F670614A7C3BCC91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_E6F317B34C4EF6D5F670614A7C3BCC91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_DFD9054FCAD4FE0A68D0614A7C3B5892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_DFD9054FCAD4FE0A68D0614A7C3B5892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_F3A2E1E8526E906C53EB614A7C3BB029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_F3A2E1E8526E906C53EB614A7C3BB029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_F1334ECCB9D8231F271C614A7C3B59EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_F1334ECCB9D8231F271C614A7C3B59EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ResortBaseRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_ResortBaseRentalIncome_F8B8D5B82E8A1D892917614A7C3C8BAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_ResortBaseRentalIncome_F8B8D5B82E8A1D892917614A7C3C8BAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseAnnualPayments" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseAnnualPayments_A4866E512709E267AD96614A7C3C86E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseAnnualPayments_A4866E512709E267AD96614A7C3C86E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_B416B03CE183CBEAF932614A7C3CA6DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseContractsCurrentPeriodGross_B416B03CE183CBEAF932614A7C3CA6DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization" xlink:label="loc_els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization_4A7A28DCA42CB39FEBD5614A7C3CC164" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_RightToUseContractsDeferredNetOfPriorPeriodAmortization_4A7A28DCA42CB39FEBD5614A7C3CC164" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UtilityAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_6C0A9745BC60F252D330614A7C3C961B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_6C0A9745BC60F252D330614A7C3C961B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet_E6B0589D2F1F5CC258C8614A7C3C08BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet_E6B0589D2F1F5CC258C8614A7C3C08BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_9780A2CC5ADAD0423F83614A7C3C2E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_9780A2CC5ADAD0423F83614A7C3C2E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_9E0D55FBCA51C7ACE21C614A7C3C7981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_9E0D55FBCA51C7ACE21C614A7C3C7981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentalHomeIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_FEC8E038F4DC8EF96E71614A7C3D0192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_FEC8E038F4DC8EF96E71614A7C3D0192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_29E8D5B086DF1D628201614A7C3DF2D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_8A2FF8DB541E74E4EDDA614A7C3BA9A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_29E8D5B086DF1D628201614A7C3DF2D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense_84964229E3B05B305270614A7C3D5031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfOtherPropertyOperatingExpense_84964229E3B05B305270614A7C3D5031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense_F5FF4A0C2ACB139E5585614A7C3D63CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense_F5FF4A0C2ACB139E5585614A7C3D63CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_7471392D11CC48EBE69B614A7C3D447F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense_7471392D11CC48EBE69B614A7C3D447F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet" xlink:label="loc_els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet_85AA3199D0DD8953A43C614A7C3E6871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_els_SalesAndMarketingDeferredCommissionsNet_85AA3199D0DD8953A43C614A7C3E6871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_17EDC0786399A770FBB1614A7C3E4280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts_17EDC0786399A770FBB1614A7C3E4280" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales_1ADEB7DDB10BD21F03FF614A7C3ED4F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales_1ADEB7DDB10BD21F03FF614A7C3ED4F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingExpense_207585BB40F0595E77F6614A7CB31A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingExpense_207585BB40F0595E77F6614A7CB31A61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses" xlink:label="loc_els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses_AC704F0C4735C18A7A55614A7CB48E9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8D5C6D5BB70BCFD55DD9614A7C3DB4C3" xlink:to="loc_els_RentalHomeOperatingAndMaintenanceExpenses_AC704F0C4735C18A7A55614A7CB48E9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F5103BB9DEC94F45436C614A7CB4ADC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6FE4A87764D063DA0B51614A7C3A7ADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F5103BB9DEC94F45436C614A7CB4ADC8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVentures" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D94AFB484E9E36572C7F859CBB0ADF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8816BF78637433CFEDFC859CBB091817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D94AFB484E9E36572C7F859CBB0ADF84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8816BF78637433CFEDFC859CBB091817" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_122F27EEE57F24AC44F9859CBB0960AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8816BF78637433CFEDFC859CBB091817" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_122F27EEE57F24AC44F9859CBB0960AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AD306F493BB2D41B14C3859CBB0AB0E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_122F27EEE57F24AC44F9859CBB0960AD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AD306F493BB2D41B14C3859CBB0AB0E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AD306F493BB2D41B14C3859CBB0AB0E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_122F27EEE57F24AC44F9859CBB0960AD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AD306F493BB2D41B14C3859CBB0AB0E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_C8357683EC56056497DB859CBB0AA37B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D94AFB484E9E36572C7F859CBB0ADF84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_C8357683EC56056497DB859CBB0AA37B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVenturesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A99D5C6EC9A3D7D9288E5D4D5763410E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A99D5C6EC9A3D7D9288E5D4D5763410E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_DBE0FBBF4BCED8DA5B8D5D4D57638C37_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A99D5C6EC9A3D7D9288E5D4D5763410E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_DBE0FBBF4BCED8DA5B8D5D4D57638C37_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_DBE0FBBF4BCED8DA5B8D5D4D57638C37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A99D5C6EC9A3D7D9288E5D4D5763410E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_DBE0FBBF4BCED8DA5B8D5D4D57638C37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RVResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_RVResortMember_F6B64988BE5B36C0C7315D4D57645D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_DBE0FBBF4BCED8DA5B8D5D4D57638C37" xlink:to="loc_els_RVResortMember_F6B64988BE5B36C0C7315D4D57645D02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_D1366987790B4CC9CF095D4D5764134C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_D1366987790B4CC9CF095D4D5764134C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_D1366987790B4CC9CF095D4D5764134C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_D1366987790B4CC9CF095D4D5764134C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AuctionPropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_AuctionPropertiesDomain_1C9D39906F81DE388BAC5D4D5764FD15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735" xlink:to="loc_els_AuctionPropertiesDomain_1C9D39906F81DE388BAC5D4D5764FD15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember_3BFF3AF62413B5D965C15D4D576441D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D4265EBD072AABE0818B5D4D57645735" xlink:to="loc_els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember_3BFF3AF62413B5D965C15D4D576441D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A26DB7BC15C12C79DE35D4D57744794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A26DB7BC15C12C79DE35D4D57744794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A26DB7BC15C12C79DE35D4D57744794" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A26DB7BC15C12C79DE35D4D57744794" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ServicingAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ServicingAssetsMember_98F0C17F7CC0B09145375D4D57747398" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD" xlink:to="loc_els_ServicingAssetsMember_98F0C17F7CC0B09145375D4D57747398" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RecreationalVehicleResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_RecreationalVehicleResortMember_885208A1EAD07B65FDBA5D4D5774BDBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD" xlink:to="loc_els_RecreationalVehicleResortMember_885208A1EAD07B65FDBA5D4D5774BDBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_OtherRegionsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_OtherRegionsMember_2A5A44A502C04D37C1015D4D57743A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_06FA55060EBBBE5379635D4D5774AEBD" xlink:to="loc_els_OtherRegionsMember_2A5A44A502C04D37C1015D4D57743A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_660B74BAA43E4E8FA2A05D4D5774293E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_660B74BAA43E4E8FA2A05D4D5774293E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_660B74BAA43E4E8FA2A05D4D5774293E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_660B74BAA43E4E8FA2A05D4D5774293E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_AZ" xlink:label="loc_stpr_AZ_BF755F4E76A45B547ECD5D4D5775065E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF" xlink:to="loc_stpr_AZ_BF755F4E76A45B547ECD5D4D5775065E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_OtherRegionsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_OtherRegionsMember_F2D4A9ED12CA9425BA785D4D5775F040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF" xlink:to="loc_els_OtherRegionsMember_F2D4A9ED12CA9425BA785D4D5775F040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_FL" xlink:label="loc_stpr_FL_D345F1ED1511FDC80E5E5D4D5776D098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A3FB1067DD439D9B2B025D4D577554EF" xlink:to="loc_stpr_FL_D345F1ED1511FDC80E5E5D4D5776D098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_426CD46B1F07D5B8AB155D4D57765B45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_DD163268556C013484735D4D57632B4D" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_426CD46B1F07D5B8AB155D4D57765B45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_426CD46B1F07D5B8AB155D4D57765B45" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_426CD46B1F07D5B8AB155D4D57765B45" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ECHOFinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ECHOFinancingMember_D4ED5C004AB452C2F34F5D4D57769DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:to="loc_els_ECHOFinancingMember_D4ED5C004AB452C2F34F5D4D57769DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_MeadowsInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_MeadowsInvestmentsMember_CED06380BA511512C5325D4D577688F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:to="loc_els_MeadowsInvestmentsMember_CED06380BA511512C5325D4D577688F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LakeshoreInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_LakeshoreInvestmentsMember_12226FD2CBA68524D5A35D4D57763DFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:to="loc_els_LakeshoreInvestmentsMember_12226FD2CBA68524D5A35D4D57763DFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_VoyagerMember" xlink:label="loc_els_VoyagerMember_C7FBB9C97532DA5B4FB25D4D57778883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:to="loc_els_VoyagerMember_C7FBB9C97532DA5B4FB25D4D57778883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_53C1BA9148FFAC87733B5D4D5777F00A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_F3B81C5F85C29E9D28915D4D57765E88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_53C1BA9148FFAC87733B5D4D5777F00A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_4E38AD55B451B401884A5D4D5777EE77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_4E38AD55B451B401884A5D4D5777EE77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice" xlink:label="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice_80186BFDE13B1D2432635D4D57777377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice_80186BFDE13B1D2432635D4D57777377" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9508D4CC7952F0A0676C5D4D57773C07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9508D4CC7952F0A0676C5D4D57773C07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AdjustmentDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_els_AdjustmentDepreciation_6E4348422667D6ABDDCC5D4D57773B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_els_AdjustmentDepreciation_6E4348422667D6ABDDCC5D4D57773B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DistributionsfromUnconsolidatedJointVenturesnet" xlink:label="loc_els_DistributionsfromUnconsolidatedJointVenturesnet_5543E10DC6EFBDB8E0AA5D4D577837E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_els_DistributionsfromUnconsolidatedJointVenturesnet_5543E10DC6EFBDB8E0AA5D4D577837E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_E450E1021A47A00A2C3E5D4D5778C58B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_E450E1021A47A00A2C3E5D4D5778C58B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UnconsolidatedJointVentureDistributioninExcessofBasis" xlink:label="loc_els_UnconsolidatedJointVentureDistributioninExcessofBasis_DC767E975B31CE4B207F5D4D5778D022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_els_UnconsolidatedJointVentureDistributioninExcessofBasis_DC767E975B31CE4B207F5D4D5778D022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberOfJointVentureSites" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberOfJointVentureSites_5A5866AE384347C4279A5D4D57782ADE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberOfJointVentureSites_5A5866AE384347C4279A5D4D57782ADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_EC5E12F9338B6CB30B7C5D4D57780BE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_EC5E12F9338B6CB30B7C5D4D57780BE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_83BF931198F4DD7D750C5D4D57795C3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_83BF931198F4DD7D750C5D4D57795C3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_3100B4D6A8C75274A2A45D4D57793A6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_788672A513CC6BDD6DB65D4D5777E6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_3100B4D6A8C75274A2A45D4D57793A6D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInJointVenturesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_08E29F2AD9FE650BD21E859CBB4B633D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6C259F707C1C87CAEB8A859CBB4BCA3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_08E29F2AD9FE650BD21E859CBB4B633D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6C259F707C1C87CAEB8A859CBB4BCA3C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C68FFD7FFD39F865047F859CBB4BA9CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6C259F707C1C87CAEB8A859CBB4BCA3C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C68FFD7FFD39F865047F859CBB4BA9CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_838EF913BD1C7F8F4194859CBB4B3F6D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C68FFD7FFD39F865047F859CBB4BA9CB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_838EF913BD1C7F8F4194859CBB4B3F6D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_838EF913BD1C7F8F4194859CBB4B3F6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C68FFD7FFD39F865047F859CBB4BA9CB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_838EF913BD1C7F8F4194859CBB4B3F6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_5E6A48BA6C65D89D6B35859CBB4CE9D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_08E29F2AD9FE650BD21E859CBB4B633D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_5E6A48BA6C65D89D6B35859CBB4CE9D2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstate" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_05B1C433D0EBC5095D40859CBC166EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FF21E3C09855F81BDC90859CBC15B052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_05B1C433D0EBC5095D40859CBC166EBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FF21E3C09855F81BDC90859CBC15B052" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C23E560A37993C1EC666859CBC163A62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FF21E3C09855F81BDC90859CBC15B052" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C23E560A37993C1EC666859CBC163A62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B082BB847DD0A7F36F9F859CBC1643EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C23E560A37993C1EC666859CBC163A62" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B082BB847DD0A7F36F9F859CBC1643EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B082BB847DD0A7F36F9F859CBC1643EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C23E560A37993C1EC666859CBC163A62" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B082BB847DD0A7F36F9F859CBC1643EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock_89AA2698C1073270F102859CBC16B81A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_05B1C433D0EBC5095D40859CBC166EBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock_89AA2698C1073270F102859CBC16B81A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstateAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_899B27136DFC724627136153956D7A12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_899B27136DFC724627136153956D7A12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_DD4FB4FA9A21957771786153956DA6E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_899B27136DFC724627136153956D7A12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_DD4FB4FA9A21957771786153956DA6E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_DD4FB4FA9A21957771786153956DA6E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_899B27136DFC724627136153956D7A12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_DD4FB4FA9A21957771786153956DA6E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A2A8F7E3C0654AFE29606153956D0B3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A2A8F7E3C0654AFE29606153956D0B3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88470A9B8E438B78B2FE6153956EE539_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A2A8F7E3C0654AFE29606153956D0B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88470A9B8E438B78B2FE6153956EE539_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88470A9B8E438B78B2FE6153956EE539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A2A8F7E3C0654AFE29606153956D0B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88470A9B8E438B78B2FE6153956EE539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_27250E5F7A03F12CB4556153956E934A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88470A9B8E438B78B2FE6153956EE539" xlink:to="loc_els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember_27250E5F7A03F12CB4556153956E934A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5EEAED9886D4CD9C659D6153956EDB22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5EEAED9886D4CD9C659D6153956EDB22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5EEAED9886D4CD9C659D6153956EDB22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5EEAED9886D4CD9C659D6153956EDB22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember_3E59905FE638356CB9D46153956E7D76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMember_3E59905FE638356CB9D46153956E7D76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ManufacturedHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_4A6F9B53EFF1A0A599AB6153956F9806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:to="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_4A6F9B53EFF1A0A599AB6153956F9806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember_EB2602D9E5986A4506406153956FF825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember_EB2602D9E5986A4506406153956FF825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_458CF50EE580ED11C0D06153956F8FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E579BE5248A521F2DCD6153956EB55A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_458CF50EE580ED11C0D06153956F8FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A946F5B9040E49E8BED6153956F9616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A946F5B9040E49E8BED6153956F9616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A946F5B9040E49E8BED6153956F9616" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A946F5B9040E49E8BED6153956F9616" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_AE5BADF5311379F8FFC2615395700166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_AE5BADF5311379F8FFC2615395700166" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember_C49994BFCC0AFA04E0B4615395758A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D8CDC8894B78E8AC27956153956FBDFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciableAssetsMember_C49994BFCC0AFA04E0B4615395758A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_F2960A0CFC79CEB4E2E461539575D69F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_F2960A0CFC79CEB4E2E461539575D69F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_F2960A0CFC79CEB4E2E461539575D69F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_F2960A0CFC79CEB4E2E461539575D69F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RVResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_RVResortMember_90871881D03C8D8C6784615395763F91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36" xlink:to="loc_els_RVResortMember_90871881D03C8D8C6784615395763F91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ManufacturedHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_560FFDD2364A38A7B1EA615395769062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_89FC6CC5E34997E936D6615395752A36" xlink:to="loc_els_ManufacturedHomeMember_560FFDD2364A38A7B1EA615395769062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_F7F534CE311079EBD91461539576EEC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_F7F534CE311079EBD91461539576EEC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_73C5F9E807AB2028300C61539576DCA6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_F7F534CE311079EBD91461539576EEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_73C5F9E807AB2028300C61539576DCA6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_73C5F9E807AB2028300C61539576DCA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_F7F534CE311079EBD91461539576EEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_73C5F9E807AB2028300C61539576DCA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_1D6FC5D3E0E49B36B78E615395763B00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_73C5F9E807AB2028300C61539576DCA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_1D6FC5D3E0E49B36B78E615395763B00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityByLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityByLocationAxis_A529C57F650FA81CFDAC61539576EA8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityByLocationAxis_A529C57F650FA81CFDAC61539576EA8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocationDomain_44887666F3A23A5E878561539577E780_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityByLocationAxis_A529C57F650FA81CFDAC61539576EA8D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocationDomain_44887666F3A23A5E878561539577E780_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocationDomain_44887666F3A23A5E878561539577E780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityByLocationAxis_A529C57F650FA81CFDAC61539576EA8D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocationDomain_44887666F3A23A5E878561539577E780" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_237775BE8D9C6FC78BE961539577248C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_237775BE8D9C6FC78BE961539577248C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A43F0116918B3D02AAAC615395774BC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_237775BE8D9C6FC78BE961539577248C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A43F0116918B3D02AAAC615395774BC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A43F0116918B3D02AAAC615395774BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_237775BE8D9C6FC78BE961539577248C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A43F0116918B3D02AAAC615395774BC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_891E2846D8E91B00C08E61539577E064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_A43F0116918B3D02AAAC615395774BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_891E2846D8E91B00C08E61539577E064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_7C314B87505946A2AB2261539577591B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_7C314B87505946A2AB2261539577591B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_7C314B87505946A2AB2261539577591B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_7C314B87505946A2AB2261539577591B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_BlackhawkCampingResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_BlackhawkCampingResortMember_38ED37F76554897B630161539578505D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_BlackhawkCampingResortMember_38ED37F76554897B630161539578505D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LakelandCampingResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_LakelandCampingResortMember_1A66D66C59982874FA5761539578EDA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_LakelandCampingResortMember_1A66D66C59982874FA5761539578EDA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NeshonocLakesideMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NeshonocLakesideMember_05F00539AAC674CB54EF61539578A163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_NeshonocLakesideMember_05F00539AAC674CB54EF61539578A163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember_C89EECFCFE8F99B6D64061539578FACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember_C89EECFCFE8F99B6D64061539578FACF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ColonyCoveMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ColonyCoveMember_F5CE61AB23D197FDF85D615395787A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_ColonyCoveMember_F5CE61AB23D197FDF85D615395787A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PineAcresResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PineAcresResortMember_A54D15F5BAB3DE7583BD61539578FA00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_PineAcresResortMember_A54D15F5BAB3DE7583BD61539578FA00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EchoFarmCampgroundMember" xlink:label="loc_els_EchoFarmCampgroundMember_4CA85471C3283ADA591B61539578C1EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_EchoFarmCampgroundMember_4CA85471C3283ADA591B61539578C1EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_MaysLandingResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_MaysLandingResortMember_F77735E6C2647D291A9C6153957E6F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_MaysLandingResortMember_F77735E6C2647D291A9C6153957E6F45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AuctionPropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_AuctionPropertiesDomain_0BD91F647420BC3904366153957EEA24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_AuctionPropertiesDomain_0BD91F647420BC3904366153957EEA24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember" xlink:label="loc_els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember_5A1E98D282BBB365CAE96153957EC2B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_SpaceCoastRVResortMember_5A1E98D282BBB365CAE96153957EC2B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CascadeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_CascadeMember_D2161D32DFCCE5A6207C6153957EE8E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_1D89C6090DBF33ED0770615395789099" xlink:to="loc_els_CascadeMember_D2161D32DFCCE5A6207C6153957EE8E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_DA3B67485228AA9DADE26153957E91FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_E9A7E853A1B6594AAF3B6153956DFC6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_DA3B67485228AA9DADE26153957E91FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_77ADAA97421A566CCC906153957EBB2F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_DA3B67485228AA9DADE26153957E91FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_77ADAA97421A566CCC906153957EBB2F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_77ADAA97421A566CCC906153957EBB2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_DA3B67485228AA9DADE26153957E91FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_77ADAA97421A566CCC906153957EBB2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchasePriceAllocationAdjustmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchasePriceAllocationAdjustmentsMember_FDA4D5A61C4FA7CDFA8A6153957F9A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_77ADAA97421A566CCC906153957EBB2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchasePriceAllocationAdjustmentsMember_FDA4D5A61C4FA7CDFA8A6153957F9A37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract_F9710869707CAFBE921F6153957F451E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract_F9710869707CAFBE921F6153957F451E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_19BE6AF412F089CE007E6153957F2DA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_19BE6AF412F089CE007E6153957F2DA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_FF9A7BA3ABCAE2857B876153957FD7FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_FF9A7BA3ABCAE2857B876153957FD7FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_FinalAdjustmentPeriodMaximumRange" xlink:label="loc_els_FinalAdjustmentPeriodMaximumRange_062BF9BA3FC512432ED36153957F21CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_FinalAdjustmentPeriodMaximumRange_062BF9BA3FC512432ED36153957F21CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberofRVResortsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberofRVResortsAcquired_129D4D14D2CA5186BD9E61539580CE27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberofRVResortsAcquired_129D4D14D2CA5186BD9E61539580CE27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_25588846DCBE69FD0B53615395808113" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_25588846DCBE69FD0B53615395808113" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EscrowShareDistribution" xlink:label="loc_els_EscrowShareDistribution_C9E35252739E3F7A2F4561539580F386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_EscrowShareDistribution_C9E35252739E3F7A2F4561539580F386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberOfPropertiesDisposed" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberOfPropertiesDisposed_755A7A68F7E89F1E547261539580E352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberOfPropertiesDisposed_755A7A68F7E89F1E547261539580E352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberOfSitesDisposed" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberOfSitesDisposed_A085CC2E4376FB9DC407615395801158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberOfSitesDisposed_A085CC2E4376FB9DC407615395801158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PurchasePriceForDisposedProperties" xlink:label="loc_els_PurchasePriceForDisposedProperties_D917CE6589AB84B3CA74615395808F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_PurchasePriceForDisposedProperties_D917CE6589AB84B3CA74615395808F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_C183F8A10C230B5DFCC2615395804401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_CommunityBaseRentalIncome_C183F8A10C230B5DFCC2615395804401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentalHomeIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_A523184B2A98FAB0235F61539581FF9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_RentalHomeIncome_A523184B2A98FAB0235F61539581FF9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UtilityAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_33131DB14911D72EF9A96153958177C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_UtilityAndOtherIncome_33131DB14911D72EF9A96153958177C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_9C34F45AC32549CCAC82615395819D69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue_9C34F45AC32549CCAC82615395819D69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_7381C123233BAB4F7A50615395825D37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpense_7381C123233BAB4F7A50615395825D37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_01EA346BEE8523819E656153958261FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss_01EA346BEE8523819E656153958261FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate_5AD0640CDF0C01770E396153958285C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate_5AD0640CDF0C01770E396153958285C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeandExpenses" xlink:label="loc_els_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeandExpenses_B91E885DA3554121EC7A615395822665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeandExpenses_B91E885DA3554121EC7A615395822665" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense_D3EB2E27CEDC92EB7582615395820DF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense_D3EB2E27CEDC92EB7582615395820DF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDepreciationAndAmortization_B41795E7EB1A2BBED0C361539582E921" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDepreciationAndAmortization_B41795E7EB1A2BBED0C361539582E921" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberOfAcquiredSites" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberOfAcquiredSites_838646E26F8DBE5873DC61539582F84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberOfAcquiredSites_838646E26F8DBE5873DC61539582F84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice" xlink:label="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice_BC8B69CD4E52A458D12F615395823E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePrice_BC8B69CD4E52A458D12F615395823E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NumberofManufacturedHomeCommunitiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_els_NumberofManufacturedHomeCommunitiesAcquired_9BE3AE3C24AD346E5BBE615395888642" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_NumberofManufacturedHomeCommunitiesAcquired_9BE3AE3C24AD346E5BBE615395888642" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_CD8505F94611E69F7E9261539588FDDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_CD8505F94611E69F7E9261539588FDDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_FFF3A71146480359C6BB6153958887F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_FFF3A71146480359C6BB6153958887F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_5CBA323695D38322366F61539588BFBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_5CBA323695D38322366F61539588BFBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_2D34912B3F6B4030D920615395889682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilities_2D34912B3F6B4030D920615395889682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_387E7AE49C53142B1E76615395882819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_387E7AE49C53142B1E76615395882819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_7D225A0B0134C19E7E43615395885430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_7D225A0B0134C19E7E43615395885430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_22A812DED5FCBC2EBEC86153958887E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_22A812DED5FCBC2EBEC86153958887E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisition_D45771C90BC14FEF7B5D61539589EA7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisition_D45771C90BC14FEF7B5D61539589EA7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisition_5F70E387D7D322E62C2261539589979C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_UnitsIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisition_5F70E387D7D322E62C2261539589979C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_1AA8660ECF2826148E4E615395896B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_1AA8660ECF2826148E4E615395896B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ProceedsfromCondemnation" xlink:label="loc_els_ProceedsfromCondemnation_68E32C29FC1EBAF50B3F615395890FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_els_ProceedsfromCondemnation_68E32C29FC1EBAF50B3F615395890FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_50E1089AF83ACBE1CAD3615395896E87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_F1B126ADDF409C4AC6CD6153957FC4FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_50E1089AF83ACBE1CAD3615395896E87" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstatePropertiesDisposedTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_B70D9EB0EC953A55247C859CBAAEAE00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_994C8184D6FC605F3DCE859CBAAEA00F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_B70D9EB0EC953A55247C859CBAAEAE00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_994C8184D6FC605F3DCE859CBAAEA00F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6225C76E56760B410357859CBAAE66D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_994C8184D6FC605F3DCE859CBAAEA00F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6225C76E56760B410357859CBAAE66D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_D6380DBCC5E97406B824859CBAAEEFD8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6225C76E56760B410357859CBAAE66D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_D6380DBCC5E97406B824859CBAAEEFD8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_D6380DBCC5E97406B824859CBAAEEFD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6225C76E56760B410357859CBAAE66D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_D6380DBCC5E97406B824859CBAAEEFD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_FD12C27BAAFAE8F3DFC7859CBAAEEE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_B70D9EB0EC953A55247C859CBAAEAE00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsIncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresTextBlock_FD12C27BAAFAE8F3DFC7859CBAAEEE06" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/InvestmentInRealEstateScheduleOfIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/LongTermCashIncentivePlan" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7BAEB16C32B9A1A9BDDA859CBBFB53ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0175A968B275DCC77B0A859CBBFBDCD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7BAEB16C32B9A1A9BDDA859CBBFB53ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0175A968B275DCC77B0A859CBBFBDCD5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9B5D201235711D20C88F859CBBFB86C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0175A968B275DCC77B0A859CBBFBDCD5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9B5D201235711D20C88F859CBBFB86C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_74F8D59EE8014E7830EF859CBBFB3FCA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9B5D201235711D20C88F859CBBFB86C4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_74F8D59EE8014E7830EF859CBBFB3FCA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_74F8D59EE8014E7830EF859CBBFB3FCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9B5D201235711D20C88F859CBBFB86C4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_74F8D59EE8014E7830EF859CBBFB3FCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DeferredCompensationPlansDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_els_DeferredCompensationPlansDisclosureTextBlock_726FC151220D50B83B73859CBBFC31FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7BAEB16C32B9A1A9BDDA859CBBFB53ED" xlink:to="loc_els_DeferredCompensationPlansDisclosureTextBlock_726FC151220D50B83B73859CBBFC31FF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/LongTermCashIncentivePlanAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9DD6C5BB62A5BBB070FA57ACB06FA061" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable_EA699A4F552A9A7B518C57ACB06F1BC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9DD6C5BB62A5BBB070FA57ACB06FA061" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable_EA699A4F552A9A7B518C57ACB06F1BC0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesAxis_CAF3633C1BCC3563FF6557ACB06F9E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsTable_EA699A4F552A9A7B518C57ACB06F1BC0" xlink:to="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesAxis_CAF3633C1BCC3563FF6557ACB06F9E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain_17FE4D988F03CD1BF74C57ACB06F5239_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesAxis_CAF3633C1BCC3563FF6557ACB06F9E24" xlink:to="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain_17FE4D988F03CD1BF74C57ACB06F5239_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain_17FE4D988F03CD1BF74C57ACB06F5239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesAxis_CAF3633C1BCC3563FF6557ACB06F9E24" xlink:to="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain_17FE4D988F03CD1BF74C57ACB06F5239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_LongTermIncentivePlanTwentyThirteenMember" xlink:label="loc_els_LongTermIncentivePlanTwentyThirteenMember_1BAD93F2220714ADF76957ACB06FB044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_IncentiveCompensationPlansEmployeesDomain_17FE4D988F03CD1BF74C57ACB06F5239" xlink:to="loc_els_LongTermIncentivePlanTwentyThirteenMember_1BAD93F2220714ADF76957ACB06FB044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation" xlink:label="loc_els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation_6535C99FC870AAF59E1657ACB070208C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9DD6C5BB62A5BBB070FA57ACB06FA061" xlink:to="loc_els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation_6535C99FC870AAF59E1657ACB070208C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_EstimatedPaymentsForEmployeeLongTermIncentivePlan" xlink:label="loc_els_EstimatedPaymentsForEmployeeLongTermIncentivePlan_E61BA4F35F81DE2FD76757ACB0701C8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9DD6C5BB62A5BBB070FA57ACB06FA061" xlink:to="loc_els_EstimatedPaymentsForEmployeeLongTermIncentivePlan_E61BA4F35F81DE2FD76757ACB0701C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationCashbasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationCashbasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_6D9BF03EC7438D115D9857ACB070021A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems_9DD6C5BB62A5BBB070FA57ACB06FA061" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationCashbasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_6D9BF03EC7438D115D9857ACB070021A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/NotesReceivable" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_360CBFA192F480D37907859CBB7DB3D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F34F10D9900C0DA7CEC0859CBB7D8C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_360CBFA192F480D37907859CBB7DB3D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F34F10D9900C0DA7CEC0859CBB7D8C92" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A59C74C4F2770209383859CBB7DC196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F34F10D9900C0DA7CEC0859CBB7D8C92" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A59C74C4F2770209383859CBB7DC196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0410C75F767D78619901859CBB7D7B21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A59C74C4F2770209383859CBB7DC196" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0410C75F767D78619901859CBB7D7B21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0410C75F767D78619901859CBB7D7B21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9A59C74C4F2770209383859CBB7DC196" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0410C75F767D78619901859CBB7D7B21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock_040E7CAC85A0BE9BFF1E859CBB7D5FCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_360CBFA192F480D37907859CBB7DB3D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock_040E7CAC85A0BE9BFF1E859CBB7D5FCD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/NotesReceivableAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9B8043A763DD3A429D1E859CBB8CC1D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9B8043A763DD3A429D1E859CBB8CC1D5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_550ED5FFC7ADA9177A0B859CBB8DF4B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9B8043A763DD3A429D1E859CBB8CC1D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_550ED5FFC7ADA9177A0B859CBB8DF4B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_996F363AD6F9D4F21D6C859CBB8D6928_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_550ED5FFC7ADA9177A0B859CBB8DF4B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_996F363AD6F9D4F21D6C859CBB8D6928_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_996F363AD6F9D4F21D6C859CBB8D6928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_550ED5FFC7ADA9177A0B859CBB8DF4B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_996F363AD6F9D4F21D6C859CBB8D6928" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CFAB16B9C12A375B84EA859CBB8DB06F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9B8043A763DD3A429D1E859CBB8CC1D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CFAB16B9C12A375B84EA859CBB8DB06F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AF5EF005BF25C53877E5859CBB8DD1D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CFAB16B9C12A375B84EA859CBB8DB06F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AF5EF005BF25C53877E5859CBB8DD1D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AF5EF005BF25C53877E5859CBB8DD1D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CFAB16B9C12A375B84EA859CBB8DB06F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_AF5EF005BF25C53877E5859CBB8DD1D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_B5923BE76D3FFA0681C0859CBB8D59F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9B8043A763DD3A429D1E859CBB8CC1D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_B5923BE76D3FFA0681C0859CBB8D59F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_B5923BE76D3FFA0681C0859CBB8D59F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_B5923BE76D3FFA0681C0859CBB8D59F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ContractReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_els_ContractReceivableMember_AD347D90377AB1E0F0B0859CBB8DE4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE" xlink:to="loc_els_ContractReceivableMember_AD347D90377AB1E0F0B0859CBB8DE4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageReceivablesMember_19FBD140905625894EE1859CBB8DDBC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2FC1CD70111CFB6937AF859CBB8D75DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageReceivablesMember_19FBD140905625894EE1859CBB8DDBC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet_441B1C7391447AD3883D859CBB8D3D42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet_441B1C7391447AD3883D859CBB8D3D42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NotesReceivableStatedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_els_NotesReceivableStatedInterestRate_6CFCA894B717EB06737B859CBB8EDE32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_els_NotesReceivableStatedInterestRate_6CFCA894B717EB06737B859CBB8EDE32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NotesReceivableYieldRate" xlink:label="loc_els_NotesReceivableYieldRate_9CA695F2BA7D922A1985859CBB8E31AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_els_NotesReceivableYieldRate_9CA695F2BA7D922A1985859CBB8E31AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ReceivablesWeightedAverageRemainingAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_els_ReceivablesWeightedAverageRemainingAmortizationPeriod_E3E15BDE487F2470F516859CBB8E28F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_els_ReceivablesWeightedAverageRemainingAmortizationPeriod_E3E15BDE487F2470F516859CBB8E28F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_FDC05DC3A3DFEF0067D8859CBB8EE3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_FDC05DC3A3DFEF0067D8859CBB8EE3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfLoansReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfLoansReceivable_6F469747DCB2B9A6A6FD859CBB8E92BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfLoansReceivable_6F469747DCB2B9A6A6FD859CBB8E92BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableBilledForLongTermContractsOrPrograms" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableBilledForLongTermContractsOrPrograms_710D34CDF4152FB09DD2859CBB8E0BA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableBilledForLongTermContractsOrPrograms_710D34CDF4152FB09DD2859CBB8E0BA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_6AB255338F1809E4DBBE859CBB8E141D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_6AB255338F1809E4DBBE859CBB8E141D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractReceivableDueAfterOneYearWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractReceivableDueAfterOneYearWeightedAverageInterestRate_84583ED70062197C2FC7859CBB8E1C6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1BEA533110DC61F27C20859CBB8DBF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractReceivableDueAfterOneYearWeightedAverageInterestRate_84583ED70062197C2FC7859CBB8E1C6F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegments" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6B7897C304DD5E1578B8859CBAF5170A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4F058F745B38B8E44ED7859CBAF50B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6B7897C304DD5E1578B8859CBAF5170A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4F058F745B38B8E44ED7859CBAF50B5E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9714C153FC596212433859CBAF5AD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4F058F745B38B8E44ED7859CBAF50B5E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9714C153FC596212433859CBAF5AD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E1E89344BF3825ADCC14859CBAF5B2D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9714C153FC596212433859CBAF5AD7B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E1E89344BF3825ADCC14859CBAF5B2D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E1E89344BF3825ADCC14859CBAF5B2D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A9714C153FC596212433859CBAF5AD7B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E1E89344BF3825ADCC14859CBAF5B2D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_7146C26D1CBD71DE5071859CBAF5E9F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6B7897C304DD5E1578B8859CBAF5170A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_7146C26D1CBD71DE5071859CBAF5E9F0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_54D2CCC8D38C384C243C614AFFC000AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_54D2CCC8D38C384C243C614AFFC000AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_C4F4ED43145BF7646F8F614AFFC06A71_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_54D2CCC8D38C384C243C614AFFC000AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_C4F4ED43145BF7646F8F614AFFC06A71_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_C4F4ED43145BF7646F8F614AFFC06A71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_54D2CCC8D38C384C243C614AFFC000AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_C4F4ED43145BF7646F8F614AFFC06A71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_CC416487FCB863285FA6614AFFC0A9C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:to="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_CC416487FCB863285FA6614AFFC0A9C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_C3807A5402EF63CAF72A614AFFC0FB77_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_CC416487FCB863285FA6614AFFC0A9C4" xlink:to="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_C3807A5402EF63CAF72A614AFFC0FB77_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_C3807A5402EF63CAF72A614AFFC0FB77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_CC416487FCB863285FA6614AFFC0A9C4" xlink:to="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_C3807A5402EF63CAF72A614AFFC0FB77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_88524A4B628B15E2D3F4614AFFC0A605" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_88524A4B628B15E2D3F4614AFFC0A605" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E09BADC1E1C072A5D0DE614AFFC1B34D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_88524A4B628B15E2D3F4614AFFC0A605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E09BADC1E1C072A5D0DE614AFFC1B34D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E09BADC1E1C072A5D0DE614AFFC1B34D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_88524A4B628B15E2D3F4614AFFC0A605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E09BADC1E1C072A5D0DE614AFFC1B34D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_C6BF0B75C7CE60756552614AFFC1E4BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_E09BADC1E1C072A5D0DE614AFFC1B34D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember_C6BF0B75C7CE60756552614AFFC1E4BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19E758EB2FDEA26675F1614AFFC1AE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19E758EB2FDEA26675F1614AFFC1AE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19E758EB2FDEA26675F1614AFFC1AE89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19E758EB2FDEA26675F1614AFFC1AE89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember_98D54DD2FEDF55609BB6614AFFC2457D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86" xlink:to="loc_els_PropertyOperationsSegmentMember_98D54DD2FEDF55609BB6614AFFC2457D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember_03A3FD2D2A01D839F339614AFFC2EE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_89FF976264FC17C9B898614AFFC1CB86" xlink:to="loc_els_HomeSalesAndRentalsMember_03A3FD2D2A01D839F339614AFFC2EE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B92EF8604C225B109384614AFFC21324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable_818E442C708FC537FDEF614AFFC0EE7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B92EF8604C225B109384614AFFC21324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AA326B0A9ED239850C10614AFFC23D0A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B92EF8604C225B109384614AFFC21324" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AA326B0A9ED239850C10614AFFC23D0A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AA326B0A9ED239850C10614AFFC23D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B92EF8604C225B109384614AFFC21324" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AA326B0A9ED239850C10614AFFC23D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D88C6C39E35E0B74422D614AFFC2A380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AA326B0A9ED239850C10614AFFC23D0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D88C6C39E35E0B74422D614AFFC2A380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_7F68F4190F8EA18670716191B293AEF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_7F68F4190F8EA18670716191B293AEF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RevenueforReportableSegment" xlink:label="loc_els_RevenueforReportableSegment_3892080188173328875E618FB922E82F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_RevenueforReportableSegment_3892080188173328875E618FB922E82F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_826C2BA5B1187932A4BD618EF266D7BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_826C2BA5B1187932A4BD618EF266D7BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndOther" xlink:label="loc_els_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndOther_79A56674100C2244E61C618FF4664031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndOther_79A56674100C2244E61C618FF4664031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_InterestIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_InterestIncome_414FD58AC6F23B0A47A8614AFFC220D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_InterestIncome_414FD58AC6F23B0A47A8614AFFC220D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes" xlink:label="loc_els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes_96CFA4630A5AC6291B9A614AFFC38A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_RealEstateDepreciationExpenseAndRentalHomes_96CFA4630A5AC6291B9A614AFFC38A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations_B885198CC80681F9383A614AFFC3B6DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_AmortizationofIntangibleAssetsforContinuingOperations_B885198CC80681F9383A614AFFC3B6DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F0544BE324672C7C1F23614AFFC37B66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F0544BE324672C7C1F23614AFFC37B66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract_EF9A2F92B86A23DC116A614AFFC30D03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract_EF9A2F92B86A23DC116A614AFFC30D03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_8B1BEC97E07D1EBC9D90614AFFC38D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_8B1BEC97E07D1EBC9D90614AFFC38D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfMajorCustomers" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfMajorCustomers_8E7157A817786D4161CF614AFFC3025D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureOfMajorCustomers_8E7157A817786D4161CF614AFFC3025D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_CorporateInterestIncome" xlink:label="loc_els_CorporateInterestIncome_EEC1B70CAFBC722CEB64614AFFC3153F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_CorporateInterestIncome_EEC1B70CAFBC722CEB64614AFFC3153F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_323EF1AFE27B50837ACA614AFFC37FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_323EF1AFE27B50837ACA614AFFC37FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_38457921856BBF23C293614AFFC397CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_38457921856BBF23C293614AFFC397CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_0FABF024C413D7F0DB67614AFFC386C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_0FABF024C413D7F0DB67614AFFC386C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_A136472800B41BB1D4DA614AFFC42F39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_A136472800B41BB1D4DA614AFFC42F39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther" xlink:label="loc_els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther_23DFAD4BCE969586F50E614AFFC447D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_els_RentControlInitiativesExpensesAndOther_23DFAD4BCE969586F50E614AFFC447D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_1F39A5793FEBBA01BD1D614AFFC4312C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_1F39A5793FEBBA01BD1D614AFFC4312C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_8BA33C565DF7CB38D937614AFFC48912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCondemnation_8BA33C565DF7CB38D937614AFFC48912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax_5259B151D0DC66190712614AFFC4D885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodNetOfTax_5259B151D0DC66190712614AFFC4D885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_EBB2A3A47C11673AE58B614AFFC4F055" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax_EBB2A3A47C11673AE58B614AFFC4F055" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B104055723D80547821B614AFFC4969B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B104055723D80547821B614AFFC4969B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_E1090B8DE550610E45B5614AFFC42628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_E1090B8DE550610E45B5614AFFC42628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_660DFFD6A2355F2DC69F614AFFC46F9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems_6A9E0BB65A67FE375FB9614AFFC2EF51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_660DFFD6A2355F2DC69F614AFFC46F9C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/ReportableSegmentsReportableSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/StockOptionPlanAndStockGrants" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_658904205F4C77662327859CBAF93C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_652652B3BE6D1C1E6642859CBAF87B8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_658904205F4C77662327859CBAF93C48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_652652B3BE6D1C1E6642859CBAF87B8E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_995DFDE77933630854B3859CBAF9224B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_652652B3BE6D1C1E6642859CBAF87B8E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_995DFDE77933630854B3859CBAF9224B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A897A35A10452993416C859CBAF9F690_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_995DFDE77933630854B3859CBAF9224B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A897A35A10452993416C859CBAF9F690_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A897A35A10452993416C859CBAF9F690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_995DFDE77933630854B3859CBAF9224B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A897A35A10452993416C859CBAF9F690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_A13CD4E2260DA27EEF52859CBAF97064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_658904205F4C77662327859CBAF93C48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_A13CD4E2260DA27EEF52859CBAF97064" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/StockOptionPlanAndStockGrantsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_81A4056BB7B90467935D5711B6FD6EA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_81A4056BB7B90467935D5711B6FD6EA1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_5AE71E021198FE92EEE65711B6FE5F0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_81A4056BB7B90467935D5711B6FD6EA1" xlink:to="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_5AE71E021198FE92EEE65711B6FE5F0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_145FC4EEBB7C3F7653DD5711B6FEEB1D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_5AE71E021198FE92EEE65711B6FE5F0B" xlink:to="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_145FC4EEBB7C3F7653DD5711B6FEEB1D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_145FC4EEBB7C3F7653DD5711B6FEEB1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis_5AE71E021198FE92EEE65711B6FE5F0B" xlink:to="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_145FC4EEBB7C3F7653DD5711B6FEEB1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_278411A62C6E18735D265711B6FFBE7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardDomain_145FC4EEBB7C3F7653DD5711B6FEEB1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_278411A62C6E18735D265711B6FFBE7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3A12EED7DD234721632E5711B6FF02DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_81A4056BB7B90467935D5711B6FD6EA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3A12EED7DD234721632E5711B6FF02DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3A12EED7DD234721632E5711B6FF02DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3A12EED7DD234721632E5711B6FF02DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagementMember_1704DEBD8488A5A170C25711B6FFE34A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagementMember_1704DEBD8488A5A170C25711B6FFE34A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_E22FABCB85F0FF3250BD5711B6FFBCF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2456F549F31F921EE88F5711B6FF6390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_E22FABCB85F0FF3250BD5711B6FFBCF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9CDBD22C8DC0A5D40A795711B6FF75B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_81A4056BB7B90467935D5711B6FD6EA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9CDBD22C8DC0A5D40A795711B6FF75B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9CDBD22C8DC0A5D40A795711B6FF75B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9CDBD22C8DC0A5D40A795711B6FF75B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PhaseOneMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PhaseOneMember_5F4B918B6831DF09BD0F5711B6FF4E2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448" xlink:to="loc_els_PhaseOneMember_5F4B918B6831DF09BD0F5711B6FF4E2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PhaseTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PhaseTwoMember_6881DFF5553239D3B71E5711B7004BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448" xlink:to="loc_els_PhaseTwoMember_6881DFF5553239D3B71E5711B7004BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_PhaseThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_PhaseThreeMember_80473EE1B65CAB75728F5711B7008535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F08D73313EA9963B56885711B6FF1448" xlink:to="loc_els_PhaseThreeMember_80473EE1B65CAB75728F5711B7008535" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_97BCF81C9091E6441F4A5711B7006C46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_97BCF81C9091E6441F4A5711B7006C46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_7D1C58CF045A39FF39E35711B7004D93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_7D1C58CF045A39FF39E35711B7004D93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualSharesAuthorizedForIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualSharesAuthorizedForIssuance_06F0DB0E15E491CB8B5C5711B70031C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualSharesAuthorizedForIssuance_06F0DB0E15E491CB8B5C5711B70031C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualFairValueOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualFairValueOfSharesIssued_DA09E23848568C83DE435711B70097AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualFairValueOfSharesIssued_DA09E23848568C83DE435711B70097AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestingDate" xlink:label="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestingDate_2384CF734F72039A5F185711B700B7C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_els_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestingDate_2384CF734F72039A5F185711B700B7C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights_5E48E633A8C0A82865355711B7014F97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_15ABFFA88EA5CD0CB3D55711B700039C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights_5E48E633A8C0A82865355711B7014F97" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48188E0F5AC4F8A585DF859CBB818B3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FE3C1233E99D55E0B9C5859CBB8009AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48188E0F5AC4F8A585DF859CBB818B3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FE3C1233E99D55E0B9C5859CBB8009AB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B06585E480B256487604859CBB805D34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FE3C1233E99D55E0B9C5859CBB8009AB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B06585E480B256487604859CBB805D34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7B5FCA789A45255497F7859CBB802EBB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B06585E480B256487604859CBB805D34" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7B5FCA789A45255497F7859CBB802EBB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7B5FCA789A45255497F7859CBB802EBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B06585E480B256487604859CBB805D34" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7B5FCA789A45255497F7859CBB802EBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_506AC2DC1383E6F6616A859CBB81E01A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_48188E0F5AC4F8A585DF859CBB818B3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_506AC2DC1383E6F6616A859CBB81E01A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_43B39B85FA92C9D651A0859CBB468B4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_43B39B85FA92C9D651A0859CBB468B4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_43B39B85FA92C9D651A0859CBB468B4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_43B39B85FA92C9D651A0859CBB468B4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7AE40473D99EC85EDD87859CBB465930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7AE40473D99EC85EDD87859CBB465930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FDEFB82ACC53EF239679859CBB467B0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4C933D84930DDD922B0B859CBB46067E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FDEFB82ACC53EF239679859CBB467B0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DepreciableLifePolicyAxis" xlink:label="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyAxis_47D1A6BA4F4375DFD6F4859CBB46CE44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:to="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyAxis_47D1A6BA4F4375DFD6F4859CBB46CE44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain_86AB83683E1D4EA4B7C9859CBB46F3DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyAxis_47D1A6BA4F4375DFD6F4859CBB46CE44" xlink:to="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain_86AB83683E1D4EA4B7C9859CBB46F3DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain_86AB83683E1D4EA4B7C9859CBB46F3DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyAxis_47D1A6BA4F4375DFD6F4859CBB46CE44" xlink:to="loc_els_DepreciableLifePolicyDomain_86AB83683E1D4EA4B7C9859CBB46F3DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D8AE447E0D07A475AE5E859CBB46A12C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D8AE447E0D07A475AE5E859CBB46A12C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D8AE447E0D07A475AE5E859CBB46A12C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D8AE447E0D07A475AE5E859CBB46A12C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_NewManufacturedHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_NewManufacturedHomeMember_5D6A185BBE89955B6208859CBB463FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47" xlink:to="loc_els_NewManufacturedHomeMember_5D6A185BBE89955B6208859CBB463FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_UsedManufacturedHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_els_UsedManufacturedHomeMember_BE649E582AB547E19254859CBB47D8EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_D0508BE81FE1ACF4E0C7859CBB460A47" xlink:to="loc_els_UsedManufacturedHomeMember_BE649E582AB547E19254859CBB47D8EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_40CC82FED188DC6F889C859CBB475DB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_40CC82FED188DC6F889C859CBB475DB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5F2D35159233C69C0A42859CBB47C104_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_40CC82FED188DC6F889C859CBB475DB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5F2D35159233C69C0A42859CBB47C104_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5F2D35159233C69C0A42859CBB47C104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_40CC82FED188DC6F889C859CBB475DB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5F2D35159233C69C0A42859CBB47C104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_IdentifiedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_els_IdentifiedIntangibleAssetsMember_9025B02B30AF5B00E9AC859CBB47FBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5F2D35159233C69C0A42859CBB47C104" xlink:to="loc_els_IdentifiedIntangibleAssetsMember_9025B02B30AF5B00E9AC859CBB47FBA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B2A1B15D764D1E62F1FB859CBB47DB23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4B8E5FB1750CF61A9143859CBB46D42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B2A1B15D764D1E62F1FB859CBB47DB23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F78A1E01828AF60C1A85859CBB479CDA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B2A1B15D764D1E62F1FB859CBB47DB23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F78A1E01828AF60C1A85859CBB479CDA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F78A1E01828AF60C1A85859CBB479CDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B2A1B15D764D1E62F1FB859CBB47DB23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F78A1E01828AF60C1A85859CBB479CDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B015380149540A75C80D859CBB47CF69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F78A1E01828AF60C1A85859CBB479CDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B015380149540A75C80D859CBB47CF69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne" xlink:label="loc_els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_CE836378D38951183601859CBB47EF0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_els_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_CE836378D38951183601859CBB47EF0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_41BFC9AB1BCA2EFB24C8859CBB47EA32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_41BFC9AB1BCA2EFB24C8859CBB47EA32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_2DB740B461FA99F7768E859CBB47AD3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill_2DB740B461FA99F7768E859CBB47AD3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C3D4FAEA7C0E66B3D3C2859CBB47134A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C3D4FAEA7C0E66B3D3C2859CBB47134A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_DDC7A42361E913A4269E859CBB48649F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_DDC7A42361E913A4269E859CBB48649F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_E3BEEABBBD14B21E7CE4859CBB48049E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_E3BEEABBBD14B21E7CE4859CBB48049E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_60322D870127AD157C91859CBB480474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_60322D870127AD157C91859CBB480474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_1CE6E2B9784830B2CA87859CBB481381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_1CE6E2B9784830B2CA87859CBB481381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_BF7D6F4302FEFC841543859CBB4916B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_BF7D6F4302FEFC841543859CBB4916B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationDeferredFinanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationDeferredFinanceCosts_516942045CAB1A6F7DD5859CBB49FAFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationDeferredFinanceCosts_516942045CAB1A6F7DD5859CBB49FAFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_99FB630D78D8B8D1AE34859CBB492400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_99FB630D78D8B8D1AE34859CBB492400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_60DF3A6D3214D37E7306859CBB49E8E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_60DF3A6D3214D37E7306859CBB49E8E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_FFEE206EA0A963FBD920859CBB499A47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_FFEE206EA0A963FBD920859CBB499A47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_20120E4A15735BD4D2EF859CBB4944CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_els_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_70347EB94AF46BD27A4F859CBB4727DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_20120E4A15735BD4D2EF859CBB4944CE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48ADBA7010F4DF1708FC859CBB96AAC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48ADBA7010F4DF1708FC859CBB96AAC6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4CF5DA1FB71906685A0859CBB965EF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_48ADBA7010F4DF1708FC859CBB96AAC6" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4CF5DA1FB71906685A0859CBB965EF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_51937E5B724ED6F93F37859CBB960DBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4CF5DA1FB71906685A0859CBB965EF6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_51937E5B724ED6F93F37859CBB960DBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_51937E5B724ED6F93F37859CBB960DBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4CF5DA1FB71906685A0859CBB965EF6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_51937E5B724ED6F93F37859CBB960DBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_A5A3EB4D345E2F7EE56D859CBB96E337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_A5A3EB4D345E2F7EE56D859CBB96E337" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_els_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock_8A83BC2C243E131B295D859CBB96B272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_els_RealEstateAssetsAndDepreciationOfInvestmentInRealEstatePolicyTextBlock_8A83BC2C243E131B295D859CBB96B272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="els-20140930.xsd#els_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_els_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock_6114B6F6D429ABEA4AB8859CBB96BFA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_els_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock_6114B6F6D429ABEA4AB8859CBB96BFA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_A9D829A7DBF7066BA0D1859CBB967A83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_A9D829A7DBF7066BA0D1859CBB967A83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_3C16B8A6566B52879B8E859CBB96F2F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_3C16B8A6566B52879B8E859CBB96F2F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_CDF61AC83906D839F14A859CBB97F021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_CDF61AC83906D839F14A859CBB97F021" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock_D9A80321A06B6B36E544859CBB97CB52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredChargesPolicyTextBlock_D9A80321A06B6B36E544859CBB97CB52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_88FD4D4C19D893DBC98D859CBB976D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E7BFAA4F68470A345945859CBB96CE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_88FD4D4C19D893DBC98D859CBB976D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.equitylifestyle.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6AB8250D91CCAB4A33F5859CBB57BF85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FFB31F6D0C440C106FE859CBB57E9AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6AB8250D91CCAB4A33F5859CBB57BF85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FFB31F6D0C440C106FE859CBB57E9AD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C7C98B4C8BD9D8697534859CBB571A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2FFB31F6D0C440C106FE859CBB57E9AD" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C7C98B4C8BD9D8697534859CBB571A95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_036BA961157C0B1F6952859CBB574D13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C7C98B4C8BD9D8697534859CBB571A95" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_036BA961157C0B1F6952859CBB574D13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_036BA961157C0B1F6952859CBB574D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C7C98B4C8BD9D8697534859CBB571A95" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_036BA961157C0B1F6952859CBB574D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_7D44C68CF181C4F2D318859CBB57CC4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6AB8250D91CCAB4A33F5859CBB57BF85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_7D44C68CF181C4F2D318859CBB57CC4C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>
