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EX-12 - EX-12 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv12.htm
EX-21 - EX-21 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv21.htm
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv32w2.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv31w2.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv31w1.htm
EX-23.1 - EX-23.1 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv23w1.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - ERP OPERATING LTD PARTNERSHIPc63161exv32w1.htm
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended DECEMBER 31, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File Number: 0-24920
ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Illinois
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
  36-3894853
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
Two North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  60606
(Zip Code)
(312) 474-1300
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
7.57% Notes due August 15, 2026   New York Stock Exchange
(Title of Each Class)   (Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Units of Limited Partnership Interest
(Title of Each Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
 
 

 


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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates by reference certain information to be contained in Equity Residential’s Proxy Statement relating to its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which Equity Residential intends to file no later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Equity Residential is the general partner and 95.5% owner of ERP Operating Limited Partnership.

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
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 EX-12
 EX-21
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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PART I
Item 1. Business
General
          ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”), an Illinois limited partnership, was formed in May 1993 to conduct the multifamily residential property business of Equity Residential (“EQR”). EQR, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993, is an S&P 500 company focused on the acquisition, development and management of high quality apartment properties in top United States growth markets. EQR has elected to be taxed as a REIT.
          EQR is one of the largest publicly traded real estate companies and is the largest publicly traded owner of multifamily properties in the United States (based on the aggregate market value of its outstanding Common Shares, the number of apartment units wholly owned and total revenues earned). The Operating Partnership’s corporate headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois and the Operating Partnership also operates property management offices in each of its markets.
          EQR is the general partner of, and as of December 31, 2010 owned an approximate 95.5% ownership interest in ERPOP. All of EQR’s property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through ERPOP and its subsidiaries. References to the “Operating Partnership” include ERPOP and those entities owned or controlled by it. References to the “Company” mean EQR and the Operating Partnership.
          As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 451 properties located in 17 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 129,604 apartment units. The ownership breakdown includes (table does not include various uncompleted development properties):
                 
    Properties     Apartment Units  
Wholly Owned Properties
    425       119,634  
Partially Owned Properties — Consolidated
    24       5,232  
Military Housing
    2       4,738  
 
           
 
    451       129,604  
          As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had approximately 4,000 employees who provided real estate operations, leasing, legal, financial, accounting, acquisition, disposition, development and other support functions.
          Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See also Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Operating Partnership’s segment disclosures.
Available Information
          You may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to any of those reports we file with the SEC free of charge at our website, www.equityresidential.com. These reports are made available at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with the SEC.
Business Objectives and Operating and Investing Strategies
          The Operating Partnership invests in apartment communities located in strategically targeted markets with the goal of maximizing our risk adjusted total return (operating income plus capital appreciation) on invested capital.
          Our operating focus is on balancing occupancy and rental rates to maximize our revenue while exercising tight cost control to generate the highest possible return to our shareholders. Revenue is maximized by driving qualified resident prospects to our properties, converting this traffic cost-effectively into new leases at the highest rent possible, keeping our residents satisfied and renewing their leases at yet higher rents. While we believe that it is our high-quality, well-located assets that bring our customers to us, it is our customer service that keeps them renting with us and recommending us to their friends.
          We use technology to engage our customers in the way that they want to be engaged. Many of our residents utilize our web-based resident portal which allows them to review their account and make payments, provide feedback and make

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service requests on-line.
          We seek to maximize capital appreciation of our properties by investing in markets that are characterized by conditions favorable to multifamily property appreciation. These markets generally feature one or more of the following:
    High barriers to entry where, because of land scarcity or government regulation, it is difficult or costly to build new apartment properties leading to low supply;
 
    High single family home prices making our apartments a more economical housing choice;
 
    Strong economic growth leading to household formation and job growth, which in turn leads to high demand for our apartments; and
 
    An attractive quality of life leading to high demand and retention and allowing us to more readily increase rents.
          Acquisitions and developments may be financed from various sources of capital, which may include retained cash flow, issuance of additional equity and debt securities, sales of properties, joint venture agreements and collateralized and uncollateralized borrowings. In addition, the Operating Partnership may acquire properties in transactions that include the issuance of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) as consideration for the acquired properties. Such transactions may, in certain circumstances, enable the sellers to defer, in whole or in part, the recognition of taxable income or gain that might otherwise result from the sales. ERPOP may also acquire land parcels to hold and/or sell based on market opportunities. The Operating Partnership may also seek to acquire properties by purchasing defaulted or distressed debt that encumbers desirable properties in the hope of obtaining title to property through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure proceedings. The Operating Partnership has also, in the past, converted some of its properties and sold them as condominiums but is not currently active in this line of business.
          The Operating Partnership primarily sources the funds for its new property acquisitions in its core markets with the sales proceeds from selling assets that are older or located in non-core markets. During the last five years, the Operating Partnership has sold over 97,000 apartment units for an aggregate sales price of $7.2 billion and acquired nearly 25,000 apartment units in its core markets for approximately $5.5 billion. We are currently acquiring and developing assets primarily in the following targeted metropolitan areas: Boston, New York, Washington DC, South Florida, Southern California, San Francisco, Seattle and to a lesser extent Denver. We also have investments (in the aggregate about 18% of our NOI) in other markets including Atlanta, Phoenix, Portland, Oregon, New England excluding Boston, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville but do not intend to acquire or develop assets in these markets.
          As part of its strategy, the Operating Partnership purchases completed and fully occupied apartment properties, partially completed or partially unoccupied properties or land on which apartment properties can be constructed. We intend to hold a diversified portfolio of assets across our target markets. Currently, no single metropolitan area accounts for more than 17% of our NOI, though no guarantee can be made that NOI concentration may not increase in the future.
          We endeavor to attract and retain the best employees by providing them with the education, resources and opportunities to succeed. We provide many classroom and on-line training courses to assist our employees in interacting with prospects and residents as well as extensively train our customer service specialists in maintaining the equipment and appliances on our property sites. We actively promote from within and many senior corporate and property leaders have risen from entry level or junior positions. We monitor our employees’ engagement by surveying them annually and have consistently received high engagement scores.
          We have a commitment to sustainability and consider the environmental impacts of our business activities. With its high density, multifamily housing is, by its nature, an environmentally friendly property type. Our recent acquisition and development activities have been primarily concentrated in pedestrian-friendly urban locations near public transportation. When developing and renovating our properties, we strive to reduce energy and water usage by investing in energy saving technology while positively impacting the experience of our residents and the value of our assets. We continue to implement a combination of irrigation, lighting and HVAC improvements at our properties that will reduce energy and water consumption.
Debt and Equity Activity
          Please refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for the Operating Partnership’s Capital Structure chart as of December 31, 2010.

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Major Debt and Equity Activities for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
During 2010:
    The Operating Partnership issued $600.0 million of ten-year 4.75% fixed rate public notes in a public offering at an all-in effective interest rate of 5.09%, receiving net proceeds of $595.4 million before underwriting fees and other expenses.
 
    EQR issued 2,506,645 Common Shares pursuant to its Share Incentive Plans and received net proceeds of approximately $71.6 million.
 
    EQR issued 157,363 Common Shares pursuant to its Employee Share Purchase Plan and received net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million.
 
    EQR issued 6,151,198 Common Shares at an average price of $47.45 per share for total consideration of $291.9 million pursuant to its At-The-Market (“ATM”) share offering program. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    EQR repurchased and retired 58,130 of its Common Shares at an average price of $32.46 per share for total consideration of $1.9 million (all related to the vesting of employee restricted shares). See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
During 2009:
    The Operating Partnership obtained $500.0 million of mortgage loan proceeds through the issuance of an 11 year (stated maturity date of July 1, 2020) cross-collateralized loan with an all-in fixed interest rate for 10 years at approximately 5.6% secured by 13 properties.
 
    EQR issued 422,713 Common Shares pursuant to its Share Incentive Plans and received net proceeds of approximately $9.1 million.
 
    EQR issued 324,394 Common Shares pursuant to its Employee Share Purchase Plan and received net proceeds of approximately $5.3 million.
 
    EQR issued 3,497,300 Common Shares at an average price of $35.38 per share for total consideration of $123.7 million pursuant to its ATM share offering program. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    EQR repurchased and retired 47,450 of its Common Shares at an average price of $23.69 per share for total consideration of $1.1 million (all related to the vesting of employee restricted shares). See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $75.8 million of its 5.20% fixed rate tax-exempt notes.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased at par $105.2 million of its 4.75% fixed rate public notes due June 15, 2009. In addition, the Operating Partnership repaid the remaining $122.2 million of its 4.75% fixed rate public notes at maturity. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $185.2 million at par and $21.7 million at a price of 106% of par of its 6.95% fixed rate public notes due March 2, 2011. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $146.1 million of its 6.625% fixed rate public notes due March 15, 2012 at a price of 108% of par. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $127.9 million of its 5.50% fixed rate public notes due October 1, 2012 at a price of 107% of par. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $17.5 million of its 3.85% convertible fixed rate public notes due August 15, 2026 (putable in 2011) at a price of 88.4% of par. In addition, the Operating Partnership repurchased $48.5 million of these notes at par. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
During 2008:
    The Operating Partnership obtained $500.0 million of mortgage loan proceeds through the issuance of an 11.5 year (stated maturity date of October 1, 2019) cross-collateralized loan with a fixed stated interest rate for 10.5 years at 5.19% secured by 13 properties.
 
    The Operating Partnership obtained $550.0 million of mortgage loan proceeds through the issuance of an 11.5 year (stated maturity date of March 1, 2020) cross-collateralized loan with a fixed stated interest rate for 10.5 years at approximately 6% secured by 15 properties.
 
    The Operating Partnership obtained $543.0 million of mortgage loan proceeds through the issuance of an 8

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      year (stated maturity date of January 1, 2017) cross-collateralized loan with a fixed stated interest rate for 7 years at approximately 6% secured by 18 properties.
 
    EQR issued 995,129 Common Shares pursuant to its Share Incentive Plans and received net proceeds of approximately $24.6 million.
 
    EQR issued 195,961 Common Shares pursuant to its Employee Share Purchase Plan and received net proceeds of approximately $6.2 million.
 
    EQR repurchased and retired 220,085 of its Common Shares at an average price of $35.93 per share for total consideration of $7.9 million. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $72.6 million of its 4.75% fixed rate public notes due June 15, 2009 at a price of 99.0% of par. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
    The Operating Partnership repurchased $101.4 million of its 3.85% convertible fixed rate public notes due August 15, 2026 (putable in 2011) at a price of 82.3% of par. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
          EQR contributed all of the net proceeds of the above equity offerings to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units or preference units.
          During the first quarter of 2011 through January 13, 2011, EQR has issued approximately 3.0 million Common Shares at an average price of $50.84 per share for total consideration of approximately $154.5 million through the ATM share offering program. EQR has not issued any shares under this program since January 13, 2011.
          An unlimited amount of equity and debt securities remains available for issuance by EQR and the Operating Partnership under effective shelf registration statements filed with the SEC. Most recently, EQR and the Operating Partnership filed a universal shelf registration statement for an unlimited amount of equity and debt securities that became automatically effective upon filing with the SEC in October 2010 (under SEC regulations enacted in 2005, the registration statement automatically expires on October 14, 2013 and does not contain a maximum issuance amount). However, as of February 16, 2011, issuances under the ATM share offering program are limited to 10,000,000  additional shares. Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).
Credit Facilities
          The Operating Partnership has a $1.425 billion (net of $75.0 million which had been committed by a now bankrupt financial institution and is not available for borrowing) unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on February 28, 2012, with the ability to increase available borrowings by an additional $500.0 million by adding additional banks to the facility or obtaining the agreement of existing banks to increase their commitments. Advances under the credit facility bear interest at variable rates based upon LIBOR at various interest periods plus a spread (currently 0.50%) dependent upon the Operating Partnership’s credit rating or based on bids received from the lending group. EQR has guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s credit facility up to the maximum amount and for the full term of the facility.
          As of December 31, 2010, the amount available on the credit facility was $1.28 billion (net of $147.3 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above) and there was no amount outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate was 0.66%. As of December 31, 2009, the amount available on the credit facility was $1.37 billion (net of $56.7 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above). The Operating Partnership did not draw and had no balance outstanding on its revolving credit facility at any time during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Competition
          All of the Operating Partnership’s properties are located in developed areas that include other multifamily properties. The number of competitive multifamily properties in a particular area could have a material effect on the Operating Partnership’s ability to lease apartment units at the properties or at any newly acquired properties and on the rents charged. The Operating Partnership may be competing with other entities that have greater resources than the Operating Partnership and whose managers have more experience than the Operating Partnership’s managers. In addition, other forms of rental properties and single family housing provide housing alternatives to potential residents of multifamily properties. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information with respect to competition.

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Environmental Considerations
          See Item 1A. Risk Factors for information concerning the potential effects of environmental regulations on our operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
General
The following Risk Factors may contain defined terms that are different from those used in the other sections of this report. Unless otherwise indicated, when used in this section, the terms “we” and “us” refer to ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership, and its subsidiaries. ERP Operating Limited Partnership is controlled by its general partner, Equity Residential, a Maryland real estate investment trust. This Item 1A. includes forward-looking statements. You should refer to our discussion of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements included in Item 7.
          The occurrence of the events discussed in the following risk factors could adversely affect, possibly in a material manner, our business, financial condition or results of operations, which could adversely affect the value of our preference units, units of limited partnership interest (“OP Units”) and Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (“LTIP Units”) of ERP Operating Limited Partnership. In this section, we refer to the preference units, OP Units and LTIP Units together as our “securities” and the investors who own Units and/or OP/LTIP Units as our “security holders”.
Our Performance and Securities Value are Subject to Risks Associated with the Real Estate Industry
          General
          Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk and are relatively illiquid. Numerous factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of our properties and the ability to realize that value. These factors include changes in the global, national, regional and local economic climates, local conditions such as an oversupply of multifamily properties or a reduction in demand for our multifamily properties, the attractiveness of our properties to residents, competition from other multifamily properties and single family homes and changes in market rental rates. Our performance also depends on our ability to collect rent from residents and to pay for adequate maintenance, insurance and other operating costs, including real estate taxes, all of which could increase over time. Sources of labor and materials required for maintenance, repair, capital expenditure or development may be more expensive than anticipated. Also, the expenses of owning and operating a property are not necessarily reduced when circumstances such as market factors and competition cause a reduction in income from the property.
      We May Not Have Sufficient Cash Flows From Operations After Capital Expenditures to Cover Our Distributions and Our New Dividend Policy May Lead to Quicker Dividend Reductions
          We generally consider our cash flows provided by operating activities after capital expenditures to be adequate to meet operating requirements and payment of distributions to our security holders. However, there may be times when we experience shortfalls in our coverage of distributions, which may cause us to consider reducing our distributions and/or using the proceeds from property dispositions or additional financing transactions to make up the difference. Should these shortfalls occur for lengthy periods of time or be material in nature, our financial condition may be adversely affected and we may not be able to maintain our current distribution levels. While our new dividend policy makes it less likely we will over distribute, it will also lead to a dividend reduction more quickly than in the past should operating results deteriorate. See Item 7 for additional discussion regarding our new dividend policy.
          We May Be Unable to Renew Leases or Relet Apartment Units as Leases Expire
          When our residents decide not to renew their leases upon expiration, we may not be able to relet their apartment units. Even if the residents do renew or we can relet the apartment units, the terms of renewal or reletting may be less favorable than current lease terms. If we are unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the apartment units, or if the rental rates upon renewal or reletting are significantly lower than expected rates, then our results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. Occupancy levels and market rents may be adversely affected by national and local economic and market conditions including, without limitation, new construction and excess inventory of multifamily and single family housing, slow or negative employment growth, availability of low interest mortgages for single family home buyers and the potential for geopolitical instability, all of which are beyond

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the Operating Partnership’s control. In addition, various state and local municipalities are considering and may continue to consider rent control legislation which could limit our ability to raise rents. Finally, the federal government’s policies, many of which may encourage home ownership, can increase competition and possibly limit our ability to raise rents. Consequently, our cash flow and ability to service debt and make distributions to security holders could be reduced.
      New Acquisitions and/or Development Projects May Fail to Perform as Expected and Competition for Acquisitions May Result in Increased Prices for Properties
          We intend to actively acquire and/or develop multifamily properties for rental operations as market conditions dictate. We may also acquire multifamily properties that are unoccupied or in the early stages of lease up. We may be unable to lease up these apartment properties on schedule, resulting in decreases in expected rental revenues and/or lower yields due to lower occupancy and rates as well as higher than expected concessions. We may underestimate the costs necessary to bring an acquired property up to standards established for its intended market position or to complete a development property. Additionally, we expect that other major real estate investors with significant capital will compete with us for attractive investment opportunities or may also develop properties in markets where we focus our development efforts. This competition (or lack thereof) may increase (or depress) prices for multifamily properties. We may not be in a position or have the opportunity in the future to make suitable property acquisitions on favorable terms. The total number of development units, costs of development and estimated completion dates are subject to uncertainties arising from changing economic conditions (such as the cost of labor and construction materials), competition and local government regulation.
          In connection with such government regulation, we may incur liability if our properties are not constructed and operated in compliance with the accessibility provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act or other federal, state or local requirements. Noncompliance could result in fines, subject us to lawsuits and require us to remediate or repair the noncompliance.
          Risks Involved in Real Estate Activity Through Joint Ventures
          We have in the past and may in the future develop and acquire properties in joint ventures with other persons or entities when we believe circumstances warrant the use of such structures. Joint venture investments involve risks, including the possibility that our partners might refuse to make capital contributions when due; that we may be responsible to our partner for indemnifiable losses; that our partner might at any time have business or economic goals which are inconsistent with ours; and that our partner may be in a position to take action or withhold consent contrary to our instructions or requests. Frequently, we and our partner may each have the right to trigger a buy-sell arrangement, which could cause us to sell our interest, or acquire our partner’s interest, at a time when we otherwise would not have initiated such a transaction. In some instances, joint venture partners may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflicts of interest. Further, the Operating Partnership’s joint venture partners may experience financial distress and to the extent they do not meet their obligations to us or our joint ventures with them, we may be adversely affected.
      Because Real Estate Investments Are Illiquid, We May Not Be Able to Sell Properties When Appropriate
          Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to reconfigure our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions. This inability to reallocate our capital promptly could adversely affect our financial condition and ability to make distributions to our security holders.
          The Value of Investment Securities Could Result In Losses to the Operating Partnership
          From time to time, the Operating Partnership holds investment securities and/or cash investments that have a higher risk profile than the government obligations and bond funds, money market funds or bank deposits in which we generally invest. On occasion we may purchase securities of companies in our own industry as a means to invest funds. There may be times when we experience declines in the value of these investment securities, which may result in losses to the Operating Partnership and our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Sometimes the cash we deposit at a bank exceeds the FDIC insurance limit resulting in risk to the Operating Partnership of loss of funds if these banks fail.

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    Changes in Market Conditions and Volatility of Share Prices Could Adversely Affect the Market Price of EQR’s Common Shares
          The stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, on which EQR’s Common Shares are listed, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. As a result, the market price of EQR’s Common Shares could be similarly volatile, and investors in EQR’s Common Shares may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. The market price of EQR’s Common Shares may decline or fluctuate significantly in response to many factors, including but not limited to the following:
    general market and economic conditions;
 
    actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends;
 
    changes in our funds from operations, normalized funds from operations or earnings estimates;
 
    difficulties or inability to access capital or extend or refinance debt;
 
    decreasing (or uncertainty in) real estate valuations;
 
    a change in analyst ratings;
 
    adverse market reaction to any additional debt we incur in the future;
 
    governmental regulatory action, including changes or proposed changes to the mandates of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and changes in tax laws; and
 
    the issuance of additional Common Shares, or the perception that such issuances might occur, including under EQR’s ATM program.
          Changes in Laws and Litigation Risk Could Affect Our Business
          We are generally not able to pass through to our residents under existing leases any real estate or other federal, state or local taxes. Consequently, any such tax increases may adversely affect our financial condition and limit our ability to make distributions to our security holders.
          We may become involved in legal proceedings, including but not limited to, proceedings related to consumer, employment, development, condominium conversion, tort and commercial legal issues that, if decided adversely to or settled by us, could result in liability material to our financial condition or results of operations.
      Any Weaknesses Identified in Our Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Could Have an Adverse Effect on EQR’s Share Price
          Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal control over financial reporting. If we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which in turn could have an adverse effect on EQR’s share price.
          Environmental Problems Are Possible and Can Be Costly
          Federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment may require a current or previous owner or operator of real estate to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at such property. The owner or operator may have to pay a governmental entity or third parties for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by such parties in connection with the contamination. These laws typically impose clean-up responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the contaminants. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from that site.
          Substantially all of our properties have been the subject of environmental assessments completed by qualified independent environmental consulting companies. While these environmental assessments have not revealed, nor are we aware of, any environmental liability that our management believes would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such liabilities in the future.
          There have been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in residential real estate. As some of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements, insurance carriers have reacted by excluding mold-related claims from standard policies and pricing mold endorsements at

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prohibitively high rates. While we have adopted programs designed to minimize the existence of mold in any of our properties as well as guidelines for promptly addressing and resolving reports of mold to minimize any impact mold might have on our residents or the property, should mold become an issue in the future, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
          We cannot be assured that existing environmental assessments of our properties reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner of any of our properties did not create a material environmental condition not known to us, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any of our properties.
          Climate Change
          To the extent that climate change does occur, we may experience extreme weather and changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage or a decrease in demand for properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including destruction of our properties, or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
          In addition, changes in federal and state legislation and regulation on climate change could result in increased capital expenditures to improve the energy efficiency of our existing properties and could also require us to spend more on our new development properties without a corresponding increase in revenue.
          Insurance Policy Deductibles, Exclusions and Counterparties
          As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership’s property insurance policy provides for a per occurrence deductible of $250,000 and self-insured retention of $5.0 million per occurrence, subject to a maximum annual aggregate self-insured retention of $7.5 million, with approximately 80% of any excess losses being covered by insurance. Any earthquake and named windstorm losses are subject to a deductible of 5% of the values of the buildings involved in the losses and are not subject to the aggregate self-insured retention. The Operating Partnership’s general liability and worker’s compensation policies at December 31, 2010 provide for a $2.0 million and $1.0 million per occurrence deductible, respectively. These higher deductible and self-insured retention amounts do expose the Operating Partnership to greater potential uninsured losses, but management has reviewed its claims history over the years and believes the savings in insurance premium expense justify this potential increased exposure over the long-term. However, the potential impact of climate change and increased severe weather could cause a significant increase in insurance premiums and deductibles, particularly for our coastal properties, or a decrease in the availability of coverage, either of which could expose the Operating Partnership to even greater uninsured losses which may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
          As a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, property insurance carriers created exclusions for losses from terrorism from our “all risk” property insurance policies. As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership was insured for $500.0 million in terrorism insurance coverage, with a $100,000 deductible. This coverage excludes losses from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. In the event of a terrorist attack impacting one or more of our properties, we could lose the revenues from the property, our capital investment in the property and possibly face liability claims from residents or others suffering injuries or losses. The Operating Partnership has become more susceptible to large losses as it has transformed its portfolio, becoming more concentrated in fewer, more valuable assets over a smaller geographical footprint.
          In addition, the Operating Partnership relies on third party insurance providers for its property, general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. While there has yet to be any non-performance by these major insurance providers, should any of them experience liquidity issues or other financial distress, it could negatively impact the Operating Partnership.
     Non-Performance by Our Operating Counterparties Could Adversely Affect Our Performance
     We have relationships with and, from time to time, we execute transactions with or receive services from many counterparties. As a result, defaults by counterparties could result in services not being provided, or volatility in the financial markets could affect counterparties’ ability to complete transactions with us as intended, both of which could result in disruptions to our operations that may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

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Debt Financing and Preference Units Could Adversely Affect Our Performance
          General
          Please refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for the Operating Partnership’s total debt and unsecured debt summaries as of December 31, 2010.
          In addition to debt, we have $200.0 million of combined liquidation value of outstanding preference units with a weighted average dividend preference of 6.93% per annum as of December 31, 2010. Our use of debt and preferred equity financing creates certain risks, including the following:
      Disruptions in the Financial Markets Could Adversely Affect Our Ability to Obtain Debt Financing and Impact our Acquisitions and Dispositions
          Dislocations and liquidity disruptions in capital and credit markets could impact liquidity in the debt markets, resulting in financing terms that are less attractive to us and/or the unavailability of certain types of debt financing. Should the capital and credit markets experience volatility and the availability of funds again become limited, or be available only on unattractive terms, we will incur increased costs associated with issuing debt instruments. In addition, it is possible that our ability to access the capital and credit markets may be limited or precluded by these or other factors at a time when we would like, or need, to do so, which would adversely impact our ability to refinance maturing debt and/or react to changing economic and business conditions. Uncertainty in the credit markets could negatively impact our ability to make acquisitions and make it more difficult or not possible for us to sell properties or may adversely affect the price we receive for properties that we do sell, as prospective buyers may experience increased costs of debt financing or difficulties in obtaining debt financing. Potential continued disruptions in the financial markets could also have other unknown adverse effects on us or the economy generally and may cause the price of EQR’s Common Shares to fluctuate significantly and/or to decline.
          Potential Reforms to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Could Adversely Affect Our Performance
          There is significant uncertainty surrounding the futures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Should Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have their mandates changed or reduced, be disbanded or reorganized by the government or otherwise discontinue providing liquidity to our sector, it would significantly reduce our access to debt capital and/or increase borrowing costs and would significantly reduce our sales of assets and/or the values realized upon sale. Disruptions in the floating rate tax-exempt bond market (where interest rates reset weekly) and in the credit market’s perception of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee and provide liquidity for these bonds, have been experienced in the past and may be experienced in the future and could result in an increase in interest rates on these debt obligations. These bonds could also be put to our consolidated subsidiaries if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac fail to satisfy their guaranty obligations. While this obligation is in almost all cases non-recourse to us, this could cause the Operating Partnership to have to repay these obligations on short notice or risk foreclosure actions on the collateralized assets.
          Non-Performance by Our Financial Counterparties Could Adversely Affect Our Performance
          Although we have not experienced any material counterparty non-performance, disruptions in financial and credit markets could, among other things, impede the ability of our counterparties to perform on their contractual obligations. There are multiple financial institutions that are individually committed to lend us varying amounts as part of our revolving credit facility. Should any of these institutions fail to fund their committed amounts when contractually required, our financial condition could be adversely affected. Should several of these institutions fail to fund, we could experience significant financial distress. One of the financial institutions, with a commitment of $75.0 million, declared bankruptcy in 2008 and will not honor its financial commitment. Our borrowing capacity under the credit facility has in essence been permanently reduced to $1.425 billion.
          The Operating Partnership also has developed assets with joint venture partners which were financed by financial institutions that have experienced varying degrees of distress in the past and could experience similar distress as economic conditions change. If one or more of these lenders fail to fund when contractually required, the Operating Partnership or its joint venture partner may be unable to complete construction of its development properties.
          A Significant Downgrade in Our Credit Ratings Could Adversely Affect Our Performance
          A significant downgrade in our credit ratings, while not affecting our ability to draw proceeds under the revolving credit facility, would cause our borrowing costs to increase under the facility and impact our ability to

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borrow secured and unsecured debt, or otherwise limit our access to capital. In addition, a downgrade below investment grade would require us to post cash collateral and/or letters of credit in favor of some of our secured lenders to cover our self-insured property and liability insurance deductibles or to obtain lower deductible insurance compliant with the lenders’ requirements at the lower rating level.
          Scheduled Debt Payments Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition
          In the future, our cash flow could be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest or to pay distributions on our securities at expected levels.
          We may not be able to refinance existing debt, including joint venture indebtedness (which in virtually all cases requires substantial principal payments at maturity) and, if we can, the terms of such refinancing might not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness. If principal payments due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended or paid with proceeds of other capital transactions, such as new equity capital, our operating cash flow will not be sufficient in all years to repay all maturing debt. As a result, certain of our other debt may cross default, we may be forced to postpone capital expenditures necessary for the maintenance of our properties, we may have to dispose of one or more properties on terms that would otherwise be unacceptable to us or we may be forced to allow the mortgage holder to foreclose on a property. Foreclosure on mortgaged properties or an inability to refinance existing indebtedness would likely have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
          Please refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for the Operating Partnership’s debt maturity schedule as of December 31, 2010.
          Financial Covenants Could Adversely Affect the Operating Partnership’s Financial Condition
          The mortgages on our properties may contain customary negative covenants that, among other things, limit our ability, without the prior consent of the lender, to further mortgage the property and to reduce or change insurance coverage. In addition, our unsecured credit facilities contain certain restrictions, requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur debt. The indentures under which a substantial portion of our unsecured debt was issued also contain certain financial and operating covenants including, among other things, maintenance of certain financial ratios, as well as limitations on our ability to incur secured and unsecured debt (including acquisition financing), and to sell all or substantially all of our assets. Our credit facilities and indentures are cross-defaulted and also contain cross default provisions with other material debt. While the Operating Partnership believes it was in compliance with its unsecured public debt covenants for both the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, should it fall out of compliance, it would likely have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
          Some of the properties were financed with tax-exempt bonds that contain certain restrictive covenants or deed restrictions. We have retained an independent outside consultant to monitor compliance with the restrictive covenants and deed restrictions that affect these properties. If these bond compliance requirements restrict our ability to increase our rental rates to low or moderate-income residents, or eligible/qualified residents, then our income from these properties may be limited. While we generally believe that the interest rate benefit attendant to properties with tax-exempt bonds more than outweighs any loss of income due to restrictive covenants or deed restrictions, this may not always be the case.
          Our Degree of Leverage Could Limit Our Ability to Obtain Additional Financing
          Our degree of leverage could have important consequences to security holders. For example, the degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes, making us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy in general. Our consolidated debt-to-total market capitalization ratio was 38.4% as of December 31, 2010. In addition, our most restrictive unsecured public debt covenants are as follows:

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    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Total Debt to Adjusted Total Assets (not to exceed 60%)
    48.5 %     48.8 %
 
               
Secured Debt to Adjusted Total Assets (not to exceed 40%)
    23.2 %     24.9 %
 
               
Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service to Maximum Annual Service Charges (must be at least 1.5 to 1)
    2.46       2.44  
 
               
Total Unsecured Assets to Unsecured Debt (must be at least 150%)
    256.0 %     256.5 %
          Rising Interest Rates Could Adversely Affect Cash Flow
          Advances under our credit facilities bear interest at variable rates based upon LIBOR at various interest periods, plus a spread dependent upon the Operating Partnership’s credit rating, or based upon bids received from the lending group. Certain public issuances of our senior unsecured debt instruments may also, from time to time, bear interest at floating rates. We may also borrow additional money with variable interest rates in the future. Increases in interest rates would increase our interest expense under these debt instruments and would increase the costs of refinancing existing debt and of issuing new debt. Accordingly, higher interest rates could adversely affect cash flow and our ability to service our debt and make distributions to security holders.
          Derivatives and Hedging Activity Could Adversely Affect Cash Flow
          In the normal course of business, we use derivatives to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility on debt instruments, including hedging for future debt issuances. At other times we may utilize derivatives to increase our exposure to floating interest rates. There can be no assurance that these hedging arrangements will have the desired beneficial impact. These arrangements, which can include a number of counterparties, may expose us to additional risks, including failure of any of our counterparties to perform under these contracts, and may involve extensive costs, such as transaction fees or breakage costs, if we terminate them. No strategy can completely insulate us from the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations.
We Depend on Our Key Personnel
          We depend on the efforts of the Chairman of EQR’s Board of Trustees, Samuel Zell, and EQR’s executive officers, particularly David J. Neithercut, EQR’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). If they resign or otherwise cease to be employed by us, our operations could be temporarily adversely affected. Mr. Zell has entered into retirement benefit and noncompetition agreements with the Company.
Control and Influence by Significant OP Unit Holders Could Be Exercised in a Manner Adverse to Other OP Unit Holders
          The consent of certain affiliates of Mr. Zell is required for certain amendments to ERPOP’s Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”). As a result of their security ownership and rights concerning amendments to the Partnership Agreement, the Zell affiliates may have influence over ERPOP. Although to ERPOP’s knowledge these OP Unit holders have not agreed to act together on any matter, they would be in a position to exercise even more influence over ERPOP’s affairs if they were to act together in the future. This influence could conceivably be exercised in a manner that is inconsistent with the interests of other OP Unit holders. For additional information regarding the security ownership of Mr. Zell and EQR’s executive officers, see EQR’s definitive proxy statement.
Our Success Is Dependent on our General Partner’s Compliance with Federal Income Tax Requirements
          We rely to a significant extent upon our general partner, EQR, as our source of equity capital. EQR is required to satisfy numerous technical requirements to remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. EQR’s failure to qualify as a REIT could have a material adverse impact upon its, and consequently our, ability to raise equity capital. Please see the “Our Success as a REIT Is Dependent on Compliance with Federal Income Tax Requirements”, “Compliance with REIT Distribution Requirements May Affect Our Financial Condition” and “Federal Income Tax Considerations” sections included in Risk Factors in EQR’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of these federal income tax considerations.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
     None.
Item 2. Properties
     As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 451 properties located in 17 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 129,604 apartment units. The Operating Partnership’s properties are summarized by building type in the following table:
                         
                    Average  
Type   Properties     Apartment Units     Apartment Units  
Garden
    354       100,551       284  
Mid/High-Rise
    95       24,315       256  
Military Housing
    2       4,738       2,369  
 
                   
 
                       
Total
    451       129,604          
 
                   
     The Operating Partnership’s properties are summarized by ownership type in the following table:
                 
    Properties     Apartment Units  
Wholly Owned Properties
    425       119,634  
Partially Owned Properties — Consolidated
    24       5,232  
Military Housing
    2       4,738  
 
           
 
               
 
    451       129,604  
 
           
     The following table sets forth certain information by market relating to the Operating Partnership’s properties at December 31, 2010:
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
                                         
                            % of     Average  
                    % of Total     Stabilized     Rental  
Markets   Properties     Apartment Units     Apartment Units     NOI     Rate (1)  
1 New York Metro Area
    28       8,290       6.4 %     12.7 %   $ 2,843  
2 DC Northern Virginia
    31       10,393       8.0 %     12.1 %     1,869  
3 South Florida
    38       12,869       9.9 %     9.1 %     1,313  
4 Los Angeles
    39       8,311       6.4 %     8.1 %     1,717  
5 Boston
    28       5,711       4.4 %     7.1 %     2,204  
6 Seattle/Tacoma
    43       9,748       7.5 %     6.7 %     1,293  
7 San Francisco Bay Area
    35       6,606       5.1 %     6.0 %     1,683  
8 San Diego
    14       4,963       3.8 %     5.2 %     1,789  
9 Phoenix
    36       10,769       8.3 %     4.8 %     848  
10 Denver
    23       7,967       6.2 %     4.7 %     1,044  
11 Suburban Maryland
    21       5,782       4.5 %     4.5 %     1,346  
12 Orlando
    26       8,042       6.2 %     4.2 %     961  
13 Orange County, CA
    11       3,490       2.7 %     3.2 %     1,518  
14 Atlanta
    20       6,183       4.8 %     3.0 %     961  
15 Inland Empire, CA
    11       3,639       2.8 %     2.8 %     1,352  
16 All Other Markets (2)
    45       12,103       9.3 %     5.8 %     975  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total
    449       124,866       96.3 %     100.0 %     1,444  
 
                                       
Military Housing
    2       4,738       3.7 %            
 
                             
 
                                       
Grand Total
    451       129,604       100.0 %     100.0 %   $ 1,444  
 
                             
 
(1)   Average rental rate is defined as total rental revenues divided by the weighted average occupied apartment units for the month

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    of December 2010.
 
(2)   All Other Markets — Each individual market is less than 2.0% of stabilized NOI.
Note: Projects under development are not included in the Portfolio Summary until construction has been completed, at which time the projects are included at their stabilized NOI. Projects under lease-up are included at their stabilized NOI.
     The Operating Partnership’s properties had an average occupancy of approximately 94.1% (94.5% on a same store basis) at December 31, 2010. Certain of the Operating Partnership’s properties are encumbered by mortgages and additional detail can be found on Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation. Resident leases are generally for twelve months in length and can require security deposits. The garden-style properties are generally defined as properties with two and/or three story buildings while the mid-rise/high-rise are defined as properties with greater than three story buildings. These two property types typically provide residents with amenities, which may include a clubhouse, swimming pool, laundry facilities and cable television access. Certain of these properties offer additional amenities such as saunas, whirlpools, spas, sports courts and exercise rooms or other amenities. In addition, many of our urban properties have parking garage and/or retail components. The military housing properties are defined as those properties located on military bases.
     The distribution of the properties throughout the United States reflects the Operating Partnership’s belief that geographic diversification helps insulate the portfolio from regional and economic influences. At the same time, the Operating Partnership has sought to create clusters of properties within each of its primary markets in order to achieve economies of scale in management and operation. The Operating Partnership may nevertheless acquire additional multifamily properties located anywhere in the United States.
     The properties currently in various stages of development and lease-up at December 31, 2010 are included in the following table:
Consolidated Development and Lease-Up Projects as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands except for project and apartment unit amounts)
                                                                                         
            No. of     Total     Total     Total Book
Value Not
                                    Estimated     Estimated  
            Apartment     Capital     Book Value     Placed in     Total     Percentage     Percentage     Percentage     Completion     Stabilization  
Projects     Location   Units     Cost (1)     to Date     Service     Debt     Completed     Leased     Occupied     Date     Date  
Projects Under Development — Wholly Owned:                                                                                
       
 
                                                                               
Red 160 (formerly Redmond Way)  
Redmond, WA
    250     $ 84,382     $ 76,964     $ 76,964     $       97 %     86 %     68 %     Q1 2011       Q1 2012  
       
 
                                                                               
500 West 23rd Street (formerly 10 Chelsea) (2)
 
New York, NY
    111       55,555       27,382       27,382             33 %                 Q4 2011       Q4 2012  
       
 
                                                                               
Savoy III  
Aurora, CO
    168       23,856       5,409       5,409             7 %                 Q3 2012       Q2 2013  
       
 
                                                                               
2201 Pershing Drive  
Arlington, VA
    188       64,242       14,707       14,707             1 %                 Q3 2012       Q3 2013  
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Under Development — Wholly Owned     717       228,035       124,462       124,462                                                
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Under Development  
 
    717       228,035       124,462       124,462                                                
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Completed Not Stabilized — Wholly Owned (3):                                                                                
       
 
                                                                               
Reunion at Redmond Ridge  
Redmond, WA
    321       53,175       53,151                           94 %     93 %   Completed     Q1 2011  
       
 
                                                                               
Westgate  
Pasadena, CA
    480       165,558       154,886             135,000 (4)             80 %     76 %   Completed     Q3 2011  
       
 
                                                                               
425 Mass (5)  
Washington, D.C.
    559       166,750       166,750                           61 %     58 %   Completed     Q1 2012  
       
 
                                                                               
Vantage Pointe (5)  
San Diego, CA
    679       200,000       200,000                           42 %     41 %   Completed     Q3 2012  
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Completed Not Stabilized — Wholly Owned     2,039       585,483       574,787             135,000                                          
       
 
                                                                               
Completed Not Stabilized — Partially Owned (3):                                                                                
       
 
                                                                               
The Brooklyner (formerly 111 Lawrence)
 
Brooklyn, NY
    490       272,368       257,748             141,741               93 %     89 %   Completed     Q2 2011  
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Completed Not Stabilized — Partially Owned     490       272,368       257,748             141,741                                          
       
 
                                                                     
Projects Completed Not Stabilized
  2,529       857,851       832,535             276,741                                          
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Completed and Stabilized During the Quarter — Wholly Owned:
                                                           
       
 
                                                                               
70 Greene (formerly 77 Hudson)  
Jersey City, NJ
    480       268,458       267,403                           93 %     91 %   Completed   Stabilized
       
 
                                                                               
Third Square (formerly 303 Third)  
Cambridge, MA
    482       257,457       256,546                           94 %     92 %   Completed   Stabilized
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Completed and Stabilized During the Quarter — Wholly Owned
    962       525,915       523,949                                                      
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Projects Completed and Stabilized During the Quarter
    962       525,915       523,949                                                      
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Total Projects  
 
    4,208     $ 1,611,801     $ 1,480,946     $ 124,462 (6)    $ 276,741                                          
       
 
                                                                     
       
 
                                                                               
Land Held for Development  
 
    N/A       N/A     $ 235,247     $ 235,247     $ 18,342                                          
       
 
                                                                     
 
(1)   Total capital cost represents estimated cost for projects under development and/or developed and all capitalized costs incurred to date plus any estimates of costs remaining to be funded for all projects, all in accordance with GAAP.
 
(2)   500 West 23rd Street — The land under this development is subject to a long-term ground lease.

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(3)   Properties included here are substantially complete. However, they may still require additional exterior and interior work for all apartment units to be available for leasing.
 
(4)   Debt is tax-exempt bonds that are entirely outstanding, with $16.8 million held in escrow by the lender and released as draw requests are made. This escrowed amount is classified as “Deposits — restricted” in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010. The Operating Partnership paid off the $28.2 million in taxable bonds during the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
(5)   The Operating Partnership acquired these completed development projects prior to stabilization and has begun/continued lease-up activities.
 
(6)   Total book value not placed in service excludes $5.9 million of construction-in-progress related to the reconstruction of the Prospect Towers garage.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
     The Operating Partnership is party to a housing discrimination lawsuit brought by a non-profit civil rights organization in April 2006 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The suit alleges that the Operating Partnership designed and built approximately 300 of its properties in violation of the accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act and Americans With Disabilities Act. The suit seeks actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief (including modification of non-compliant properties), costs and attorneys’ fees. The Operating Partnership believes it has a number of viable defenses, including that a majority of the named properties were completed before the operative dates of the statutes in question and/or were not designed or built by the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Operating Partnership is defending the suit vigorously. Due to the pendency of the Operating Partnership’s defenses and the uncertainty of many other critical factual and legal issues, it is not possible to determine or predict the outcome of the suit or a possible loss or a range of loss, and no amounts have been accrued at December 31, 2010. While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that the suit, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.
     The Operating Partnership does not believe there is any other litigation pending or threatened against it that, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.
Item 4. Reserved

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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
     OP Unit Dividends
     There is no established public market for the OP Units.
     The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the distributions declared on the Operating Partnership’s OP Units.
                 
    Distributions  
    2010     2009  
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31,
  $ 0.4575     $ 0.3375  
Third Quarter Ended September 30,
  $ 0.3375     $ 0.3375  
Second Quarter Ended June 30,
  $ 0.3375     $ 0.4825  
First Quarter Ended March 31,
  $ 0.3375     $ 0.4825  
     The number of record holders of OP Units and Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) Units in the Operating Partnership at February 16, 2011 were 528 and 18, respectively. The number of outstanding OP and LTIP Units as of February 16, 2011 were 307,338,881 and 401,971, respectively.
     Unregistered OP Units Issued in the Quarter Ended December 31, 2010
     During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership issued 15,948 OP Units having a value of $0.8 million. OP Units are generally exchangeable into Common Shares of EQR on a one-for-one basis or, at the option of the Operating Partnership, the cash equivalent thereof, at any time one year after the date of issuance. These OP Units were issued in exchange for direct or indirect interest in multifamily properties in private placement transactions under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as these were transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. In light of the manner of the sale and information obtained by the Operating Partnership from the limited partners in connection with these transactions, the Operating Partnership believes it may rely on these exemptions.
     Equity Compensation Plan Information
     The following table provides information as of December 31, 2010 with respect to EQR’s Common Shares that may be issued under its existing equity compensation plans.
                         
                    Number of securities
                    remaining available
    Number of securities   Weighted average   for future issuance
    to be issued upon   exercise price of   under equity
    exercise of   outstanding   compensation plans
    outstanding options,   options, warrants   (excluding securities
Plan Category   warrants and rights   and rights   in column (a))
    (a) (1)   (b) (1)   (c) (2)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
    10,106,488     $ 33.00       8,799,709  
 
                       
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
(1)   The amounts shown in columns (a) and (b) of the above table do not include 911,950 outstanding EQR Common Shares (all of which are restricted and subject to vesting requirements) that were granted under EQR’s Amended and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan, as amended (the “1993 Plan”) and EQR’s 2002 Share Incentive Plan, as restated (the “2002 Plan”) and outstanding EQR Common Shares that have been purchased by employees and trustees under EQR’S ESPP.
 
(2)   Includes 5,395,739 EQR Common Shares that may be issued under the 2002 Plan, of which only 25% may

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    be in the form of restricted shares, and 3,403,970 EQR Common Shares that may be sold to employees and trustees under the ESPP.
     The aggregate number of securities available for issuance (inclusive of restricted shares previously granted and outstanding and shares underlying outstanding options) under the 2002 Plan equals 7.5% of EQR’s outstanding Common Shares, calculated on a fully diluted basis, determined annually on the first day of each calendar year. On January 1, 2011, this amount equaled 22,785,696, of which 5,395,739 shares were available for future issuance. No awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan after February 20, 2012.
     Any EQR Common Shares issued pursuant to EQR’s incentive equity compensation and employee share purchase plans will result in the Operating Partnership issuing OP Units to EQR on a one-for-one basis, with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
     The following table sets forth selected financial and operating information on a historical basis for the Operating Partnership. The following information should be read in conjunction with all of the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The historical operating and balance sheet data have been derived from the historical financial statements of the Operating Partnership. All amounts have also been restated in accordance with the guidance on discontinued operations. Certain capitalized terms as used herein are defined in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Financial information in thousands except for per Unit and property data)
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
OPERATING DATA:
                                       
 
                                       
Total revenues from continuing operations
  $ 1,995,519     $ 1,856,503     $ 1,886,988     $ 1,739,444     $ 1,503,666  
 
                             
 
                                       
Interest and other income
  $ 5,469     $ 16,585     $ 33,337     $ 19,660     $ 30,430  
 
                             
 
                                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (19,844 )   $ 2,931     $ (40,054 )   $ (4,982 )   $ (29,983 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Discontinued operations, net
  $ 315,827     $ 379,098     $ 476,467     $ 1,052,338     $ 1,177,600  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income
  $ 295,983     $ 382,029     $ 436,413     $ 1,047,356     $ 1,147,617  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income available to Units
  $ 282,341     $ 368,099     $ 419,241     $ 1,015,769     $ 1,100,721  
 
                             
 
                                       
Earnings per Unit — basic:
                                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.25 )
 
                             
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46     $ 3.40     $ 3.55  
 
                             
Weighted average Units outstanding
    296,527       289,167       287,631       298,392       310,452  
 
                             
 
                                       
Earnings per Unit — diluted:
                                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.25 )
 
                             
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46     $ 3.40     $ 3.55  
 
                             
Weighted average Units outstanding
    296,527       289,167       287,631       298,392       310,452  
 
                             
 
                                       
Distributions declared per Unit outstanding
  $ 1.47     $ 1.64     $ 1.93     $ 1.87     $ 1.79  
 
                             
 
                                       
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at end of period):
                                       
Real estate, before accumulated depreciation
  $ 19,702,371     $ 18,465,144     $ 18,690,239     $ 18,333,350     $ 17,235,175  
Real estate, after accumulated depreciation
  $ 15,365,014     $ 14,587,580     $ 15,128,939     $ 15,163,225     $ 14,212,695  
Total assets
  $ 16,184,194     $ 15,417,515     $ 16,535,110     $ 15,689,777     $ 15,062,219  
Total debt
  $ 9,948,076     $ 9,392,570     $ 10,483,942     $ 9,478,157     $ 8,017,008  
Redeemable Limited Partners
  $ 383,540     $ 258,280     $ 264,394     $ 345,165     $ 509,310  
Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
  $ 7,991     $ 11,054     $ 25,520     $ 26,236     $ 26,814  
Total partners’ capital
  $ 5,200,585     $ 5,163,459     $ 5,043,185     $ 5,079,739     $ 5,800,205  
 
                                       
OTHER DATA:
                                       
Total properties (at end of period)
    451       495       548       579       617  
Total apartment units (at end of period)
    129,604       137,007       147,244       152,821       165,716  
 
                                       
Funds from operations available to
Units — basic (1) (3) (4)
  $ 622,786     $ 615,505     $ 618,372     $ 713,412     $ 712,524  
Normalized funds from operations available to
Units — basic (2) (3) (4)
  $ 682,422     $ 661,542     $ 735,062     $ 699,029     $ 699,276  
 
                                       
Cash flow provided by (used for):
                                       
Operating activities
  $ 732,693     $ 672,462     $ 755,252     $ 793,232     $ 755,774  
Investing activities
  $ (646,114 )   $ 103,579     $ (344,028 )   $ (200,749 )   $ (259,780 )
Financing activities
  $ 151,541     $ (1,473,547 )   $ 428,739     $ (801,929 )   $ (324,545 )
 
(1)   The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) defines funds from operations (“FFO”) (April 2002 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis. The April 2002 White Paper states that gain or

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    loss on sales of property is excluded from FFO for previously depreciated operating properties only. Once the Operating Partnership commences the conversion of apartment units to condominiums, it simultaneously discontinues depreciation of such property.
 
(2)   Normalized funds from operations (“Normalized FFO”) begins with FFO and excludes:
    the impact of any expenses relating to asset impairment and valuation allowances;
 
    property acquisition and other transaction costs related to mergers and acquisitions and pursuit cost write-offs (other expenses);
 
    gains and losses from early debt extinguishment, including prepayment penalties, preference unit redemptions and the cost related to the implied option value of non-cash convertible debt discounts;
 
    gains and losses on the sales of non-operating assets, including gains and losses from land parcel and condominium sales, net of the effect of income tax benefits or expenses; and
 
    other miscellaneous non-comparable items.
(3)   The Operating Partnership believes that FFO and FFO available to Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company, because they are recognized measures of performance by the real estate industry and by excluding gains or losses related to dispositions of depreciable property and excluding real estate depreciation (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO and FFO available to Units can help compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies. The Operating Partnership also believes that Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company because they allow investors to compare the Operating Partnership’s operating performance to its performance in prior reporting periods and to the operating performance of other real estate companies without the effect of items that by their nature are not comparable from period to period and tend to obscure the Operating Partnership’s actual operating results. FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units do not represent net income, net income available to Units or net cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units should not be exclusively considered as alternatives to net income, net income available to Units or net cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP or as a measure of liquidity. The Operating Partnership’s calculation of FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units may differ from other real estate companies due to, among other items, variations in cost capitalization policies for capital expenditures and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other real estate companies.
 
(4)   FFO available to Units and Normalized FFO available to Units are calculated on a basis consistent with net income available to Units and reflects adjustments to net income for preferred distributions and premiums on redemption of preference units in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
  Note: See Item 7 for a reconciliation of net income to FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of the Operating Partnership should be read in connection with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. Due to the Operating Partnership’s ability to control its subsidiaries, each such subsidiary entity has been consolidated with the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, except for an unconsolidated development land parcel and our military housing properties. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined are as defined elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Forward-Looking Statements
     Forward-looking statements in this Item 7 as well as elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions made by management. While the Operating Partnership’s management believes the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, such information is inherently subject to uncertainties and may involve certain risks, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Operating Partnership to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these uncertainties and risks are difficult to predict and beyond management’s control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof and the Operating Partnership undertakes no obligation to update or supplement these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to the following:
    We intend to actively acquire and/or develop multifamily properties for rental operations as market conditions dictate. We may also acquire multifamily properties that are unoccupied or in the early stages of lease up. We may be unable to lease up these apartment properties on schedule, resulting in decreases in expected rental revenues and/or lower yields due to lower occupancy and rates as well as higher than expected

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      concessions. We may underestimate the costs necessary to bring an acquired property up to standards established for its intended market position or to complete a development property. Additionally, we expect that other major real estate investors with significant capital will compete with us for attractive investment opportunities or may also develop properties in markets where we focus our development efforts. This competition (or lack thereof) may increase (or depress) prices for multifamily properties. We may not be in a position or have the opportunity in the future to make suitable property acquisitions on favorable terms. The total number of development units, costs of development and estimated completion dates are subject to uncertainties arising from changing economic conditions (such as the cost of labor and construction materials), competition and local government regulation;
    Debt financing and other capital required by the Operating Partnership may not be available or may only be available on adverse terms;
 
    Labor and materials required for maintenance, repair, capital expenditure or development may be more expensive than anticipated;
 
    Occupancy levels and market rents may be adversely affected by national and local economic and market conditions including, without limitation, new construction and excess inventory of multifamily housing and single family housing, slow or negative employment growth, availability of low interest mortgages for single family home buyers and the potential for geopolitical instability, all of which are beyond the Operating Partnership’s control; and
 
    Additional factors as discussed in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly those under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.
     Forward-looking statements and related uncertainties are also included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
Overview
     ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”), an Illinois limited partnership, was formed in May 1993 to conduct the multifamily residential property business of Equity Residential (“EQR”). EQR, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993, is an S&P 500 company focused on the acquisition, development and management of high quality apartment properties in top United States growth markets. EQR has elected to be taxed as a REIT.
     EQR is one of the largest publicly traded real estate companies and is the largest publicly traded owner of multifamily properties in the United States (based on the aggregate market value of its outstanding Common Shares, the number of apartment units wholly owned and total revenues earned). The Operating Partnership’s corporate headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois and the Operating Partnership also operates property management offices in each of its markets. As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had approximately 4,000 employees who provided real estate operations, leasing, legal, financial, accounting, acquisition, disposition, development and other support functions.
     EQR is the general partner of, and as of December 31, 2010 owned an approximate 95.5% ownership interest in ERPOP. All of EQR’s property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through ERPOP and its subsidiaries. References to the “Operating Partnership” include ERPOP and those entities owned or controlled by it. References to the “Company” mean EQR and the Operating Partnership.
Business Objectives and Operating and Investing Strategies
     The Operating Partnership invests in apartment communities located in strategically targeted markets with the goal of maximizing our risk adjusted total return (operating income plus capital appreciation) on invested capital.
     Our operating focus is on balancing occupancy and rental rates to maximize our revenue while exercising tight cost control to generate the highest possible return to our shareholders. Revenue is maximized by driving qualified resident prospects to our properties, converting this traffic cost-effectively into new leases at the highest rent possible, keeping our residents satisfied and renewing their leases at yet higher rents. While we believe that it is our high-quality, well-located assets that bring our customers to us, it is our customer service that keeps them renting with us and recommending us to their friends.
     We use technology to engage our customers in the way that they want to be engaged. Many of our residents utilize our web-based resident portal which allows them to review their account and make payments, provide feedback and make service requests on-line.

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     We seek to maximize capital appreciation of our properties by investing in markets that are characterized by conditions favorable to multifamily property appreciation. These markets generally feature one or more of the following:
    High barriers to entry where, because of land scarcity or government regulation, it is difficult or costly to build new apartment properties leading to low supply;
 
    High single family home prices making our apartments a more economical housing choice;
 
    Strong economic growth leading to household formation and job growth, which in turn leads to high demand for our apartments; and
 
    An attractive quality of life leading to high demand and retention and allowing us to more readily increase rents.
     Acquisitions and developments may be financed from various sources of capital, which may include retained cash flow, issuance of additional equity and debt securities, sales of properties, joint venture agreements and collateralized and uncollateralized borrowings. In addition, the Operating Partnership may acquire properties in transactions that include the issuance of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) as consideration for the acquired properties. Such transactions may, in certain circumstances, enable the sellers to defer, in whole or in part, the recognition of taxable income or gain that might otherwise result from the sales. ERPOP may also acquire land parcels to hold and/or sell based on market opportunities. The Operating Partnership may also seek to acquire properties by purchasing defaulted or distressed debt that encumbers desirable properties in the hope of obtaining title to property through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure proceedings. The Operating Partnership has also, in the past, converted some of its properties and sold them as condominiums but is not currently active in this line of business.
     The Operating Partnership primarily sources the funds for its new property acquisitions in its core markets with the sales proceeds from selling assets that are older or located in non-core markets. During the last five years, the Operating Partnership has sold over 97,000 apartment units for an aggregate sales price of $7.2 billion and acquired nearly 25,000 apartment units in its core markets for approximately $5.5 billion. We are currently acquiring and developing assets primarily in the following targeted metropolitan areas: Boston, New York, Washington DC, South Florida, Southern California, San Francisco, Seattle and to a lesser extent Denver. We also have investments (in the aggregate about 18% of our NOI) in other markets including Atlanta, Phoenix, Portland, Oregon, New England excluding Boston, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville but do not intend to acquire or develop assets in these markets.
     As part of its strategy, the Operating Partnership purchases completed and fully occupied apartment properties, partially completed or partially unoccupied properties or land on which apartment properties can be constructed. We intend to hold a diversified portfolio of assets across our target markets. Currently, no single metropolitan area accounts for more than 17% of our NOI, though no guarantee can be made that NOI concentration may not increase in the future.
     We endeavor to attract and retain the best employees by providing them with the education, resources and opportunities to succeed. We provide many classroom and on-line training courses to assist our employees in interacting with prospects and residents as well as extensively train our customer service specialists in maintaining the equipment and appliances on our property sites. We actively promote from within and many senior corporate and property leaders have risen from entry level or junior positions. We monitor our employees’ engagement by surveying them annually and have consistently received high engagement scores.
     We have a commitment to sustainability and consider the environmental impacts of our business activities. With its high density, multifamily housing is, by its nature, an environmentally friendly property type. Our recent acquisition and development activities have been primarily concentrated in pedestrian-friendly urban locations near public transportation. When developing and renovating our properties, we strive to reduce energy and water usage by investing in energy saving technology while positively impacting the experience of our residents and the value of our assets. We continue to implement a combination of irrigation, lighting and HVAC improvements at our properties that will reduce energy and water consumption.
     Current Environment
     Through much of 2009, the Operating Partnership assumed a highly cautious outlook given uncertainty in the general economy and the capital markets and expected reduction in our property operations. In late 2009, the Operating Partnership saw that occupancy was firming. This was an especially encouraging sign as it came during the Operating

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Partnership’s seasonally slower fourth quarter. At the same time, the Operating Partnership also saw marked improvement in the capital markets. In response, the Operating Partnership began acquiring assets and increasing rents for both new and renewing residents, which led to better operating and investment performance for the Operating Partnership. 2010 was characterized by higher occupancy and rent levels than 2009. The Operating Partnership increased rents to a greater extent in markets like the Northeast, where the economy was stronger and multifamily operating conditions were better. In 2010, the Operating Partnership ceased to hold the large cash balances (often $1.0 billion or more) that it held in 2009 in anticipation of debt maturities in an unsure capital markets climate. This had the result of increasing the Operating Partnership’s earnings by decreasing debt prefunding costs. Finally, the Operating Partnership was aggressive in acquiring $1.5 billion of assets in its target markets in 2010. Improvement materialized throughout 2010 and as we enter 2011, we expect strong growth in same store revenue (anticipated increases ranging from 4.0% to 5.0%) and NOI (anticipated increases ranging from 5.0% to 7.5%) and are optimistic that the improvement realized in 2010 will be sustained for the foreseeable future.
     We currently have access to multiple sources of capital including the equity markets as well as both the secured and unsecured debt markets. In July 2010, the Operating Partnership completed a $600.0 million unsecured ten year notes offering with a coupon of 4.75% and an all-in effective interest rate of 5.09%. The all-in rate combined with its accretive nature compared to maturing 2011 fixed rate debt led the Operating Partnership to pursue this transaction. EQR also raised $291.9 million in equity under its ATM Common Share offering program in 2010 and has raised an additional $154.5 million under this program thus far in 2011.
     Given the strong market for many of our disposition assets and increased competition for assets in our target markets, we expect to be a net seller of assets in 2011 in contrast to being a net buyer of assets in 2010. The Operating Partnership acquired 16 consolidated properties consisting of 4,445 apartment units for $1.5 billion and six land parcels for $68.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. While competition for the properties we were interested in acquiring increased as 2010 progressed due to the overall improvement in market fundamentals, we were able to close several, of what we believe are, long-term, value added acquisition opportunities. Our acquisition pipeline has moderated and we expect a greater concentration of our 2011 acquisitions to occur in the latter half of the year. We believe our access to capital, our ability to execute large, complex transactions and our ability to efficiently stabilize large scale lease up properties provide us with a competitive advantage. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership sold 35 consolidated properties consisting of 7,171 apartment units for $718.4 million and 27 unconsolidated properties consisting of 6,275 apartment units generating cash proceeds to the Operating Partnership of $26.9 million, as well as 2 condominium units for $0.4 million and one land parcel for $4.0 million. We expect to continue strategic dispositions and see an increase in dispositions in 2011 as we believe there is currently a robust market and favorable pricing for certain of our non-strategic assets. Our dispositions in 2010 were at higher capitalization (“cap”) rates (see definition in Results of Operations) than the acquisitions we completed. We expect this to continue in 2011 and expect to experience dilution from past and future transactions.
     We believe that cash and cash equivalents, securities readily convertible to cash, current availability on our revolving credit facility and disposition proceeds for 2011 will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our funding obligations relating to asset acquisitions, debt maturities and existing development projects through 2011. We expect that our remaining longer-term funding requirements will be met through some combination of new borrowings, equity issuances (including EQR’s ATM share offering program), property dispositions, joint ventures and cash generated from operations. There is significant uncertainty surrounding the futures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Any changes to their mandates could have a significant impact on the Operating Partnership and may, among other things, lead to lower values for our disposition assets and higher interest rates on our borrowings. Such changes may also provide an advantage to us by making the cost of financing single family home ownership more expensive and provide us a competitive advantage given the size of our balance sheet and the multiple sources of capital to which we have access.
     We believe that the Operating Partnership is well-positioned as of December 31, 2010 (our properties are geographically diverse and were approximately 94.1% occupied (94.5% on a same store basis)), little new multifamily rental supply will be added to most of our markets over the next several years and the long-term demographic picture is positive. We believe our strong balance sheet and ample liquidity will allow us to fund our debt maturities and development fundings in the near term, and should also allow us to take advantage of investment opportunities in the future. As economic conditions continue to improve, the short-term nature of our leases and the limited supply of new rental housing being constructed should allow us to realize revenue growth and improvement in our operating results.
     The Operating Partnership anticipates that 2011 same store expenses will only increase 1.0% to 2.0% primarily due to modest increases in payroll expenses, real estate tax rates and utility cost growth (same store expenses increased 0.9% for 2010 when compared with the same period in the prior year). This follows three consecutive years of excellent expense control (same store expenses declined 0.1% between 2009 and 2008 and grew 2.2% between 2008 and 2007 and 2.1% between 2007 and 2006).

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          The current environment information presented above is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
Results of Operations
          In conjunction with our business objectives and operating strategy, the Operating Partnership continued to invest in apartment properties located in strategically targeted markets during the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. In summary, we:
          Year Ended December 31, 2010:
    Acquired $1.1 billion of apartment properties consisting of 14 consolidated properties and 3,207 apartment units at a weighted average cap rate (see definition below) of 5.4% and six land parcels for $68.9 million, all of which we deem to be in our strategic targeted markets;
 
    Acquired one unoccupied property in the second quarter of 2010 (425 Mass in Washington, D.C.) for $166.8 million consisting of 559 apartment units that is expected to stabilize in its third year of ownership at an 8.5% yield on cost and one property in the third quarter of 2010 (Vantage Pointe in San Diego, CA) for $200.0 million consisting of 679 apartment units that was in the early stages of lease up and is expected to stabilize in its third year of ownership at a 7.0% yield on cost;
 
    Acquired the 75% equity interest it did not own in seven previously unconsolidated properties consisting of 1,811 apartment units at an implied cap rate of 8.4% in exchange for an approximate $30.0 million payment to its joint venture partner;
 
    Sold $718.4 million of consolidated apartment properties consisting of 35 properties and 7,171 apartment units at a weighted average cap rate of 6.7%, 2 condominium units for $0.4 million and one land parcel for $4.0 million, the majority of which was in exit or less desirable markets; and
 
    Sold the last of its 25% equity interests in an institutional joint venture consisting of 27 unconsolidated properties containing 6,275 apartment units. These properties were valued in their entirety at $417.8 million which results in an implied weighted average cap rate of 7.5% (generating cash to the Operating Partnership, net of debt repayments, of $26.9 million).
          Year Ended December 31, 2009:
    Acquired $145.0 million of apartment properties consisting of two properties and 566 apartment units (excluding the Operating Partnership’s buyout of its partner’s interest in one previously unconsolidated property) and a long-term leasehold interest in a land parcel for $11.5 million, all of which we deem to be in our strategic targeted markets; and
 
    Sold $1.0 billion of apartment properties consisting of 60 properties and 12,489 apartment units (excluding the Operating Partnership’s buyout of its partner’s interest in one previously unconsolidated property), as well as 62 condominium units for $12.0 million, the majority of which was in exit or less desirable markets.
          The Operating Partnership’s primary financial measure for evaluating each of its apartment communities is net operating income (“NOI”). NOI represents rental income less property and maintenance expense, real estate tax and insurance expense and property management expense. The Operating Partnership believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of its operating performance because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Operating Partnership’s apartment communities. The cap rate is generally the first year NOI yield (net of replacements) on the Operating Partnership’s investment.
          Properties that the Operating Partnership owned for all of both 2010 and 2009 (the “2010 Same Store Properties”), which represented 112,042 apartment units, impacted the Operating Partnership’s results of operations. Properties that the Operating Partnership owned for all of both 2009 and 2008 (the “2009 Same Store Properties”), which represented 113,598 apartment units, also impacted the Operating Partnership’s results of operations. Both the 2010 Same Store Properties and 2009 Same Store Properties are discussed in the following paragraphs.
          The Operating Partnership’s acquisition, disposition and completed development activities also impacted overall results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Dilution, as a result of the Operating

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Partnership’s net asset sales in 2009, partially offset by net asset acquisitions and lease up activity in 2010, negatively impacts property net operating income. The impacts of these activities are discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs.
          Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2010 to the year ended December 31, 2009
          For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership reported diluted earnings per Unit of $0.95 compared to $1.27 per Unit for the year ended December 31, 2009. The difference is primarily due to $37.3 million in lower gains from property sales in 2010 vs. 2009 and $34.3 million in higher impairment losses in 2010 vs. 2009.
          For the year ended December 31, 2010, loss from continuing operations increased approximately $22.8 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in continuing operations is discussed below.
          Revenues from the 2010 Same Store Properties decreased $2.1 million primarily as a result of a decrease in average rental rates charged to residents, partially offset by an increase in occupancy. Expenses from the 2010 Same Store Properties increased $6.2 million primarily due to increases in repairs and maintenance expenses (mostly due to greater storm-related costs such as snow removal and roof repairs incurred during the first quarter of 2010), higher property management costs and increases in utility costs, partially offset by lower real estate taxes and leasing and advertising expenses. The following tables provide comparative same store results and statistics for the 2010 Same Store Properties:
2010 vs. 2009
Same Store Results/Statistics
$ in thousands (except for Average Rental Rate) — 112,042 Same Store Units
                                                 
    Results     Statistics  
                            Average              
                            Rental              
Description   Revenues     Expenses     NOI     Rate (1)     Occupancy     Turnover  
2010
  $ 1,728,268     $ 654,663     $ 1,073,605     $ 1,358       94.8 %     56.7 %
2009
  $ 1,730,335     $ 648,508     $ 1,081,827     $ 1,375       93.7 %     61.5 %
 
                                   
Change
  $ (2,067 )   $ 6,155     $ (8,222 )   $ (17 )     1.1 %     (4.8 %)
 
                                   
Change
    (0.1 %)     0.9 %     (0.8 %)     (1.2 %)                
 
(1)   Average rental rate is defined as total rental revenues divided by the weighted average occupied units for the period.
          The following table provides comparative same store operating expenses for the 2010 Same Store Properties:
2010 vs. 2009
Same Store Operating Expenses
$ in thousands — 112,042 Same Store Units
                                         
                                    % of Actual  
                                    2010  
    Actual     Actual     $     %     Operating  
    2010     2009     Change     Change     Expenses  
Real estate taxes
  $ 174,131     $ 177,180     $ (3,049 )     (1.7 %)     26.6 %
On-site payroll (1)
    156,668       156,446       222       0.1 %     23.9 %
Utilities (2)
    102,553       100,441       2,112       2.1 %     15.7 %
Repairs and maintenance (3)
    97,166       94,223       2,943       3.1 %     14.8 %
Property management costs (4)
    69,995       64,022       5,973       9.3 %     10.7 %
Insurance
    21,545       21,525       20       0.1 %     3.3 %
Leasing and advertising
    14,892       16,029       (1,137 )     (7.1 %)     2.3 %
Other on-site operating expenses (5)
    17,713       18,642       (929 )     (5.0 %)     2.7 %
 
                             
Same store operating expenses
  $ 654,663     $ 648,508     $ 6,155       0.9 %     100.0 %
 
                             
 
(1)   On-site payroll — Includes payroll and related expenses for on-site personnel including property managers, leasing consultants and maintenance staff.
 
(2)   Utilities — Represents gross expenses prior to any recoveries under the Resident Utility Billing System (“RUBS”). Recoveries are reflected in rental income.
 
(3)   Repairs and maintenance — Includes general maintenance costs, unit turnover costs including interior painting, routine landscaping,

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    security, exterminating, fire protection, snow removal, elevator, roof and parking lot repairs and other miscellaneous building repair costs.
 
(4)   Property management costs — Includes payroll and related expenses for departments, or portions of departments, that directly support on-site management. These include such departments as regional and corporate property management, property accounting, human resources, training, marketing and revenue management, procurement, real estate tax, property legal services and information technology.
 
(5)   Other on-site operating expenses — Includes administrative costs such as office supplies, telephone and data charges and association and business licensing fees.
          The following table presents a reconciliation of operating income per the consolidated statements of operations to NOI for the 2010 Same Store Properties.
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Operating income
  $ 442,001     $ 496,601  
Adjustments:
               
Non-same store operating results
    (105,960 )     (21,336 )
Fee and asset management revenue
    (9,476 )     (10,346 )
Fee and asset management expense
    5,140       7,519  
Depreciation
    656,633       559,271  
General and administrative
    39,887       38,994  
Impairment
    45,380       11,124  
 
           
 
               
Same store NOI
  $ 1,073,605     $ 1,081,827  
 
           
          For properties that the Operating Partnership acquired prior to January 1, 2010 and expects to continue to own through December 31, 2011, the Operating Partnership anticipates the following same store results for the full year ending December 31, 2011:
     
2011 Same Store Assumptions
Physical occupancy
  95.0%
Revenue change
  4.0% to 5.0%
Expense change
  1.0% to 2.0%
NOI change
  5.0% to 7.5%
          The Operating Partnership anticipates consolidated rental acquisitions of $1.0 billion and consolidated rental dispositions of $1.25 billion and expects that acquisitions will have a 1.25% lower cap rate than dispositions for the full year ending December 31, 2011.
          These 2011 assumptions are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.
          Non-same store operating results increased approximately $84.6 million and consist primarily of properties acquired in calendar years 2009 and 2010, as well as operations from the Operating Partnership’s completed development properties and corporate housing business. While the operations of the non-same store assets have been negatively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2010 similar to the same store assets, the non-same store assets have contributed a greater percentage of total NOI to the Operating Partnership’s overall operating results primarily due to increasing occupancy for properties in lease-up and a longer ownership period in 2010 than 2009. This increase primarily resulted from:
    Development and other miscellaneous properties in lease-up of $32.4 million;
 
    Newly stabilized development and other miscellaneous properties of $0.2 million;
 
    Properties acquired in 2009 and 2010 of $56.2 million; and
 
    Partially offset by an allocation of property management costs not included in same store results and operating activities from other miscellaneous operations, such as the Operating Partnership’s corporate housing business.
          See also Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Operating Partnership’s segment disclosures.

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          Fee and asset management revenues, net of fee and asset management expenses, increased approximately $1.5 million or 53.4% primarily due to an increase in revenue earned on management of the Operating Partnership’s military housing ventures at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, as well as a decrease in asset management expenses, partially offset by the unwinding of the Operating Partnership’s institutional joint ventures during 2010 (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion).
          Property management expenses from continuing operations include off-site expenses associated with the self-management of the Operating Partnership’s properties as well as management fees paid to any third party management companies. These expenses increased approximately $9.2 million or 12.8%. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in payroll-related costs (due primarily to higher health insurance and bonus costs, acceleration of long-term compensation expense for retirement eligible employees and the creation of the Operating Partnership’s central business group, which moved administrative functions off-site), legal and professional fees, education/conference expenses, real estate tax consulting fees and travel expenses.
          Depreciation expense from continuing operations, which includes depreciation on non-real estate assets, increased approximately $97.4 million or 17.4% primarily as a result of additional depreciation expense on properties acquired in 2009 and 2010, development properties placed in service and capital expenditures for all properties owned.
          General and administrative expenses from continuing operations, which include corporate operating expenses, increased approximately $0.9 million or 2.3% primarily due to higher overall payroll-related costs (due primarily to higher bonus costs), partially offset by lower tax compliance fees and office rents. The Operating Partnership anticipates that general and administrative expenses will approximate $40.0 million to $42.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
          Impairment from continuing operations increased approximately $34.3 million due to a $45.4 million impairment charge taken during the fourth quarter of 2010 on land held for development related to two potential development projects compared to an $11.1 million impairment charge taken during 2009 on land held for development. See Note 20 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
          Interest and other income from continuing operations decreased approximately $11.1 million or 67.0% primarily as a result of a decrease in interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and investment securities due to lower interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2010 and lower overall balances as well as gains on debt extinguishment and the sale of investment securities recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009 that did not reoccur in 2010, partially offset by an increase in insurance/litigation settlement proceeds. The Operating Partnership anticipates that interest and other income will approximate $2.0 million to $3.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
          Other expenses from continuing operations increased approximately $5.4 million or 83.9% primarily due to an increase in the expensing of overhead (pursuit cost write-offs) as a result of the Operating Partnership’s decision to reduce its development activities in prior periods as well as an increase in property acquisition costs incurred in conjunction with the Operating Partnership’s significantly higher acquisition volume in 2010.
          Interest expense from continuing operations, including amortization of deferred financing costs, decreased approximately $27.8 million or 5.5% primarily as a result of lower overall debt balances and higher debt extinguishment costs due to the significant debt repurchases in 2009 and lower rates in 2010, partially offset by interest expense on the $500.0 million mortgage pool that closed in 2009, the $600.0 million of unsecured notes that closed in July 2010 and lower capitalized interest. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership capitalized interest costs of approximately $13.0 million as compared to $34.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. This capitalization of interest primarily relates to consolidated projects under development. The effective interest cost on all indebtedness for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 5.14% as compared to 5.62% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Operating Partnership anticipates that interest expense (excluding debt extinguishment costs and convertible debt discounts) will approximate $470.0 million to $480.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
          Income and other tax expense from continuing operations decreased approximately $2.5 million or 88.1% primarily due to a decrease in franchise taxes for Texas and a decrease in business taxes for Washington, D.C. The Operating Partnership anticipates that income and other tax expense will approximate $0.5 million to $1.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
          Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities decreased approximately $2.1 million or 73.9% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily due to the Operating Partnership’s $1.8 million share of

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defeasance costs incurred in conjunction with the extinguishment of cross-collateralized mortgage debt on one of the Operating Partnership’s partially owned unconsolidated joint ventures taken during the year ended December 31, 2009 that did not reoccur in 2010.
          Net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities increased approximately $17.4 million primarily due to larger gains on sale and revaluation of seven previously unconsolidated properties that were acquired from the Operating Partnership’s joint venture partner and the gain on sale for 27 properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared with unconsolidated properties sold in the same period in 2009.
          Net loss on sales of land parcels increased approximately $1.4 million primarily due to the loss on sale of one land parcel during the year ended December 31, 2010.
          Discontinued operations, net decreased approximately $63.3 million or 16.7% between the periods under comparison. This decrease is primarily due to lower gains from property sales during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 and the operations of those properties. In addition, properties sold in 2010 reflect operations for none of or a partial period in 2010 in contrast to a full or partial period in 2009. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
          Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2009 to the year ended December 31, 2008
          For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership reported diluted earnings per Unit of $1.27 compared to $1.46 per Unit for the year ended December 31, 2008. The difference is primarily due to the following:
    $57.6 million in lower net gains on sales of discontinued operations in 2009 vs. 2008;
 
    $84.0 million in lower property NOI in 2009 vs. 2008, primarily driven by $51.6 million in lower same store NOI and dilution from transaction activities, partially offset by higher NOI contributions from lease-up properties; and
 
    Partially offset by $105.3 million in lower impairment losses in 2009 vs. 2008.
          For the year ended December 31, 2009, income from continuing operations increased approximately $43.0 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in continuing operations is discussed below.
          Revenues from the 2009 Same Store Properties decreased $52.4 million primarily as a result of a decrease in average rental rates charged to residents and a decrease in occupancy. Expenses from the 2009 Same Store Properties decreased $0.8 million primarily due to lower property management costs, partially offset by higher real estate taxes and utility costs. The following tables provide comparative same store results and statistics for the 2009 Same Store Properties:
2009 vs. 2008
Same Store Results/Statistics
$ in thousands (except for Average Rental Rate) — 113,598 Same Store Units
                                                 
    Results     Statistics  
                            Average              
                            Rental              
Description   Revenues     Expenses     NOI     Rate (1)     Occupancy     Turnover  
2009
  $ 1,725,774     $ 644,294     $ 1,081,480     $ 1,352       93.8 %     61.0 %
2008
  $ 1,778,183     $ 645,123     $ 1,133,060     $ 1,383       94.5 %     63.7 %
 
                                   
Change
  $ (52,409 )   $ (829 )   $ (51,580 )   $ (31 )     (0.7 %)     (2.7 %)
 
                                   
Change
    (2.9 %)     (0.1 %)     (4.6 %)     (2.2 %)                
 
(1)   Average rental rate is defined as total rental revenues divided by the weighted average occupied units for the period.
          The following table provides comparative same store operating expenses for the 2009 Same Store Properties:

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2009 vs. 2008
Same Store Operating Expenses
$ in thousands — 113,598 Same Store Units
                                         
                                    % of Actual  
                                    2009  
    Actual     Actual     $     %     Operating  
    2009     2008     Change     Change     Expenses  
Real estate taxes
  $ 173,113     $ 171,234     $ 1,879       1.1 %     26.9 %
On-site payroll (1)
    155,912       156,601       (689 )     (0.4 %)     24.2 %
Utilities (2)
    100,184       99,045       1,139       1.1 %     15.5 %
Repairs and maintenance (3)
    94,556       95,142       (586 )     (0.6 %)     14.7 %
Property management costs (4)
    63,854       67,126       (3,272 )     (4.9 %)     9.9 %
Insurance
    21,689       20,890       799       3.8 %     3.4 %
Leasing and advertising
    15,664       15,043       621       4.1 %     2.4 %
Other on-site operating expenses (5)
    19,322       20,042       (720 )     (3.6 %)     3.0 %
 
                             
Same store operating expenses
  $ 644,294     $ 645,123     $ (829 )     (0.1 %)     100.0 %
 
                             
 
(1)   On-site payroll — Includes payroll and related expenses for on-site personnel including property managers, leasing consultants and maintenance staff.
 
(2)   Utilities — Represents gross expenses prior to any recoveries under the Resident Utility Billing System (“RUBS”). Recoveries are reflected in rental income.
 
(3)   Repairs and maintenance — Includes general maintenance costs, unit turnover costs including interior painting, routine landscaping, security, exterminating, fire protection, snow removal, elevator, roof and parking lot repairs and other miscellaneous building repair costs.
 
(4)   Property management costs — Includes payroll and related expenses for departments, or portions of departments, that directly support on-site management. These include such departments as regional and corporate property management, property accounting, human resources, training, marketing and revenue management, procurement, real estate tax, property legal services and information technology.
 
(5)   Other on-site operating expenses — Includes administrative costs such as office supplies, telephone and data charges and association and business licensing fees.
          Non-same store operating results increased approximately $34.3 million or 79.4% and consist primarily of properties acquired in calendar years 2008 and 2009, as well as operations from the Operating Partnership’s completed development properties and our corporate housing business. While the operations of the non-same store assets have been negatively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2009 similar to the same store assets, the non-same store assets have contributed a greater percentage of total NOI to the Operating Partnership’s overall operating results primarily due to increasing occupancy for properties in lease-up and a longer ownership period in 2009 than 2008. This increase primarily resulted from:
    Development and other miscellaneous properties in lease-up of $22.4 million;
 
    Newly stabilized development and other miscellaneous properties of $1.6 million;
 
    Properties acquired in 2008 and 2009 of $11.9 million; and
 
    Partially offset by operating activities from other miscellaneous operations.
          See also Note 19 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Operating Partnership’s segment disclosures.
          Fee and asset management revenues, net of fee and asset management expenses, increased approximately $0.1 million or 3.4% primarily due to an increase in revenue earned on management of the Operating Partnership’s military housing ventures at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, as well as a decrease in asset management expenses. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Operating Partnership managed 12,681 apartment units and 14,485 apartment units, respectively, primarily for unconsolidated entities and its military housing ventures at Fort Lewis and McChord.
          Property management expenses from continuing operations include off-site expenses associated with the self-management of the Operating Partnership’s properties as well as management fees paid to any third party management companies. These expenses decreased approximately $5.1 million or 6.7%. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower overall payroll-related costs as a result of a decrease in the number of properties in the Operating Partnership’s portfolio, as well as decreases in temporary help/contractors, telecommunications and travel expenses.
          Depreciation expense from continuing operations, which includes depreciation on non-real estate assets, increased approximately $23.0 million or 4.3% primarily as a result of additional depreciation expense on properties acquired in 2008 and 2009, development properties placed in service and capital expenditures for all properties owned.

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          General and administrative expenses from continuing operations, which include corporate operating expenses, decreased approximately $6.0 million or 13.3% primarily due to lower overall payroll-related costs as a result of a decrease in the number of properties in the Operating Partnership’s portfolio, as well as a $2.9 million decrease in severance related costs in 2009 and a decrease in tax consulting costs.
          Impairment from continuing operations decreased approximately $105.3 million due to an $11.1 million impairment charge taken during 2009 on a land parcel held for development compared to a $116.4 million impairment charge taken in the fourth quarter of 2008 on land held for development related to five potential development projects that are no longer being pursued. See Note 20 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
          Interest and other income from continuing operations decreased approximately $16.8 million or 50.3% primarily as a result of an $18.7 million gain recognized during 2008 related to the partial debt extinguishment of the Operating Partnership’s notes compared to a $4.5 million gain recognized in 2009 (see Note 9). In addition, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents decreased due to a decrease in interest rates and because the Operating Partnership received less insurance/litigation settlement proceeds and forfeited deposits in 2009, partially offset by a $4.9 million gain on the sale of investment securities realized in 2009.
          Other expenses from continuing operations increased approximately $0.7 million or 12.6% primarily due to an increase in transaction costs incurred in conjunction with the Operating Partnership’s acquisition of two properties consisting of 566 apartment units from unaffiliated parties, as well as expensing transaction costs associated with the Operating Partnership’s acquisition of all of its partners’ interests in five previously partially owned properties consisting of 1,587 apartment units in 2009.
          Interest expense from continuing operations, including amortization of deferred financing costs, increased approximately $16.9 million or 3.4% primarily as a result of an increase in debt extinguishment costs and lower capitalized interest. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership capitalized interest costs of approximately $34.9 million as compared to $60.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. This capitalization of interest primarily relates to consolidated projects under development. The effective interest cost on all indebtedness for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 5.62% as compared to 5.56% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
          Income and other tax expense from continuing operations decreased approximately $2.5 million or 46.9% primarily due to a change in the estimate for Texas state taxes and lower overall state income taxes, partially offset by an increase in business taxes for Washington, D.C.
          Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities increased approximately $2.7 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily due to the Operating Partnership’s $1.8 million share of defeasance costs incurred in conjunction with the extinguishment of cross-collateralized mortgage debt on one of the Operating Partnership’s partially owned unconsolidated joint ventures as well as a decline in the operating performance of these properties.
          Net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities increased approximately $7.8 million as the Operating Partnership sold seven unconsolidated properties in 2009 (inclusive of the one property where the Operating Partnership acquired its partners’ interest) compared to three unconsolidated properties in 2008.
          Net gain on sales of land parcels decreased approximately $3.0 million due to the sale of vacant land located in Florida during the year ended December 31, 2008 versus no land sales in 2009.
          Discontinued operations, net decreased approximately $97.4 million or 20.4% between the periods under comparison. This decrease is primarily due to lower gains from property sales during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 and the operations of those properties. In addition, properties sold in 2009 reflect operations for a partial period in 2009 in contrast to a full period in 2008. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
          As of January 1, 2010, the Operating Partnership had approximately $193.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, its restricted 1031 exchange proceeds totaled $244.3 million and it had $1.37 billion available under its

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revolving credit facility (net of $56.7 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and $75.0 million which had been committed by a now bankrupt financial institution and is not available for borrowing). After taking into effect the various transactions discussed in the following paragraphs and the net cash provided by operating activities, the Operating Partnership’s cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2010 was approximately $431.4 million, its restricted 1031 exchange proceeds totaled $103.9 million and the amount available on the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility was $1.28 billion (net of $147.3 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above).
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership generated proceeds from various transactions, which included the following:
    Disposed of 35 consolidated properties, 27 unconsolidated properties, 2 condominium units and one land parcel, receiving net proceeds of approximately $699.6 million;
 
    Obtained $173.6 million in new mortgage financing;
 
    Issued $600.0 million of unsecured notes receiving net proceeds of $595.4 million before underwriting fees and other expenses; and
 
    Issued approximately 8.8 million Units (including EQR Common Shares issued under EQR’s ATM program — see further discussion below) and received net proceeds of $406.2 million.
 
      During the year ended December 31, 2010, the above proceeds were primarily utilized to:
 
    Acquire 16 rental properties and six land parcels for approximately $1.2 billion;
 
    Acquire the 75% equity interest it did not own in seven previously unconsolidated properties consisting of 1,811 apartment units in exchange for an approximate $26.9 million payment to its joint venture partner (net of $3.1 million in cash acquired);
 
    Invest $131.3 million primarily in development projects;
 
    Repurchase 58,130 OP Units, utilizing cash of $1.9 million (see Note 3);
 
    Repay $652.1 million of mortgage loans; and
 
    Settle a forward starting swap, utilizing cash of $10.0 million.
          In September 2009, EQR announced the establishment of an At-The-Market (“ATM”) share offering program which would allow EQR to sell up to 17.0 million Common Shares from time to time over the next three years into the existing trading market at current market prices as well as through negotiated transactions. Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds from all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis). EQR may, but shall have no obligation to, sell Common Shares through the ATM share offering program in amounts and at times to be determined by EQR. Actual sales will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by EQR from time to time, including (among others) market conditions, the trading price of EQR’s Common Shares and determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for EQR. During the year ended December 31, 2010, EQR issued approximately 6.2 million Common Shares at an average price of $47.45 per share for total consideration of approximately $291.9 million through the ATM share offering program. During the year ended December 31, 2009, EQR issued approximately 3.5 million Common Shares at an average price of $35.38 per share for total consideration of approximately $123.7 million through the ATM share offering program. In addition, during the first quarter of 2011 through January 13, 2011, EQR has issued approximately 3.0 million Common Shares at an average price of $50.84 per share for total consideration of approximately $154.5 million. EQR has not issued any shares under this program since January 13, 2011. Through February 16, 2011, EQR has cumulatively issued approximately 12.7 million Common Shares at an average price of $44.94 per share for total consideration of approximately $570.1 million. Including its recently filed prospectus supplement which added 5,687,478 Common Shares, EQR has 10.0 million Common Shares remaining available for issuance under the ATM program.
          Depending on its analysis of market prices, economic conditions and other opportunities for the investment of available capital, EQR may repurchase its Common Shares pursuant to its existing share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Trustees. EQR repurchased $1.9 million (58,130 shares at an average price per share of $32.46) of its Common Shares (all related to the vesting of employee restricted shares) during the year ended December 31, 2010. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership repurchased and retired 58,130 OP Units previously issued to EQR. As of December 31, 2010, EQR had authorization to repurchase an additional $464.6 million of its shares. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
          Depending on its analysis of prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors, the Operating Partnership may from time to time seek to repurchase and retire its outstanding debt in open market or privately negotiated transactions.

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          The Operating Partnership’s total debt summary and debt maturity schedules as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:
Debt Summary as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands)
                                 
                            Weighted  
                    Weighted     Average  
                    Average     Maturities  
    Amounts (1)     % of Total     Rates (1)     (years)  
Secured
  $ 4,762,896       47.9 %     4.79 %     8.1  
Unsecured
    5,185,180       52.1 %     4.96 %     4.5  
 
                       
Total
  $ 9,948,076       100.0 %     4.88 %     6.2  
 
                       
 
                               
Fixed Rate Debt:
                               
Secured — Conventional
  $ 3,831,393       38.5 %     5.68 %     6.9  
Unsecured — Public/Private
    4,375,860       44.0 %     5.78 %     5.1  
 
                       
Fixed Rate Debt
    8,207,253       82.5 %     5.73 %     5.9  
 
                       
 
                               
Floating Rate Debt:
                               
Secured — Conventional
    326,009       3.3 %     2.56 %     0.7  
Secured — Tax Exempt
    605,494       6.1 %     0.48 %     20.4  
Unsecured — Public/Private
    809,320       8.1 %     1.72 %     1.3  
Unsecured — Revolving Credit Facility
                0.66 %     1.2  
 
                       
Floating Rate Debt
    1,740,823       17.5 %     1.39 %     7.5  
 
                       
 
                               
Total
  $ 9,948,076       100.0 %     4.88 %     6.2  
 
                       
 
(1)   Net of the effect of any derivative instruments. Weighted average rates are for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Note: The Operating Partnership capitalized interest of approximately $13.0 million and $34.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Debt Maturity Schedule as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands)
                                                 
                                    Weighted Average     Weighted Average  
    Fixed     Floating                     Rates on Fixed     Rates on  
Year   Rate (1)     Rate (1)     Total     % of Total     Rate Debt (1)     Total Debt (1)  
2011
  $ 906,266 (2)   $ 759,725 (3)   $ 1,665,991       16.8 %     5.28 %     3.49 %
2012
    778,181       38,128       816,309       8.2 %     5.65 %     5.57 %
2013
    269,159       309,828       578,987       5.8 %     6.72 %     4.89 %
2014
    562,583       22,034       584,617       5.9 %     5.31 %     5.24 %
2015
    357,713             357,713       3.6 %     6.40 %     6.40 %
2016
    1,167,662             1,167,662       11.7 %     5.33 %     5.33 %
2017
    1,355,830       456       1,356,286       13.6 %     5.87 %     5.87 %
2018
    80,763       44,677       125,440       1.3 %     5.72 %     4.28 %
2019
    801,754       20,766       822,520       8.3 %     5.49 %     5.36 %
2020
    1,671,836       809       1,672,645       16.8 %     5.50 %     5.50 %
2021+
    255,506       544,400       799,906       8.0 %     6.62 %     2.67 %
 
                                   
Total
  $ 8,207,253     $ 1,740,823     $ 9,948,076       100.0 %     5.63 %     4.93 %
 
                                   
 
(1)   Net of the effect of any derivative instruments. Weighted average rates are as of December 31, 2010.
 
(2)   Includes $482.5 million face value of 3.85% convertible unsecured debt with a final maturity of 2026. The notes are callable by the Operating Partnership on or after August 18, 2011. The notes are putable by the holders on August 18, 2011, August 15, 2016 and August 15, 2021.
 
(3)   Includes the Operating Partnership’s $500.0 million term loan facility, which originally matured on October 5, 2010. Effective April 12, 2010, the Operating Partnership exercised the first of its two one-year extension options. As a result, the maturity date is now October 5, 2011 and there is one remaining one-year extension option exercisable by the Operating Partnership.
          The following table provides a summary of the Operating Partnership’s unsecured debt as of December 31,

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2010:
Unsecured Debt Summary as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands)
                                         
                            Unamortized        
    Coupon     Due     Face     Premium/     Net  
    Rate     Date     Amount     (Discount)     Balance  
Fixed Rate Notes:
                                       
 
    6.950 %     03/02/11     $ 93,096     $ 205     $ 93,301  
 
    6.625 %     03/15/12       253,858       (229 )     253,629  
 
    5.500 %     10/01/12       222,133       (383 )     221,750  
 
    5.200 %     04/01/13 (1)     400,000       (266 )     399,734  
Fair Value Derivative Adjustments
            (1 )     (300,000 )           (300,000 )
 
    5.250 %     09/15/14       500,000       (228 )     499,772  
 
    6.584 %     04/13/15       300,000       (469 )     299,531  
 
    5.125 %     03/15/16       500,000       (278 )     499,722  
 
    5.375 %     08/01/16       400,000       (1,036 )     398,964  
 
    5.750 %     06/15/17       650,000       (3,306 )     646,694  
 
    7.125 %     10/15/17       150,000       (441 )     149,559  
 
    4.750 %     07/15/20       600,000       (4,349 )     595,651  
 
    7.570 %     08/15/26       140,000             140,000  
 
    3.850 %     08/15/26 (2)     482,545       (4,992 )     477,553  
 
                                 
 
                    4,391,632       (15,772 )     4,375,860  
 
                                 
 
                                       
Floating Rate Notes:
                                       
 
            04/01/13 (1)     300,000             300,000  
Fair Value Derivative Adjustments
              (1)   9,320             9,320  
Term Loan Facility
  LIBOR+0.50%     10/05/11 (3) (4)     500,000             500,000  
 
                                 
 
                    809,320             809,320  
 
                                       
Revolving Credit Facility:
  LIBOR+0.50%     02/28/12 (3) (5)                  
 
                                 
 
                                       
Total Unsecured Debt
                  $ 5,200,952     $ (15,772 )   $ 5,185,180  
 
                                 
 
(1)   $300.0 million in fair value interest rate swaps converts a portion of the 5.200% notes due April 1, 2013 to a floating interest rate.
 
(2)   Convertible notes mature on August 15, 2026. The notes are callable by the Operating Partnership on or after August 18, 2011. The notes are putable by the holders on August 18, 2011, August 15, 2016 and August 15, 2021.
 
(3)   Facilities are private. All other unsecured debt is public.
 
(4)   Represents the Operating Partnership’s $500.0 million term loan facility, which originally matured on October 5, 2010. Effective April 12, 2010, the Operating Partnership exercised the first of its two one-year extension options. As a result, the maturity date is now October 5, 2011 and there is one remaining one-year extension option exercisable by the Operating Partnership.
 
(5)   As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $1.28 billion available on the Operating Partnership’s unsecured revolving credit facility.
          An unlimited amount of equity and debt securities remains available for issuance by EQR and the Operating Partnership under effective shelf registration statements filed with the SEC. Most recently, EQR and the Operating Partnership filed a universal shelf registration statement for an unlimited amount of equity and debt securities that became automatically effective upon filing with the SEC in October 2010 (under SEC regulations enacted in 2005, the registration statement automatically expires on October 14, 2013 and does not contain a maximum issuance amount). However, as of February 16, 2011, issuances under the ATM share offering program are limited to 10.0 million additional shares. Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).
          The Operating Partnership’s “Consolidated Debt-to-Total Market Capitalization Ratio” as of December 31, 2010 is presented in the following table. The Operating Partnership calculates the equity component of its market capitalization as the sum of (i) the total outstanding Units at the equivalent market value of the closing price of EQR’s Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange and (ii) the liquidation value of all perpetual preference units outstanding.

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Capital Structure as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands except for unit and per unit amounts)
                                 
Secured Debt
          $ 4,762,896       47.9 %        
Unsecured Debt
            5,185,180       52.1 %        
 
                           
Total Debt
            9,948,076       100.0 %     38.4 %
 
                               
Total outstanding Units
    303,809,279                          
EQR Common Share Price at December 31, 2010
  $ 51.95                          
 
                             
 
            15,782,892       98.7 %        
Perpetual Preference Units (see below)
            200,000       1.3 %        
 
                           
Total Equity
            15,982,892       100.0 %     61.6 %
 
                               
Total Market Capitalization
          $ 25,930,968               100.0 %
Perpetual Preference Units as of December 31, 2010
(Amounts in thousands except for unit and per unit amounts)
                                                 
                            Annual     Annual     Weighted  
    Redemption     Outstanding     Liquidation     Dividend     Dividend     Average  
Series   Date     Units     Value     Per Unit     Amount     Rate  
Preference Units:
                                               
8.29% Series K
    12/10/26       1,000,000     $ 50,000     $ 4.145     $ 4,145          
6.48% Series N
    6/19/08       600,000       150,000       16.20       9,720          
 
                                         
Total Perpetual Preference Units
            1,600,000     $ 200,000             $ 13,865       6.93 %
          On November 1, 2010, the Operating Partnership redeemed its Series E and Series H Cumulative Convertible Preference Units for cash consideration of $0.8 million and 355,539 Units.
          The Operating Partnership generally expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements, including capital expenditures related to maintaining its existing properties and certain scheduled unsecured note and mortgage note repayments, through its working capital, net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Under normal operating conditions, the Operating Partnership considers its cash provided by operating activities to be adequate to meet operating requirements and payments of distributions. However, there may be times when the Operating Partnership experiences shortfalls in its coverage of distributions, which may cause the Operating Partnership to consider reducing its distributions and/or using the proceeds from property dispositions or additional financing transactions to make up the difference. Should these shortfalls occur for lengthy periods of time or be material in nature, the Operating Partnership’s financial condition may be adversely affected and it may not be able to maintain its current distribution levels. The Operating Partnership reduced its quarterly OP Unit dividend beginning with the dividend for the third quarter of 2009, from $0.4825 per Unit to $0.3375 per Unit.
          During the fourth quarter of 2010, EQR announced a new dividend policy which it believes will generate payouts more closely aligned with the actual annual operating results of the Operating Partnership’s core business and provide transparency to investors. EQR and the Operating Partnership intend to pay an annual cash dividend equal to approximately 65% of Normalized FFO. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership paid $0.3375 per Unit for each of the first three quarters and $0.4575 per Unit for the fourth quarter to bring the total payment for the year (an annual rate of $1.47 per Unit) to approximately 65% of Normalized FFO. The Operating Partnership anticipates the expected dividend payout will be $1.56 to $1.62 per Unit ($0.3375 per Unit for each of the first three quarters with the balance for the fourth quarter) for the year ending December 31, 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking. While the new dividend policy makes it less likely that the Operating Partnership will over distribute, it will also lead to a dividend reduction more quickly than in the past should operating results deteriorate. The Operating Partnership believes that its expected 2011 operating cash flow will be sufficient to cover capital expenditures and distributions.
          The Operating Partnership also expects to meet its long-term liquidity requirements, such as scheduled unsecured note and mortgage debt maturities, property acquisitions, financing of construction and development activities and capital improvements through the issuance of secured and unsecured debt and equity securities, including additional OP Units, and proceeds received from the disposition of certain properties as well as joint

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ventures. In addition, the Operating Partnership has significant unencumbered properties available to secure additional mortgage borrowings in the event that the public capital markets are unavailable or the cost of alternative sources of capital is too high. The fair value of and cash flow from these unencumbered properties are in excess of the requirements the Operating Partnership must maintain in order to comply with covenants under its unsecured notes and line of credit. Of the $19.7 billion in investment in real estate on the Operating Partnership’s balance sheet at December 31, 2010, $12.6 billion or 63.9%, was unencumbered. However, there can be no assurances that these sources of capital will be available to the Operating Partnership in the future on acceptable terms or otherwise.
          The Operating Partnership’s credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s and Fitch for its outstanding senior debt are BBB+, Baal and BBB+, respectively. EQR’s equity ratings from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch for its outstanding preferred equity are BBB+, Baa2 and BBB-, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2010, Fitch downgraded the Operating Partnership’s credit rating from A- to BBB+ and EQR’s equity rating from BBB+ to BBB-, which does not have an effect on the Operating Partnership’s cost of funds. During the first quarter of 2011, Moody’s raised its outlook for both EQR and the Operating Partnership from negative outlook to stable outlook.
          The Operating Partnership has a $1.425 billion (net of $75.0 million which had been committed by a now bankrupt financial institution and is not available for borrowing) long-term revolving credit facility with available borrowings as of February 16, 2011 of $1.34 billion (net of $83.8 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above) that matures in February 2012 (See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion). This facility may, among other potential uses, be used to fund property acquisitions, costs for certain properties under development and short-term liquidity requirements.
          On July 16, 2010, a portion of the parking garage collapsed at one of the Operating Partnership’s rental properties (Prospect Towers in Hackensack, New Jersey). The Operating Partnership estimates that the costs related to such collapse (both expensed and capitalized), including providing for residents’ interim needs, lost revenue and garage reconstruction, will be approximately $12.0 million, after insurance reimbursements of $8.0 million. Costs to rebuild the garage will be capitalized as incurred. Other costs, like those to accommodate displaced residents, lost revenue due to a portion of the property being temporarily unavailable for occupancy and legal costs, will reduce earnings as they are incurred. Generally, insurance proceeds will be recorded as increases to earnings as they are received. An impairment charge of $1.3 million was recognized to write-off the net book value of the collapsed garage. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership received approximately $4.0 million in insurance proceeds which fully offset the impairment charge and partially offset expenses of $5.5 million that were recorded relating to this loss and are included in real estate taxes and insurance on the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Operating Partnership estimates that its lost revenues approximated $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 as a result of the high-rise tower being unoccupied following the garage collapse.
          See Note 20 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the events which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2010.
          Capitalization of Fixed Assets and Improvements to Real Estate
          Our policy with respect to capital expenditures is generally to capitalize expenditures that improve the value of the property or extend the useful life of the component asset of the property. We track improvements to real estate in two major categories and several subcategories:
    Replacements (inside the unit). These include:
    flooring such as carpets, hardwood, vinyl, linoleum or tile;
 
    appliances;
 
    mechanical equipment such as individual furnace/air units, hot water heaters, etc;
 
    furniture and fixtures such as kitchen/bath cabinets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, sinks, tubs, toilets, mirrors, countertops, etc; and
 
    blinds/shades.
          All replacements are depreciated over a five-year estimated useful life. We expense as incurred all make-ready maintenance and turnover costs such as cleaning, interior painting of individual apartment units and the repair of any replacement item noted above.
    Building improvements (outside the unit). These include:
    roof replacement and major repairs;
 
    paving or major resurfacing of parking lots, curbs and sidewalks;
 
    amenities and common areas such as pools, exterior sports and playground equipment, lobbies,

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      clubhouses, laundry rooms, alarm and security systems and offices;
 
    major building mechanical equipment systems;
 
    interior and exterior structural repair and exterior painting and siding;
 
    major landscaping and grounds improvement; and
 
    vehicles and office and maintenance equipment.
          All building improvements are depreciated over a five to ten-year estimated useful life. We capitalize building improvements and upgrades only if the item: (i) exceeds $2,500 (selected projects must exceed $10,000); (ii) extends the useful life of the asset; and (iii) improves the value of the asset.
          For the year ended December 31, 2010, our actual improvements to real estate totaled approximately $138.2 million. This includes the following (amounts in thousands except for apartment unit and per apartment unit amounts):
Capital Expenditures to Real Estate
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
                                                         
    Total             Avg. Per             Avg. Per             Avg. Per  
    Apartment             Apartment     Building     Apartment             Apartment  
    Units (1)     Replacements (2)     Unit     Improvements     Unit     Total     Unit  
Same Store Properties (3)
    112,042     $ 70,620     $ 630     $ 54,118     $ 483     $ 124,738     $ 1,113  
 
                                                       
Non-Same Store Properties (4)
    12,824       4,180       457       5,547       607       9,727       1,064  
 
                                                       
Other (5)
          1,509               2,234               3,743          
 
                                               
 
                                                       
Total
    124,866     $ 76,309             $ 61,899             $ 138,208          
 
                                               
 
(1)   Total Apartment Units — Excludes 4,738 military housing apartment units for which repairs and maintenance expenses and capital expenditures to real estate are self-funded and do not consolidate into the Operating Partnership’s results.
 
(2)   Replacements — Includes new expenditures inside the apartment units such as appliances, mechanical equipment, fixtures and flooring, including carpeting. Replacements for same store properties also include $31.7 million spent in 2010 on apartment unit renovations/rehabs (primarily kitchens and baths) on 4,331 apartment units (equating to about $7,300 per apartment unit rehabbed) designed to reposition these assets for higher rental levels in their respective markets.
 
(3)   Same Store Properties — Primarily includes all properties acquired or completed and stabilized prior to January 1, 2009, less properties subsequently sold.
 
(4)   Non-Same Store Properties — Primarily includes all properties acquired during 2009 and 2010, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2009. Per unit amounts are based on a weighted average of 9,141 apartment units.
 
(5)   Other — Primarily includes expenditures for properties sold during the period.
          For the year ended December 31, 2009, our actual improvements to real estate totaled approximately $123.9 million. This includes the following (amounts in thousands except for apartment unit and per apartment unit amounts):
Capital Expenditures to Real Estate
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
                                                         
    Total             Avg. Per             Avg. Per             Avg. Per  
    Apartment             Apartment     Building     Apartment             Apartment  
    Units (1)     Replacements (2)     Unit     Improvements     Unit     Total     Unit  
Same Store Properties (3)
    113,598     $ 69,808     $ 614     $ 44,611     $ 393     $ 114,419     $ 1,007  
 
                                                       
Non-Same Store Properties (4)
    10,728       2,361       240       3,675       374       6,036       614  
 
                                                       
Other (5)
          2,130               1,352               3,482          
 
                                               
 
                                                       
Total
    124,326     $ 74,299             $ 49,638             $ 123,937          
 
                                               
 
(1)   Total Apartment Units — Excludes 8,086 unconsolidated apartment units and 4,595 military housing apartment units, for which capital expenditures to real estate are self-funded and do not consolidate into the Operating Partnership’s results.
 
(2)   Replacements — For same store properties includes $28.0 million spent on various assets related to unit renovations/rehabs (primarily kitchens and baths) designed to reposition these assets for higher rental levels in their respective markets.
 
(3)   Same Store Properties — Primarily includes all properties acquired or completed and stabilized prior to January 1, 2008, less properties subsequently sold.
 
(4)   Non-Same Store Properties — Primarily includes all properties acquired during 2008 and 2009, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2008. Per unit amounts are based on a weighted average of 9,823 apartment units.
 
(5)   Other — Primarily includes expenditures for properties sold during the period.

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     For 2011, the Operating Partnership estimates that it will spend approximately $1,200 per apartment unit of capital expenditures for its same store properties inclusive of unit renovation/rehab costs, or $850 per apartment unit excluding unit renovation/rehab costs. For 2011, the Operating Partnership estimates that it will spend $41.0 million rehabbing 5,500 apartment units (equating to about $7,500 per apartment unit rehabbed). The above assumptions are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.
     During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership’s total non-real estate capital additions, such as computer software, computer equipment, and furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements to the Operating Partnership’s property management offices and its corporate offices, were approximately $3.0 million. The Operating Partnership expects to fund approximately $8.5 million in total additions to non-real estate property in 2011. The above assumption is based on current expectations and is forward-looking.
     Improvements to real estate and additions to non-real estate property are generally funded from net cash provided by operating activities and from investment cash flow.
     Derivative Instruments
     In the normal course of business, the Operating Partnership is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes. The Operating Partnership seeks to manage these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives to hedge interest rate risk on debt instruments.
     The Operating Partnership has a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. When viewed in conjunction with the underlying and offsetting exposure that the derivatives are designed to hedge, the Operating Partnership has not sustained a material loss from these instruments nor does it anticipate any material adverse effect on its net income or financial position in the future from the use of derivatives it currently has in place.
     See Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments at December 31, 2010.
     Other
     Total distributions paid in January 2011 amounted to $141.3 million (excluding distributions on Partially Owned Properties), which included certain distributions declared during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
     The Operating Partnership had co-invested in various properties that were unconsolidated and accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Management does not believe these investments had a materially different impact upon the Operating Partnership’s liquidity, cash flows, capital resources, credit or market risk than its other property management and ownership activities. During 2000 and 2001, the Operating Partnership entered into institutional ventures with an unaffiliated partner. At the respective closing dates, the Operating Partnership sold and/or contributed 45 properties containing 10,846 apartment units to these ventures and retained a 25% ownership interest in the ventures. The Operating Partnership’s joint venture partner contributed cash equal to 75% of the agreed-upon equity value of the properties comprising the ventures, which was then distributed to the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership’s strategy with respect to these ventures was to reduce its concentration of properties in a variety of markets. As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had sold its interest in these unconsolidated ventures with the exception of eight properties consisting of 2,061 apartment units which were acquired by the Operating Partnership. All of the related debt encumbering these ventures was extinguished.
     As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership has four projects totaling 717 apartment units in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through September 30, 2012, as well as other completed development projects that are in various stages of lease up or are stabilized. The development agreements currently in place are discussed in detail in Note 18 of the Operating Partnership’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
     See also Notes 2 and 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Operating Partnership’s investments in partially owned entities.
     The following table summarizes the Operating Partnership’s contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2010:

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Payments Due by Year (in thousands)  
Contractual Obligations   2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total  
Debt:
                                                       
Principal (a)
  $ 1,665,991     $ 816,309     $ 578,987     $ 584,617     $ 357,713     $ 5,944,459     $ 9,948,076  
Interest (b)
    460,045       407,793       367,642       344,599       309,043       1,016,041       2,905,163  
Operating Leases:
                                                       
Minimum Rent Payments (c)
    5,478       4,285       4,431       4,736       4,729       320,928       344,587  
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
                                                       
Deferred Compensation (d)
    1,457       1,770       1,485       1,677       1,677       9,182       17,248  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Total
  $ 2,132,971     $ 1,230,157     $ 952,545     $ 935,629     $ 673,162     $ 7,290,610     $ 13,215,074  
 
                                         
 
(a)   Amounts include aggregate principal payments only and includes in 2011 a $500.0 million term loan that the Operating Partnership has the right to extend to 2012.
 
(b)   Amounts include interest expected to be incurred on the Operating Partnership’s secured and unsecured debt based on obligations outstanding at December 31, 2010 and inclusive of capitalized interest. For floating rate debt, the current rate in effect for the most recent payment through December 31, 2010 is assumed to be in effect through the respective maturity date of each instrument.
 
(c)   Minimum basic rent due for various office space the Operating Partnership leases and fixed base rent due on ground leases for four properties/parcels.
 
(d)   Estimated payments to EQR’s Chairman, Vice Chairman and two former CEO’s based on planned retirement dates.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different or different assumptions were made, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, resulting in different financial results or different presentation of our financial statements.
     The Operating Partnership’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies were followed in preparing the consolidated financial statements at and for the year ended December 31, 2010 and are consistent with the year ended December 31, 2009.
     The Operating Partnership has identified five significant accounting policies as critical accounting policies. These critical accounting policies are those that have the most impact on the reporting of our financial condition and those requiring significant judgments and estimates. With respect to these critical accounting policies, management believes that the application of judgments and estimates is consistently applied and produces financial information that fairly presents the results of operations for all periods presented. The five critical accounting policies are:
     Acquisition of Investment Properties
     The Operating Partnership allocates the purchase price of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Operating Partnership utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property, our own analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties in our portfolio and other market data. The Operating Partnership also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.
     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
     The Operating Partnership periodically evaluates its long-lived assets, including its investments in real estate, for indicators of impairment. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal and environmental concerns, as well as the Operating Partnership’s ability to hold and its intent with regard to each asset. Future events could occur which would cause the Operating Partnership to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.
     Depreciation of Investment in Real Estate
     The Operating Partnership depreciates the building component of its investment in real estate over a 30-year estimated useful life, building improvements over a 5-year to 10-year estimated useful life and both the furniture,

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fixtures and equipment and replacements components over a 5-year estimated useful life, all of which are judgmental determinations.
     Cost Capitalization
     See the Capitalization of Fixed Assets and Improvements to Real Estate section for a discussion of the Operating Partnership’s policy with respect to capitalization vs. expensing of fixed asset/repair and maintenance costs. In addition, the Operating Partnership capitalizes an allocation of the payroll and associated costs of employees directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on the supervision of major capital and/or renovation projects. These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as an increase to depreciable property.
     For all development projects, the Operating Partnership uses its professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for capitalization or must be expensed as incurred. The Operating Partnership capitalizes interest, real estate taxes and insurance and payroll and associated costs for those individuals directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on development activities, with capitalization ceasing no later than 90 days following issuance of the certificate of occupancy. These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as construction-in-progress for each specific property. The Operating Partnership expenses as incurred all payroll costs of on-site employees working directly at our properties, except as noted above on our development properties prior to certificate of occupancy issuance and on specific major renovations at selected properties when additional incremental employees are hired.
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Including Derivative Instruments
     The valuation of financial instruments requires the Operating Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Operating Partnership, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments, including its derivative instruments, on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Operating Partnership bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds From Operations
     For the year ended December 31, 2010, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) available to Units and Normalized FFO available to Units increased $7.3 million, or 1.2%, and $20.9 million, or 3.2%, respectively, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2009, FFO available to Units and Normalized FFO available to Units decreased $2.9 million, or 0.5%, and $73.5 million, or 10.0%, respectively, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.
     The following is a reconciliation of net income to FFO available to Units and Normalized FFO available to Units for each of the five years ended December 31, 2010:

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Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds From Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
Net income
  $ 295,983     $ 382,029     $ 436,413     $ 1,047,356     $ 1,147,617  
Adjustments:
                                       
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    726       558       (2,650 )     (2,200 )     (3,132 )
Depreciation
    656,633       559,271       536,283       509,358       429,737  
Depreciation — Non-real estate additions
    (6,788 )     (7,355 )     (8,269 )     (8,279 )     (7,840 )
Depreciation — Partially Owned and Unconsolidated Properties
    (1,619 )     759       4,157       4,379       4,338  
Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities
    (28,101 )     (10,689 )     (2,876 )     (2,629 )     (370 )
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Depreciation
    16,770       41,104       66,625       107,056       162,780  
Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations
    (297,956 )     (335,299 )     (392,857 )     (933,013 )     (1,025,803 )
Net incremental gain (loss) on sales of condominium units
    1,506       (385 )     (3,932 )     20,771       48,961  
 
                             
 
                                       
FFO (1) (3)
    637,154       629,993       632,894       742,799       756,288  
 
                                       
Adjustments:
                                       
Asset impairment and valuation allowances
    45,380       11,124       116,418             30,000  
Property acquisition costs and write-off of pursuit costs (other expenses)
    11,928       6,488       5,760       1,830       4,661  
Debt extinguishment (gains) losses, including prepayment penalties, preference unit redemptions and non-cash convertible debt discounts
    8,594       34,333       (2,784 )     24,004       21,563  
(Gains) losses on sales of non-operating assets, net of income and other tax expense (benefit)
    (80 )     (5,737 )     (979 )     (34,450 )     (48,592 )
Other miscellaneous non-comparable items
    (6,186 )     (171 )     (1,725 )     (5,767 )     (20,880 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Normalized FFO (2) (3)
  $ 696,790     $ 676,030     $ 749,584     $ 728,416     $ 743,040  
 
                             
 
                                       
FFO (1) (3)
  $ 637,154     $ 629,993     $ 632,894     $ 742,799     $ 756,288  
Preferred distributions
    (14,368 )     (14,488 )     (14,522 )     (23,233 )     (39,115 )
Premium on redemption of preference units
                      (6,154 )     (4,649 )
 
                             
 
                                       
FFO available to Units (1) (3) (4)
  $ 622,786     $ 615,505     $ 618,372     $ 713,412     $ 712,524  
 
                             
 
                                       
Normalized FFO (2) (3)
  $ 696,790     $ 676,030     $ 749,584     $ 728,416     $ 743,040  
Preferred distributions
    (14,368 )     (14,488 )     (14,522 )     (23,233 )     (39,115 )
Premium on redemption of preference units
                      (6,154 )     (4,649 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Normalized FFO available to Units (2) (3) (4)
  $ 682,422     $ 661,542     $ 735,062     $ 699,029     $ 699,276  
 
                             
 
(1)   The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) defines funds from operations (“FFO”) (April 2002 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis. The April 2002 White Paper states that gain or loss on sales of property is excluded from FFO for previously depreciated operating properties only. Once the Operating Partnership commences the conversion of apartment units to condominiums, it simultaneously discontinues depreciation of such property.
 
(2)   Normalized funds from operations (“Normalized FFO”) begins with FFO and excludes:
    the impact of any expenses relating to asset impairment and valuation allowances;
 
    property acquisition and other transaction costs related to mergers and acquisitions and pursuit cost write-offs (other expenses);
 
    gains and losses from early debt extinguishment, including prepayment penalties, preference unit redemptions and the cost related to the implied option value of non-cash convertible debt discounts;
 
    gains and losses on the sales of non-operating assets, including gains and losses from land parcel and condominium sales, net of the effect of income tax benefits or expenses; and
 
    other miscellaneous non-comparable items.

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(3)   The Operating Partnership believes that FFO and FFO available to Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company, because they are recognized measures of performance by the real estate industry and by excluding gains or losses related to dispositions of depreciable property and excluding real estate depreciation (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO and FFO available to Units can help compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies. The Operating Partnership also believes that Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units are helpful to investors as supplemental measures of the operating performance of a real estate company because they allow investors to compare the Operating Partnership’s operating performance to its performance in prior reporting periods and to the operating performance of other real estate companies without the effect of items that by their nature are not comparable from period to period and tend to obscure the Operating Partnership’s actual operating results. FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units do not represent net income, net income available to Units or net cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units should not be exclusively considered as alternatives to net income, net income available to Units or net cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP or as a measure of liquidity. The Operating Partnership’s calculation of FFO, FFO available to Units, Normalized FFO and Normalized FFO available to Units may differ from other real estate companies due to, among other items, variations in cost capitalization policies for capital expenditures and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other real estate companies.
 
(4)   FFO available to Units and Normalized FFO available to Units are calculated on a basis consistent with net income available to Units and reflects adjustments to net income for preferred distributions and premiums on redemption of preference units in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     Market risks relating to the Operating Partnership’s financial instruments result primarily from changes in short-term LIBOR interest rates and changes in the SIFMA index for tax-exempt debt. The Operating Partnership does not have any direct foreign exchange or other significant market risk.
     The Operating Partnership’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the unsecured revolving and term credit facilities as well as floating rate tax-exempt debt. The Operating Partnership typically incurs fixed rate debt obligations to finance acquisitions while it typically incurs floating rate debt obligations to finance working capital needs and as a temporary measure in advance of securing long-term fixed rate financing. The Operating Partnership continuously evaluates its level of floating rate debt with respect to total debt and other factors, including its assessment of the current and future economic environment. To the extent the Operating Partnership carries substantial cash balances, this will tend to partially counterbalance any increase or decrease in interest rates.
     The Operating Partnership also utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to manage market risk. Interest rate protection agreements are used to convert floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis or vice versa as well as to partially lock in rates on future debt issuances. Derivatives are used for hedging purposes rather than speculation. The Operating Partnership does not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes. See also Note 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of derivative instruments.
     The fair values of the Operating Partnership’s financial instruments (including such items in the financial statement captions as cash and cash equivalents, other assets, lines of credit, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities) approximate their carrying or contract values based on their nature, terms and interest rates that approximate current market rates. The fair value of the Operating Partnership’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured notes were approximately $4.7 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2010.
     At December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had total outstanding floating rate debt of approximately $1.7 billion, or 17.5% of total debt, net of the effects of any derivative instruments. If market rates of interest on all of the floating rate debt permanently increased by 14 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the increase in interest expense on the floating rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.4 million. If market rates of interest on all of the floating rate debt permanently decreased by 14 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the decrease in interest expense on the floating rate debt would increase future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.4 million.
     At December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had total outstanding fixed rate debt of approximately $8.2 billion, or 82.5% of total debt, net of the effects of any derivative instruments. If market rates of interest permanently increased by 57 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the estimated fair value of the Operating Partnership’s fixed rate debt would be approximately $7.5 billion. If market rates of interest permanently decreased by 57 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted

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average interest rates), the estimated fair value of the Operating Partnership’s fixed rate debt would be approximately $9.1 billion.
     At December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments had a net liability fair value of approximately $23.3 million. If market rates of interest permanently increased by 12 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the net liability fair value of the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments would be approximately $9.8 million. If market rates of interest permanently decreased by 12 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the net liability fair value of the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments would be approximately $37.0 million.
     At December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership had total outstanding floating rate debt of approximately $1.8 billion, or 19.7% of total debt, net of the effects of any derivative instruments. If market rates of interest on all of the floating rate debt permanently increased by 13 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the increase in interest expense on the floating rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.4 million. If market rates of interest on all of the floating rate debt permanently decreased by 13 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the decrease in interest expense on the floating rate debt would increase future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.4 million.
     At December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership had total outstanding fixed rate debt of approximately $7.5 billion, or 80.3% of total debt, net of the effects of any derivative instruments. If market rates of interest permanently increased by 59 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the estimated fair value of the Operating Partnership’s fixed rate debt would be approximately $6.9 billion. If market rates of interest permanently decreased by 59 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the estimated fair value of the Operating Partnership’s fixed rate debt would be approximately $8.4 billion.
     At December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments had a net asset fair value of approximately $25.2 million. If market rates of interest permanently increased by 20 basis points (a 10% increase from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the net asset fair value of the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments would be approximately $35.5 million. If market rates of interest permanently decreased by 20 basis points (a 10% decrease from the Operating Partnership’s existing weighted average interest rates), the net asset fair value of the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments would be approximately $15.9 million.
     These amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the Operating Partnership’s financial instruments. The foregoing assumptions apply to the entire amount of the Operating Partnership’s debt and derivative instruments and do not differentiate among maturities. These analyses do not consider the effects of the changes in overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of changes of such magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the changes. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no changes in the Operating Partnership’s financial structure or results.
     The Operating Partnership cannot predict the effect of adverse changes in interest rates on its debt and derivative instruments and, therefore, its exposure to market risk, nor can there be any assurance that long-term debt will be available at advantageous pricing. Consequently, future results may differ materially from the estimated adverse changes discussed above.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
     See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
     None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
     (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:
          Effective as of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of EQR, of the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s disclosure controls

43


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and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Operating Partnership in its Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
     (b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
          ERP Operating Limited Partnership’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Operating Partnership’s general partner, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
          Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
          Based on the Operating Partnership’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010. Our internal control over financial reporting has been audited as of December 31, 2010 by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
     (c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
          There were no changes to the internal control over financial reporting of the Operating Partnership identified in connection with the Operating Partnership’s evaluation referred to above that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
     None.

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PART III
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
Trustees, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance; Executive Compensation; Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters; Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Trustee Independence; and Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by Item 10, Item 11, Item 12, Item 13 and Item 14 is incorporated by reference to, and will be contained in, EQR’s Proxy Statement, which EQR intends to file no later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. EQR is the general partner of and owns an approximate 95.5% ownership interest in ERPOP.

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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)   The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
  (1)   Financial Statements: See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
 
  (2)   Exhibits: See the Exhibit Index.
 
  (3)   Financial Statement Schedules: See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

BY:  EQUITY RESIDENTIAL
         ITS GENERAL PARTNER
 
 
  By:   /s/ David J. Neithercut    
    David J. Neithercut,  
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
  Date: February 24, 2011
 
 
     
     
     


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EQUITY RESIDENTIAL
ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
POWER OF ATTORNEY
     KNOW ALL MEN/WOMEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints David J. Neithercut, Mark J. Parrell and Ian S. Kaufman, or any of them, his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her in any and all capacities, to do all acts and things which said attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem advisable to enable the company to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any requirements or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the company’s filing of an annual report on Form 10-K for the company’s fiscal year 2010, including specifically, but without limitation of the general authority hereby granted, the power and authority to sign his or her name as a trustee or officer, or both, of the company, as indicated below opposite his or her signature, to the Form 10-K, and any amendment thereto; and each of the undersigned does hereby fully ratify and confirm all that said attorneys and agents, or any of them, or the substitute of any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities set forth below and on the dates indicated:
         
Name   Title   Date
 
       
/s/ David J. Neithercut
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
David J. Neithercut
       
 
       
/s/ Mark J. Parrell
 
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   February 24, 2011
Mark J. Parrell
       
 
       
/s/ Ian S. Kaufman
 
  Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer   February 24, 2011
Ian S. Kaufman
       
 
       
/s/ John W. Alexander
  Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
John W. Alexander
       
 
       
/s/ Charles L. Atwood
  Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
Charles L. Atwood
       
 
       
/s/ Linda Walker Bynoe
  Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
Linda Walker Bynoe
       
 
       
/s/ John E. Neal
 
  Trustee    February 24, 2011
John E. Neal
       
 
       
/s/ Mark S. Shapiro
  Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
Mark S. Shapiro
       
 
       
/s/ B. Joseph White
  Trustee   February 24, 2011
 
       
B. Joseph White
       
 
       
/s/ Gerald A. Spector
  Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees   February 24, 2011
 
       
Gerald A. Spector
       
 
       
/s/ Samuel Zell
 
  Chairman of the Board of Trustees    February 24, 2011
Samuel Zell
       


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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
     
    PAGE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT
   
 
   
  F-2
 
   
  F-3
 
   
  F-4
 
   
  F-5 to F-6
 
   
  F-7 to F-9
 
   
  F-10 to F-11
 
   
  F-12 to F-46
 
   
SCHEDULE FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT
   
 
   
  S-1 to S-11
All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners
ERP Operating Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ERP Operating Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements and schedule. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Operating Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ERP Operating Limited Partnership at December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), ERP Operating Limited Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
         
     
  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP    
  ERNST & YOUNG LLP   
     
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 2011

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Partners
ERP Operating Limited Partnership
We have audited ERP Operating Limited Partnership’s (the “Operating Partnership”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO Criteria”). ERP Operating Limited Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, ERP Operating Limited Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO Criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of ERP Operating Limited Partnership as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 of ERP Operating Limited Partnership and our report dated February 24, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
         
     
  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP    
  ERNST & YOUNG LLP   
     
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 2011

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
ASSETS
               
Investment in real estate
               
Land
  $ 4,110,275     $ 3,650,324  
Depreciable property
    15,226,512       13,893,521  
Projects under development
    130,337       668,979  
Land held for development
    235,247       252,320  
 
           
Investment in real estate
    19,702,371       18,465,144  
Accumulated depreciation
    (4,337,357 )     (3,877,564 )
 
           
Investment in real estate, net
    15,365,014       14,587,580  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    431,408       193,288  
Investments in unconsolidated entities
    3,167       6,995  
Deposits — restricted
    180,987       352,008  
Escrow deposits — mortgage
    12,593       17,292  
Deferred financing costs, net
    42,033       46,396  
Other assets
    148,992       213,956  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 16,184,194     $ 15,417,515  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
               
Liabilities:
               
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 4,762,896     $ 4,783,446  
Notes, net
    5,185,180       4,609,124  
Lines of credit
           
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    39,452       58,537  
Accrued interest payable
    98,631       101,849  
Other liabilities
    304,202       272,236  
Security deposits
    60,812       59,264  
Distributions payable
    140,905       100,266  
 
           
Total liabilities
    10,592,078       9,984,722  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Redeemable Limited Partners
    383,540       258,280  
 
           
 
               
Capital:
               
Partners’ capital:
               
Preference Units
    200,000       208,773  
General Partner
    4,948,004       4,833,885  
Limited Partners
    110,399       116,120  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (57,818 )     4,681  
 
           
Total partners’ capital
    5,200,585       5,163,459  
Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    7,991       11,054  
 
           
Total capital
    5,208,576       5,174,513  
 
           
Total liabilities and capital
  $ 16,184,194     $ 15,417,515  
 
           
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands except per Unit data)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
REVENUES
                       
Rental income
  $ 1,986,043     $ 1,846,157     $ 1,876,273  
Fee and asset management
    9,476       10,346       10,715  
 
                 
Total revenues
    1,995,519       1,856,503       1,886,988  
 
                 
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Property and maintenance
    498,634       464,809       485,754  
Real estate taxes and insurance
    226,718       206,247       194,671  
Property management
    81,126       71,938       77,063  
Fee and asset management
    5,140       7,519       7,981  
Depreciation
    656,633       559,271       536,283  
General and administrative
    39,887       38,994       44,951  
Impairment
    45,380       11,124       116,418  
 
                 
Total expenses
    1,553,518       1,359,902       1,463,121  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating income
    442,001       496,601       423,867  
 
                       
Interest and other income
    5,469       16,585       33,337  
Other expenses
    (11,928 )     (6,487 )     (5,760 )
Interest:
                       
Expense incurred, net
    (470,654 )     (496,272 )     (482,317 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    (10,369 )     (12,566 )     (9,647 )
 
                 
 
                       
(Loss) before income and other taxes, (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities, net gain (loss) on sales of unconsolidated entities and land parcels and discontinued operations
    (45,481 )     (2,139 )     (40,520 )
Income and other tax (expense) benefit
    (334 )     (2,804 )     (5,279 )
(Loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities
    (735 )     (2,815 )     (107 )
Net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities
    28,101       10,689       2,876  
Net (loss) gain on sales of land parcels
    (1,395 )           2,976  
 
                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (19,844 )     2,931       (40,054 )
Discontinued operations, net
    315,827       379,098       476,467  
 
                 
Net income
    295,983       382,029       436,413  
Net (income) loss attributable to Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    726       558       (2,650 )
 
                 
Net income attributable to controlling interests
  $ 296,709     $ 382,587     $ 433,763  
 
                 
 
                       
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME
                       
Preference Units
  $ 14,368     $ 14,479     $ 14,507  
 
                 
Preference Interests and Junior Preference Units
  $     $ 9     $ 15  
 
                 
 
                       
General Partner
  $ 269,242     $ 347,794     $ 393,115  
Limited Partners
    13,099       20,305       26,126  
 
                 
Net income available to Units
  $ 282,341     $ 368,099     $ 419,241  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings per Unit — basic:
                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )
 
                 
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46  
 
                 
Weighted average Units outstanding
    296,527       289,167       287,631  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings per Unit — diluted:
                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Untis
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )
 
                 
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46  
 
                 
Weighted average Units outstanding
    296,527       289,167       287,631  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except per Unit data)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Comprehensive income:
                       
 
                       
Net income
  $ 295,983     $ 382,029     $ 436,413  
Other comprehensive (loss) income — derivative instruments:
                       
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year
    (65,894 )     37,676       (23,815 )
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income
    3,338       3,724       2,696  
Other
          449        
Other comprehensive income (loss) — other instruments:
                       
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year
    57       3,574       1,202  
(Gains) realized during the year
          (4,943 )      
 
                 
Comprehensive income
    233,484       422,509       416,496  
Comprehensive (income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    726       558       (2,650 )
 
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests
  $ 234,210     $ 423,067     $ 413,846  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income
  $ 295,983     $ 382,029     $ 436,413  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    673,403       600,375       602,908  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    10,406       13,127       9,701  
Amortization of discounts on investment securities
          (1,661 )     (365 )
Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt
    (471 )     5,857       9,730  
Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments
    2,804       2,228       1,317  
Impairment
    45,380       11,124       116,418  
Write-off of pursuit costs
    5,272       4,838       5,535  
Property acquisition costs
    6,656       1,650       225  
Loss from investments in unconsolidated entities
    735       2,815       107  
Distributions from unconsolidated entities — return on capital
    61       153       116  
Net (gain) on sales of investment securities
          (4,943 )      
Net (gain) on sales of unconsolidated entities
    (28,101 )     (10,689 )     (2,876 )
Net loss (gain) on sales of land parcels
    1,395             (2,976 )
Net (gain) on sales of discontinued operations
    (297,956 )     (335,299 )     (392,857 )
Loss (gain) on debt extinguishments
    2,457       17,525       (18,656 )
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments
    1       (3 )     500  
Compensation paid with Company Common Shares
    18,875       17,843       22,311  
 
                       
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Decrease (increase) in deposits — restricted
    3,316       3,117       (1,903 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (9,048 )     11,768       (1,488 )
(Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (5,454 )     (34,524 )     (821 )
(Decrease) in accrued interest payable
    (4,000 )     (11,997 )     (10,871 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    9,972       2,220       (19,412 )
Increase (decrease) in security deposits
    1,007       (5,091 )     2,196  
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    732,693       672,462       755,252  
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Investment in real estate — acquisitions
    (1,189,210 )     (175,531 )     (388,083 )
Investment in real estate — development/other
    (131,301 )     (330,623 )     (521,546 )
Improvements to real estate
    (138,208 )     (123,937 )     (169,838 )
Additions to non-real estate property
    (2,991 )     (2,028 )     (2,327 )
Interest capitalized for real estate under development
    (13,008 )     (34,859 )     (60,072 )
Proceeds from disposition of real estate, net
    672,700       887,055       887,576  
Distributions from unconsolidated entities — return of capital
    26,924       6,521       3,034  
Purchase of investment securities
          (77,822 )     (158,367 )
Proceeds from sale of investment securities
    25,000       215,753        
Property acquisition costs
    (6,656 )     (1,650 )     (225 )
Decrease (increase) in deposits on real estate acquisitions, net
    137,106       (250,257 )     65,395  
Decrease in mortgage deposits
    4,699       2,437       445  
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated properties
    (26,854 )            
Deconsolidation of previously consolidated properties
    11,708              
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    (16,023 )     (11,480 )     (20 )
 
                 
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
    (646,114 )     103,579       (344,028 )
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Loan and bond acquisition costs
  $ (8,811 )   $ (9,291 )   $ (9,233 )
Mortgage notes payable:
                       
Proceeds
    173,561       738,798       1,841,453  
Restricted cash
    73,232       46,664       37,262  
Lump sum payoffs
    (635,285 )     (939,022 )     (411,391 )
Scheduled principal repayments
    (16,769 )     (17,763 )     (24,034 )
(Loss) gain on debt extinguishments
    (2,457 )     2,400       (81 )
Notes, net:
                       
Proceeds
    595,422              
Lump sum payoffs
          (850,115 )     (304,043 )
(Loss) gain on debt extinguishments
          (19,925 )     18,737  
Lines of credit:
                       
Proceeds
    5,513,125             841,000  
Repayments
    (5,513,125 )           (980,000 )
(Payments on) proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    (10,040 )     11,253       (26,781 )
Proceeds from sale of OP Units
    329,452       86,184        
Proceeds from EQR’s Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
    5,112       5,292       6,170  
Proceeds from exercise of EQR options
    71,596       9,136       24,634  
OP Units repurchased and retired
    (1,887 )     (1,124 )     (12,548 )
Redemption of Preference Units
    (877 )            
Payment of offering costs
    (4,657 )     (2,536 )     (102 )
Other financing activities, net
    (48 )     (16 )     (16 )
Contributions — Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    222       893       2,083  
Contributions — Limited Partners
          78        
Distributions:
                       
OP Units — General Partner
    (379,969 )     (488,604 )     (522,195 )
Preference Units
    (14,471 )     (14,479 )     (14,521 )
Preference Interests and Junior Preference Units
          (12 )     (15 )
OP Units — Limited Partners
    (18,867 )     (28,935 )     (34,584 )
Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    (2,918 )     (2,423 )     (3,056 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    151,541       (1,473,547 )     428,739  
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    238,120       (697,506 )     839,963  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    193,288       890,794       50,831  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 431,408     $ 193,288     $ 890,794  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 475,374     $ 508,847     $ 491,803  
 
                 
Net cash (received) paid for income and other taxes
  $ (2,740 )   $ 3,968     $ (1,252 )
 
                 
 
                       
Real estate acquisitions/dispositions/other:
                       
Mortgage loans assumed
  $ 359,082     $     $ 24,946  
 
                 
Valuation of OP Units issued
  $ 8,245     $ 1,034     $ 849  
 
                 
Mortgage loans (assumed) by purchaser
  $ (39,999 )   $ (17,313 )   $  
 
                 
 
                       
Amortization of deferred financing costs:
                       
Investment in real estate, net
  $ (2,768 )   $ (3,585 )   $ (1,986 )
 
                 
Deferred financing costs, net
  $ 13,174     $ 16,712     $ 11,687  
 
                 
 
                       
Amortization of discounts and premiums on debt:
                       
Investment in real estate, net
  $     $ (3 )   $ (6 )
 
                 
Mortgage notes payable
  $ (9,208 )   $ (6,097 )   $ (6,287 )
 
                 
Notes, net
  $ 8,737     $ 11,957     $ 16,023  
 
                 
 
                       
Amortization of deferred settlements on derivative instruments:
                       
Other liabilities
  $ (534 )   $ (1,496 )   $ (1,379 )
 
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 3,338     $ 3,724     $ 2,696  
 
                 
 
                       
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments:
                       
Other assets
  $ 13,019     $ (33,261 )   $ (6,680 )
 
                 
Mortgage notes payable
  $ (163 )   $ (1,887 )   $ 6,272  
 
                 
Notes, net
  $ 7,497     $ 719     $ 1,846  
 
                 
Other liabilities
  $ 45,542     $ (3,250 )   $ 22,877  
 
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (65,894 )   $ 37,676     $ (23,815 )
 
                 
 
                       
(Payments on) proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments:
                       
Other assets
  $     $ 11,253     $ (98 )
 
                 
Other liabilities
  $ (10,040 )   $     $ (26,683 )
 
                 
 
                       
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated properties:
                       
Investment in real estate, net
  $ (105,065 )   $     $  
 
                 
Investments in unconsolidated entities
  $ 7,376     $     $  
 
                 
Deposits — restricted
  $ (42,633 )   $     $  
 
                 
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 112,631     $     $  
 
                 
Net other assets recorded
  $ 837     $     $  
 
                 
 
                       
Deconsolidation of previously consolidated properties:
                       
Investment in real estate, net
  $ 14,875     $     $  
 
                 
Investments in unconsolidated entities
  $ (3,167 )   $     $  
 
                 
Other
                       
Receivable on sale of OP Units
  $ 37,550     $     $  
 
                 
Transfer from notes, net to mortgage notes payable
  $ 35,600     $     $  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL
(Amounts in thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL   2010     2009     2008  
PREFERENCE UNITS
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 208,773     $ 208,786     $ 209,662  
Redemption of 7.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible
    (834 )            
Conversion of 7.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible
    (7,378 )     (13 )     (828 )
Conversion of 7.00% Series H Cumulative Convertible
    (561 )           (48 )
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 200,000     $ 208,773     $ 208,786  
 
                 
 
                       
PREFERENCE INTERESTS AND JUNIOR PREFERENCE UNITS
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $     $ 184     $ 184  
Conversion of Series B Junior Preference Units
          (184 )      
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $     $     $ 184  
 
                 
 
                       
GENERAL PARTNER
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 4,833,885     $ 4,732,369     $ 4,723,590  
OP Unit Issuance:
                       
Conversion of Preference Units into OP Units held by General Partner
    7,939       13       876  
Conversion of OP Units held by Limited Partners into OP Units held by General Partner
    19,722       48,803       49,901  
Issuance of OP Units
    291,902       123,734        
Exercise of EQR share options
    71,596       9,136       24,634  
EQR’s Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
    5,112       5,292       6,170  
Share-based employee compensation expense:
                       
EQR performance shares
          179       (8 )
EQR restricted shares
    9,781       11,132       17,278  
EQR share options
    7,421       5,996       5,846  
EQR ESPP discount
    1,290       1,303       1,289  
OP Units repurchased and retired
    (1,887 )     (1,124 )     (7,908 )
Offering costs
    (4,657 )     (2,536 )     (102 )
Net income available to Units — General Partner
    269,242       347,794       393,115  
OP Units — General Partner distributions
    (419,320 )     (450,287 )     (523,648 )
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)
    8,559       27,809       (7,304 )
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    (16,888 )     (1,496 )      
Change in market value of Redeemable Limited Partners
    (129,918 )     (14,544 )     65,524  
Adjustment for Limited Partners ownership in Operating Partnership
    (5,775 )     (9,688 )     (16,884 )
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 4,948,004     $ 4,833,885     $ 4,732,369  
 
                 
 
                       
LIMITED PARTNERS
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 116,120     $ 137,645     $ 162,185  
Issuance of OP Units
    8,245       1,034       849  
Issuance of LTIP Units
          78        
Conversion of OP Units held by Limited Partners into OP Units held by General Partner
    (19,722 )     (48,803 )     (49,901 )
Equity compensation associated with Units — Limited Partners
    2,524       1,194        
Net income available to Units — Limited Partners
    13,099       20,305       26,126  
Units — Limited Partners distributions
    (20,300 )     (25,679 )     (33,745 )
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Limited Partners
    4,658       20,658       15,247  
Adjustment for Limited Partners ownership in Operating Partnership
    5,775       9,688       16,884  
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 110,399     $ 116,120     $ 137,645  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL (continued)   2010     2009     2008  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 4,681     $ (35,799 )   $ (15,882 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — derivative instruments:
                       
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year
    (65,894 )     37,676       (23,815 )
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income
    3,338       3,724       2,696  
Other
          449        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — other instruments:
                       
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year
    57       3,574       1,202  
(Gains) realized during the year
          (4,943 )      
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ (57,818 )   $ 4,681     $ (35,799 )
 
                 
 
                       
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
                       
 
                       
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS — PARTIALLY OWNED PROPERTIES
                       
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 11,054     $ 25,520     $ 26,236  
Net (loss) income attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    (726 )     (558 )     2,650  
Contributions by Noncontrolling Interests
    222       893       2,083  
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests
    (2,952 )     (2,439 )     (3,072 )
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    175       (11,705 )     (1,877 )
Other
    218       (657 )     (500 )
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 7,991     $ 11,054     $ 25,520  
 
                 
See accompanying notes

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Business
          ERP Operating Limited Partnership (“ERPOP”), an Illinois limited partnership, was formed in May 1993 to conduct the multifamily residential property business of Equity Residential (“EQR”). EQR, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) formed in March 1993, is an S&P 500 company focused on the acquisition, development and management of high quality apartment properties in top United States growth markets. EQR has elected to be taxed as a REIT.
          EQR is the general partner of, and as of December 31, 2010 owned an approximate 95.5% ownership interest in ERPOP. EQR is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT (“UPREIT”) under which all property ownership and related business operations are conducted through ERPOP and its subsidiaries. References to the “Operating Partnership” include ERPOP and those entities owned or controlled by it. References to the “Company” mean EQR and the Operating Partnership.
          As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership, directly or indirectly through investments in title holding entities, owned all or a portion of 451 properties located in 17 states and the District of Columbia consisting of 129,604 apartment units. The ownership breakdown includes (table does not include various uncompleted development properties):
                 
    Properties     Apartment Units  
Wholly Owned Properties
    425       119,634  
Partially Owned Properties — Consolidated
    24       5,232  
Military Housing
    2       4,738  
 
           
 
    451       129,604  
          The “Wholly Owned Properties” are accounted for under the consolidation method of accounting. The Operating Partnership beneficially owns 100% fee simple title to 422 of the 425 Wholly Owned Properties and all but one of its wholly owned development properties and land parcels. The Operating Partnership owns the building and improvements and leases the land underlying the improvements under long-term ground leases that expire in 2026, 2077 and 2101 for the three operating properties, respectively, and 2104 for one land parcel. These properties are consolidated and reflected as real estate assets while the ground leases are accounted for as operating leases.
          The “Partially Owned Properties — Consolidated” are controlled by the Operating Partnership but have partners with noncontrolling interests and are accounted for under the consolidation method of accounting. The “Military Housing” properties consist of investments in limited liability companies that, as a result of the terms of the operating agreements, are accounted for as management contract rights with all fees recognized as fee and asset management revenue.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
     Basis of Presentation
          Due to the Operating Partnership’s ability as general partner to control either through ownership or by contract its subsidiaries, each such subsidiary has been consolidated with the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, except for an unconsolidated development land parcel and our military housing properties. The consolidated financial statements also include all variable interest entities for which the Operating Partnership is the primary beneficiary.
          Noncontrolling interests represented by EQR’s indirect 1% interest in various entities are immaterial and have not been accounted for in the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, certain amounts due from EQR for its 1% interests in various entities have not been reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since such amounts are immaterial.
     Real Estate Assets and Depreciation of Investment in Real Estate
          Effective for business combinations on or after January 1, 2009, an acquiring entity is required to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. In addition, an acquiring entity is required to expense acquisition-related costs as incurred (amounts are included in the other expenses line item in the consolidated statements of operations), value noncontrolling interests at fair value at the acquisition date and expense restructuring costs associated with an acquired business.
          The Operating Partnership allocates the purchase price of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets

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acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Operating Partnership utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property, our own analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties in our portfolio and other market data. The Operating Partnership also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Operating Partnership allocates the purchase price of acquired real estate to various components as follows:
    Land — Based on actual purchase price if acquired separately or market research/comparables if acquired with an operating property.
 
    Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment — Ranges between $8,000 and $13,000 per apartment unit acquired as an estimate of the fair value of the appliances and fixtures inside an apartment unit. The per-apartment unit amount applied depends on the type of apartment building acquired. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years.
 
    In-Place Leases — The Operating Partnership considers the value of acquired in-place leases and the amortization period is the average remaining term of each respective in-place acquired lease.
 
    Other Intangible Assets — The Operating Partnership considers whether it has acquired other intangible assets, including any customer relationship intangibles and the amortization period is the estimated useful life of the acquired intangible asset.
 
    Building — Based on the fair value determined on an “as-if vacant” basis. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of thirty years.
          Replacements inside an apartment unit such as appliances and carpeting are depreciated over a five-year estimated useful life. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred and significant renovations and improvements that improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized over their estimated useful life, generally five to ten years. Initial direct leasing costs are expensed as incurred as such expense approximates the deferral and amortization of initial direct leasing costs over the lease terms. Property sales or dispositions are recorded when title transfers to unrelated third parties, contingencies have been removed and sufficient cash consideration has been received by the Operating Partnership. Upon disposition, the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts. Any gain or loss on sale is recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
          The Operating Partnership classifies real estate assets as real estate held for disposition when it is certain a property will be disposed of (see further discussion below).
          The Operating Partnership classifies properties under development and/or expansion and properties in the lease-up phase (including land) as construction-in-progress until construction has been completed and all certificates of occupancy permits have been obtained.
     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
          The Operating Partnership periodically evaluates its long-lived assets, including its investments in real estate, for indicators of impairment. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal and environmental concerns, as well as the Operating Partnership’s ability to hold and its intent with regard to each asset. Future events could occur which would cause the Operating Partnership to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.
          For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Operating Partnership compares the expected future undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived asset against the carrying amount of that asset. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Operating Partnership would record an impairment loss for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the asset.
          For long-lived assets to be disposed of, an impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the asset, less the estimated cost to sell, is less than the carrying amount of the asset measured at the time that the Operating Partnership has determined it will sell the asset. Long-lived assets held for disposition and the related liabilities are separately reported, with the long-lived assets reported at the lower of their carrying amounts or their estimated fair values, less their costs to sell, and are not depreciated after reclassification to real estate held for disposition.

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     Cost Capitalization
          See the Real Estate Assets and Depreciation of Investment in Real Estate section for a discussion of the Operating Partnership’s policy with respect to capitalization vs. expensing of fixed asset/repair and maintenance costs. In addition, the Operating Partnership capitalizes an allocation of the payroll and associated costs of employees directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on the supervision of major capital and/or renovation projects. These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as an increase to depreciable property.
          For all development projects, the Operating Partnership uses its professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for capitalization or must be expensed as incurred. The Operating Partnership capitalizes interest, real estate taxes and insurance and payroll and associated costs for those individuals directly responsible for and who spend all of their time on development activities, with capitalization ceasing no later than 90 days following issuance of the certificate of occupancy. These costs are reflected on the balance sheet as construction-in-progress for each specific property. The Operating Partnership expenses as incurred all payroll costs of on-site employees working directly at our properties, except as noted above on our development properties prior to certificate of occupancy issuance and on specific major renovations at selected properties when additional incremental employees are hired.
     Cash and Cash Equivalents
          The Operating Partnership considers all demand deposits, money market accounts and investments in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Operating Partnership maintains its cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions. The combined account balances at one or more institutions typically exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage, and, as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts on deposit in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. The Operating Partnership believes that the risk is not significant, as the Operating Partnership does not anticipate the financial institutions’ non-performance.
     Investment Securities
          Investment securities are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. These securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost if management has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Otherwise, the securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, a separate component of partners’ capital.
     Deferred Financing Costs
          Deferred financing costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain the Operating Partnership’s lines of credit and long-term financings. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt. Unamortized financing costs are written off when debt is retired before the maturity date. The accumulated amortization of such deferred financing costs was $43.9 million and $34.6 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Including Derivative Instruments
          The valuation of financial instruments requires the Operating Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Operating Partnership, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments, including its derivative instruments, on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Operating Partnership bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
          In the normal course of business, the Operating Partnership is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes. The Operating Partnership seeks to manage these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives to hedge interest rate risk on debt instruments.
          The Operating Partnership has a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. When viewed in conjunction with the underlying and offsetting exposure that the derivatives are designed to hedge, the Operating Partnership has not sustained a material loss from these instruments nor does it anticipate any material adverse effect on its net income or financial position in the future from the use of derivatives.
          The Operating Partnership recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. In addition, fair value adjustments will affect either partners’ capital

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or net income depending on whether the derivative instruments qualify as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying transaction is terminated or completed, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income each period until the instrument matures. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market each period. The Operating Partnership does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
     Revenue Recognition
          Rental income attributable to residential leases is recorded on a straight-line basis, which is not materially different than if it were recorded when due from residents and recognized monthly as it was earned. Leases entered into between a resident and a property for the rental of an apartment unit are generally year-to-year, renewable upon consent of both parties on an annual or monthly basis. Fee and asset management revenue and interest income are recorded on an accrual basis.
     Share-Based Compensation
          The Company expenses share-based compensation such as restricted shares and share options. Any EQR common share of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Shares”) issued pursuant to EQR’s incentive equity compensation and employee share purchase plans will result in the Operating Partnership issuing units of limited partnership interest (“OP Units”) to EQR on a one-for-one basis, with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.
          The fair value of the option grants are recognized over the vesting period of the options. The fair value for the Company’s share options was estimated at the time the share options were granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Expected volatility (1)
    32.4 %     26.8 %     20.3 %
 
                       
Expected life (2)
  5 years   5 years   5 years
 
                       
Expected dividend yield (3)
    4.85 %     4.68 %     4.95 %
 
                       
Risk-free interest rate (4)
    2.29 %     1.89 %     2.67 %
 
                       
Option valuation per share
  $ 6.18     $ 3.38     $ 4.08  
 
(1)   Expected volatility — Estimated based on the historical volatility of EQR’s share price, on a monthly basis, for a period matching the expected life of each grant.
 
(2)   Expected life — Approximates the actual weighted average life of all share options granted since the Company went public in 1993.
 
(3)   Expected dividend yield — Calculated by averaging the historical annual yield on EQR shares for a period matching the expected life of each grant, with the annual yield calculated by dividing actual dividends by the average price of EQR’s shares in a given year.
 
(4)   Risk-free interest rate — The most current U.S. Treasury rate available prior to the grant date for a period matching the expected life of each grant.
          The valuation method and assumptions are the same as those the Company used in accounting for option expense in its consolidated financial statements. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. This model is only one method of valuing options and the Company’s use of this model should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its accuracy. Because the Company’s share options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its share options and the actual value of the options may be significantly different.
     Income and Other Taxes
          The Operating Partnership generally is not liable for federal income taxes as the partners recognize their proportionate share of the Operating Partnership’s income or loss in their tax returns; therefore no provision for federal income taxes has been made at the ERPOP level. Historically, the Operating Partnership has generally only incurred certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The Operating Partnership has elected Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”) status for certain of its corporate subsidiaries, primarily those entities engaged in condominium conversion and corporate

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housing activities and as a result, these entities will incur both federal and state income taxes on any taxable income of such entities after consideration of any net operating losses.
          Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates for which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effects of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in earnings in the period enacted. The Operating Partnership’s deferred tax assets are generally the result of tax affected amortization of goodwill, differing depreciable lives on capitalized assets and the timing of expense recognition for certain accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $38.7 million, which is fully offset by a valuation allowance due to the uncertainty in forecasting future TRS taxable income.
          The Operating Partnership provided for income, franchise and excise taxes allocated as follows in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Income and other tax expense (benefit) (1)
  $ 334     $ 2,804     $ 5,279  
Discontinued operations, net (2)
    44       (1,161 )     (1,841 )
 
                 
Provision for income, franchise and excise taxes (3)
  $ 378     $ 1,643     $ 3,438  
 
                 
 
(1)   Primarily includes state and local income, excise and franchise taxes.
 
(2)   Primarily represents federal income taxes (recovered) on the gains on sales of condominium units owned by a TRS and included in discontinued operations. Also represents state and local income, excise and franchise taxes on operating properties sold and included in discontinued operations.
 
(3)   All provisions for income tax amounts are current and none are deferred.
          The Operating Partnership’s TRSs carried back approximately $7.3 million of 2008 net operating losses (“NOL”) to 2006. The remaining NOL from the 2008 tax year, as well as the NOLs generated in 2009 and 2010, are available for carryforward to future tax years. The Operating Partnership’s TRSs have approximately $59.3 million of NOL carryforwards available as of January 1, 2011 that will expire in 2028, 2029 and 2030.
          During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Operating Partnership’s tax treatment of dividends and distributions were as follows:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Tax treatment of dividends and distributions:
                       
Ordinary dividends
  $ 0.607     $ 0.807     $ 0.699  
Long-term capital gain
    0.622       0.558       0.755  
Unrecaptured section 1250 gain
    0.241       0.275       0.476  
 
                 
Dividends and distributions declared per Unit outstanding
  $ 1.470     $ 1.640     $ 1.930  
 
                 
          The cost of land and depreciable property, net of accumulated depreciation, for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $11.1 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively.
     Partners’ Capital
          The “Limited Partners” of ERPOP include various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to ERPOP in exchange for OP Units. The “General Partner” of ERPOP is EQR. Net income is allocated to the Limited Partners based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership. The ownership percentage is calculated by dividing the number of OP Units held by the Limited Partners by the total OP Units held by the Limited Partners and the General Partner. Issuance of additional Common Shares and OP Units changes the ownership interests of both the Limited Partners and EQR. Such transactions and the related proceeds are treated as capital transactions.
     Redeemable Limited Partners
          The Operating Partnership classifies “Redeemable Limited Partners” in the mezzanine section of the consolidated

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balance sheets for the portion of OP Units that EQR is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered EQR Common Shares to the exchanging OP Unit holder. The redeemable limited partner units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the Common Share price of EQR at the end of each respective reporting period.
     Noncontrolling Interests
          A noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (minority interest) is in most cases an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent company’s equity. In addition, consolidated net income is required to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest are required to be disclosed on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 3 for further discussion.
          Partially Owned Properties: The Operating Partnership reflects noncontrolling interests in partially owned properties on the balance sheet for the portion of properties consolidated by the Operating Partnership that are not wholly owned by the Operating Partnership. The earnings or losses from those properties attributable to the noncontrolling interests are reflected as noncontrolling interests in partially owned properties in the consolidated statements of operations.
     Use of Estimates
          In preparation of the Operating Partnership’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
     Reclassifications
          Certain reclassifications considered necessary for a fair presentation have been made to the prior period financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have not changed the results of operations or capital.
     Other
          In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards and became the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities. The Operating Partnership adopted the codification as required, effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of the codification has no impact on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated results of operations or financial position but changed the way we refer to accounting literature in our reports.
          Effective January 1, 2010, in an effort to improve financial standards for transfers of financial assets, more stringent conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale (e.g. loan participations) are required, the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity” and special guidance for guaranteed mortgage securitizations are eliminated, other sale-accounting criteria is clarified and the initial measurement of a transferor’s interest in transferred financial assets is changed. This does not have a material effect on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
          Effective January 1, 2010, the analysis for identifying the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) has been simplified by replacing the previous quantitative-based analysis with a framework that is based more on qualitative judgments. The analysis requires the primary beneficiary of a VIE to be identified as the party that both (a) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and (b) has an obligation to absorb losses or a right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For the Operating Partnership, this includes its consolidated development partnerships as the Operating Partnership provides substantially all of the capital for these ventures (other than third party mortgage debt, if any). For the Operating Partnership, these requirements affected only disclosures and had no impact on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. See Note 6 for further discussion.
          The Operating Partnership is required to make certain disclosures regarding noncontrolling interests in consolidated limited-life subsidiaries. The Operating Partnership is the controlling partner in various consolidated partnerships owning 24 properties and 5,232 apartment units and various completed and uncompleted development

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properties having a noncontrolling interest book value of $8.0 million at December 31, 2010. Some of these partnership agreements contain provisions that require the partnerships to be liquidated through the sale of their assets upon reaching a date specified in each respective partnership agreement. The Operating Partnership, as controlling partner, has an obligation to cause the property owning partnerships to distribute the proceeds of liquidation to the Noncontrolling Interests in these Partially Owned Properties only to the extent that the net proceeds received by the partnerships from the sale of their assets warrant a distribution based on the partnership agreements. As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership estimates the value of Noncontrolling Interest distributions would have been approximately $53.0 million (“Settlement Value”) had the partnerships been liquidated. This Settlement Value is based on estimated third party consideration realized by the partnerships upon disposition of the Partially Owned Properties and is net of all other assets and liabilities, including yield maintenance on the mortgages encumbering the properties, that would have been due on December 31, 2010 had those mortgages been prepaid. Due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainty in the sale of real estate assets, the amount of any potential distribution to the Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership’s Partially Owned Properties is subject to change. To the extent that the partnerships’ underlying assets are worth less than the underlying liabilities, the Operating Partnership has no obligation to remit any consideration to the Noncontrolling Interests in these Partially Owned Properties.
          Effective beginning the quarter ended June 30, 2009, disclosures about fair value of financial instruments are required for interim reporting periods in summarized financial information for publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This does not have a material effect on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. See Note 11 for further discussion.
          Effective January 1, 2010, companies are required to separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers of assets and liabilities into and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for those transfers. Companies must also develop and disclose their policy for determining when transfers between levels are recognized. In addition, companies are required to provide fair value disclosures for each class rather than each major category of assets and liabilities. For fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) or significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), companies are required to disclose the valuation technique and the inputs used in determining fair value for each class of assets and liabilities. This does not have a material effect on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. See Note 11 for further discussion.
          Effective January 1, 2011, companies will be required to separately disclose purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. The Operating Partnership does not expect this will have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.
          Effective January 1, 2009, in an effort to improve financial standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities, companies are required to enhance disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Among other requirements, entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about: (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for; and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Other than the enhanced disclosure requirements, this does not have a material effect on the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 11 for further discussion.
          Effective January 1, 2009, issuers of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion were required to separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects each issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. As the Operating Partnership is required to apply this retrospectively, the accounting for the Operating Partnership’s $650.0 million ($482.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2010) 3.85% convertible unsecured notes that were issued in August 2006 and mature in August 2026 was affected. The Operating Partnership recognized $18.6 million, $20.6 million and $24.4 million in interest expense related to the stated coupon rate of 3.85% for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The amount of the conversion option as of the date of issuance calculated by the Operating Partnership using a 5.80% effective interest rate was $44.3 million and is being amortized to interest expense over the expected life of the convertible notes (through the first put date on August 18, 2011). Total amortization of the cash discount and conversion option discount on the unsecured notes resulted in a reduction to earnings of approximately $7.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively, or $0.03 per Unit and $0.04 per Unit, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and is anticipated to result in a reduction to earnings of approximately $5.0 million or $0.02 per Unit for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, the Operating Partnership decreased the January 1, 2009 balance of retained earnings (included in general partner’s capital) by $27.0 million, decreased the January 1, 2009 balance of notes by $17.3 million and increased the January 1, 2009 balance of paid in capital (included in general partner’s capital) by $44.3 million. Due to the required retrospective application, it resulted in a reduction to earnings of approximately $13.3 million or $0.05 per Unit for the year ended December 31, 2008. The carrying amount of the conversion option remaining in paid in capital (included in

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general partner’s capital) was $44.3 million at both December 31, 2010 and 2009. The unamortized cash and conversion option discounts totaled $5.0 million and $12.8 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
3. Capital and Redeemable Limited Partners
          The following tables present the changes in the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding “Units” (which includes OP Units and Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) Units) and in the limited partners’ Units for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
General and Limited Partner Units
                       
General and Limited Partner Units outstanding at January 1,
    294,157,017       289,466,537       287,974,981  
 
                       
Issued to General Partner:
                       
Conversion of Series E Preference Units
    328,363       612       36,830  
Conversion of Series H Preference Units
    32,516             2,750  
Issuance of OP Units
    6,151,198       3,497,300        
Exercise of EQR share options
    2,506,645       422,713       995,129  
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
    157,363       324,394       195,961  
Restricted EQR share grants, net
    235,767       298,717       461,954  
 
                       
Issued to Limited Partners:
                       
LTIP Units, net
    92,892       154,616        
OP Units issued through acquisitions/consolidations
    205,648       32,061       19,017  
Conversion of Series B Junior Preference Units
          7,517        
 
                       
OP Units Other:
                       
Repurchased and retired
    (58,130 )     (47,450 )     (220,085 )
 
                 
General and Limited Partner Units outstanding at December 31,
    303,809,279       294,157,017       289,466,537  
 
                 
 
                       
Limited Partner Units
                       
Limited Partner Units outstanding at January 1,
    14,197,969       16,679,777       18,420,320  
Limited Partner LTIP Units, net
    92,892       154,616        
Limited Partner OP Units issued through acquisitions/consolidations
    205,648       32,061       19,017  
Conversion of Series B Junior Preference Units
          7,517        
Conversion of Limited Partner OP Units to EQR Common Shares
    (884,472 )     (2,676,002 )     (1,759,560 )
 
                 
Limited Partner Units outstanding at December 31,
    13,612,037       14,197,969       16,679,777  
 
                 
Limited Partner Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership
    4.5 %     4.8 %     5.8 %
 
                       
Limited Partner LTIP Units Issued:
                       
Issuance — per unit
        $ 0.50        
Issuance — contribution valuation
        $ 0.1 million        
 
                       
Limited Partner OP Units Issued:
                       
Acquisitions/consolidations — per unit
  $ 40.09     $ 26.50     $ 44.64  
Acquisitions/consolidations — valuation
  $ 8.2 million     $ 0.8 million     $ 0.8 million  
 
                       
Conversion of Series B Junior Preference Units — per unit
        $ 24.50        
Conversion of Series B Junior Preference Units — valuation
        $ 0.2 million        
          An unlimited amount of equity and debt securities remains available for issuance by EQR and the Operating Partnership under effective shelf registration statements filed with the SEC. Most recently, EQR and the Operating Partnership filed a universal shelf registration statement for an unlimited amount of equity and debt securities that became automatically effective upon filing with the SEC in October 2010 (under SEC regulations enacted in 2005, the registration statement automatically expires on October 14, 2013 and does not contain a maximum issuance amount). Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one common share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).
          In September 2009, EQR announced the establishment of an At-The-Market (“ATM”) share offering program which would allow EQR to sell up to 17.0 million Common Shares from time to time over the next three years into the

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existing trading market at current market prices as well as through negotiated transactions. Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds from all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis). During the year ended December 31, 2010, EQR issued approximately 6.2 million Common Shares at an average price of $47.45 per share for total consideration of approximately $291.9 million through the ATM program. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership issued approximately 6.2 million OP Units to EQR. During the year ended December 31, 2009, EQR issued approximately 3.5 million Common Shares at an average price of $35.38 per share for total consideration of approximately $123.7 million through the ATM program. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership issued approximately 3.5 million OP Units to EQR. As of December 31, 2009, transactions to issue approximately 1.1 million of the 3.5 million Common Shares had not yet settled. As of December 31, 2009, the Company increased the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding by this amount and recorded a receivable of approximately $37.6 million included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 20 for further discussion on shares available under this program.
          EQR has a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Trustees. Considering the repurchase activity for the year ended December 31, 2010, EQR has remaining authorization to repurchase an additional $464.6 million of its shares as of December 31, 2010.
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, EQR repurchased 58,130 of its Common Shares at an average price of $32.46 per share for total consideration of $1.9 million. These shares were retired subsequent to the repurchases. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership repurchased and retired 58,130 OP Units previously issued to EQR. All of the shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2010 were repurchased from employees at the then current market prices to cover the minimum statutory tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of employees’ restricted shares.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, EQR repurchased 47,450 of its Common Shares at an average price of $23.69 per share for total consideration of $1.1 million. These shares were retired subsequent to the repurchases. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership repurchased and retired 47,450 OP Units previously issued to EQR. All of the shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2009 were repurchased from employees at the then current market prices to cover the minimum statutory tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of employees’ restricted shares.
          During the year ended December 31, 2008, EQR repurchased 220,085 of its Common Shares at an average price of $35.93 per share for total consideration of $7.9 million. These shares were retired subsequent to the repurchases. Concurrent with these transactions, the Operating Partnership repurchased and retired 220,085 OP Units previously issued to EQR. Of the total shares repurchased, 120,085 shares were repurchased from employees at an average price of $36.10 per share (the average of the then current market prices) to cover the minimum statutory tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of employees’ restricted shares. The remaining 100,000 shares were repurchased in the open market at an average price of $35.74 per share.
          The Limited Partners of the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2010 include various individuals and entities that contributed their properties to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units, as well as the equity positions of the holders of LTIP Units. Subject to certain exceptions (including the “book-up” requirements of LTIP Units), Limited Partners may exchange their Units with EQR for EQR Common Shares on a one-for-one basis. The carrying value of the Limited Partner Units (including redeemable interests) is allocated based on the number of Limited Partner Units in total in proportion to the number of Limited Partner Units in total plus the number of General Partner Units. Net income is allocated to the Limited Partner Units based on the weighted average ownership percentage during the period.
          The Operating Partnership has the right but not the obligation to make a cash payment instead of issuing EQR Common Shares to any and all holders of Limited Partner Units requesting an exchange of their OP Units with EQR. Once the Operating Partnership elects not to redeem the Limited Partner Units for cash, EQR is obligated to deliver EQR Common Shares to the exchanging limited partner.
          The Limited Partner Units are classified as either mezzanine equity or permanent equity. If EQR is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered EQR Common Shares, Limited Partner Units are differentiated and referred to as “Redeemable Limited Partner Units”. Instruments that require settlement in registered shares can not be classified in permanent equity as it is not always completely within an issuer’s control to deliver registered shares. Therefore, settlement in cash is assumed and that responsibility for settlement in cash is deemed to fall to the Operating Partnership as the primary source of cash for EQR, resulting in presentation in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. The Redeemable Limited Partner Units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the Common Share price of EQR at the end of each

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respective reporting period. EQR has the ability to deliver unregistered EQR Common Shares for the remaining portion of the Limited Partner Units that are classified in permanent equity at December 31, 2010 and 2009.
          The carrying value of the Redeemable Limited Partner Units is allocated based on the number of Redeemable Limited Partner Units in proportion to the number of Limited Partner Units in total. Such percentage of the total carrying value of Limited Partner Units which is ascribed to the Redeemable Limited Partner Units is then adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value as described above. As of December 31, 2010, the Redeemable Limited Partner Units have a redemption value of approximately $383.5 million, which represents the value of EQR Common Shares that would be issued in exchange with the Redeemable Limited Partner Units.
          The following table presents the changes in the redemption value of the Redeemable Limited Partners for the years for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Balance at January 1,
  $ 258,280     $ 264,394     $ 345,165  
Change in market value
    129,918       14,544       (65,524 )
Change in carrying value
    (4,658 )     (20,658 )     (15,247 )
 
                 
Balance at December 31,
  $ 383,540     $ 258,280     $ 264,394  
 
                 
          EQR contributes all net proceeds from its various equity offerings (including proceeds from exercise of options for EQR Common Shares) to the Operating Partnership. In return for those contributions, EQR receives a number of OP Units in ERPOP equal to the number of Common Shares it has issued in the equity offering (or in the case of a preferred equity offering, a number of preference units in ERPOP equal in number and having the same terms as the preferred shares issued in the equity offering).
          The following table presents the Operating Partnership’s issued and outstanding “Preference Units” as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
                                         
                    Annual     Amounts in thousands  
    Redemption     Conversion     Dividend per     December 31,     December 31,  
    Date (1) (2)     Rate (2)     Unit (3)     2010     2009  
Preference Units:
                                       
 
                                       
7.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit; 0 and 328,466 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    11/1/98       1.1128     $ 1.75     $     $ 8,212  
 
                                       
7.00% Series H Cumulative Convertible Preference Units; liquidation value $25 per unit 0 and 22,459 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    6/30/98       1.4480     $ 1.75             561  
 
                                       
8.29% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $50 per unit; 1,000,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    12/10/26       N/A     $ 4.145       50,000       50,000  
 
                                       
6.48% Series N Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units; liquidation value $250 per unit; 600,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (4)
    6/19/08       N/A     $ 16.20       150,000       150,000  
 
                                       
 
                                   
 
                          $ 200,000     $ 208,773  
 
                                   
 
(1)   On or after the redemption date, redeemable preference units (Series K and N) may be redeemed for cash at the option of the Operating Partnership, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation price per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, in conjunction with the concurrent redemption of the corresponding EQR Preferred Shares.
 
(2)   On or after the redemption date, convertible preference units (Series E and H) may be redeemed under certain circumstances at the option of the Operating Partnership for cash (in the case of Series E) or OP Units (in the case of Series H), in whole or in part, at various redemption prices per unit based upon the contractual conversion rate, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, in conjunction with the concurrent redemption/conversion of the corresponding EQR Preferred Shares. On November 1,

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    2010, the Operating Partnership redeemed its Series E and Series H Cumulative Convertible Preference Units for cash consideration of $0.8 million and 355,539 OP Units.
 
(3)   Dividends on all series of Preference Units are payable quarterly at various pay dates. The dividend listed for Series N is a Preference Unit rate and the equivalent depositary unit annual dividend is $1.62 per unit.
 
(4)   The Series N Preference Units have a corresponding depositary unit that consists of ten times the number of units and one-tenth the liquidation value and dividend per unit.
          On July 30, 2009, the Operating Partnership elected to convert all 7,367 Series B Junior Convertible Preference Units into 7,517 OP Units. The actual preference unit dividends declared for the period outstanding in 2009 was $1.17 per unit.
          On March 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership issued 188,571 OP Units at a price of $39.15 per OP Unit for total valuation of $7.4 million as partial consideration for the acquisition of one rental property. As the value of the OP Units issued was agreed by contract to be $35.00 per OP Unit, the difference between the contracted value and fair value (the closing price of EQR Common Shares on the closing date) was recorded as an increase to the purchase price.
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership acquired all of its partner’s interest in two consolidated partially owned properties consisting of 432 apartment units, one consolidated partially owned development project and one consolidated partially owned land parcel for $0.7 million. One of these partially owned property buyouts was funded through the issuance of 1,129 OP Units valued at $50,000. The Operating Partnership also increased its ownership in three consolidated partially owned properties through the buyout of certain equity interests which were funded through the issuance of 15,948 OP Units valued at $0.8 million and cash payments of $15.3 million. In conjunction with these transactions, the Operating Partnership reduced paid in capital (included in general partner’s capital) by $16.9 million and other liabilities by $0.2 million and increased Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties by $0.2 million.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership acquired all of its partners’ interests in five consolidated partially owned properties consisting of 1,587 apartment units for $9.2 million. In addition, the Operating Partnership also acquired a portion of the outside partner interests in two consolidated partially owned properties, one funded using cash of $2.1 million and the other funded through the issuance of 32,061 OP Units valued at $0.8 million. In conjunction with these transactions, the Operating Partnership reduced paid in capital (included in general partner’s capital) by $1.5 million and Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties by $11.7 million.
          During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership acquired all of its partners’ interests in one consolidated partially owned property consisting of 144 apartment units for $5.9 million and three consolidated partially owned land parcels for $1.6 million. In addition, the Operating Partnership made an additional payment of $1.3 million related to an April 2006 acquisition of a partner’s interest in a now wholly owned property, partially funded through the issuance of 19,017 OP Units valued at $0.8 million.
4. Real Estate
          The following table summarizes the carrying amounts for the Operating Partnership’s investment in real estate (at cost) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    2010     2009  
Land
  $ 4,110,275     $ 3,650,324  
Depreciable property:
               
Buildings and improvements
    13,995,121       12,781,543  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    1,231,391       1,111,978  
Projects under development:
               
Land
    28,260       106,716  
Construction-in-progress
    102,077       562,263  
Land held for development:
               
Land
    198,465       181,430  
Construction-in-progress
    36,782       70,890  
 
           
Investment in real estate
    19,702,371       18,465,144  
Accumulated depreciation
    (4,337,357 )     (3,877,564 )
 
           
Investment in real estate, net
  $ 15,365,014     $ 14,587,580  
 
           
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership acquired the entire equity interest in the following from unaffiliated parties (purchase price in thousands):

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                    Purchase  
    Properties     Apartment Units     Price  
Rental Properties
    16       4,445     $ 1,485,701  
Land Parcels (six)
                68,869  
 
                 
Total
    16       4,445     $ 1,554,570  
 
                 
          In addition to the properties discussed above, the Operating Partnership acquired the 75% equity interest it did not own in seven previously unconsolidated properties containing 1,811 apartment units with a real estate value of $105.1 million.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership acquired the entire equity interest in the following from unaffiliated parties (purchase price in thousands):
                         
                    Purchase  
    Properties     Apartment Units     Price  
Rental Properties
    2       566     $ 145,036  
Land Parcel (one)
                11,500  
 
                 
Total
    2       566     $ 156,536  
 
                 
          The Operating Partnership also acquired the 75% equity interest in one previously unconsolidated property it did not already own consisting of 250 apartment units for a gross sales price of $18.5 million from its institutional joint venture partner.
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership disposed of the following to unaffiliated parties (sales price in thousands):
                         
    Properties     Apartment Units     Sales Price  
Rental Properties:
                       
Consolidated
    35       7,171     $ 718,352  
Unconsolidated (1)
    27       6,275       417,779  
Land Parcel (one)
                4,000  
Condominium Conversion Properties
    1       2       360  
 
                 
Total
    63       13,448     $ 1,140,491  
 
                 
 
(1)   The Operating Partnership owned a 25% interest in these unconsolidated rental properties. Sales price listed is the gross sales price.
          The Operating Partnership recognized a net gain on sales of discontinued operations of approximately $298.0 million, a net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities of approximately $28.1 million and a net loss on sales of land parcels of approximately $1.4 million on the above sales.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership disposed of the following to unaffiliated parties (sales price in thousands):
                         
    Properties     Apartment Units     Sales Price  
Rental Properties:
                       
Consolidated
    54       11,055     $ 905,219  
Unconsolidated (1)
    6       1,434       96,018  
Condominium Conversion Properties
    1       62       12,021  
 
                 
Total
    61       12,551     $ 1,013,258  
 
                 
 
(1)   The Operating Partnership owned a 25% interest in these unconsolidated rental properties. Sales price listed is the gross sales price. The Operating Partnership’s buyout of its partner’s interest in one previously unconsolidated property is not included in the above totals.

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          The Operating Partnership recognized a net gain on sales of discontinued operations of approximately $335.3 million and a net gain on sales of unconsolidated entities of approximately $10.7 million on the above sales.
5. Commitments to Acquire/Dispose of Real Estate
          In addition to the properties that were subsequently acquired as discussed in Note 20, the Operating Partnership had entered into separate agreements to acquire the following (purchase price in thousands):
                         
    Properties     Apartment Units     Purchase Price  
Rental Properties
    2       683     $ 125,250  
 
                 
Total
    2       683     $ 125,250  
 
                 
          In addition to the properties that were subsequently disposed of as discussed in Note 20, the Operating Partnership had entered into separate agreements to dispose of the following (sales price in thousands):
                         
    Properties     Apartment Units     Sales Price  
Rental Properties
    15       4,152     $ 378,650  
 
                 
Total
    15       4,152     $ 378,650  
 
                 
          The closings of these pending transactions are subject to certain conditions and restrictions, therefore, there can be no assurance that these transactions will be consummated or that the final terms will not differ in material respects from those summarized in the preceding paragraphs.
6. Investments in Partially Owned Entities
          The Operating Partnership has co-invested in various properties with unrelated third parties which are either consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting (unconsolidated). The following tables and information summarize the Operating Partnership’s investments in partially owned entities as of December 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands except for project and apartment unit amounts):

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    Consolidated  
    Development Projects (VIEs)              
    Held for     Completed,     Completed              
    and/or Under     Not     and              
    Development     Stabilized (4)     Stabilized     Other     Total  
Total projects (1)
          1       4       19       24  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total apartment units (1)
          490       1,302       3,440       5,232  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance sheet information at 12/31/10 (at 100%):
                                       
ASSETS
                                       
Investment in real estate
  $ 44,006     $ 257,747     $ 390,465     $ 438,329     $ 1,130,547  
Accumulated depreciation
                (18,471 )     (124,347 )     (142,818 )
 
                             
Investment in real estate, net
    44,006       257,747       371,994       313,982       987,729  
Cash and cash equivalents
    877       1,288       7,384       11,581       21,130  
Deposits — restricted
    1,115       922       3,205       8       5,250  
Escrow deposits — mortgage
                222       2,321       2,543  
Deferred financing costs, net
          2,800       412       505       3,717  
Other assets
    339       268       308       143       1,058  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 46,337     $ 263,025     $ 383,525     $ 328,540     $ 1,021,427  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
                                       
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 18,342     $ 141,741     $ 275,348     $ 314,535     $ 749,966  
Accounts payable & accrued expenses
    346       2,215       1,070       1,259       4,890  
Accrued interest payable
    1,294       521       605       1,531       3,951  
Other liabilities
    1,617       1,568       910       1,001       5,096  
Security deposits
          1,021       955       1,392       3,368  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    21,599       147,066       278,888       319,718       767,271  
 
                             
 
                                       
Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    3,418       5,025       4,278       (4,730 )     7,991  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
          (1,322 )                 (1,322 )
General and Limited Partners’ Capital
    21,320       112,256       100,359       13,552       247,487  
 
                             
Total capital
    24,738       115,959       104,637       8,822       254,156  
 
                             
Total liabilities and capital
  $ 46,337     $ 263,025     $ 383,525     $ 328,540     $ 1,021,427  
 
                             
 
                                       
Debt — Secured (2):
                                       
EQR Ownership (3)
  $ 18,342     $ 141,741     $ 275,348     $ 252,857     $ 688,288  
Noncontrolling Ownership
                      61,678       61,678  
 
                             
Total (at 100%)
  $ 18,342     $ 141,741     $ 275,348     $ 314,535     $ 749,966  
 
                             

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    Consolidated  
    Development Projects (VIEs)              
    Held for                          
    and/or Under     Completed,     Completed              
    Development     Not Stabilized (4)     and Stabilized     Other     Total  
Operating information for the year ended 12/31/10 (at 100%):
                                       
Operating revenue
  $ 4     $ 6,344     $ 25,607     $ 55,928     $ 87,883  
Operating expenses
    758       3,458       9,370       19,906       33,492  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net operating (loss) income
    (754 )     2,886       16,237       36,022       54,391  
Depreciation
                12,239       14,882       27,121  
General and administrative/other
    51             127       92       270  
Impairment
    8,959                         8,959  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating (loss) income
    (9,764 )     2,886       3,871       21,048       18,041  
Interest and other income
    23             10       30       63  
Other expenses
    (493 )                 (548 )     (1,041 )
Interest:
                                       
Expense incurred, net
    (925 )     (2,872 )     (6,596 )     (20,576 )     (30,969 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs
                (753 )     (238 )     (991 )
 
                             
 
                                       
(Loss) income before income and other taxes and discontinued operations
    (11,159 )     14       (3,468 )     (284 )     (14,897 )
Income and other tax (expense) benefit
    (31 )                 (5 )     (36 )
Net loss on sales of land parcels
    (234 )                       (234 )
Net gain on sales of discontinued operations
    711                   34,842       35,553  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (10,713 )   $ 14     $ (3,468 )   $ 34,553     $ 20,386  
 
                             
 
(1)      Project and apartment unit counts exclude all uncompleted development projects until those projects are substantially completed.
 
(2)      All debt is non-recourse to the Operating Partnership with the exception of $14.0 million in mortgage debt on one development project.
 
(3)      Represents the Operating Partnership’s current economic ownership interest.
 
(4)      Projects included here are substantially complete. However, they may still require additional exterior and interior work for all apartment units to be available for leasing.
     During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership acquired the 75% equity interest it did not own in seven previously unconsolidated properties containing 1,811 apartment units in exchange for an approximate $30.0 million payment to its partner. In addition, the Operating Partnership repaid the net $70.0 million mortgage loan, which was to mature on May 1, 2010, concurrent with closing using proceeds drawn from the Operating Partnership’s line of credit. The Operating Partnership also sold its 25% equity interest in the remaining 24 unconsolidated properties containing 5,635 apartment units in exchange for an approximate $25.4 million payment from its partner and the related $264.8 million in non-recourse mortgage debt was extinguished by the partner at closing.
     On December 29, 2010, the Operating Partnership admitted an 80% institutional partner to an entity owning a developable land parcel in Florida in exchange for $11.7 million in cash and retained a 20% equity interest. This land parcel is now unconsolidated. Total project cost is approximately $76.1 million and construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2011. The Operating Partnership is responsible for constructing the project and has given certain construction cost overun guarantees.
     The Operating Partnership is the controlling partner in various consolidated partnership properties and development properties having a noncontrolling interest book value of $8.0 million at December 31, 2010. The Operating Partnership has identified its development partnerships as VIEs as the Operating Partnership provides substantially all of the capital for these ventures (other than third party mortgage debt, if any) despite the fact that each partner legally owns 50% of each venture. The Operating Partnership is the primary beneficiary as it exerts the most significant power over the ventures, absorbs the majority of the expected losses and has the right to receive a majority of the expected residual returns. The assets net of liabilities of the Operating Partnership’s VIEs are restricted in their use to the specific VIE to which they relate and are not available for general corporate use. The Operating Partnership does not have any unconsolidated VIEs.

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7. Deposits — Restricted
     The following table presents the Operating Partnership’s restricted deposits as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Tax—deferred (1031) exchange proceeds
  $ 103,887     $ 244,257  
Earnest money on pending acquisitions
    9,264       6,000  
Restricted deposits on debt (1)
    18,966       49,565  
Resident security and utility deposits
    40,745       39,361  
Other
    8,125       12,825  
 
           
 
               
Totals
  $ 180,987     $ 352,008  
 
           
 
               
 
(1)      Primarily represents amounts held in escrow by the lender and released as draw requests are made on fully funded development mortgage loans.
8. Mortgage Notes Payable
     As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had outstanding mortgage debt of approximately $4.8 billion.
     During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership:
    Repaid $652.1 million of mortgage loans;
 
    Obtained $173.6 million of new mortgage loan proceeds;
 
    Assumed $359.1 million of mortgage debt on seven acquired properties;
 
    Was released from $40.0 million of mortgage debt assumed by the purchaser on two disposed properties; and
 
    Assumed $112.6 million of mortgage debt on seven previously unconsolidated properties and repaid the net $70.0 million mortgage loan (net of $42.6 million of cash collateral held by the lender) concurrent with closing using proceeds drawn from the Operating Partnership’s line of credit.
     The Operating Partnership recorded approximately $2.5 million and $1.0 million of prepayment penalties and write-offs of unamortized deferred financing costs, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2010 as additional interest expense related to debt extinguishment of mortgages.
     As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had $543.4 million of secured debt subject to third party credit enhancement.
     As of December 31, 2010, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding mortgage indebtedness were at various dates through September 1, 2048. At December 31, 2010, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 0.21% to 11.25%. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 4.79%.
     The historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation, of encumbered properties was $5.6 billion and $5.8 billion at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
     Aggregate payments of principal on mortgage notes payable for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
           
Year     Total  
2011
    $ 597,100  
2012
      342,088  
2013
      171,138  
2014
      86,041  
2015
      59,013  
Thereafter
      3,507,516  
 
       
Total
    $ 4,762,896  
 
       
     As of December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership had outstanding mortgage debt of approximately $4.8 billion.

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          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership:
    Repaid $956.8 million of mortgage loans;
 
    Obtained $500.0 million of mortgage loan proceeds through the issuance of an 11-year cross-collateralized loan with an all-in fixed interest rate for 10 years at approximately 5.6% secured by 13 properties;
 
    Obtained $40.0 million of new mortgage loans to accommodate the delayed sale of two properties that closed in January 2010;
 
    Obtained $198.8 million of new mortgage loans on development properties;
 
    Recognized a gain on early debt extinguishment of $2.4 million and wrote-off approximately $1.1 million of unamortized deferred financing costs; and
 
    Was released from $17.3 million of mortgage debt assumed by the purchaser on two disposed properties.
          As of December 31, 2009, scheduled maturities for the Operating Partnership’s outstanding mortgage indebtedness were at various dates through September 1, 2048. At December 31, 2009, the interest rate range on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 0.20% to 12.465%. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Partnership’s mortgage debt was 4.89%.
9. Notes
          The following tables summarize the Operating Partnership’s unsecured note balances and certain interest rate and maturity date information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively:
                     
    Net     Interest   Weighted   Maturity
December 31, 2010   Principal     Rate   Average   Date
(Amounts are in thousands)   Balance     Ranges   Interest Rate   Ranges
Fixed Rate Public/Private Notes (1)
  $ 4,375,860     3.85% - 7.57%   5.78%   2011 - 2026
Floating Rate Public/Private Notes (1)
    809,320     (1)   1.72%   2011 - 2013
 
                 
 
                   
Totals
  $ 5,185,180              
 
                 
                     
    Net     Interest   Weighted   Maturity
December 31, 2009   Principal     Rate   Average   Date
(Amounts are in thousands)   Balance     Ranges   Interest Rate   Ranges
Fixed Rate Public/Private Notes (1)
  $ 3,771,700     3.85% - 7.57%   5.93%   2011 - 2026
Floating Rate Public/Private Notes (1)
    801,824     (1)   1.37%   2010 - 2013
Floating Rate Tax-Exempt Bonds
    35,600     (2)   0.37%   2028
 
                 
 
                   
Totals
  $ 4,609,124              
 
                 
 
(1)   At December 31, 2010 and 2009, $300.0 million in fair value interest rate swaps converts a portion of the $400.0 million face value 5.200% notes due April 1, 2013 to a floating interest rate.
 
(2)   The floating interest rate is based on the 7-Day Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) rate, which is the tax-exempt index equivalent of LIBOR. The interest rate is 0.27% at December 31, 2009.
          The Operating Partnership’s unsecured public debt contains certain financial and operating covenants including, among other things, maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Operating Partnership was in compliance with its unsecured public debt covenants for both the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.
          An unlimited amount of equity and debt securities remains available for issuance by EQR and the Operating Partnership under effective shelf registration statements filed with the SEC. Most recently, EQR and the Operating Partnership filed a universal shelf registration statement for an unlimited amount of equity and debt securities that became automatically effective upon filing with the SEC in October 2010 (under SEC regulations enacted in 2005, the registration statement automatically expires on October 14, 2013 and does not contain a maximum issuance amount). Per the terms of ERPOP’s partnership agreement, EQR contributes the net proceeds of all equity offerings to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional OP Units (on a one-for-one Common Share per OP Unit basis) or preference units (on a one-for-one preferred share per preference unit basis).
          During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership:
    Issued $600.0 million of ten-year 4.75% fixed rate public notes in a public offering at an all-in effective interest rate of 5.09%, receiving net proceeds of $595.4 million before underwriting fees and other expenses.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership:

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    Repurchased at par $105.2 million of its 4.75% fixed rate public notes due June 15, 2009 pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on January 16, 2009 and wrote-off approximately $79,000 of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $46,000 of unamortized discounts on notes payable;
 
    Repaid the remaining $122.2 million of its 4.75% fixed rate public notes at maturity;
 
    Repurchased at par $185.2 million of its 6.95% fixed rate public notes due March 2, 2011 pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on January 16, 2009 and wrote-off approximately $0.4 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $1.0 million of unamortized discounts on notes payable;
 
    Repurchased $21.7 million of its 6.95% fixed rate public notes due March 2, 2011 at a price of 106% of par pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on December 2, 2009, recognized a loss on early debt extinguishment of $1.3 million and wrote-off approximately $0.2 million of unamortized net premiums on notes payable;
 
    Repurchased $146.1 million of its 6.625% fixed rate public notes due March 15, 2012 at a price of 108% of par pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on December 2, 2009, recognized a loss on early debt extinguishment of $11.7 million and wrote-off approximately $0.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $0.2 million of unamortized net discounts on notes payable;
 
    Repurchased $127.9 million of its 5.50% fixed rate public notes due October 1, 2012 at a price of 107% of par pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on December 2, 2009, recognized a loss on early debt extinguishment of $9.0 million and wrote-off approximately $0.5 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $0.4 million of unamortized discounts on notes payable;
 
    Repurchased $75.8 million of its 5.20% fixed rate tax-exempt notes and wrote-off approximately $0.7 million of unamortized deferred financing costs;
 
    Repurchased $17.5 million of its 3.85% convertible fixed rate public notes due August 15, 2026 at a price of 88.4% of par and recognized a gain on early debt extinguishment of $2.0 million and wrote-off approximately $0.1 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $0.8 million of unamortized discounts on notes payable; and
 
    Repurchased at par $48.5 million of its 3.85% convertible fixed rate public notes due August 15, 2026 pursuant to a cash tender offer announced on December 2, 2009 and wrote-off approximately $0.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $1.5 million of unamortized discounts on notes payable.
          On October 11, 2007, the Operating Partnership closed on a $500.0 million senior unsecured term loan. Effective April 12, 2010, the Operating Partnership exercised the first of its two one-year extension options. As a result, the maturity date is now October 5, 2011 and there is one remaining one-year extension option exercisable by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership has the ability to increase available borrowings by an additional $250.0 million under certain circumstances. The loan bears interest at variable rates based upon LIBOR plus a spread (currently 0.50%) dependent upon the current credit rating on the Operating Partnership’s long-term senior unsecured debt. EQR has guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s term loan up to the maximum amount and for the full term of the loan.
          On August 23, 2006, the Operating Partnership issued $650.0 million of exchangeable senior notes that mature on August 15, 2026. The notes have a current face value of $482.5 million at December 31, 2010 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.85%. The notes are exchangeable into EQR Common Shares, at the option of the holders, under specific circumstances or on or after August 15, 2025, at an initial and current exchange rate of 16.3934 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial and current exchange price of $61.00 per share). The exchange rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including upon an increase in EQR’s dividend rate at the time of issuance. Upon an exchange of the notes, the Operating Partnership will settle any amounts up to the principal amount of the notes in cash and the remaining exchange value, if any, will be settled, at the Operating Partnership’s option, in cash, EQR Common Shares or a combination of both. See Note 2 for more information on the change in the recognition of interest expense for the exchangeable senior notes.
          On or after August 18, 2011, the Operating Partnership may redeem the notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Upon notice of redemption by the Operating Partnership, the holders may elect to exercise their exchange rights. In addition, on August 18, 2011, August 15, 2016 and August 15, 2021 or following the occurrence of certain change in control transactions prior to August 18, 2011, note holders may require the Operating Partnership to repurchase the notes for an amount equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
          Note holders may also require an exchange of the notes should the closing sale price of EQR Common Shares exceed 130% of the exchange price for a certain period of time or should the trading price on the notes be less than 98% of the product of the closing sales price of EQR Common Shares multiplied by the applicable exchange rate for a certain period of time.
          Aggregate payments of principal on unsecured notes payable for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):

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Year       Total (1)  
2011 (2) (3)  
  $ 1,068,891  
2012  
 
    474,221  
2013  
 
    407,849  
2014  
 
    498,576  
2015  
 
    298,700  
Thereafter  
 
    2,436,943  
   
 
     
Total  
 
  $ 5,185,180  
   
 
     
 
(1)   Principal payments on unsecured notes include amortization of any discounts or premiums related to the notes. Premiums and discounts are amortized over the life of the unsecured notes.
 
(2)   Includes the Operating Partnership’s $500.0 million term loan facility, which originally matured on October 5, 2010. Effective April 12, 2010, the Operating Partnership exercised the first of its two one-year extension options. As a result, the maturity date is now October 5, 2011 and there is one remaining one-year extension option exercisable by the Operating Partnership.
 
(3)   Includes $482.5 million face value of 3.85% convertible unsecured debt with a final maturity of 2026.
10. Lines of Credit
          The Operating Partnership has a $1.425 billion (net of $75.0 million which had been committed by a now bankrupt financial institution and is not available for borrowing) unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on February 28, 2012, with the ability to increase available borrowings by an additional $500.0 million by adding additional banks to the facility or obtaining the agreement of existing banks to increase their commitments. Advances under the credit facility bear interest at variable rates based upon LIBOR at various interest periods plus a spread (currently 0.50%) dependent upon the Operating Partnership’s credit rating or based on bids received from the lending group. EQR has guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s credit facility up to the maximum amount and for the full term of the facility.
          As of December 31, 2010, the amount available on the credit facility was $1.28 billion (net of $147.3 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above) and there was no amount outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the weighted average interest rate was 0.66%. As of December 31, 2009, the amount available on the credit facility was $1.37 billion (net of $56.7 million which was restricted/dedicated to support letters of credit and net of the $75.0 million discussed above). The Operating Partnership did not draw and had no balance outstanding on its revolving credit facility at any time during the year ended December 31, 2009.
11. Derivative and Other Fair Value Instruments
          The valuation of financial instruments requires the Operating Partnership to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. The Operating Partnership, where possible, bases the fair values of its financial instruments, including its derivative instruments, on listed market prices and third party quotes. Where these are not available, the Operating Partnership bases its estimates on current instruments with similar terms and maturities or on other factors relevant to the financial instruments.
          The carrying values of the Operating Partnership’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured notes were approximately $4.8 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2010. The fair values of the Operating Partnership’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured notes were approximately $4.7 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2010. The carrying values of the Operating Partnership’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured notes were approximately $4.8 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2009. The fair values of the Operating Partnership’s mortgage notes payable and unsecured notes were approximately $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2009. The fair values of the Operating Partnership’s financial instruments (other than mortgage notes payable, unsecured notes, derivative instruments and investment securities) including cash and cash equivalents and other financial instruments, approximate their carrying or contract values.
          In the normal course of business, the Operating Partnership is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes. The Operating Partnership seeks to manage these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives to hedge interest rate risk on debt instruments.
          The following table summarizes the Operating Partnership’s consolidated derivative instruments at December 31, 2010 (dollar amounts are in thousands):

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            Forward     Development  
    Fair Value     Starting     Cash Flow  
    Hedges (1)     Swaps (2)     Hedges (3)  
Current Notional Balance
  $ 315,693     $ 950,000     $ 87,422  
Lowest Possible Notional
  $ 315,693     $ 950,000     $ 3,020  
Highest Possible Notional
  $ 317,694     $ 950,000     $ 91,343  
Lowest Interest Rate
    2.009 %     3.478 %     4.059 %
Highest Interest Rate
    4.800 %     4.695 %     4.059 %
Earliest Maturity Date
    2012       2021       2011  
Latest Maturity Date
    2013       2023       2011  
 
(1)   Fair Value Hedges — Converts outstanding fixed rate debt to a floating interest rate.
 
(2)   Forward Starting Swaps — Designed to partially fix the interest rate in advance of a planned future debt issuance. These swaps have mandatory counterparty terminations from 2012 through 2014, and $350.0 million, $400.0 million and $200.0 million are designated for 2011, 2012 and 2013 maturities, respectively.
 
(3)   Development Cash Flow Hedges — Converts outstanding floating rate debt to a fixed interest rate.
          The following tables provide the location of the Operating Partnership’s derivative instruments within the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and their fair market values as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (amounts in thousands):
                         
    Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
    Balance Sheet           Balance Sheet      
December 31, 2010   Location   Fair Value     Location   Fair Value  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Interest Rate Contracts:
                       
Fair Value Hedges
  Other assets   $ 12,521     Other liabilities   $  
Forward Starting Swaps
  Other assets     3,276     Other liabilities     (37,756 )
Development Cash Flow Hedges
  Other assets         Other liabilities     (1,322 )
 
                   
Total
      $ 15,797         $ (39,078 )
 
                   
                         
    Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
    Balance Sheet           Balance Sheet      
December 31, 2009   Location   Fair Value     Location   Fair Value  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Interest Rate Contracts:
                       
Fair Value Hedges
  Other assets   $ 5,186     Other liabilities   $  
Forward Starting Swaps
  Other assets     23,630     Other liabilities      
Development Cash Flow Hedges
  Other assets         Other liabilities     (3,577 )
 
                   
Total
      $ 28,816         $ (3,577 )
 
                   
          The following tables provide a summary of the effect of fair value hedges on the Operating Partnership’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (amounts in thousands):
                             
    Location of Gain/(Loss)   Amount of Gain/(Loss)         Income Statement   Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
December 31, 2010   Recognized in Income   Recognized in Income         Location of Hedged   Recognized in Income  
Type of Fair Value Hedge   on Derivative   on Derivative     Hedged Item   Item Gain/(Loss)   on Hedged Item  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                           
Interest Rate Contracts:
                           
Interest Rate Swaps
  Interest expense   $ 7,335     Fixed rate debt   Interest expense   $ (7,335 )
 
                       
Total
      $ 7,335             $ (7,335 )
 
                       

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    Location of Gain/(Loss)   Amount of Gain/(Loss)         Income Statement   Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
December 31, 2009   Recognized in Income   Recognized in Income         Location of Hedged   Recognized in Income  
Type of Fair Value Hedge   on Derivative   on Derivative     Hedged Item   Item Gain/(Loss)   on Hedged Item  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                           
Interest Rate Contracts:
                           
Interest Rate Swaps
  Interest expense   $ (1,167 )   Fixed rate debt   Interest expense   $ 1,167  
 
                       
Total
      $ (1,167 )           $ 1,167  
 
                       
          The following tables provide a summary of the effect of cash flow hedges on the Operating Partnership’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (amounts in thousands):
                                 
    Effective Portion     Ineffective Portion  
    Amount of     Location of Gain/(Loss)   Amount of Gain/(Loss)     Location of   Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
    Gain/(Loss)     Reclassified from   Reclassified from     Gain/(Loss)   Reclassified from  
December 31, 2010   Recognized in OCI     Accumulated OCI   Accumulated OCI     Recognized in Income   Accumulated OCI  
Type of Cash Flow Hedge   on Derivative     into Income   into Income     on Derivative   into Income  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Interest Rate Contracts:
                               
Forward Starting Swaps/Treasury Locks
  $ (68,149 )   Interest expense   $ (3,338 )   N/A   $  
Development Interest Rate Swaps/Caps
    2,255     Interest expense         N/A      
 
                         
Total
  $ (65,894 )       $ (3,338 )       $  
 
                         
                                 
    Effective Portion     Ineffective Portion  
    Amount of     Location of Gain/(Loss)   Amount of Gain/(Loss)     Location of   Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
    Gain/(Loss)     Reclassified from   Reclassified from     Gain/(Loss)   Reclassified from  
December 31, 2009   Recognized in OCI     Accumulated OCI   Accumulated OCI     Recognized in Income   Accumulated OCI  
Type of Cash Flow Hedge   on Derivative     into Income   into Income     on Derivative   into Income  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Interest Rate Contracts:
                               
Forward Starting Swaps/Treasury Locks
  $ 34,432     Interest expense   $ (3,724 )   N/A   $  
Development Interest Rate Swaps/Caps
    3,244     Interest expense         N/A      
 
                         
Total
  $ 37,676         $ (3,724 )       $  
 
                         
          As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were approximately $58.3 million in deferred losses, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) and $4.2 million in deferred gains, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive income, respectively, related to derivative instruments. Based on the estimated fair values of the net derivative instruments at December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership may recognize an estimated $5.6 million of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) as additional interest expense during the year ending December 31, 2011.
          In July 2010, the Operating Partnership paid approximately $10.0 million to settle a forward starting swap in conjunction with the issuance of $600.0 million of ten-year fixed rate public notes. The entire amount was deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being recognized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the notes.
          In January 2009, the Operating Partnership received approximately $0.4 million to terminate a fair value hedge of interest rates in conjunction with the public tender of the Operating Partnership’s 4.75% fixed rate public notes due June 15, 2009. Approximately $0.2 million of the settlement received was deferred and recognized as a reduction of interest expense through the maturity on June 15, 2009.
          In April and May 2009, the Operating Partnership received approximately $10.8 million to terminate six treasury locks in conjunction with the issuance of a $500.0 million 11-year mortgage loan. The entire amount was deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and is recognized as a reduction of interest expense over the first ten years of the mortgage loan.
          During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership sold a majority of its investment securities, receiving proceeds of approximately $215.8 million, and recorded a $4.9 million realized gain on sale (specific identification) which is included in interest and other income. The following tables set forth the maturity, amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, book/fair value and interest and other income of the various investment securities held as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (amounts in thousands):

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        Other Assets        
December 31, 2010       Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Book/     Interest and  
Security   Maturity   Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value     Other Income  
Available-for-Sale
                                           
FDIC-insured certificates of deposit
  Less than one year   $     $     $     $     $ 61  
Other
  N/A     675       519             1,194        
 
                                 
 
                                           
Total Available-for-Sale and Grand Total
      $ 675     $ 519     $     $ 1,194     $ 61  
 
                                 
                                             
        Other Assets        
December 31, 2009       Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Book/     Interest and  
Security   Maturity   Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value     Other Income  
Held-to-Maturity
                                           
FDIC-insured promissory notes
  Less than one year   $     $     $     $     $ 458  
 
                                 
 
                                           
Total Held-to-Maturity
                                458  
 
                                           
Available-for-Sale
                                           
FDIC-insured certificates of deposit
  Less than one year     25,000       93             25,093       491  
Other
  Between one and five years or N/A     675       370             1,045       7,754  
 
                                 
 
                                           
Total Available-for-Sale
        25,675       463             26,138       8,245  
 
                                           
 
                                 
Grand Total
      $ 25,675     $ 463     $     $ 26,138     $ 8,703  
 
                                 
          A three-level valuation hierarchy exists for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
    Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
    Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
 
    Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
          The Operating Partnership’s derivative positions are valued using models developed by the respective counterparty as well as models developed internally by the Operating Partnership that use as their basis readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves and credit default swap data) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, employee holdings other than EQR Common Shares within the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”) have a fair value of $58.1 million as of December 31, 2010 and are included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These SERP investments are valued using quoted market prices for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
          The Operating Partnership’s investment securities are valued using quoted market prices or readily available market interest rate data. The quoted market prices are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy and the market interest rate data are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Redeemable Limited Partners are valued using the quoted market price of EQR Common Shares and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
          The Operating Partnership’s real estate asset impairment charges were the result of an analysis of the parcels’ estimated fair value (determined using internally developed models that were based on market assumptions and comparable sales data) (Level 3) compared to their current capitalized carrying value. The market assumptions used as inputs to the Operating Partnership’s fair value model include construction costs, leasing assumptions, growth rates, discount rates, terminal capitalization rates and development yields, along with the Operating Partnership’s current plans for each individual asset. The Operating Partnership uses data on its existing portfolio of properties and its recent acquisition and development properties, as well as similar market data from third party sources, when available, in determining these inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure fair value is consistent with how similar assets were

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measured in prior periods. See Note 20 for further discussion.
12. Earnings Per Unit
          The following tables set forth the computation of net income per Unit — basic and net income per Unit — diluted (amounts in thousands except per Unit amounts):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Numerator for net income per Unit — basic and diluted (1):
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (19,844 )   $ 2,931     $ (40,054 )
Net loss (income) attributable to Noncontrolling Interests — Partially Owned Properties
    726       558       (2,650 )
Allocation to Preference Units
    (14,368 )     (14,479 )     (14,507 )
Allocation to Preference Interests and Junior Preference Units
          (9 )     (15 )
 
                 
 
                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
    (33,486 )     (10,999 )     (57,226 )
Discontinued operations, net
    315,827       379,098       476,467  
 
                 
 
                       
Numerator for net income per Unit — basic and diluted (1)
  $ 282,341     $ 368,099     $ 419,241  
 
                 
 
                       
Denominator for net income per Unit — basic and diluted (1)
    296,527       289,167       287,631  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — basic
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — diluted
  $ 0.95     $ 1.27     $ 1.46  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — basic:
                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
  $ (0.113 )   $ (0.038 )   $ (0.199 )
Discontinued operations, net
    1.065       1.309       1.655  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — basic
  $ 0.952     $ 1.271     $ 1.456  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — diluted (1):
                       
(Loss) from continuing operations available to Units
  $ (0.113 )   $ (0.038 )   $ (0.199 )
Discontinued operations, net
    1.065       1.309       1.655  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income per Unit — diluted
  $ 0.952     $ 1.271     $ 1.456  
 
                 
 
                       
Distributions declared per Unit outstanding
  $ 1.47     $ 1.64     $ 1.93  
 
                 
 
(1)   Potential Units issuable from the assumed exercise/vesting of EQR long-term compensation award shares/units are automatically anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the diluted earnings per Unit calculation as the Operating Partnership had a loss from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Convertible preference interests/units that could be converted into 325,103, 402,501 and 427,090 weighted average Common Shares (which would be contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per Unit because the effects would be anti-dilutive. In addition, the effect of the Common Shares/OP Units that could ultimately be issued upon the conversion/exchange of the Operating Partnership’s $650.0 million ($482.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2010) exchangeable senior notes was not included in the computation of diluted earnings per Unit because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
For additional disclosures regarding the employee share options and restricted shares, see Notes 2 and 14.
13. Discontinued Operations
          The Operating Partnership has presented separately as discontinued operations in all periods the results of operations for all consolidated assets disposed of and all properties held for sale, if any.
          The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Operating Partnership owned such assets during each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands).

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    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
REVENUES
                       
Rental income
  $ 67,670     $ 160,031     $ 261,924  
 
                 
Total revenues
    67,670       160,031       261,924  
 
                 
 
                       
EXPENSES (1)
                       
Property and maintenance
    18,659       49,088       75,079  
Real estate taxes and insurance
    7,028       18,065       28,764  
Property management
                (62 )
Depreciation
    16,770       41,104       66,625  
General and administrative
    36       34       29  
 
                 
Total expenses
    42,493       108,291       170,435  
 
                 
 
                       
Discontinued operating income
    25,177       51,740       91,489  
 
                       
Interest and other income
    497       120       427  
Other expenses
          (1 )      
Interest (2):
                       
Expense incurred, net
    (7,722 )     (8,660 )     (10,093 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    (37 )     (561 )     (54 )
Income and other tax (expense) benefit
    (44 )     1,161       1,841  
 
                 
 
                       
Discontinued operations
    17,871       43,799       83,610  
Net gain on sales of discontinued operations
    297,956       335,299       392,857  
 
                 
 
                       
Discontinued operations, net
  $ 315,827     $ 379,098     $ 476,467  
 
                 
 
(1)   Includes expenses paid in the current period for properties sold or held for sale in prior periods related to the Operating Partnership’s period of ownership.
 
(2)   Includes only interest expense specific to secured mortgage notes payable for properties sold and/or held for sale.
          For the properties sold during 2010, the investment in real estate, net of accumulated depreciation, and the mortgage notes payable balances at December 31, 2009 were $430.5 million and $89.4 million, respectively.
14. Share Incentive Plans
          Any Common Shares issued pursuant to EQR’s incentive equity compensation and employee share purchase plans will result in the Operating Partnership issuing OP units to EQR on a one-for-one basis with the Operating Partnership receiving the net cash proceeds of such issuances.
          On May 15, 2002, the shareholders of EQR approved the Company’s 2002 Share Incentive Plan. The maximum aggregate number of awards that may be granted under this plan may not exceed 7.5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares calculated on a “fully diluted” basis and determined annually on the first day of each calendar year. As of January 1, 2011, this amount equaled 22,785,696, of which 5,395,739 shares were available for future issuance. No awards may be granted under the 2002 Share Incentive Plan, as restated, after February 20, 2012.
          Pursuant to the 2002 Share Incentive Plan, as restated, and the Amended and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan, as amended (collectively the “Share Incentive Plans”), officers, trustees and key employees of the Company may be granted share options to acquire Common Shares (“Options”) including non-qualified share options (“NQSOs”), incentive share options (“ISOs”) and share appreciation rights (“SARs”), or may be granted restricted or non-restricted shares, subject to conditions and restrictions as described in the Share Incentive Plans. In addition, each year prior to 2007, certain executive officers of the Company participated in the Company’s performance-based restricted share plan. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company elected to discontinue the award of performance-based award grants. Options, SARs, restricted shares, performance shares and LTIP Units (see discussion below) are sometimes collectively referred to herein as “Awards”.
          The Options are generally granted at the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares at the date of grant, vest in three equal installments over a three-year period, are exercisable upon vesting and expire ten years from the date of grant. The exercise price for all Options under the Share Incentive Plans is equal to the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares at the time the Option is granted. Options exercised result in new Common Shares being issued on the open market. The Amended and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan, as amended, will terminate at such time as all

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outstanding Awards have expired or have been exercised/vested. The Board of Trustees may at any time amend or terminate the Share Incentive Plans, but termination will not affect Awards previously granted. Any Options which had vested prior to such a termination would remain exercisable by the holder.
          Restricted shares that have been awarded through December 31, 2010 generally vest three years from the award date. In addition, the Company’s unvested restricted shareholders have the same voting rights as any other Common Share holder. During the three-year period of restriction, the Company’s unvested restricted shareholders receive quarterly dividend payments on their shares at the same rate and on the same date as any other Common Share holder. As a result, dividends paid on unvested restricted shares are included as a component of retained earnings (included in general partner’s capital) and have not been considered in reducing net income available to Units in a manner similar to the Operating Partnership’s preference unit dividends for the earnings per Unit calculation. If employment is terminated prior to the lapsing of the restriction, the shares are generally canceled.
          In December 2008, the Company’s 2002 Share Incentive Plan was amended to allow for the issuance of long-term incentive plan units (“LTIP Units”) to officers of the Company as an alternative to the Company’s restricted shares. LTIP Units are a class of partnership interests that under certain conditions, including vesting, are convertible by the holder into an equal number of OP Units, which are redeemable by the holder for EQR Common Shares on a one-for-one basis or the cash value of such shares at the option of the Operating Partnership. In connection with the February 2009 grant of long-term incentive compensation for services provided during 2008, officers of the Company were allowed to choose, on a one-for-one basis, between restricted shares and LTIP Units. Similar to restricted shares, LTIP Units generally vest three years from the award date. In addition, LTIP Unit holders receive quarterly dividend payments on their LTIP Units at the same rate and on the same date as any other OP Unit holder. As a result, dividends paid on LTIP Units are included as a component of Limited Partners capital and have not been considered in reducing net income available to Units in a manner similar to the Operating Partnership’s preference unit dividends for the earnings per Unit calculation. If employment is terminated prior to vesting, the LTIP Units are generally canceled. An LTIP Unit will automatically convert to an OP Unit when the capital account of each LTIP Unit increases (“books-up”) to a specified target. If the capital target is not attained within ten years following the date of issuance, the LTIP Unit will automatically be canceled and no compensation will be payable to the holder of such canceled LTIP Unit.
          EQR’s Share Incentive Plans provide for certain benefits upon retirement at or after age 62. As of November 4, 2008, but effective as of January 1, 2009, EQR changed the definition of retirement for employees (including all officers but not non-employee members of EQR’s Board of Trustees) under its Share Incentive Plans. For employees hired prior to January 1, 2009, retirement generally will mean the termination of employment (other than for cause): (i) on or after age 62; or (ii) prior to age 62 after meeting the requirements of the Rule of 70 (described below). For employees hired after January 1, 2009, retirement generally will mean the termination of employment (other than for cause) after meeting the requirements of the Rule of 70.
          The Rule of 70 is met when an employee’s years of service with EQR (which must be at least 15 years) plus his or her age (which must be at least 55 years) on the date of termination equals or exceeds 70 years. In addition, the employee must give EQR at least 6 months’ advance written notice of his or her intention to retire and sign a release upon termination of employment, releasing EQR from customary claims and agreeing to ongoing non-competition and employee non-solicitation provisions.
          John Powers, Executive Vice President — Human Resources, became eligible for retirement in 2009 as he turned 62. Frederick C. Tuomi, President — Property Management, became eligible for retirement under the Rule of 70 in 2009. Bruce C. Strohm, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, became eligible for retirement under the Rule of 70 in 2010. David J. Neithercut, Chief Executive Officer and President, will become eligible for retirement under the Rule of 70 in 2011.
          For employees hired prior to January 1, 2009, who retire at or after age 62, such employee’s unvested restricted shares, LTIP Units and share options would immediately vest, and share options would continue to be exercisable for the balance of the applicable ten-year option period, as was provided under the Share Incentive Plans prior to the adoption of the Rule of 70. For all other employees (those hired after January 1, 2009 and those hired before such date who choose to retire prior to age 62), upon such retirement under the new Rule of 70 definition of retirement of employees, such employee’s unvested restricted shares, LTIP Units and share options would continue to vest per the original vesting schedule (subject to immediate vesting upon the occurrence of a subsequent change in control of EQR or the employee’s death), and options would continue to be exercisable for the balance of the applicable ten-year option period, subject to the employee’s compliance with the non-competition and employee non-solicitation provisions. If an employee violates these provisions after such retirement, all unvested restricted shares, unvested LTIP Units and unvested and vested share options at the time of the violation would be void, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee of EQR’s Board of Trustees.

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          The following tables summarize compensation information regarding the performance shares, restricted shares, LTIP Units, share options and Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) for the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Dividends  
    Expense     Capitalized     Equity     Incurred  
Restricted shares
  $ 8,603     $ 1,178     $ 9,781     $ 1,334  
LTIP Units
    2,334       190       2,524       138  
Share options
    6,707       714       7,421        
ESPP discount
    1,231       59       1,290        
 
                       
Total
  $ 18,875     $ 2,141     $ 21,016     $ 1,472  
 
                       
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2009  
    Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Dividends  
    Expense     Capitalized     Equity     Incurred  
Performance shares
  $ 103     $ 76     $ 179     $  
Restricted shares
    10,065       1,067       11,132       1,627  
LTIP Units
    1,036       158       1,194       254  
Share options
    5,458       538       5,996        
ESPP discount
    1,181       122       1,303        
 
                       
Total
  $ 17,843     $ 1,961     $ 19,804     $ 1,881  
 
                       
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2008  
    Compensation     Compensation     Compensation     Dividends  
    Expense     Capitalized     Equity     Incurred  
Performance shares
  $ (8 )   $     $ (8 )   $  
Restricted shares
    15,761       1,517       17,278       2,175  
Share options
    5,361       485       5,846        
ESPP discount
    1,197       92       1,289        
 
                       
Total
  $ 22,311     $ 2,094     $ 24,405     $ 2,175  
 
                       
          Compensation expense is generally recognized for Awards as follows:
    Restricted shares, LTIP Units and share options — Straight-line method over the vesting period of the options or shares regardless of cliff or ratable vesting distinctions.
 
    Performance shares — Accelerated method with each vesting tranche valued as a separate award, with a separate vesting date, consistent with the estimated value of the award at each period end.
 
    ESPP discount — Immediately upon the purchase of common shares each quarter.
          The Company accelerates the recognition of compensation expense for all Awards for those individuals approaching or meeting the retirement age criteria discussed above. The total compensation expense related to Awards not yet vested at December 31, 2010 is $19.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average term of 1.5 years.
          See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Company’s share-based compensation.
          The table below summarizes the Award activity of the Share Incentive Plans for the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:

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            Weighted             Weighted             Weighted  
    Common     Average             Average Fair             Average Fair  
    Shares Subject     Exercise Price     Restricted     Value per     LTIP     Value per  
    to Options     per Option     Shares     Restricted Share     Units     LTIP Unit  
Balance at December 31, 2007
    9,185,141     $ 32.37       1,178,188     $ 42.30                  
Awards granted (1)
    1,436,574     $ 38.46       524,983     $ 38.29                  
Awards exercised/vested (2) (3)
    (995,129 )   $ 24.75       (644,131 )   $ 35.99                  
Awards forfeited
    (113,786 )   $ 43.95       (63,029 )   $ 44.87                  
Awards expired
    (39,541 )   $ 35.91                              
 
                                       
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2008
    9,473,259     $ 33.94       996,011     $ 44.16              
 
                                               
Awards granted (1)
    2,541,005     $ 23.08       362,997     $ 22.62       155,189     $ 21.11  
Awards exercised/vested (2) (3)
    (422,713 )   $ 21.62       (340,362 )   $ 42.67              
Awards forfeited
    (146,151 )   $ 30.07       (64,280 )   $ 35.28       (573 )   $ 21.11  
Awards expired
    (95,650 )   $ 32.21                          
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2009
    11,349,750     $ 32.03       954,366     $ 37.10       154,616     $ 21.11  
 
                                               
Awards granted (1)
    1,436,115     $ 33.59       270,805     $ 34.85       94,096     $ 32.97  
Awards exercised/vested (2) (3)
    (2,506,645 )   $ 28.68       (278,183 )   $ 52.25              
Awards forfeited
    (76,275 )   $ 29.43       (35,038 )   $ 30.84       (1,204 )   $ 21.11  
Awards expired
    (96,457 )   $ 42.69                          
 
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2010
    10,106,488     $ 33.00       911,950     $ 32.05       247,508     $ 25.62  
 
                                   
 
(1)   The weighted average grant date fair value for Options granted during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $6.18 per share, $3.38 per share and $4.08 per share, respectively.
 
(2)   The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $39.6 million, $2.8 million and $15.6 million, respectively. These values were calculated as the difference between the strike price of the underlying awards and the per share price at which each respective award was exercised.
 
(3)   The fair value of restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $9.1 million, $8.0 million and $23.9 million, respectively.
          The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2010:
                                         
    Options Outstanding (1)     Options Exercisable (2)  
            Weighted                      
            Average     Weighted             Weighted  
            Remaining     Average             Average  
            Contractual     Exercise             Exercise  
Range of Exercise Prices   Options     Life in Years     Price     Options     Price  
$21.40 to $26.75
    2,974,937       6.18     $ 23.42       1,403,771     $ 23.82  
$26.76 to $32.10
    2,478,594       3.09     $ 29.99       2,478,594     $ 29.99  
$32.11 to $37.45
    1,374,888       9.01     $ 32.96       23,546     $ 32.23  
$37.46 to $42.80
    2,363,450       5.87     $ 40.44       2,023,316     $ 40.75  
$42.81 to $48.15
    4,202       5.32     $ 45.25       4,202     $ 45.25  
$48.16 to $53.50
    910,417       6.09     $ 53.19       853,222     $ 53.50  
 
                             
$21.40 to $53.50
    10,106,488       5.73     $ 33.00       6,786,651     $ 34.89  
 
                             
 
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2010
    9,718,763       5.69     $ 33.12                  
 
                                 
 
(1)   The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding that are vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2010 is $184.3 million.
 
(2)   The aggregate intrinsic value and weighted average remaining contractual life in years of options exercisable as of December 31, 2010 is $117.1 million and 4.4 years, respectively.
Note: The aggregate intrinsic values in Notes (1) and (2) above were both calculated as the excess, if any, between the Company’s closing share price of $51.95 per share on December 31, 2010 and the strike price of the underlying awards.

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     As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, 7,974,815 Options (with a weighted average exercise price of $33.55) and 7,522,344 Options (with a weighted average exercise price of $31.58) were exercisable, respectively.
15. Employee Plans
     The Company established an Employee Share Purchase Plan to provide each employee and EQR trustee the ability to annually acquire up to $100,000 of Common Shares of EQR. In 2003, EQR’s shareholders approved an increase in the aggregate number of Common Shares available under the ESPP to 7,000,000 (from 2,000,000). The Company has 3,403,970 Common Shares available for purchase under the ESPP at December 31, 2010. The Common Shares may be purchased quarterly at a price equal to 85% of the lesser of: (a) the closing price for a share on the last day of such quarter; and (b) the greater of: (i) the closing price for a share on the first day of such quarter, and (ii) the average closing price for a share for all the business days in the quarter. The following table summarizes information regarding the Common Shares issued under the ESPP (the net proceeds noted below were contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
    (Amounts in thousands except share and per share amounts)  
Shares issued
    157,363       324,394       195,961  
Issuance price ranges
  $ 28.26 - $41.16     $ 14.21 – $24.84     $ 23.51 – $37.61  
Issuance proceeds
  $ 5,112     $ 5,292     $ 6,170  
     The Company established a defined contribution plan (the “401(k) Plan”) to provide retirement benefits for employees that meet minimum employment criteria. The Operating Partnership, on behalf of the Company, matches dollar for dollar up to the first 3% of eligible compensation that a participant contributes to the 401(k) Plan. Participants are vested in the Company’s contributions over five years. The Operating Partnership recognized an expense in the amount of $4.0 million, $3.5 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
     The Operating Partnership, on behalf of the Company, may also elect to make an annual discretionary profit-sharing contribution as a percentage of each individual employee’s eligible compensation under the 401(k) Plan. The Operating Partnership did not make a contribution for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and as such, no expense was recognized in these years.
     The Company established a supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”) to provide certain officers and EQR trustees an opportunity to defer a portion of their eligible compensation in order to save for retirement. The SERP is restricted to investments in EQR Common Shares, certain marketable securities that have been specifically approved and cash equivalents. The deferred compensation liability represented in the SERP and the securities issued to fund such deferred compensation liability are consolidated by the Operating Partnership and carried on the Operating Partnership’s balance sheet, and the Company’s Common Shares held in the SERP are accounted for as a reduction to General Partner’s capital.
16. Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan
     On November 3, 1997, the Company filed with the SEC a Form S-3 Registration Statement to register 14,000,000 Common Shares pursuant to a Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (the “DRIP Plan”). The registration statement was declared effective on November 25, 1997. The remaining shares available for issuance under the 1997 registration lapsed in December 2008.
     On December 16, 2008, the Company filed with the SEC a Form S-3 Registration Statement to register 5,000,000 Common Shares under the DRIP Plan. The registration statement was automatically declared effective the same day and expires at the earlier of the date in which all 5,000,000 shares have been issued or December 15, 2011. The Company has 4,905,736 Common Shares available for issuance under the DRIP Plan at December 31, 2010.
     The DRIP Plan provides holders of record and beneficial owners of Common Shares and Preferred Shares with a simple and convenient method of investing cash distributions in additional Common Shares (which is referred to herein as the “Dividend Reinvestment – DRIP Plan”). Common Shares may also be purchased on a monthly basis with optional cash payments made by participants in the DRIP Plan and interested new investors, not currently shareholders of EQR, at the market price of the Common Shares less a discount ranging between 0% and 5%, as determined in accordance with the DRIP Plan (which is referred to herein as the “Share Purchase – DRIP Plan”). Common Shares purchased under the DRIP Plan may, at the option of EQR, be directly issued by EQR or purchased by EQR’s transfer agent in the open market using participants’ funds. The net proceeds from any Common Share issuances are contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP Units.

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17. Transactions with Related Parties
     Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement for the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership is required to reimburse EQR for all expenses incurred by EQR in excess of income earned by EQR through its indirect 1% ownership of various entities. Amounts paid on behalf of EQR are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as general and administrative expenses.
     The Operating Partnership provided asset and property management services to certain related entities for properties not owned by the Operating Partnership, which terminated in December 2008. Fees received for providing such services were approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
     The Operating Partnership leases its corporate headquarters from an entity controlled by EQR’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The lease terminates on July 31, 2021. Amounts incurred for such office space for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were approximately $2.7 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million. The Operating Partnership believes these amounts equal market rates for such rental space.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
     The Operating Partnership, as an owner of real estate, is subject to various Federal, state and local environmental laws. Compliance by the Operating Partnership with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership. However, the Operating Partnership cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws or regulations on its current properties or on properties that it may acquire in the future.
     The Operating Partnership is party to a housing discrimination lawsuit brought by a non-profit civil rights organization in April 2006 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The suit alleges that the Operating Partnership designed and built approximately 300 of its properties in violation of the accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act and Americans With Disabilities Act. The suit seeks actual and punitive damages, injunctive relief (including modification of non-compliant properties), costs and attorneys’ fees. The Operating Partnership believes it has a number of viable defenses, including that a majority of the named properties were completed before the operative dates of the statutes in question and/or were not designed or built by the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Operating Partnership is defending the suit vigorously. Due to the pendency of the Operating Partnership’s defenses and the uncertainty of many other critical factual and legal issues, it is not possible to determine or predict the outcome of the suit or a possible loss or a range of loss, and no amounts have been accrued at December 31, 2010. While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that the suit, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.
     The Operating Partnership does not believe there is any other litigation pending or threatened against it that, individually or in the aggregate, may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.
     The Operating Partnership has established a reserve and recorded a corresponding reduction to its net gain on sales of discontinued operations related to potential liabilities associated with its condominium conversion activities. The reserve covers potential product liability related to each conversion. The Operating Partnership periodically assesses the adequacy of the reserve and makes adjustments as necessary. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership recorded additional reserves of approximately $0.7 million, paid approximately $2.9 million in claims, settlements and legal fees and released approximately $1.2 million of remaining reserves for settled claims. As a result, the Operating Partnership had total reserves of approximately $3.3 million at December 31, 2010. While no assurances can be given, the Operating Partnership does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these potential liabilities, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on the Operating Partnership.
     As of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership has four projects totaling 717 apartment units in various stages of development with estimated completion dates ranging through September 30, 2012, as well as other completed development projects that are in various stages of lease up or are stabilized. Some of the projects are developed solely by the Operating Partnership, while others were co-developed with various third party development partners. The development venture agreements with partners are primarily deal-specific, with differing terms regarding profit-sharing, equity contributions, returns on investment, buy-sell agreements and other customary provisions. The partner is most often the “general” or “managing” partner of the development venture. The typical buy-sell arrangements contain appraisal rights and provisions that provide the right, but not the obligation, for the Operating Partnership to acquire the partner’s interest in the project at fair market value upon the expiration of a negotiated time period (typically two to five years after substantial completion of the project).
     During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, total operating lease payments incurred for office

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space, including a portion of real estate taxes, insurance, repairs and utilities, and including rent due under three ground leases, aggregated $7.6 million, $8.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively.
     The Company has entered into a retirement benefits agreement with its Chairman of the Board of Trustees and deferred compensation agreements with its Vice Chairman and two former chief executive officers. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Operating Partnership recognized compensation expense of $0.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to these agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership reduced compensation expense by $0.4 million related to these agreements.
     The following table summarizes the Operating Partnership’s contractual obligations for minimum rent payments under operating leases and deferred compensation for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2010:
                                                         
    Payments Due by Year (in thousands)
    2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   Thereafter   Total
Operating Leases:
                                                       
Minimum Rent Payments (a)
  $ 5,478     $ 4,285     $ 4,431     $ 4,736     $ 4,729     $ 320,928     $ 344,587  
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
                                                       
Deferred Compensation (b)
    1,457       1,770       1,485       1,677       1,677       9,182       17,248  
 
(a)   Minimum basic rent due for various office space the Operating Partnership leases and fixed base rent due on ground leases for four properties/parcels.
 
(b)   Estimated payments to EQR’s Chairman, Vice Chairman and two former CEO’s based on planned retirement dates.
19. Reportable Segments
     Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by senior management. Senior management decides how resources are allocated and assesses performance on a monthly basis.
     The Operating Partnership’s primary business is the acquisition, development and management of multifamily residential properties, which includes the generation of rental and other related income through the leasing of apartment units to residents. Senior management evaluates the performance of each of our apartment communities individually and geographically, and both on a same store and non-same store basis; however, each of our apartment communities generally has similar economic characteristics, residents, products and services. The Operating Partnership’s operating segments have been aggregated by geography in a manner identical to that which is provided to its chief operating decision maker.
     The Operating Partnership’s fee and asset management, development (including its partially owned properties), condominium conversion and corporate housing (Equity Corporate Housing or “ECH”) activities are immaterial and do not individually meet the threshold requirements of a reportable segment and as such, have been aggregated in the “Other” segment in the tables presented below.
     All revenues are from external customers and there is no customer who contributed 10% or more of the Operating Partnership’s total revenues during the three years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 or 2008.
     The primary financial measure for the Operating Partnership’s rental real estate segment is net operating income (“NOI”), which represents rental income less: 1) property and maintenance expense; 2) real estate taxes and insurance expense; and 3) property management expense (all as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations). The Operating Partnership believes that NOI is helpful to investors as a supplemental measure of its operating performance because it is a direct measure of the actual operating results of the Operating Partnership’s apartment communities. Current year NOI is compared to prior year NOI and current year budgeted NOI as a measure of financial performance. The following tables present NOI for each segment from our rental real estate specific to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as well as total assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (amounts in thousands):

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    Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    Northeast     Northwest     Southeast     Southwest     Other (3)     Total  
Rental income:
                                               
Same store (1)
  $ 574,147     $ 353,123     $ 383,475     $ 417,523     $     $ 1,728,268  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    112,747       18,042       9,271       33,456       84,259       257,775  
 
                                   
Total rental income
    686,894       371,165       392,746       450,979       84,259       1,986,043  
 
                                               
Operating expenses:
                                               
Same store (1)
    215,365       132,331       157,518       149,449             654,663  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    54,780       7,950       4,126       15,136       69,823       151,815  
 
                                   
Total operating expenses
    270,145       140,281       161,644       164,585       69,823       806,478  
 
                                               
NOI:
                                               
Same store (1)
    358,782       220,792       225,957       268,074             1,073,605  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    57,967       10,092       5,145       18,320       14,436       105,960  
 
                                   
Total NOI
  $ 416,749     $ 230,884     $ 231,102     $ 286,394     $ 14,436     $ 1,179,565  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 6,211,534     $ 2,665,707     $ 2,602,318     $ 3,240,170     $ 1,464,465     $ 16,184,194  
 
                                   
 
(1)   Same store primarily includes all properties acquired or completed and stabilized prior to January 1, 2009, less properties subsequently sold, which represented 112,042 apartment units.
 
(2)   Non-same store primarily includes properties acquired after January 1, 2009, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2009.
 
(3)   Other includes ECH, development, condominium conversion overhead of $0.6 million and other corporate operations. Also reflects a $10.5 million elimination of rental income recorded in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest operating segments related to ECH.
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2009  
    Northeast     Northwest     Southeast     Southwest     Other (3)     Total  
Rental income:
                                               
Same store (1)
  $ 566,518     $ 357,502     $ 383,239     $ 423,076     $     $ 1,730,335  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    23,195       2,010       4,268       16,985       69,364       115,822  
 
                                   
Total rental income
    589,713       359,512       387,507       440,061       69,364       1,846,157  
 
                                               
Operating expenses:
                                               
Same store (1)
    211,352       129,696       158,977       148,483             648,508  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    12,798       1,851       1,727       9,418       68,692       94,486  
 
                                   
Total operating expenses
    224,150       131,547       160,704       157,901       68,692       742,994  
 
                                               
NOI:
                                               
Same store (1)
    355,166       227,806       224,262       274,593             1,081,827  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    10,397       159       2,541       7,567       672       21,336  
 
                                   
Total NOI
  $ 365,563     $ 227,965     $ 226,803     $ 282,160     $ 672     $ 1,103,163  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 5,435,072     $ 2,474,775     $ 2,674,499     $ 2,971,396     $ 1,861,773     $ 15,417,515  
 
                                   
 
(1)   Same store primarily includes all properties acquired or completed and stabilized prior to January 1, 2009, less properties subsequently sold, which represented 112,042 apartment units.
 
(2)   Non-same store primarily includes properties acquired after January 1, 2009, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2009.
 
(3)   Other includes ECH, development, condominium conversion overhead of $1.4 million and other corporate operations. Also reflects a $9.6 million elimination of rental income recorded in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest operating segments related to ECH.

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    Year Ended December 31, 2008  
    Northeast     Northwest     Southeast     Southwest     Other (3)     Total  
Rental income:
                                               
Same store (1)
  $ 553,712     $ 372,197     $ 407,871     $ 444,403     $     $ 1,778,183  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    37,000       18,347       6,090       23,400       101,934       186,771  
Properties sold in 2010 (4)
                            (88,681 )     (88,681 )
 
                                   
Total rental income
    590,712       390,544       413,961       467,803       13,253       1,876,273  
 
                                               
Operating expenses:
                                               
Same store (1)
    199,673       128,448       166,022       150,980             645,123  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    16,806       7,664       2,995       14,363       101,742       143,570  
Properties sold in 2010 (4)
                            (31,205 )     (31,205 )
 
                                   
Total operating expenses
    216,479       136,112       169,017       165,343       70,537       757,488  
 
                                               
NOI:
                                               
Same store (1)
    354,039       243,749       241,849       293,423             1,133,060  
Non-same store/other (2) (3)
    20,194       10,683       3,095       9,037       192       43,201  
Properties sold in 2010 (4)
                            (57,476 )     (57,476 )
 
                                   
Total NOI
  $ 374,233     $ 254,432     $ 244,944     $ 302,460     $ (57,284 )   $ 1,118,785  
 
                                   
 
(1)   Same store primarily includes all properties acquired or completed and stabilized prior to January 1, 2008, less properties subsequently sold, which represented 113,598 apartment units.
 
(2)   Non-same store primarily includes properties acquired after January 1, 2008, plus any properties in lease-up and not stabilized as of January 1, 2008.
 
(3)   Other includes ECH, development, condominium conversion overhead of $2.8 million and other corporate operations. Also reflects a $13.6 million elimination of rental income recorded in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest operating segments related to ECH.
 
(4)   Reflects discontinued operations for properties sold during 2010.
Note: Markets included in the above geographic segments are as follows:
(a)   Northeast – New England (excluding Boston), Boston, New York Metro, DC Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.
 
(b)   Northwest – Denver, Portland, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle/Tacoma.
 
(c)   Southeast – Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando, South Florida and Tampa.
 
(d)   Southwest – Albuquerque, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix and San Diego.
     The following table presents a reconciliation of NOI from our rental real estate specific to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively (amounts in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Rental income
  $ 1,986,043     $ 1,846,157     $ 1,876,273  
Property and maintenance expense
    (498,634 )     (464,809 )     (485,754 )
Real estate taxes and insurance expense
    (226,718 )     (206,247 )     (194,671 )
Property management expense
    (81,126 )     (71,938 )     (77,063 )
 
                 
Total operating expenses
    (806,478 )     (742,994 )     (757,488 )
 
                 
Net operating income
  $ 1,179,565     $ 1,103,163     $ 1,118,785  
 
                 
20. Subsequent Events/Other
 
    Subsequent Events
 
    Subsequent to December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership:
    Acquired two apartment properties consisting of 521 apartment units for $137.1 million;
 
    Sold two consolidated apartment properties consisting of 600 apartment units for $32.7 million;
 
    Repaid $173.0 million in mortgage loans;
 
    Issued 3.0 million Common Shares at an average price of $50.84 per share for total consideration of $154.5 million under EQR’s ATM share offering program; and
 
    Increased its availability for issuance under EQR’s ATM share offering program to 10,000,000 

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      Common Shares.
     Other
     During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership recorded a $45.4 million non-cash asset impairment charge on two parcels of land held for development as a result of changes in the Operating Partnership’s future plans for those parcels. The Operating Partnership now intends to sell one parcel in the near term and contemplates a joint venture structure for the other, necessitating this impairment charge. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Operating Partnership recorded an $11.1 million non-cash asset impairment charge on a parcel of land held for development. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership recorded $116.4 million of non-cash asset impairment charges on land held for development related to five potential development projects that will no longer be pursued. These charges were the result of an analysis of each parcel’s estimated fair value (determined using internally developed models that were based on market assumptions and comparable sales data) compared to its current capitalized carrying value. The market assumptions used as inputs to the Operating Partnership’s fair value model include construction costs, leasing assumptions, growth rates, discount rates, terminal capitalization rates and development yields, along with the Operating Partnership’s current plans for each individual asset. The Operating Partnership uses data on its existing portfolio of properties and its recent acquisition and development properties, as well as similar market data from third party sources, when available, in determining these inputs.
     During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Operating Partnership incurred charges of $6.6 million, $1.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to property acquisition costs, such as survey, title and legal fees, on the acquisition of operating properties and $5.3 million, $4.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, related to the write-off of various pursuit and out-of-pocket costs for terminated acquisition, disposition and development transactions. These costs, totaling $11.9 million, $6.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively, are included in other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
     During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership recognized $0.7 million of forfeited deposits for various terminated transactions, which are included in interest and other income. During the year ended December 31, 2010, an arbitration panel awarded commissions, interest and costs in the amount of $1.7 million to the listing and marketing agent related to 38 potential condo sales at one of the Operating Partnership’s properties. In addition, during 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Operating Partnership received $5.2 million, $0.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the settlement of litigation/insurance claims, which are included in interest and other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
     On July 16, 2010, a portion of the parking garage collapsed at one of the Operating Partnership’s rental properties (Prospect Towers in Hackensack, New Jersey). The Operating Partnership estimates that the costs related to such collapse (both expensed and capitalized), including providing for residents’ interim needs, lost revenue and garage reconstruction, will be approximately $12.0 million, after insurance reimbursements of $8.0 million. Costs to rebuild the garage will be capitalized as incurred. Other costs, like those to accommodate displaced residents, lost revenue due to a portion of the property being temporarily unavailable for occupancy and legal costs, will reduce earnings as they are incurred. Generally, insurance proceeds will be recorded as increases to earnings as they are received. An impairment charge of $1.3 million was recognized to write-off the net book value of the collapsed garage. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership received approximately $4.0 million in insurance proceeds which fully offset the impairment charge and partially offset expenses of $5.5 million that were recorded relating to this loss and are included in real estate taxes and insurance on the consolidated statements of operations.
21. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
     The following unaudited quarterly data has been prepared on the basis of a December 31 year-end. All amounts have also been restated in accordance with the guidance on discontinued operations and reflect dispositions and/or properties held for sale through December 31, 2010. Amounts are in thousands, except for per Unit amounts.

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    First     Second     Third     Fourth  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
2010   3/31     6/30     9/30     12/31  
Total revenues (1)
  $ 472,082     $ 494,541     $ 511,772     $ 517,124  
Operating income (1)
    112,382       115,247       121,047       93,325  
(Loss) income from continuing operations (1)
    (7,267 )     4,714       14,930       (32,221 )
Discontinued operations, net (1)
    65,123       5,375       14,896       230,433  
Net income *
    57,856       10,089       29,826       198,212  
Net income available to Units
    54,486       6,656       26,397       194,802  
Earnings per Unit — basic:
                               
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.18     $ 0.02     $ 0.09     $ 0.65  
Weighted average Units outstanding
    294,450       295,898       296,348       299,363  
Earnings per Unit — diluted:
                               
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.18     $ 0.02     $ 0.09     $ 0.65  
Weighted average Units outstanding
    294,450       299,642       300,379       299,363  
 
(1)   The amounts presented for the first three quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in the respective Form 10-Q’s filed with the SEC for each period as a result of changes in discontinued operations due to additional property sales which occurred throughout 2010. Below is a reconciliation to the amounts previously reported:
                         
    First     Second     Third  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
2010   3/31     6/30     9/30  
Total revenues previously reported in Form 10-Q
  $ 488,690     $ 510,937     $ 527,356  
Total revenues subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (16,608 )     (16,396 )     (15,584 )
 
                 
Total revenues disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 472,082     $ 494,541     $ 511,772  
 
                 
 
                       
Operating income previously reported in Form 10-Q
  $ 118,596     $ 121,529     $ 127,196  
Operating income subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (6,214 )     (6,282 )     (6,149 )
 
                 
Operating income disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 112,382     $ 115,247     $ 121,047  
 
                 
 
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations previously reported in Form 10-Q
  $ (2,208 )   $ 9,406     $ 19,884  
Income from continuing operations subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (5,059 )     (4,692 )     (4,954 )
 
                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ (7,267 )   $ 4,714     $ 14,930  
 
                 
 
                       
Discontinued operations, net previously reported in Form 10-Q
  $ 60,064     $ 683     $ 9,942  
Discontinued operations, net from properties sold subsequent to the respective reporting period
    5,059       4,692       4,954  
 
                 
Discontinued operations, net disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 65,123     $ 5,375     $ 14,896  
 
                 
                                 
    First     Second     Third     Fourth  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
2009   3/31     6/30     9/30     12/31  
Total revenues (2)
  $ 466,177     $ 464,225     $ 464,827     $ 461,274  
Operating income (2)
    126,283       120,661       122,703       126,954  
Income (loss) from continuing operations (2)
    7,858       7,813       4,256       (16,996 )
Discontinued operations, net (2)
    77,563       98,119       139,109       64,307  
Net income *
    85,421       105,932       143,365       47,311  
Net income available to Units
    81,866       102,314       140,061       43,858  
Earnings per Unit — basic:
                               
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.28     $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 0.15  
Weighted average Units outstanding
    288,710       288,990       289,262       289,693  
Earnings per Unit — diluted:
                               
Net income available to Units
  $ 0.28     $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 0.15  
Weighted average Units outstanding
    288,853       289,338       290,215       289,693  

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(2)   The amounts presented for the four quarters of 2009 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in either the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2010 (for the first, second and fourth quarters of 2009) or in the third quarter 2010 Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 4, 2010 (for the third quarter of 2009) primarily as a result of changes in discontinued operations due to additional property sales which occurred throughout 2010. Below is a reconciliation to the amounts previously reported:
                                 
    First     Second     Third     Fourth  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
2009   3/31     6/30     9/30     12/31  
Total revenues previously reported in September 2010 Form 8-K/Form 10-Q
  $ 482,475     $ 480,333     $ 480,241     $ 477,365  
Total revenues subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (16,298 )     (16,108 )     (15,414 )     (16,091 )
 
                       
Total revenues disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 466,177     $ 464,225     $ 464,827     $ 461,274  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income previously reported in September 2010 Form 8-K/Form 10-Q
  $ 132,245     $ 126,944     $ 128,655     $ 133,239  
Operating income subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (5,962 )     (6,283 )     (5,952 )     (6,285 )
 
                       
Operating income disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 126,283     $ 120,661     $ 122,703     $ 126,954  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations previously reported in September 2010 Form 8-K/Form 10-Q
  $ 11,948     $ 12,339     $ 9,029     $ (13,146 )
Income from continuing operations subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations
    (4,090 )     (4,526 )     (4,773 )     (3,850 )
 
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 7,858     $ 7,813     $ 4,256     $ (16,996 )
 
                       
 
                               
Discontinued operations, net previously reported in September 2010 Form 8-K/Form 10-Q
  $ 73,473     $ 93,593     $ 134,336     $ 60,457  
Discontinued operations, net from properties sold subsequent to the respective reporting period
    4,090       4,526       4,773       3,850  
 
                       
Discontinued operations, net disclosed in Form 10-K
  $ 77,563     $ 98,119     $ 139,109     $ 64,307  
 
                       
 
*   The Operating Partnership did not have any extraordinary items or cumulative effect of change in accounting principle during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Therefore, income before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle is not shown as it was equal to the net income amounts disclosed above.

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Overall Summary
December 31, 2010
                                                 
                    Investment in Real     Accumulated     Investment in Real        
    Properties (H)     Units (H)     Estate, Gross     Depreciation     Estate, Net     Encumbrances  
 
Wholly Owned Unencumbered
    288       80,239     $ 12,555,402,637     $ (2,847,912,228 )   $ 9,707,490,409     $  
Wholly Owned Encumbered
    137       39,395       6,016,421,350       (1,346,626,508 )     4,669,794,842       2,595,245,052  
Portfolio/Entity Encumbrances (1)
                                  1,417,683,780  
 
                                   
Wholly Owned Properties
    425       119,634       18,571,823,987       (4,194,538,736 )     14,377,285,251       4,012,928,832  
 
                                               
Partially Owned Unencumbered
                25,130,204             25,130,204        
Partially Owned Encumbered
    24       5,232       1,105,416,801       (142,817,905 )     962,598,896       749,967,053  
 
                                   
Partially Owned Properties
    24       5,232       1,130,547,005       (142,817,905 )     987,729,100       749,967,053  
 
                                               
Total Unencumbered Properties
    288       80,239       12,580,532,841       (2,847,912,228 )     9,732,620,613        
Total Encumbered Properties
    161       44,627       7,121,838,151       (1,489,444,413 )     5,632,393,738       4,762,895,885  
 
                                   
Total Consolidated Investment in Real Estate
    449       124,866     $ 19,702,370,992     $ (4,337,356,641 )   $ 15,365,014,351     $ 4,762,895,885  
 
                                   
 
(1)   See attached Encumbrances Reconciliation.

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Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances Reconciliation
December 31, 2010
                         
    Number of              
    Properties     See Properties        
Portfolio/Entity Encumbrances   Encumbered by     With Note:     Amount  
EQR-Bond Partnership
    6       I     $ 51,670,000  
EQR-Fanwell 2007 LP
    7       J       223,138,000  
EQR-Wellfan 2008 LP (R)
    15       K       550,000,000  
EQR-SOMBRA 2008 LP
    18       L       543,000,000 (1)
Other
                49,875,780 (1)
 
                     
 
Portfolio/Entity Encumbrances
    46               1,417,683,780  
 
Individual Property Encumbrances
                    3,345,212,105  
 
                     
 
Total Encumbrances per Financial Statements
                  $ 4,762,895,885  
 
                     
 
(1)   Temporary letters of credit supported by the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility and/or a temporary guaranty from the Operating Partnership were posted as collateral in place of sold properties. Property substitutions closed in January 2011 and the letters of credit and guaranty were terminated.

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ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

(Amounts in thousands)
The changes in total real estate for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 18,465,144     $ 18,690,239     $ 18,333,350  
Acquisitions and development
    1,789,948       512,977       995,026  
Improvements
    141,199       125,965       172,165  
Dispositions and other
    (693,920 )     (864,037 )     (810,302 )
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 19,702,371     $ 18,465,144     $ 18,690,239  
 
                 
The changes in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 3,877,564     $ 3,561,300     $ 3,170,125  
Depreciation
    673,403       600,375       602,908  
Dispositions and other
    (213,610 )     (284,111 )     (211,733 )
 
                 
Balance, end of year
  $ 4,337,357     $ 3,877,564     $ 3,561,300  
 
                 

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Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
ERPOP Wholly Owned Unencumbered:
                                                                                               
500 West 23rd Street (fka 10 Chelsea)
  New York, NY   (F)         $     $ 27,382,360     $     $     $     $ 27,382,360     $ 27,382,360     $     $ 27,382,360     $  
1210 Mass
  Washington, D.C. (G)   2004     144       9,213,512       36,559,189             285,543       9,213,512       36,844,732       46,058,244       (7,702,999 )     38,355,245        
1401 Joyce on Pentagon Row
  Arlington, VA   2004     326       9,780,000       89,680,000             163,567       9,780,000       89,843,567       99,623,567       (7,954,463 )     91,669,104        
1660 Peachtree
  Atlanta, GA   1999     355       7,924,126       23,602,563             2,032,029       7,924,126       25,634,592       33,558,718       (7,213,204 )     26,345,514        
2201 Pershing Drive
  Arlington, VA   (F)           12,054,081       2,652,636                   12,054,081       2,652,636       14,706,717             14,706,717        
2400 M St
  Washington, D.C. (G)   2006     359       30,006,593       114,013,785             732,059       30,006,593       114,745,844       144,752,437       (21,822,792 )     122,929,645        
420 East 80th Street
  New York, NY   1961     155       39,277,000       23,026,984             2,501,381       39,277,000       25,528,365       64,805,365       (5,980,711 )     58,824,654        
425 Mass
  Washington, D.C. (G)   2009     559       28,150,000       138,600,000             1,953,014       28,150,000       140,553,014       168,703,014       (4,494,218 )     164,208,796        
600 Washington
  New York, NY (G)   2004     135       32,852,000       43,140,551             195,058       32,852,000       43,335,609       76,187,609       (9,485,348 )     66,702,261        
70 Greene
  Jersey City, NJ (G)   2010     480       28,170,659       239,232,094             103,450       28,170,659       239,335,544       267,506,203       (6,599,249 )     260,906,954        
71 Broadway
  New York, NY (G)   1997     238       22,611,600       77,492,171             2,960,860       22,611,600       80,453,031       103,064,631       (17,989,358 )     85,075,273        
777 Sixth
  New York, NY (G)   2002     294       65,352,706       65,747,294             282,143       65,352,706       66,029,437       131,382,143       (8,432,644 )     122,949,499        
Abington Glen
  Abington, MA   1968     90       553,105       3,697,396             2,359,072       553,105       6,056,468       6,609,573       (2,794,784 )     3,814,789        
Acacia Creek
  Scottsdale, AZ   1988-1994     304       3,663,473       21,172,386             2,814,423       3,663,473       23,986,809       27,650,282       (11,190,829 )     16,459,453        
Arden Villas
  Orlando, FL   1999     336       5,500,000       28,600,796             3,182,624       5,500,000       31,783,420       37,283,420       (8,171,582 )     29,111,838        
Arlington at Perimeter Center
  Atlanta, GA   1980     204       2,448,000       8,099,110             114,675       2,448,000       8,213,785       10,661,785       (1,300,791 )     9,360,994        
Ashton, The
  Corona Hills, CA   1986     492       2,594,264       33,042,398             5,966,954       2,594,264       39,009,352       41,603,616       (18,806,334 )     22,797,282        
Audubon Village
  Tampa, FL   1990     447       3,576,000       26,121,909             4,114,611       3,576,000       30,236,520       33,812,520       (13,268,213 )     20,544,307        
Auvers Village
  Orlando, FL   1991     480       3,808,823       29,322,243             6,216,049       3,808,823       35,538,292       39,347,115       (15,974,356 )     23,372,759        
Avenue Royale
  Jacksonville, FL   2001     200       5,000,000       17,785,388             917,456       5,000,000       18,702,844       23,702,844       (4,583,891 )     19,118,953        
Avon Place, LLC
  Avon, CT   1973     163       1,788,943       12,440,003             1,531,391       1,788,943       13,971,394       15,760,337       (4,990,349 )     10,769,988        
Ball Park Lofts
  Denver, CO (G)   2003     343       5,481,556       51,658,740             2,708,015       5,481,556       54,366,755       59,848,311       (12,931,360 )     46,916,951        
Barrington Place
  Oviedo, FL   1998     233       6,990,000       15,740,825             2,533,678       6,990,000       18,274,503       25,264,503       (6,000,104 )     19,264,399        
Bay Hill
  Long Beach, CA   2002     160       7,600,000       27,437,239             740,325       7,600,000       28,177,564       35,777,564       (7,029,980 )     28,747,584        
Bella Terra I
  Mukilteo, WA (G)   2002     235       5,686,861       26,070,540             667,419       5,686,861       26,737,959       32,424,820       (7,277,028 )     25,147,792        
Bella Vista
  Phoenix, AZ   1995     248       2,978,879       20,641,333             3,393,449       2,978,879       24,034,782       27,013,661       (11,641,771 )     15,371,890        
Bella Vista I, II, III Combined
  Woodland Hills, CA   2003-2007     579       31,682,754       121,095,785             1,390,256       31,682,754       122,486,041       154,168,795       (23,933,139 )     130,235,656        
Belle Arts Condominium Homes, LLC
  Bellevue, WA   2000     1       63,158       248,929             (5,320 )     63,158       243,609       306,767             306,767        
Beneva Place
  Sarasota, FL   1986     192       1,344,000       9,665,447             1,728,604       1,344,000       11,394,051       12,738,051       (5,284,608 )     7,453,443        
Berkeley Land
  Berkeley, CA   (F)           13,908,910       801,101                   13,908,910       801,101       14,710,011             14,710,011        
Bermuda Cove
  Jacksonville, FL   1989     350       1,503,000       19,561,896             4,556,127       1,503,000       24,118,023       25,621,023       (11,324,915 )     14,296,108        
Bishop Park
  Winter Park, FL   1991     324       2,592,000       17,990,436             3,646,274       2,592,000       21,636,710       24,228,710       (10,340,427 )     13,888,283        
Bradford Apartments
  Newington, CT   1964     64       401,091       2,681,210             579,531       401,091       3,260,741       3,661,832       (1,301,744 )     2,360,088        
Briar Knoll Apts
  Vernon, CT   1986     150       928,972       6,209,988             1,274,495       928,972       7,484,483       8,413,455       (3,030,004 )     5,383,451        
Bridford Lakes II
  Greensboro, NC   (F)           1,100,564       792,509                   1,100,564       792,509       1,893,073             1,893,073        
Bridgewater at Wells Crossing
  Orange Park, FL   1986     288       2,160,000       13,347,549             2,010,434       2,160,000       15,357,983       17,517,983       (6,560,719 )     10,957,264        
Brookside (MD)
  Frederick, MD   1993     228       2,736,000       7,934,069             2,157,009       2,736,000       10,091,078       12,827,078       (4,847,243 )     7,979,835        
Brookside II (MD)
  Frederick, MD   1979     204       2,450,800       6,913,202             2,622,214       2,450,800       9,535,416       11,986,216       (4,965,160 )     7,021,056        
Camellero
  Scottsdale, AZ   1979     348       1,924,900       17,324,593             5,445,971       1,924,900       22,770,564       24,695,464       (13,879,083 )     10,816,381        
Carlyle Mill
  Alexandria, VA   2002     317       10,000,000       51,367,913             3,585,927       10,000,000       54,953,840       64,953,840       (15,384,028 )     49,569,812        
Center Pointe
  Beaverton, OR   1996     264       3,421,535       15,708,853             2,605,275       3,421,535       18,314,128       21,735,663       (7,023,656 )     14,712,007        
Centre Club
  Ontario, CA   1994     312       5,616,000       23,485,891             2,576,818       5,616,000       26,062,709       31,678,709       (9,857,007 )     21,821,702        
Centre Club II
  Ontario, CA   2002     100       1,820,000       9,528,898             539,590       1,820,000       10,068,488       11,888,488       (3,186,170 )     8,702,318        
Chandler Court
  Chandler, AZ   1987     316       1,353,100       12,175,173             4,308,670       1,353,100       16,483,843       17,836,943       (9,303,425 )     8,533,518        
Chandlers Bay
  Kent, WA   1989     293       3,700,000       18,962,585             69,473       3,700,000       19,032,058       22,732,058       (2,175,442 )     20,556,616        
Chatelaine Park
  Duluth, GA   1995     303       1,818,000       24,489,671             1,974,089       1,818,000       26,463,760       28,281,760       (11,447,801 )     16,833,959        
Chesapeake Glen Apts (fka Greentree I, II & III)
  Glen Burnie, MD   1973     796       8,993,411       27,301,052             20,936,090       8,993,411       48,237,142       57,230,553       (22,479,872 )     34,750,681        
Chestnut Hills
  Puyallup, WA   1991     157       756,300       6,806,635             1,360,272       756,300       8,166,907       8,923,207       (4,244,605 )     4,678,602        
Chickasaw Crossing
  Orlando, FL   1986     292       2,044,000       12,366,832             1,786,050       2,044,000       14,152,882       16,196,882       (6,515,656 )     9,681,226        
Chinatown Gateway
  Los Angeles, CA   (F)           14,791,831       11,026,473                   14,791,831       11,026,473       25,818,304             25,818,304        
Citrus Falls
  Tampa, FL   2003     273       8,190,000       28,894,280             381,158       8,190,000       29,275,438       37,465,438       (5,939,746 )     31,525,692        
City View (GA)
  Atlanta, GA (G)   2003     202       6,440,800       19,993,460             1,256,448       6,440,800       21,249,908       27,690,708       (5,161,465 )     22,529,243        
Clarys Crossing
  Columbia, MD   1984     198       891,000       15,489,721             1,986,718       891,000       17,476,439       18,367,439       (8,016,743 )     10,350,696        
Cleo, The
  Los Angeles, CA   1989     92       6,615,467       14,829,335             3,663,066       6,615,467       18,492,401       25,107,868       (3,530,065 )     21,577,803        
Club at Tanasbourne
  Hillsboro, OR   1990     352       3,521,300       16,257,934             3,046,161       3,521,300       19,304,095       22,825,395       (9,895,369 )     12,930,026        
Club at the Green
  Beaverton, OR   1991     254       2,030,950       12,616,747             2,526,289       2,030,950       15,143,036       17,173,986       (7,815,215 )     9,358,771        
Coconut Palm Club
  Coconut Creek, GA   1992     300       3,001,700       17,678,928             2,525,679       3,001,700       20,204,607       23,206,307       (9,321,082 )     13,885,225        
Cortona at Dana Park
  Mesa, AZ   1986     222       2,028,939       12,466,128             2,413,182       2,028,939       14,879,310       16,908,249       (7,286,220 )     9,622,029        
Country Gables
  Beaverton, OR   1991     288       1,580,500       14,215,444             3,412,313       1,580,500       17,627,757       19,208,257       (9,537,809 )     9,670,448        
Cove at Boynton Beach I
  Boynton Beach, FL   1996     252       12,600,000       31,469,651             2,779,931       12,600,000       34,249,582       46,849,582       (9,526,032 )     37,323,550        
Cove at Boynton Beach II
  Boynton Beach, FL   1998     296       14,800,000       37,874,719                   14,800,000       37,874,719       52,674,719       (10,138,327 )     42,536,392        
Cove at Fishers Landing
  Vancouver, WA   1993     253       2,277,000       15,656,887             1,152,551       2,277,000       16,809,438       19,086,438       (5,710,162 )     13,376,276        
Creekside Village
  Mountlake Terrace, WA   1987     512       2,807,600       25,270,594             4,629,268       2,807,600       29,899,862       32,707,462       (17,364,294 )     15,343,168        
Crosswinds
  St. Petersburg, FL   1986     208       1,561,200       5,756,822             2,155,601       1,561,200       7,912,423       9,473,623       (4,270,769 )     5,202,854        
Crown Court
  Scottsdale, AZ   1987     416       3,156,600       28,414,599             7,093,468       3,156,600       35,508,067       38,664,667       (17,536,796 )     21,127,871        
Crowntree Lakes
  Orlando, FL   2008     352       12,009,630       44,407,977             128,840       12,009,630       44,536,817       56,546,447       (5,032,304 )     51,514,143        
Cypress Lake at Waterford
  Orlando, FL   2001     316       7,000,000       27,654,816             1,474,998       7,000,000       29,129,814       36,129,814       (7,889,517 )     28,240,297        
Dartmouth Woods
  Lakewood, CO   1990     201       1,609,800       10,832,754             1,964,282       1,609,800       12,797,036       14,406,836       (6,455,552 )     7,951,284        
Dean Estates
  Taunton, MA   1984     58       498,080       3,329,560             622,827       498,080       3,952,387       4,450,467       (1,678,930 )     2,771,537        
Deerwood (Corona)
  Corona, CA   1992     316       4,742,200       20,272,892             3,818,931       4,742,200       24,091,823       28,834,023       (11,726,867 )     17,107,156        
Defoor Village
  Atlanta, GA   1997     156       2,966,400       10,570,210             1,990,444       2,966,400       12,560,654       15,527,054       (5,858,484 )     9,668,570        

S-4


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Del Mar Ridge
  San Diego, CA   1998     181       7,801,824       36,948,176             2,298,593       7,801,824       39,246,769       47,048,593       (3,116,754 )     43,931,839        
Desert Homes
  Phoenix, AZ   1982     412       1,481,050       13,390,249             4,652,484       1,481,050       18,042,733       19,523,783       (10,220,322 )     9,303,461        
Eagle Canyon
  Chino Hills, CA   1985     252       1,808,900       16,274,361             4,994,045       1,808,900       21,268,406       23,077,306       (10,622,403 )     12,454,903        
Ellipse at Government Center
  Fairfax, VA   1989     404       19,433,000       56,816,266             2,245,450       19,433,000       59,061,716       78,494,716       (7,973,317 )     70,521,399        
Emerson Place
  Boston, MA (G)   1962     444       14,855,000       57,566,636             15,120,573       14,855,000       72,687,209       87,542,209       (36,608,983 )     50,933,226        
Enclave at Lake Underhill
  Orlando, FL   1989     312       9,359,750       29,539,650             1,690,403       9,359,750       31,230,053       40,589,803       (7,327,341 )     33,262,462        
Enclave at Waterways
  Deerfield Beach, FL   1998     300       15,000,000       33,194,576             843,037       15,000,000       34,037,613       49,037,613       (8,268,775 )     40,768,838        
Enclave at Winston Park
  Coconut Creek, FL   1995     278       5,560,000       19,939,324             2,101,199       5,560,000       22,040,523       27,600,523       (7,511,989 )     20,088,534        
Enclave, The
  Tempe, AZ   1994     204       1,500,192       19,281,399             1,333,483       1,500,192       20,614,882       22,115,074       (9,498,305 )     12,616,769        
Estates at Phipps
  Atlanta, GA   1996     234       9,360,000       29,705,236             3,780,696       9,360,000       33,485,932       42,845,932       (9,625,684 )     33,220,248        
Estates at Wellington Green
  Wellington, FL   2003     400       20,000,000       64,790,850             1,719,926       20,000,000       66,510,776       86,510,776       (15,486,015 )     71,024,761        
Fairland Gardens
  Silver Spring, MD   1981     400       6,000,000       19,972,183             5,994,235       6,000,000       25,966,418       31,966,418       (12,839,143 )     19,127,275        
Four Winds
  Fall River, MA   1987     168       1,370,843       9,163,804             1,961,290       1,370,843       11,125,094       12,495,937       (4,317,329 )     8,178,608        
Fox Hill Apartments
  Enfield, CT   1974     168       1,129,018       7,547,256             1,410,030       1,129,018       8,957,286       10,086,304       (3,473,400 )     6,612,904        
Fox Run (WA)
  Federal Way, WA   1988     144       626,637       5,765,018             1,644,476       626,637       7,409,494       8,036,131       (4,492,269 )     3,543,862        
Fox Run II (WA)
  Federal Way, WA   1988     18       80,000       1,286,139             53,086       80,000       1,339,225       1,419,225       (389,957 )     1,029,268        
Gables Grand Plaza
  Coral Gables, FL (G)   1998     195             44,601,000             3,174,122             47,775,122       47,775,122       (12,598,590 )     35,176,532        
Gallery, The
  Hermosa Beach, CA   1971     168       18,144,000       46,567,941             1,719,605       18,144,000       48,287,546       66,431,546       (9,535,678 )     56,895,868        
Gatehouse at Pine Lake
  Pembroke Pines, FL   1990     296       1,896,600       17,070,795             3,174,037       1,896,600       20,244,832       22,141,432       (10,411,240 )     11,730,192        
Gatehouse on the Green
  Plantation, FL   1990     312       2,228,200       20,056,270             6,485,962       2,228,200       26,542,232       28,770,432       (12,580,475 )     16,189,957        
Gates of Redmond
  Redmond, WA   1979     180       2,306,100       12,064,015             4,624,741       2,306,100       16,688,756       18,994,856       (7,467,775 )     11,527,081        
Gatewood
  Pleasanton, CA   1985     200       6,796,511       20,249,392             3,558,873       6,796,511       23,808,265       30,604,776       (6,922,485 )     23,682,291        
Governors Green
  Bowie, MD   1999     478       19,845,000       73,335,916             513,833       19,845,000       73,849,749       93,694,749       (10,600,450 )     83,094,299        
Greenfield Village
  Rocky Hill , CT   1965     151       911,534       6,093,418             623,523       911,534       6,716,941       7,628,475       (2,669,219 )     4,959,256        
Greenhouse — Roswell
  Roswell, GA   1985     236       1,220,000       10,974,727             2,862,866       1,220,000       13,837,593       15,057,593       (8,334,268 )     6,723,325        
Hamilton Villas
  Beverly Hills, CA   1990     35       7,772,000       16,864,269             1,197,789       7,772,000       18,062,058       25,834,058       (2,088,921 )     23,745,137        
Hammocks Place
  Miami, FL   1986     296       319,180       12,513,467             3,361,988       319,180       15,875,455       16,194,635       (9,682,288 )     6,512,347        
Hampshire Place
  Los Angeles, CA   1989     259       10,806,000       30,335,330             1,855,750       10,806,000       32,191,080       42,997,080       (8,142,603 )     34,854,477        
Hamptons
  Puyallup, WA   1991     230       1,119,200       10,075,844             1,812,434       1,119,200       11,888,278       13,007,478       (6,014,780 )     6,992,698        
Heritage Ridge
  Lynwood, WA   1999     197       6,895,000       18,983,597             492,899       6,895,000       19,476,496       26,371,496       (5,168,705 )     21,202,791        
Heritage, The
  Phoenix, AZ   1995     204       1,209,705       13,136,903             1,360,019       1,209,705       14,496,922       15,706,627       (6,803,317 )     8,903,310        
Heron Pointe
  Boynton Beach, FL   1989     192       1,546,700       7,774,676             1,923,892       1,546,700       9,698,568       11,245,268       (5,039,618 )     6,205,650        
High Meadow
  Ellington, CT   1975     100       583,679       3,901,774             756,263       583,679       4,658,037       5,241,716       (1,793,920 )     3,447,796        
Highland Glen
  Westwood, MA   1979     180       2,229,095       16,828,153             2,239,543       2,229,095       19,067,696       21,296,791       (7,067,157 )     14,229,634        
Highland Glen II
  Westwood, MA   2007     102             19,875,857             80,545             19,956,402       19,956,402       (2,819,615 )     17,136,787        
Highlands at South Plainfield
  South Plainfield, NJ   2000     252       10,080,000       37,526,912             733,896       10,080,000       38,260,808       48,340,808       (7,925,678 )     40,415,130        
Highlands, The
  Scottsdale, AZ   1990     272       11,823,840       31,990,970             2,805,757       11,823,840       34,796,727       46,620,567       (7,688,227 )     38,932,340        
Hudson Crossing
  New York, NY (G)   2003     259       23,420,000       70,086,976             748,402       23,420,000       70,835,378       94,255,378       (16,184,367 )     78,071,011        
Hudson Pointe
  Jersey City, NJ   2003     182       5,148,500       41,149,117             1,048,724       5,148,500       42,197,841       47,346,341       (10,223,470 )     37,122,871        
Hunt Club II
  Charlotte, NC   (F)           100,000                         100,000             100,000             100,000        
Huntington Park
  Everett, WA   1991     381       1,597,500       14,367,864             3,620,694       1,597,500       17,988,558       19,586,058       (10,893,191 )     8,692,867        
Indian Bend
  Scottsdale, AZ   1973     278       1,075,700       9,800,330             3,042,609       1,075,700       12,842,939       13,918,639       (8,082,539 )     5,836,100        
Iron Horse Park
  Pleasant Hill, CA   1973     252       15,000,000       24,335,549             7,755,418       15,000,000       32,090,967       47,090,967       (8,103,335 )     38,987,632        
Isle at Arrowhead Ranch
  Glendale, AZ   1996     256       1,650,237       19,593,123             1,660,272       1,650,237       21,253,395       22,903,632       (9,860,515 )     13,043,117        
Kempton Downs
  Gresham, OR   1990     278       1,217,349       10,943,372             2,838,147       1,217,349       13,781,519       14,998,868       (7,994,662 )     7,004,206        
Kenwood Mews
  Burbank, CA   1991     141       14,100,000       24,662,883             1,627,860       14,100,000       26,290,743       40,390,743       (5,165,397 )     35,225,346        
Key Isle at Windermere
  Ocoee, FL   2000     282       8,460,000       31,761,470             1,197,975       8,460,000       32,959,445       41,419,445       (7,409,728 )     34,009,717        
Key Isle at Windermere II
  Ocoee, FL   2008     165       3,306,286       24,519,643             21,547       3,306,286       24,541,190       27,847,476       (2,038,084 )     25,809,392        
Kings Colony (FL)
  Miami, FL   1986     480       19,200,000       48,379,586             2,692,770       19,200,000       51,072,356       70,272,356       (12,387,179 )     57,885,177        
La Mirage
  San Diego, CA   1988/1992     1,070       28,895,200       95,567,943             13,968,700       28,895,200       109,536,643       138,431,843       (51,916,782 )     86,515,061        
La Mirage IV
  San Diego, CA   2001     340       6,000,000       47,449,353             2,944,380       6,000,000       50,393,733       56,393,733       (16,239,415 )     40,154,318        
Laguna Clara
  Santa Clara, CA   1972     264       13,642,420       29,707,475             3,329,323       13,642,420       33,036,798       46,679,218       (9,100,501 )     37,578,717        
Lake Buena Vista Combined
  Orlando, FL   2000/2002     672       23,520,000       75,068,206             3,594,116       23,520,000       78,662,322       102,182,322       (17,301,402 )     84,880,920        
Landings at Pembroke Lakes
  Pembroke Pines, FL   1989     358       17,900,000       24,460,989             4,881,752       17,900,000       29,342,741       47,242,741       (7,519,945 )     39,722,796        
Landings at Port Imperial
  W. New York, NJ   1999     276       27,246,045       37,741,050             6,567,661       27,246,045       44,308,711       71,554,756       (15,348,539 )     56,206,217        
Las Colinas at Black Canyon
  Phoenix, AZ   2008     304       9,000,000       35,917,811             115,519       9,000,000       36,033,330       45,033,330       (4,435,319 )     40,598,011        
Legacy at Highlands Ranch
  Highlands Ranch, CO   1999     422       6,330,000       37,557,013             1,466,728       6,330,000       39,023,741       45,353,741       (9,805,338 )     35,548,403        
Legacy Park Central
  Concord, CA   2003     259       6,469,230       46,745,854             295,479       6,469,230       47,041,333       53,510,563       (10,789,289 )     42,721,274        
Lexington Farm
  Alpharetta, GA   1995     352       3,521,900       22,888,305             2,476,212       3,521,900       25,364,517       28,886,417       (11,200,145 )     17,686,272        
Lexington Park
  Orlando, FL   1988     252       2,016,000       12,346,726             2,450,467       2,016,000       14,797,193       16,813,193       (7,062,512 )     9,750,681        
Little Cottonwoods
  Tempe, AZ   1984     379       3,050,133       26,991,689             3,737,391       3,050,133       30,729,080       33,779,213       (14,499,829 )     19,279,384        
Longacre House
  New York, NY (G)   2000     293       73,170,045       53,962,510             125,953       73,170,045       54,088,463       127,258,508       (7,505,448 )     119,753,060        
Longfellow Place
  Boston, MA (G)   1975     710       53,164,160       183,940,619             47,318,604       53,164,160       231,259,223       284,423,383       (97,449,615 )     186,973,768        
Longwood
  Decatur, GA   1992     268       1,454,048       13,087,393             2,002,602       1,454,048       15,089,995       16,544,043       (8,825,354 )     7,718,689        
Madison, The
  Alexandria, VA   (F)           15,261,108       1,080,330                   15,261,108       1,080,330       16,341,438             16,341,438        
Marbrisa
  Tampa, FL   1984     224       2,240,000       7,183,561             79,738       2,240,000       7,263,299       9,503,299       (1,234,564 )     8,268,735        
Mariners Wharf
  Orange Park, FL   1989     272       1,861,200       16,744,951             3,244,046       1,861,200       19,988,997       21,850,197       (9,702,938 )     12,147,259        
Market Street Landing
  Seattle, WA   (F)           12,542,418       297,637                   12,542,418       297,637       12,840,055             12,840,055        
Marquessa
  Corona Hills, CA   1992     336       6,888,500       21,604,584             2,726,408       6,888,500       24,330,992       31,219,492       (11,834,160 )     19,385,332        
Martha Lake
  Lynnwood, WA   1991     155       821,200       7,405,070             1,985,277       821,200       9,390,347       10,211,547       (4,980,064 )     5,231,483        
Martine, The
  Bellevue, WA   1984     67       3,200,000       9,616,264             2,642,670       3,200,000       12,258,934       15,458,934       (1,957,800 )     13,501,134        
Merritt at Satellite Place
  Duluth, GA   1999     424       3,400,000       30,115,674             2,440,228       3,400,000       32,555,902       35,955,902       (13,072,220 )     22,883,682        
Mill Pond
  Millersville, MD   1984     240       2,880,000       8,468,014             2,718,776       2,880,000       11,186,790       14,066,790       (5,505,405 )     8,561,385        
Mira Flores
  Palm Beach Gardens, FL   1996     352       7,039,313       22,515,299             2,298,916       7,039,313       24,814,215       31,853,528       (8,485,263 )     23,368,265        

S-5


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Mission Bay
  Orlando, FL   1991     304       2,432,000       21,623,560             2,717,235       2,432,000       24,340,795       26,772,795       (10,820,242 )     15,952,553        
Mission Verde, LLC
  San Jose, CA   1986     108       5,190,700       9,679,109             3,151,242       5,190,700       12,830,351       18,021,051       (5,623,277 )     12,397,774        
Morningside
  Scottsdale, AZ   1989     160       670,470       12,607,976             1,697,299       670,470       14,305,275       14,975,745       (6,740,861 )     8,234,884        
Mosaic at Largo Station
  Hyattsville, MD   2008     242       4,120,800       42,477,297             237,451       4,120,800       42,714,748       46,835,548       (4,141,764 )     42,693,784        
Mozaic at Union Station
  Los Angeles, CA   2007     272       8,500,000       52,583,270             668,419       8,500,000       53,251,689       61,751,689       (8,972,618 )     52,779,071        
New River Cove
  Davie, FL   1999     316       15,800,000       46,142,895             1,049,654       15,800,000       47,192,549       62,992,549       (10,341,684 )     52,650,865        
Northampton 1
  Largo, MD   1977     344       1,843,200       17,528,381             5,798,143       1,843,200       23,326,524       25,169,724       (14,229,754 )     10,939,970        
Northampton 2
  Largo, MD   1988     276       1,513,500       14,246,990             3,654,124       1,513,500       17,901,114       19,414,614       (10,571,731 )     8,842,883        
Northglen
  Valencia, CA   1988     234       9,360,000       20,778,553             1,728,818       9,360,000       22,507,371       31,867,371       (8,256,285 )     23,611,086        
Northlake (MD)
  Germantown, MD   1985     304       15,000,000       23,142,302             9,754,730       15,000,000       32,897,032       47,897,032       (9,909,101 )     37,987,931        
Northridge
  Pleasant Hill, CA   1974     221       5,527,800       14,691,705             8,471,887       5,527,800       23,163,592       28,691,392       (9,697,063 )     18,994,329        
Oak Park North
  Agoura Hills, CA   1990     220       1,706,900       15,362,666             2,806,978       1,706,900       18,169,644       19,876,544       (9,627,790 )     10,248,754        
Oak Park South
  Agoura Hills, CA   1989     224       1,683,800       15,154,608             2,923,629       1,683,800       18,078,237       19,762,037       (9,624,230 )     10,137,807        
Oaks at Falls Church
  Falls Church, VA   1966     176       20,240,000       20,152,616             3,552,434       20,240,000       23,705,050       43,945,050       (5,665,262 )     38,279,788        
Ocean Crest
  Solana Beach, CA   1986     146       5,111,200       11,910,438             2,058,043       5,111,200       13,968,481       19,079,681       (6,514,987 )     12,564,694        
Ocean Walk
  Key West, FL   1990     297       2,838,749       25,545,009             3,233,758       2,838,749       28,778,767       31,617,516       (13,599,381 )     18,018,135        
Olympus Towers
  Seattle, WA (G)   2000     328       14,752,034       73,335,425             2,226,097       14,752,034       75,561,522       90,313,556       (19,377,834 )     70,935,722        
Orchard Ridge
  Lynnwood, WA   1988     104       480,600       4,372,033             1,127,901       480,600       5,499,934       5,980,534       (3,295,398 )     2,685,136        
Overlook Manor
  Frederick, MD   1980/1985     108       1,299,100       3,930,931             2,142,057       1,299,100       6,072,988       7,372,088       (3,277,788 )     4,094,300        
Overlook Manor II
  Frederick, MD   1980/1985     182       2,186,300       6,262,597             1,253,022       2,186,300       7,515,619       9,701,919       (3,549,205 )     6,152,714        
Paces Station
  Atlanta, GA   1984-1989     610       4,801,500       32,548,053             8,202,985       4,801,500       40,751,038       45,552,538       (20,808,476 )     24,744,062        
Palm Trace Landings
  Davie, FL   1995     768       38,400,000       105,693,432             2,605,905       38,400,000       108,299,337       146,699,337       (23,469,327 )     123,230,010        
Panther Ridge
  Federal Way, WA   1980     260       1,055,800       9,506,117             1,846,801       1,055,800       11,352,918       12,408,718       (5,866,485 )     6,542,233        
Parc 77
  New York, NY (G)   1903     137       40,504,000       18,025,679             4,115,467       40,504,000       22,141,146       62,645,146       (4,773,963 )     57,871,183        
Parc Cameron
  New York, NY (G)   1927     166       37,600,000       9,855,597             5,120,583       37,600,000       14,976,180       52,576,180       (3,867,865 )     48,708,315        
Parc Coliseum
  New York, NY (G)   1910     177       52,654,000       23,045,751             6,947,750       52,654,000       29,993,501       82,647,501       (6,372,704 )     76,274,797        
Park at Turtle Run, The
  Coral Springs, FL   2001     257       15,420,000       36,064,629             898,823       15,420,000       36,963,452       52,383,452       (9,407,101 )     42,976,351        
Park West (CA)
  Los Angeles, CA   1987/1990     444       3,033,500       27,302,383             5,418,219       3,033,500       32,720,602       35,754,102       (17,933,416 )     17,820,686        
Parkside
  Union City, CA   1979     208       6,246,700       11,827,453             3,310,231       6,246,700       15,137,684       21,384,384       (7,795,045 )     13,589,339        
Parkview Terrace
  Redlands, CA   1986     558       4,969,200       35,653,777             11,282,338       4,969,200       46,936,115       51,905,315       (22,196,279 )     29,709,036        
Phillips Park
  Wellesley, MA   1988     49       816,922       5,460,955             936,091       816,922       6,397,046       7,213,968       (2,475,515 )     4,738,453        
Pine Harbour
  Orlando, FL   1991     366       1,664,300       14,970,915             3,529,258       1,664,300       18,500,173       20,164,473       (11,225,249 )     8,939,224        
Playa Pacifica
  Hermosa Beach,CA   1972     285       35,100,000       33,473,822             7,145,521       35,100,000       40,619,343       75,719,343       (10,641,111 )     65,078,232        
Pointe at South Mountain
  Phoenix, AZ   1988     364       2,228,800       20,059,311             3,210,958       2,228,800       23,270,269       25,499,069       (11,847,168 )     13,651,901        
Polos East
  Orlando, FL   1991     308       1,386,000       19,058,620             2,188,231       1,386,000       21,246,851       22,632,851       (9,567,266 )     13,065,585        
Port Royale
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL (G)   1988     252       1,754,200       15,789,873             7,514,240       1,754,200       23,304,113       25,058,313       (12,612,882 )     12,445,431        
Port Royale II
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL (G)   1988     161       1,022,200       9,203,166             4,702,265       1,022,200       13,905,431       14,927,631       (7,140,443 )     7,787,188        
Port Royale III
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL (G)   1988     324       7,454,900       14,725,802             8,935,675       7,454,900       23,661,477       31,116,377       (11,497,857 )     19,618,520        
Port Royale IV
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL   (F)                 387,471                         387,471       387,471             387,471        
Portofino
  Chino Hills, CA   1989     176       3,572,400       14,660,994             2,150,998       3,572,400       16,811,992       20,384,392       (7,854,366 )     12,530,026        
Portofino (Val)
  Valencia, CA   1989     216       8,640,000       21,487,126             2,302,820       8,640,000       23,789,946       32,429,946       (8,794,584 )     23,635,362        
Portside Towers
  Jersey City, NJ (G)   1992-1997     527       22,487,006       96,842,913             14,773,378       22,487,006       111,616,291       134,103,297       (47,349,520 )     86,753,777        
Preserve at Deer Creek
  Deerfield Beach, FL   1997     540       13,500,000       60,011,208             3,069,187       13,500,000       63,080,395       76,580,395       (16,723,806 )     59,856,589        
Prime, The
  Arlington, VA   2002     256       32,000,000       64,436,539             587,595       32,000,000       65,024,134       97,024,134       (12,202,034 )     84,822,100        
Promenade at Aventura
  Aventura, FL   1995     296       13,320,000       30,353,748             4,740,072       13,320,000       35,093,820       48,413,820       (12,325,089 )     36,088,731        
Promenade at Town Center I
  Valencia, CA   2001     294       14,700,000       35,390,279             2,762,304       14,700,000       38,152,583       52,852,583       (10,327,370 )     42,525,213        
Promenade at Wyndham Lakes
  Coral Springs, FL   1998     332       6,640,000       26,743,760             3,364,705       6,640,000       30,108,465       36,748,465       (10,964,932 )     25,783,533        
Promenade Terrace
  Corona, CA   1990     330       2,272,800       20,546,289             4,744,546       2,272,800       25,290,835       27,563,635       (13,575,380 )     13,988,255        
Promontory Pointe I & II
  Phoenix, AZ   1984/1996     424       2,355,509       30,421,840             3,698,629       2,355,509       34,120,469       36,475,978       (16,314,043 )     20,161,935        
Prospect Towers
  Hackensack, NJ   1995     157       3,926,600       31,738,452             2,938,287       3,926,600       34,676,739       38,603,339       (13,635,911 )     24,967,428        
Prospect Towers II
  Hackensack, NJ   2002     203       4,500,000       33,104,733             2,070,180       4,500,000       35,174,913       39,674,913       (10,813,863 )     28,861,050        
Ravens Crest
  Plainsboro, NJ   1984     704       4,670,850       42,080,642             11,945,748       4,670,850       54,026,390       58,697,240       (31,532,339 )     27,164,901        
Redmond Ridge
  Redmond, WA   2008     321       6,975,705       46,175,001             73,615       6,975,705       46,248,616       53,224,321       (4,628,114 )     48,596,207        
Red 160 (fka Redmond Way)
  Redmond, WA (G)   (F)           15,546,376       61,417,903             9,488       15,546,376       61,427,391       76,973,767       (339 )     76,973,428        
Regency Palms
  Huntington Beach, CA   1969     310       1,857,400       16,713,254             4,433,614       1,857,400       21,146,868       23,004,268       (11,462,162 )     11,542,106        
Regency Park
  Centreville, VA   1989     252       2,521,500       16,200,666             7,802,524       2,521,500       24,003,190       26,524,690       (11,693,111 )     14,831,579        
Registry
  Northglenn, CO   1986     208       2,000,000       10,926,759             48,337       2,000,000       10,975,096       12,975,096       (1,278,875 )     11,696,221        
Remington Place
  Phoenix, AZ   1983     412       1,492,750       13,377,478             4,637,494       1,492,750       18,014,972       19,507,722       (10,299,256 )     9,208,466        
Renaissance Villas
  Berkeley, CA (G)   1998     34       2,458,000       4,542,000             5,418       2,458,000       4,547,418       7,005,418       (332,879 )     6,672,539        
Reserve at Ashley Lake
  Boynton Beach, FL   1990     440       3,520,400       23,332,494             4,721,183       3,520,400       28,053,677       31,574,077       (13,452,026 )     18,122,051        
Reserve at Town Center
  Loudon, VA   2002     290       3,144,056       27,669,121             712,324       3,144,056       28,381,445       31,525,501       (7,401,808 )     24,123,693        
Reserve at Town Center II (WA)
  Mill Creek, WA   2009     100       4,310,417       17,172,642             7,133       4,310,417       17,179,775       21,490,192       (614,973 )     20,875,219        
Reserve at Town Center III
  Mill Creek, WA   (F)           2,089,388       220,235                   2,089,388       220,235       2,309,623             2,309,623        
Retreat, The
  Phoenix, AZ   1999     480       3,475,114       27,265,252             2,380,882       3,475,114       29,646,134       33,121,248       (12,339,194 )     20,782,054        
Rianna I
  Seattle, WA (G)   2000     78       2,268,160       14,864,482             84,986       2,268,160       14,949,468       17,217,628       (1,125,268 )     16,092,360        
Ridgewood Village I&II
  San Diego, CA   1997     408       11,809,500       34,004,048             2,195,996       11,809,500       36,200,044       48,009,544       (14,118,993 )     33,890,551        
River Pointe at Den Rock Park
  Lawrence, MA   2000     174       4,615,702       18,440,147             1,212,909       4,615,702       19,653,056       24,268,758       (6,078,818 )     18,189,940        
River Tower
  New York, NY (G)   1982     323       118,669,441       98,880,559             401,052       118,669,441       99,281,611       217,951,052       (12,970,964 )     204,980,088        
Rivers Bend (CT)
  Windsor, CT   1973     373       3,325,517       22,573,826             2,724,959       3,325,517       25,298,785       28,624,302       (9,670,355 )     18,953,947        
Riverview Condominiums
  Norwalk, CT   1991     92       2,300,000       7,406,730             1,806,846       2,300,000       9,213,576       11,513,576       (4,117,696 )     7,395,880        
Royal Oaks (FL)
  Jacksonville, FL   1991     284       1,988,000       13,645,117             3,882,711       1,988,000       17,527,828       19,515,828       (7,780,869 )     11,734,959        
Sabal Palm at Carrollwood Place
  Tampa, FL   1995     432       3,888,000       26,911,542             2,533,589       3,888,000       29,445,131       33,333,131       (12,979,307 )     20,353,824        
Sabal Palm at Lake Buena Vista
  Orlando, FL   1988     400       2,800,000       23,687,893             3,982,057       2,800,000       27,669,950       30,469,950       (12,197,653 )     18,272,297        
Sabal Palm at Metrowest
  Orlando, FL   1998     411       4,110,000       38,394,865             3,876,633       4,110,000       42,271,498       46,381,498       (18,443,292 )     27,938,206        

S-6


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Sabal Palm at Metrowest II
  Orlando, FL   1997     456       4,560,000       33,907,283             2,691,106       4,560,000       36,598,389       41,158,389       (15,830,427 )     25,327,962        
Sabal Pointe
  Coral Springs, FL   1995     275       1,951,600       17,570,508             3,961,145       1,951,600       21,531,653       23,483,253       (11,635,146 )     11,848,107        
Saddle Ridge
  Ashburn, VA   1989     216       1,364,800       12,283,616             2,201,030       1,364,800       14,484,646       15,849,446       (7,934,560 )     7,914,886        
Sage
  Everett, WA   2002     123       2,500,000       12,021,256             412,814       2,500,000       12,434,070       14,934,070       (2,576,867 )     12,357,203        
Savannah at Park Place
  Atlanta, GA   2001     416       7,696,095       34,114,542             2,628,399       7,696,095       36,742,941       44,439,036       (10,138,404 )     34,300,632        
Savoy III
  Aurora, CO   (F)           659,165       4,749,723                   659,165       4,749,723       5,408,888             5,408,888        
Sawgrass Cove
  Bradenton, FL   1991     336       3,360,000       12,587,189             80,974       3,360,000       12,668,163       16,028,163       (1,947,404 )     14,080,759        
Scarborough Square
  Rockville, MD   1967     121       1,815,000       7,608,126             2,394,761       1,815,000       10,002,887       11,817,887       (4,923,278 )     6,894,609        
Sedona Ridge
  Phoenix, AZ   1989     250       3,750,000       14,750,000             254,926       3,750,000       15,004,926       18,754,926       (2,039,282 )     16,715,644        
Seeley Lake
  Lakewood, WA   1990     522       2,760,400       24,845,286             4,006,480       2,760,400       28,851,766       31,612,166       (14,437,537 )     17,174,629        
Seventh & James
  Seattle, WA   1992     96       663,800       5,974,803             2,878,988       663,800       8,853,791       9,517,591       (4,849,519 )     4,668,072        
Shadow Creek
  Winter Springs, FL   2000     280       6,000,000       21,719,768             1,434,843       6,000,000       23,154,611       29,154,611       (6,340,966 )     22,813,645        
Sheridan Lake Club
  Dania Beach, FL   2001     240       12,000,000       23,170,580             1,252,843       12,000,000       24,423,423       36,423,423       (5,113,176 )     31,310,247        
Sheridan Ocean Club combined
  Dania Beach, FL   1991     648       18,313,414       47,091,593             14,017,392       18,313,414       61,108,985       79,422,399       (21,027,176 )     58,395,223        
Siena Terrace
  Lake Forest, CA   1988     356       8,900,000       24,083,024             2,738,600       8,900,000       26,821,624       35,721,624       (11,637,233 )     24,084,391        
Silver Springs (FL)
  Jacksonville, FL   1985     432       1,831,100       16,474,735             5,779,723       1,831,100       22,254,458       24,085,558       (12,404,671 )     11,680,887        
Skycrest
  Valencia, CA   1999     264       10,560,000       25,574,457             1,870,144       10,560,000       27,444,601       38,004,601       (10,001,263 )     28,003,338        
Skylark
  Union City, CA   1986     174       1,781,600       16,731,916             1,608,125       1,781,600       18,340,041       20,121,641       (8,137,578 )     11,984,063        
Skyline Terrace
  Burlingame, CA   1967/1987     138       16,836,000       35,414,000             469       16,836,000       35,414,469       52,250,469       (227,411 )     52,023,058        
Skyline Towers
  Falls Church, VA (G)   1971     939       78,278,200       91,485,591             27,969,652       78,278,200       119,455,243       197,733,443       (30,881,457 )     166,851,986        
Skyview
  Rancho Santa Margarita, CA   1999     260       3,380,000       21,952,863             1,667,929       3,380,000       23,620,792       27,000,792       (9,657,421 )     17,343,371        
Sonoran
  Phoenix, AZ   1995     429       2,361,922       31,841,724             2,900,306       2,361,922       34,742,030       37,103,952       (16,082,432 )     21,021,520        
Southwood
  Palo Alto, CA   1985     100       6,936,600       14,324,069             2,065,301       6,936,600       16,389,370       23,325,970       (7,489,798 )     15,836,172        
Springbrook Estates
  Riverside, CA   (F)           18,200,000                         18,200,000             18,200,000             18,200,000        
St. Andrews at Winston Park
  Coconut Creek, FL   1997     284       5,680,000       19,812,090             2,144,175       5,680,000       21,956,265       27,636,265       (7,512,645 )     20,123,620        
Stoney Creek
  Lakewood, WA   1990     231       1,215,200       10,938,134             2,267,480       1,215,200       13,205,614       14,420,814       (6,703,659 )     7,717,155        
Summerwood
  Hayward, CA   1982     162       4,810,644       6,942,743             2,132,610       4,810,644       9,075,353       13,885,997       (4,231,400 )     9,654,597        
Summit & Birch Hill
  Farmington, CT   1967     186       1,757,438       11,748,112             2,916,135       1,757,438       14,664,247       16,421,685       (5,733,897 )     10,687,788        
Summit at Lake Union
  Seattle, WA   1995 -1997     150       1,424,700       12,852,461             3,097,192       1,424,700       15,949,653       17,374,353       (7,701,759 )     9,672,594        
Surprise Lake Village
  Milton, WA   1986     338       4,162,543       21,995,958             167,483       4,162,543       22,163,441       26,325,984       (2,484,576 )     23,841,408        
Sycamore Creek
  Scottsdale, AZ   1984     350       3,152,000       19,083,727             3,055,695       3,152,000       22,139,422       25,291,422       (10,946,251 )     14,345,171        
Tanasbourne Terrace
  Hillsboro, OR   1986-1989     373       1,876,700       16,891,205             3,764,711       1,876,700       20,655,916       22,532,616       (12,425,399 )     10,107,217        
Third Square
  Cambridge, MA (G)   2008/2009     482       27,812,384       228,734,105             567,932       27,812,384       229,302,037       257,114,421       (15,770,134 )     241,344,287        
Tortuga Bay
  Orlando, FL   2004     314       6,280,000       32,121,779             985,669       6,280,000       33,107,448       39,387,448       (7,923,623 )     31,463,825        
Toscana
  Irvine, CA   1991/1993     563       39,410,000       50,806,072             6,395,983       39,410,000       57,202,055       96,612,055       (21,654,115 )     74,957,940        
Townes at Herndon
  Herndon, VA   2002     218       10,900,000       49,216,125             576,648       10,900,000       49,792,773       60,692,773       (10,492,949 )     50,199,824        
Trump Place, 140 Riverside
  New York, NY (G)   2003     354       103,539,100       94,082,725             1,245,121       103,539,100       95,327,846       198,866,946       (20,098,341 )     178,768,605        
Trump Place, 160 Riverside
  New York, NY (G)   2001     455       139,933,500       190,964,745             4,193,547       139,933,500       195,158,292       335,091,792       (39,008,991 )     296,082,801        
Trump Place, 180 Riverside
  New York, NY (G)   1998     516       144,968,250       138,346,681             5,245,129       144,968,250       143,591,810       288,560,060       (30,420,203 )     258,139,857        
Uwajimaya Village
  Seattle, WA   2002     176       8,800,000       22,188,288             231,285       8,800,000       22,419,573       31,219,573       (5,828,856 )     25,390,717        
Valencia Plantation
  Orlando, FL   1990     194       873,000       12,819,377             2,124,405       873,000       14,943,782       15,816,782       (6,429,174 )     9,387,608        
Vantage Pointe
  San Diego, CA (G)   2009     679       9,403,960       190,596,040             878,314       9,403,960       191,474,354       200,878,314       (2,779,752 )     198,098,562        
Versailles (K-Town)
  Los Angeles, CA   2008     225       10,590,975       44,409,025             17,858       10,590,975       44,426,883       55,017,858       (2,028,003 )     52,989,855        
Victor on Venice
  Los Angeles, CA (G)   2006     115       10,350,000       35,433,437             105,588       10,350,000       35,539,025       45,889,025       (6,273,594 )     39,615,431        
Villa Encanto
  Phoenix, AZ   1983     385       2,884,447       22,197,363             3,530,421       2,884,447       25,727,784       28,612,231       (12,649,439 )     15,962,792        
Villa Solana
  Laguna Hills, CA   1984     272       1,665,100       14,985,678             6,271,253       1,665,100       21,256,931       22,922,031       (12,286,928 )     10,635,103        
Village at Bear Creek
  Lakewood, CO   1987     472       4,519,700       40,676,390             4,115,836       4,519,700       44,792,226       49,311,926       (21,310,226 )     28,001,700        
Vista Del Largo
  Mission Viejo, CA   1986-1988     608       4,525,800       40,736,293             10,948,915       4,525,800       51,685,208       56,211,008       (30,191,450 )     26,019,558        
Vista Grove
  Mesa, AZ   1997/1998     224       1,341,796       12,157,045             1,295,291       1,341,796       13,452,336       14,794,132       (6,225,002 )     8,569,130        
Vista Montana — Residential & Townhomes
  San Jose, CA   (F)           51,000,000                         51,000,000             51,000,000             51,000,000        
Vista on Courthouse
  Arlington, VA   2008     220       15,550,260       69,449,740             86,777       15,550,260       69,536,517       85,086,777       (5,267,387 )     79,819,390        
Waterford at Deerwood
  Jacksonville, FL   1985     248       1,496,913       10,659,702             3,584,784       1,496,913       14,244,486       15,741,399       (6,711,046 )     9,030,353        
Waterford at Orange Park
  Orange Park, FL   1986     280       1,960,000       12,098,784             2,967,016       1,960,000       15,065,800       17,025,800       (7,417,680 )     9,608,120        
Waterford Place (CO)
  Thornton, CO   1998     336       5,040,000       29,946,419             1,310,833       5,040,000       31,257,252       36,297,252       (9,793,049 )     26,504,203        
Waterside
  Reston, VA   1984     276       20,700,000       27,474,388             7,638,031       20,700,000       35,112,419       55,812,419       (9,030,796 )     46,781,623        
Webster Green
  Needham, MA   1985     77       1,418,893       9,485,006             1,000,811       1,418,893       10,485,817       11,904,710       (3,879,487 )     8,025,223        
Welleby Lake Club
  Sunrise, FL   1991     304       3,648,000       17,620,879             3,744,103       3,648,000       21,364,982       25,012,982       (9,435,056 )     15,577,926        
West End Apartments (fka Emerson Place/CRP II)
  Boston, MA (G)   2008     310       469,546       163,123,022             358,369       469,546       163,481,391       163,950,937       (15,522,448 )     148,428,489        
Westerly at Worldgate
  Herndon, VA   1995     320       14,568,000       43,620,057             1,062,632       14,568,000       44,682,689       59,250,689       (6,046,012 )     53,204,677        
Westfield Village
  Centerville, VA   1988     228       7,000,000       23,245,834             4,574,728       7,000,000       27,820,562       34,820,562       (8,289,817 )     26,530,745        
Westridge
  Tacoma, WA   1987 -1991     714       3,501,900       31,506,082             6,551,697       3,501,900       38,057,779       41,559,679       (19,228,990 )     22,330,689        
Westgate Pasadena Condos
  Pasadena, CA   (F)           29,977,725       16,130,079                   29,977,725       16,130,079       46,107,804             46,107,804        
Westgate Pasadena and Green
  Pasadena, CA   (F)                 390,813                         390,813       390,813             390,813        
Westside Villas I
  Los Angeles, CA   1999     21       1,785,000       3,233,254             256,198       1,785,000       3,489,452       5,274,452       (1,324,557 )     3,949,895        
Westside Villas II
  Los Angeles, CA   1999     23       1,955,000       3,541,435             139,793       1,955,000       3,681,228       5,636,228       (1,307,577 )     4,328,651        
Westside Villas III
  Los Angeles, CA   1999     36       3,060,000       5,538,871             203,576       3,060,000       5,742,447       8,802,447       (2,045,237 )     6,757,210        
Westside Villas IV
  Los Angeles, CA   1999     36       3,060,000       5,539,390             212,024       3,060,000       5,751,414       8,811,414       (2,039,061 )     6,772,353        
Westside Villas V
  Los Angeles, CA   1999     60       5,100,000       9,224,485             368,292       5,100,000       9,592,777       14,692,777       (3,414,998 )     11,277,779        
Westside Villas VI
  Los Angeles, CA   1989     18       1,530,000       3,023,523             231,964       1,530,000       3,255,487       4,785,487       (1,182,625 )     3,602,862        
Westside Villas VII
  Los Angeles, CA   2001     53       4,505,000       10,758,900             361,135       4,505,000       11,120,035       15,625,035       (3,377,984 )     12,247,051        
Wimberly at Deerwood
  Jacksonville, FL   2000     322       8,000,000       30,057,214             1,524,972       8,000,000       31,582,186       39,582,186       (7,060,939 )     32,521,247        
Winchester Park
  Riverside, RI   1972     416       2,822,618       18,868,626             6,221,418       2,822,618       25,090,044       27,912,662       (10,446,769 )     17,465,893        
Winchester Wood
  Riverside, RI   1989     62       683,215       4,567,154             798,960       683,215       5,366,114       6,049,329       (2,013,478 )     4,035,851        
Windsor at Fair Lakes
  Fairfax, VA   1988     250       10,000,000       28,587,109             5,870,235       10,000,000       34,457,344       44,457,344       (9,463,894 )     34,993,450        

S-7


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Winston, The (FL)
  Pembroke Pines, FL   2001/2003     464       18,561,000       49,527,569             1,617,923       18,561,000       51,145,492       69,706,492       (8,441,759 )     61,264,733        
Wood Creek (CA)
  Pleasant Hill, CA   1987     256       9,729,900       23,009,768             4,472,213       9,729,900       27,481,981       37,211,881       (12,645,672 )     24,566,209        
Woodbridge (CT)
  Newington, CT   1968     73       498,377       3,331,548             862,784       498,377       4,194,332       4,692,709       (1,635,504 )     3,057,205        
Woodleaf
  Campbell, CA   1984     178       8,550,600       16,988,183             1,418,889       8,550,600       18,407,072       26,957,672       (8,148,131 )     18,809,541        
Woodside
  Lorton, VA   1987     252       1,326,000       12,510,903             5,846,332       1,326,000       18,357,235       19,683,235       (10,821,201 )     8,862,034        
Management Business
  Chicago, IL   (D)                             79,865,530             79,865,530       79,865,530       (61,109,987 )     18,755,543        
Operating Partnership
  Chicago, IL   (F)                 804,852                         804,852       804,852             804,852        
             
ERPOP Wholly Owned Unencumbered
            80,239       2,929,343,369       8,675,464,206             950,595,062       2,929,343,369       9,626,059,268       12,555,402,637       (2,847,912,228 )     9,707,490,409        
             
 
                                                                                               
ERPOP Wholly Owned Encumbered:
                                                                                               
929 House
  Cambridge, MA (G)   1975     127       3,252,993       21,745,595             4,361,591       3,252,993       26,107,186       29,360,179       (9,147,568 )     20,212,611       3,059,026  
Academy Village
  North Hollywood, CA   1989     248       25,000,000       23,593,194             5,642,404       25,000,000       29,235,598       54,235,598       (8,614,636 )     45,620,962       20,000,000  
Acappella
  Pasadena, CA   2002     143       5,839,548       29,360,452                   5,839,548       29,360,452       35,200,000             35,200,000       20,886,508  
Acton Courtyard
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2003     71       5,550,000       15,785,509             58,895       5,550,000       15,844,404       21,394,404       (2,806,816 )     18,587,588       9,920,000  
Alborada
  Fremont, CA   1999     442       24,310,000       59,214,129             2,251,542       24,310,000       61,465,671       85,775,671       (23,124,504 )     62,651,167       (J )
Alexander on Ponce
  Atlanta, GA   2003     330       9,900,000       35,819,022             1,541,765       9,900,000       37,360,787       47,260,787       (8,232,441 )     39,028,346       28,880,000  
Amberton
  Manassas, VA   1986     190       900,600       11,921,815             2,406,495       900,600       14,328,310       15,228,910       (7,347,971 )     7,880,939       10,705,000  
Arbor Terrace
  Sunnyvale, CA   1979     175       9,057,300       18,483,642             2,226,056       9,057,300       20,709,698       29,766,998       (9,184,819 )     20,582,179       (L )
Arboretum (MA)
  Canton, MA   1989     156       4,685,900       10,992,751             1,798,509       4,685,900       12,791,260       17,477,160       (6,000,939 )     11,476,221       (I )
Artech Building
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2002     21       1,642,000       9,152,518             85,975       1,642,000       9,238,493       10,880,493       (1,437,190 )     9,443,303       3,200,000  
Artisan Square
  Northridge, CA   2002     140       7,000,000       20,537,359             687,091       7,000,000       21,224,450       28,224,450       (6,239,094 )     21,985,356       22,779,715  
Avanti
  Anaheim, CA   1987     162       12,960,000       18,497,683             1,018,387       12,960,000       19,516,070       32,476,070       (4,132,155 )     28,343,915       19,850,000  
Bachenheimer Building
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2004     44       3,439,000       13,866,379             42,240       3,439,000       13,908,619       17,347,619       (2,287,866 )     15,059,753       8,585,000  
Bella Vista Apartments at Boca Del Mar
  Boca Raton, FL   1985     392       11,760,000       20,190,252             13,328,327       11,760,000       33,518,579       45,278,579       (13,414,974 )     31,863,605       26,134,010  
Bellagio Apartment Homes
  Scottsdale, AZ   1995     202       2,626,000       16,025,041             953,738       2,626,000       16,978,779       19,604,779       (4,541,961 )     15,062,818       (L )
Berkeleyan
  Berkeley, CA (G)   1998     56       4,377,000       16,022,110             264,145       4,377,000       16,286,255       20,663,255       (2,735,637 )     17,927,618       8,290,000  
Bradley Park
  Puyallup, WA   1999     155       3,813,000       18,313,645             388,646       3,813,000       18,702,291       22,515,291       (4,995,318 )     17,519,973       11,143,586  
Briarwood (CA)
  Sunnyvale, CA   1985     192       9,991,500       22,247,278             1,434,998       9,991,500       23,682,276       33,673,776       (10,266,159 )     23,407,617       12,800,000  
Brookside (CO)
  Boulder, CO   1993     144       3,600,400       10,211,159             1,520,927       3,600,400       11,732,086       15,332,486       (5,075,082 )     10,257,404       (L )
Canterbury
  Germantown, MD (I)   1986     544       2,781,300       32,942,531             13,914,331       2,781,300       46,856,862       49,638,162       (24,687,359 )     24,950,803       31,680,000  
Cape House I
  Jacksonville, FL   1998     240       4,800,000       22,484,240             426,982       4,800,000       22,911,222       27,711,222       (4,507,742 )     23,203,480       13,748,202  
Cape House II
  Jacksonville, FL   1998     240       4,800,000       22,229,836             1,689,141       4,800,000       23,918,977       28,718,977       (4,773,188 )     23,945,789       13,302,929  
Carmel Terrace
  San Diego, CA   1988-1989     384       2,288,300       20,596,281             9,979,210       2,288,300       30,575,491       32,863,791       (16,480,043 )     16,383,748       (K )
Cascade at Landmark
  Alexandria, VA   1990     277       3,603,400       19,657,554             6,814,326       3,603,400       26,471,880       30,075,280       (12,856,433 )     17,218,847       31,921,089  
Centennial Court
  Seattle, WA (G)   2001     187       3,800,000       21,280,039             362,829       3,800,000       21,642,868       25,442,868       (5,029,405 )     20,413,463       15,557,428  
Centennial Tower
  Seattle, WA (G)   1991     221       5,900,000       48,800,339             2,046,434       5,900,000       50,846,773       56,746,773       (11,438,821 )     45,307,952       25,300,790  
Chelsea Square
  Redmond, WA   1991     113       3,397,100       9,289,074             1,388,566       3,397,100       10,677,640       14,074,740       (4,562,296 )     9,512,444       (L )
Church Corner
  Cambridge, MA (G)   1987     85       5,220,000       16,744,643             1,179,544       5,220,000       17,924,187       23,144,187       (4,248,578 )     18,895,609       12,000,000  
Cierra Crest
  Denver, CO   1996     480       4,803,100       34,894,898             4,402,011       4,803,100       39,296,909       44,100,009       (18,210,852 )     25,889,157       (L )
City Pointe
  Fullerton, CA (G)   2004     183       6,863,792       36,476,207             83,706       6,863,792       36,559,913       43,423,705       (2,707,002 )     40,716,703       23,503,206  
Colorado Pointe
  Denver, CO   2006     193       5,790,000       28,815,766             408,628       5,790,000       29,224,394       35,014,394       (6,452,888 )     28,561,506       (K )
Conway Court
  Roslindale, MA   1920     28       101,451       710,524             229,420       101,451       939,944       1,041,395       (395,244 )     646,151       260,117  
Copper Canyon
  Highlands Ranch, CO   1999     222       1,442,212       16,251,114             1,150,650       1,442,212       17,401,764       18,843,976       (7,322,122 )     11,521,854       (K )
Country Brook
  Chandler, AZ   1986-1996     396       1,505,219       29,542,535             3,653,889       1,505,219       33,196,424       34,701,643       (15,485,956 )     19,215,687       (K )
Country Club Lakes
  Jacksonville, FL   1997     555       15,000,000       41,055,786             4,105,750       15,000,000       45,161,536       60,161,536       (11,315,474 )     48,846,062       32,097,598  
Creekside (San Mateo)
  San Mateo, CA   1985     192       9,606,600       21,193,232             2,040,890       9,606,600       23,234,122       32,840,722       (9,971,049 )     22,869,673       (L )
Crescent at Cherry Creek
  Denver, CO   1994     216       2,594,000       15,149,470             2,620,271       2,594,000       17,769,741       20,363,741       (8,074,935 )     12,288,806       (K )
Deerwood (SD)
  San Diego, CA   1990     316       2,082,095       18,739,815             13,007,845       2,082,095       31,747,660       33,829,755       (17,756,307 )     16,073,448       (K )
Estates at Maitland Summit
  Orlando, FL   1998     272       9,520,000       28,352,160             678,371       9,520,000       29,030,531       38,550,531       (7,308,841 )     31,241,690       (L )
Estates at Tanglewood
  Westminster, CO   2003     504       7,560,000       51,256,538             1,850,357       7,560,000       53,106,895       60,666,895       (12,304,895 )     48,362,000       (J )
Fairfield
  Stamford, CT (G)   1996     263       6,510,200       39,690,120             5,118,992       6,510,200       44,809,112       51,319,312       (19,894,444 )     31,424,868       34,595,000  
Fine Arts Building
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2004     100       7,817,000       26,462,772             58,091       7,817,000       26,520,863       34,337,863       (4,506,280 )     29,831,583       16,215,000  
Gaia Building
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2000     91       7,113,000       25,623,826             117,077       7,113,000       25,740,903       32,853,903       (4,345,971 )     28,507,932       14,630,000  
Gateway at Malden Center
  Malden, MA (G)   1988     203       9,209,780       25,722,666             7,947,656       9,209,780       33,670,322       42,880,102       (10,662,848 )     32,217,254       14,970,000  
Geary Court Yard
  San Francisco, CA   1990     164       1,722,400       15,471,429             2,040,242       1,722,400       17,511,671       19,234,071       (8,300,938 )     10,933,133       18,893,440  
Glen Meadow
  Franklin, MA   1971     288       2,339,330       16,133,588             3,534,410       2,339,330       19,667,998       22,007,328       (8,107,522 )     13,899,806       619,538  
Grandeville at River Place
  Oviedo, FL   2002     280       6,000,000       23,114,693             1,520,490       6,000,000       24,635,183       30,635,183       (6,872,649 )     23,762,534       28,890,000  
Greenhaven
  Union City, CA   1983     250       7,507,000       15,210,399             2,970,066       7,507,000       18,180,465       25,687,465       (8,456,557 )     17,230,908       10,975,000  
Greenhouse — Frey Road
  Kennesaw, GA   1985     489       2,467,200       22,187,443             4,922,373       2,467,200       27,109,816       29,577,016       (16,164,084 )     13,412,932       19,700,000  
Greenwood Park
  Centennial, CO   1994     291       4,365,000       38,372,440             1,136,402       4,365,000       39,508,842       43,873,842       (6,846,735 )     37,027,107       (L )
Greenwood Plaza
  Centennial, CO   1996     266       3,990,000       35,846,708             1,658,135       3,990,000       37,504,843       41,494,843       (6,529,493 )     34,965,350       (L )
Harbor Steps
  Seattle, WA (G)   2000     730       59,900,000       158,829,432             5,787,753       59,900,000       164,617,185       224,517,185       (34,944,472 )     189,572,713       125,926,373  
Hathaway
  Long Beach, CA   1987     385       2,512,500       22,611,912             6,365,675       2,512,500       28,977,587       31,490,087       (15,770,720 )     15,719,367       46,517,800  
Heights on Capitol Hill
  Seattle, WA (G)   2006     104       5,425,000       21,138,028             55,704       5,425,000       21,193,732       26,618,732       (3,965,879 )     22,652,853       19,320,000  
Heritage at Stone Ridge
  Burlington, MA   2005     180       10,800,000       31,808,335             607,280       10,800,000       32,415,615       43,215,615       (7,307,875 )     35,907,740       28,150,164  
Heronfield
  Kirkland, WA   1990     202       9,245,000       27,018,110             1,212,853       9,245,000       28,230,963       37,475,963       (5,306,819 )     32,169,144       (K )
Highlands at Cherry Hill
  Cherry Hills, NJ   2002     170       6,800,000       21,459,108             582,660       6,800,000       22,041,768       28,841,768       (4,883,071 )     23,958,697       14,947,792  
Ivory Wood
  Bothell, WA   2000     144       2,732,800       13,888,282             543,271       2,732,800       14,431,553       17,164,353       (3,798,957 )     13,365,396       8,020,000  
Jaclen Towers
  Beverly, MA   1976     100       437,072       2,921,735             1,125,390       437,072       4,047,125       4,484,197       (1,826,858 )     2,657,339       1,208,416  
Kelvin Court (fka Alta Pacific)
  Irvine, CA   2008     132       10,752,145       34,628,114             11,381       10,752,145       34,639,495       45,391,640       (3,455,525 )     41,936,115       28,260,000  
La Terrazza at Colma Station
  Colma, CA (G)   2005     153             41,251,043             458,671             41,709,714       41,709,714       (6,759,707 )     34,950,007       25,940,000  
LaSalle
  Beaverton, OR (G)   1998     554       7,202,000       35,877,612             2,584,539       7,202,000       38,462,151       45,664,151       (12,221,817 )     33,442,334       28,342,496  
Liberty Park
  Brain Tree, MA   2000     202       5,977,504       26,749,111             1,935,923       5,977,504       28,685,034       34,662,538       (8,587,844 )     26,074,694       24,980,280  
Liberty Tower
  Arlington, VA (G)   2008     235       16,382,822       83,817,078             98,458       16,382,822       83,915,536       100,298,358       (2,774,628 )     97,523,730       49,160,870  

S-8


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Lincoln Heights
  Quincy, MA   1991     336       5,928,400       33,595,262             10,549,292       5,928,400       44,144,554       50,072,954       (19,375,802 )     30,697,152       (L )
Longview Place
  Waltham, MA   2004     348       20,880,000       90,255,509             1,460,656       20,880,000       91,716,165       112,596,165       (18,368,568 )     94,227,597       57,029,000  
Market Street Village
  San Diego, CA   2006     229       13,740,000       40,757,300             345,628       13,740,000       41,102,928       54,842,928       (7,630,442 )     47,212,486       (K )
Marks
  Englewood, CO (G)   1987     616       4,928,500       44,622,314             8,060,048       4,928,500       52,682,362       57,610,862       (24,944,534 )     32,666,328       19,195,000  
Metro on First
  Seattle, WA (G)   2002     102       8,540,000       12,209,981             254,915       8,540,000       12,464,896       21,004,896       (2,757,191 )     18,247,705       16,650,000  
Mill Creek
  Milpitas, CA   1991     516       12,858,693       57,168,503             2,403,984       12,858,693       59,572,487       72,431,180       (17,116,835 )     55,314,345       69,312,259  
Miramar Lakes
  Miramar, FL   2003     344       17,200,000       51,487,235             1,343,639       17,200,000       52,830,874       70,030,874       (11,391,642 )     58,639,232       (M )
Missions at Sunbow
  Chula Vista, CA   2003     336       28,560,000       59,287,595             1,148,849       28,560,000       60,436,444       88,996,444       (14,871,085 )     74,125,359       55,091,000  
Monte Viejo
  Phoneix, AZ   2004     480       12,700,000       45,926,784             976,950       12,700,000       46,903,734       59,603,734       (11,299,701 )     48,304,033       40,960,036  
Montecito
  Valencia, CA   1999     210       8,400,000       24,709,146             1,732,020       8,400,000       26,441,166       34,841,166       (9,562,693 )     25,278,473       (K )
Montierra
  Scottsdale, AZ   1999     249       3,455,000       17,266,787             1,458,706       3,455,000       18,725,493       22,180,493       (7,870,337 )     14,310,156       17,858,854  
Montierra (CA)
  San Diego, CA   1990     272       8,160,000       29,360,938             6,457,847       8,160,000       35,818,785       43,978,785       (13,974,022 )     30,004,763       (K )
Mosaic at Metro
  Hyattsville, MD   2008     260             59,653,038             49,368             59,702,406       59,702,406       (4,118,730 )     55,583,676       45,046,469  
Mountain Park Ranch
  Phoenix, AZ   1994     240       1,662,332       18,260,276             1,748,558       1,662,332       20,008,834       21,671,166       (9,432,301 )     12,238,865       (J )
Mountain Terrace
  Stevenson Ranch, CA   1992     510       3,966,500       35,814,995             11,502,806       3,966,500       47,317,801       51,284,301       (21,425,003 )     29,859,298       57,428,472  
Northpark
  Burlingame, CA   1972     510       38,607,000       77,493,000             39,582       38,607,000       77,532,582       116,139,582       (3,084,091 )     113,055,491       70,668,409  
North Pier at Harborside
  Jersey City, NJ (J)   2003     297       4,000,159       94,348,092             1,739,535       4,000,159       96,087,627       100,087,786       (22,321,947 )     77,765,839       76,862,000  
Oak Mill I
  Germantown, MD   1984     208       10,000,000       13,155,522             7,235,088       10,000,000       20,390,610       30,390,610       (6,289,524 )     24,101,086       12,487,301  
Oak Mill II
  Germantown, MD   1985     192       854,133       10,233,947             5,864,959       854,133       16,098,906       16,953,039       (8,498,045 )     8,454,994       9,600,000  
Oaks
  Santa Clarita, CA   2000     520       23,400,000       61,020,438             2,652,544       23,400,000       63,672,982       87,072,982       (17,959,221 )     69,113,761       41,154,036  
Olde Redmond Place
  Redmond, WA   1986     192       4,807,100       14,126,038             4,122,122       4,807,100       18,248,160       23,055,260       (8,527,802 )     14,527,458       (L )
Parc East Towers
  New York, NY (G)   1977     324       102,163,000       109,013,628             5,654,774       102,163,000       114,668,402       216,831,402       (18,284,019 )     198,547,383       17,473,846  
Park Meadow
  Gilbert, AZ   1986     225       835,217       15,120,769             2,267,564       835,217       17,388,333       18,223,550       (8,395,148 )     9,828,402       (L )
Parkfield
  Denver, CO   2000     476       8,330,000       28,667,618             2,155,451       8,330,000       30,823,069       39,153,069       (11,251,895 )     27,901,174       23,275,000  
Promenade at Peachtree
  Chamblee, GA   2001     406       10,150,000       31,219,739             1,645,577       10,150,000       32,865,316       43,015,316       (8,729,820 )     34,285,496       (K )
Promenade at Town Center II
  Valencia, CA   2001     270       13,500,000       34,405,636             391,668       13,500,000       34,797,304       48,297,304       (9,307,693 )     38,989,611       32,785,701  
Providence
  Bothell, WA   2000     200       3,573,621       19,055,505             541,320       3,573,621       19,596,825       23,170,446       (5,354,911 )     17,815,535       (J )
Reserve at Clarendon Centre, The
  Arlington, VA (G)   2003     252       10,500,000       52,812,935             1,777,312       10,500,000       54,590,247       65,090,247       (14,249,748 )     50,840,499       (K )
Reserve at Eisenhower, The
  Alexandria, VA   2002     226       6,500,000       34,585,060             702,144       6,500,000       35,287,204       41,787,204       (10,058,015 )     31,729,189       (K )
Reserve at Empire Lakes
  Rancho Cucamonga, CA   2005     467       16,345,000       73,080,670             1,396,394       16,345,000       74,477,064       90,822,064       (15,486,334 )     75,335,730       (J )
Reserve at Fairfax Corners
  Fairfax, VA   2001     652       15,804,057       63,129,051             2,563,175       15,804,057       65,692,226       81,496,283       (19,948,034 )     61,548,249       84,778,876  
Reserve at Potomac Yard
  Alexandria, VA   2002     588       11,918,917       68,976,484             3,376,272       11,918,917       72,352,756       84,271,673       (17,772,440 )     66,499,233       66,470,000  
Reserve at Town Center (WA)
  Mill Creek, WA   2001     389       10,369,400       41,172,081             1,414,773       10,369,400       42,586,854       52,956,254       (10,871,457 )     42,084,797       29,160,000  
Rianna II
  Seattle, WA (G)   2002     78       2,161,840       14,433,614             16,614       2,161,840       14,450,228       16,612,068       (1,072,947 )     15,539,121       10,499,494  
Rockingham Glen
  West Roxbury, MA   1974     143       1,124,217       7,515,160             1,533,725       1,124,217       9,048,885       10,173,102       (3,757,339 )     6,415,763       1,440,865  
Rolling Green (Amherst)
  Amherst, MA   1970     204       1,340,702       8,962,317             3,313,332       1,340,702       12,275,649       13,616,351       (5,297,121 )     8,319,230       2,217,176  
Rolling Green (Milford)
  Milford, MA   1970     304       2,012,350       13,452,150             3,986,562       2,012,350       17,438,712       19,451,062       (7,305,093 )     12,145,969       4,645,763  
San Marcos Apartments
  Scottsdale, AZ   1995     320       20,000,000       31,261,609             1,384,451       20,000,000       32,646,060       52,646,060       (7,272,584 )     45,373,476       32,900,000  
Savannah Lakes
  Boynton Beach, FL   1991     466       7,000,000       30,263,310             4,429,051       7,000,000       34,692,361       41,692,361       (11,606,796 )     30,085,565       36,610,000  
Savannah Midtown
  Atlanta, GA   2000     322       7,209,873       29,433,507             2,603,453       7,209,873       32,036,960       39,246,833       (8,514,514 )     30,732,319       17,800,000  
Savoy I
  Aurora, CO   2001     444       5,450,295       38,765,670             1,964,604       5,450,295       40,730,274       46,180,569       (11,009,808 )     35,170,761       (L )
Sheffield Court
  Arlington, VA   1986     597       3,342,381       31,337,332             7,927,865       3,342,381       39,265,197       42,607,578       (21,583,314 )     21,024,264       (L )
Sonata at Cherry Creek
  Denver, CO   1999     183       5,490,000       18,130,479             1,162,983       5,490,000       19,293,462       24,783,462       (6,957,885 )     17,825,577       19,190,000  
Sonterra at Foothill Ranch
  Foothill Ranch, CA   1997     300       7,503,400       24,048,507             1,500,506       7,503,400       25,549,013       33,052,413       (11,490,634 )     21,561,779       (L )
South Winds
  Fall River, MA   1971     404       2,481,821       16,780,359             3,712,343       2,481,821       20,492,702       22,974,523       (8,697,220 )     14,277,303       4,437,567  
Springs Colony
  Altamonte Springs, FL   1986     188       630,411       5,852,157             2,363,300       630,411       8,215,457       8,845,868       (5,129,095 )     3,716,773       (I )
Stonegate (CO)
  Broomfield, CO   2003     350       8,750,000       32,998,775             2,700,719       8,750,000       35,699,494       44,449,494       (8,900,049 )     35,549,445       (J )
Stoneleigh at Deerfield
  Alpharetta, GA   2003     370       4,810,000       29,999,596             871,524       4,810,000       30,871,120       35,681,120       (7,656,545 )     28,024,575       16,800,000  
Stoney Ridge
  Dale City, VA   1985     264       8,000,000       24,147,091             5,287,141       8,000,000       29,434,232       37,434,232       (7,934,618 )     29,499,614       15,138,399  
Stonybrook
  Boynton Beach, FL   2001     264       10,500,000       24,967,638             951,679       10,500,000       25,919,317       36,419,317       (6,210,078 )     30,209,239       20,971,587  
Summerhill Glen
  Maynard, MA   1980     120       415,812       3,000,816             766,088       415,812       3,766,904       4,182,716       (1,622,076 )     2,560,640       1,174,207  
Summerset Village
  Chatsworth, CA   1985     280       2,890,450       23,670,889             3,797,264       2,890,450       27,468,153       30,358,603       (13,674,820 )     16,683,783       38,039,912  
Sunforest
  Davie, FL   1989     494       10,000,000       32,124,850             4,030,481       10,000,000       36,155,331       46,155,331       (11,194,003 )     34,961,328       (L )
Sunforest II
  Davie, FL   (F)                 337,751                         337,751       337,751             337,751       (L )
Talleyrand
  Tarrytown, NY (I)   1997-1998     300       12,000,000       49,838,160             3,696,522       12,000,000       53,534,682       65,534,682       (17,861,336 )     47,673,346       35,000,000  
Tanglewood (VA)
  Manassas, VA   1987     432       2,108,295       24,619,495             8,462,243       2,108,295       33,081,738       35,190,033       (18,128,350 )     17,061,683       25,110,000  
Teresina
  Chula Vista, CA   2000     440       28,600,000       61,916,670             1,767,940       28,600,000       63,684,610       92,284,610       (13,155,998 )     79,128,612       44,095,588  
Touriel Building
  Berkeley, CA (G)   2004     35       2,736,000       7,810,027             33,587       2,736,000       7,843,614       10,579,614       (1,392,156 )     9,187,458       5,050,000  
Town Square at Mark Center I (fka Millbrook I)
  Alexandria, VA   1996     406       24,360,000       86,178,714             2,422,299       24,360,000       88,601,013       112,961,013       (19,521,198 )     93,439,815       64,680,000  
Town Square at Mark Center Phase II
  Alexandria, VA   2001     272       15,568,464       55,031,536             34,830       15,568,464       55,066,366       70,634,830       (1,956,133 )     68,678,697       47,669,865  
Tradition at Alafaya
  Oviedo, FL   2006     253       7,590,000       31,881,505             238,496       7,590,000       32,120,001       39,710,001       (7,731,307 )     31,978,694       (K )
Tuscany at Lindbergh
  Atlanta, GA   2001     324       9,720,000       40,874,023             1,753,394       9,720,000       42,627,417       52,347,417       (11,365,288 )     40,982,129       32,360,000  
Uptown Square
  Denver, CO (G)   1999/2001     696       17,492,000       100,696,541             2,232,071       17,492,000       102,928,612       120,420,612       (24,014,273 )     96,406,339       88,550,000  
Versailles
  Woodland Hills, CA   1991     253       12,650,000       33,656,292             3,630,019       12,650,000       37,286,311       49,936,311       (11,205,924 )     38,730,387       30,372,953  
Via Ventura
  Scottsdale, AZ   1980     328       1,351,785       13,382,006             7,962,802       1,351,785       21,344,808       22,696,593       (14,368,306 )     8,328,287       (K )
Village at Lakewood
  Phoenix, AZ   1988     240       3,166,411       13,859,090             2,013,344       3,166,411       15,872,434       19,038,845       (7,739,644 )     11,299,201       (L )
Vintage
  Ontario, CA   2005-2007     300       7,059,230       47,677,762             176,250       7,059,230       47,854,012       54,913,242       (8,609,805 )     46,303,437       33,000,000  
Warwick Station
  Westminster, CO   1986     332       2,274,121       21,113,974             3,015,763       2,274,121       24,129,737       26,403,858       (11,495,261 )     14,908,597       8,355,000  
Wellington Hill
  Manchester, NH   1987     390       1,890,200       17,120,662             7,628,748       1,890,200       24,749,410       26,639,610       (15,003,057 )     11,636,553       (I )
Westgate Pasadena Apartments
  Pasadena, CA   2010     480       22,898,848       131,986,739             (263 )     22,898,848       131,986,476       154,885,324       (185 )     154,885,139       135,000,000  
Westwood Glen
  Westwood, MA   1972     156       1,616,505       10,806,004             1,495,929       1,616,505       12,301,933       13,918,438       (4,379,593 )     9,538,845       392,294  
Whisper Creek
  Denver, CO   2002     272       5,310,000       22,998,558             843,388       5,310,000       23,841,946       29,151,946       (6,016,094 )     23,135,852       13,580,000  
Wilkins Glen
  Medfield, MA   1975     103       538,483       3,629,943             1,484,323       538,483       5,114,266       5,652,749       (2,071,249 )     3,581,500       1,011,750  
Windridge (CA)
  Laguna Niguel, CA   1989     344       2,662,900       23,985,497             5,111,877       2,662,900       29,097,374       31,760,274       (16,423,796 )     15,336,478       (I )

S-9


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
                                                                                                 
                                    Cost Capitalized                                                
                                    Subsequent to             Gross Amount Carried                                  
                    Initial Cost to             Acquisition             at Close of                                  
Description               Company             (Improvements, net) (E)             Period 12/31/10                                  
        Date of                   Building &             Building &             Building &             Accumulated     Investment in Real        
Apartment Name   Location   Construction   Units (H)     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures     Land     Fixtures (A)     Total (B)     Depreciation (C)     Estate, Net at 12/31/10 (B)     Encumbrances  
Woodlake (WA)
  Kirkland, WA   1984     288       6,631,400       16,735,484             2,745,189       6,631,400       19,480,673       26,112,073       (9,005,733 )     17,106,340       (L )
             
ERPOP Wholly Owned Encumbered
            39,395       1,192,346,786       4,453,550,234             370,524,330       1,192,346,786       4,824,074,564       6,016,421,350       (1,346,626,508 )     4,669,794,842       2,595,245,052  
             
 
                                                                                               
ERPOP Partially Owned Unencumbered:
                                                                                               
Butterfield Ranch
  Chino Hills, CA   (F)           15,617,709       4,512,495                   15,617,709       4,512,495       20,130,204             20,130,204        
Hudson Crossing II
  New York, NY   (F)           5,000,000                         5,000,000             5,000,000             5,000,000        
             
ERPOP Partially Owned Unencumbered
                  20,617,709       4,512,495                   20,617,709       4,512,495       25,130,204             25,130,204        
             
 
                                                                                               
ERPOP Partially Owned Encumbered:
                                                                                               
Brooklyner (fka 111 Lawrence)
  Brooklyn, NY (G)   2010     490       40,099,922       217,648,526             (1,947 )     40,099,922       217,646,579       257,746,501             257,746,501       141,741,076  
1401 South State (fka City Lofts)
  Chicago, IL   2008     278       6,882,467       61,575,245             53,017       6,882,467       61,628,262       68,510,729       (5,846,831 )     62,663,898       51,014,150  
2300 Elliott
  Seattle, WA   1992     92       796,800       7,173,725             5,462,325       796,800       12,636,050       13,432,850       (7,894,112 )     5,538,738       6,833,000  
Bellevue Meadows
  Bellevue, WA   1983     180       4,507,100       12,574,814             4,122,712       4,507,100       16,697,526       21,204,626       (7,309,912 )     13,894,714       16,538,000  
Canyon Creek (CA)
  San Ramon, CA   1984     268       5,425,000       18,812,121             4,809,646       5,425,000       23,621,767       29,046,767       (8,225,808 )     20,820,959       28,000,000  
Canyon Ridge
  San Diego, CA   1989     162       4,869,448       11,955,064             1,757,641       4,869,448       13,712,705       18,582,153       (6,531,026 )     12,051,127       15,165,000  
Copper Creek
  Tempe, AZ   1984     144       1,017,400       9,158,260             1,846,036       1,017,400       11,004,296       12,021,696       (5,587,555 )     6,434,141       5,112,000  
Country Oaks
  Agoura Hills, CA   1985     256       6,105,000       29,561,865             3,142,792       6,105,000       32,704,657       38,809,657       (10,694,009 )     28,115,648       29,412,000  
EDS Dulles
  Herndon, VA   (F)           18,875,631                         18,875,631             18,875,631             18,875,631       18,342,242  
Fox Ridge
  Englewood, CO   1984     300       2,490,000       17,522,114             3,394,463       2,490,000       20,916,577       23,406,577       (8,158,317 )     15,248,260       20,300,000  
Lantern Cove
  Foster City, CA   1985     232       6,945,000       23,332,206             2,722,185       6,945,000       26,054,391       32,999,391       (8,961,365 )     24,038,026       36,403,000  
Mesa Del Oso
  Albuquerque, NM   1983     221       4,305,000       12,160,419             1,556,306       4,305,000       13,716,725       18,021,725       (5,210,415 )     12,811,310       9,525,810  
Montclair Metro
  Montclair, NJ   2009     163       2,400,887       43,570,641             2,092       2,400,887       43,572,733       45,973,620       (2,218,030 )     43,755,590       34,439,480  
Monterra in Mill Creek
  Mill Creek, WA   2003     139       2,800,000       13,255,123             236,867       2,800,000       13,491,990       16,291,990       (3,232,493 )     13,059,497       7,286,000  
Preserve at Briarcliff
  Atlanta, GA   1994     182       6,370,000       17,766,322             646,793       6,370,000       18,413,115       24,783,115       (3,777,603 )     21,005,512       6,000,000  
Red Road Commons
  Miami, FL (G)   2009     404       27,383,547       99,555,530             (2,216 )     27,383,547       99,553,314       126,936,861       (3,497,205 )     123,439,656       74,150,144  
Rosecliff
  Quincy, MA   1990     156       5,460,000       15,721,570             1,453,717       5,460,000       17,175,287       22,635,287       (6,797,434 )     15,837,853       17,400,000  
Schooner Bay I
  Foster City, CA   1985     168       5,345,000       20,509,239             3,191,061       5,345,000       23,700,300       29,045,300       (7,741,356 )     21,303,944       27,000,000  
Schooner Bay II
  Foster City, CA   1985     144       4,550,000       18,142,163             2,985,085       4,550,000       21,127,248       25,677,248       (6,970,045 )     18,707,203       23,760,000  
Scottsdale Meadows
  Scottsdale, AZ   1984     168       1,512,000       11,423,349             1,629,554       1,512,000       13,052,903       14,564,903       (6,274,752 )     8,290,151       9,100,000  
Strayhorse at Arrowhead Ranch
  Glendale, AZ   1998     136       4,400,000       12,968,002             186,009       4,400,000       13,154,011       17,554,011       (2,422,470 )     15,131,541       7,971,429  
Surrey Downs
  Bellevue, WA   1986     122       3,057,100       7,848,618             1,993,876       3,057,100       9,842,494       12,899,594       (4,301,654 )     8,597,940       9,829,000  
Veridian (fka Silver Spring)
  Silver Spring, MD (G)   2009     457       18,539,817       130,485,284             18,886       18,539,817       130,504,170       149,043,987       (6,908,776 )     142,135,211       115,744,722  
Virgil Square
  Los Angeles, CA   1979     142       5,500,000       15,216,613             1,334,954       5,500,000       16,551,567       22,051,567       (3,992,519 )     18,059,048       9,900,000  
Willow Brook (CA)
  Pleasant Hill, CA   1985     228       5,055,000       38,388,672             1,857,343       5,055,000       40,246,015       45,301,015       (10,264,218 )     35,036,797       29,000,000  
             
ERPOP Partially Owned Encumbered
            5,232       194,692,119       866,325,485             44,399,197       194,692,119       910,724,682       1,105,416,801       (142,817,905 )     962,598,896       749,967,053  
             
 
                                                                                               
Portfolio/Entity Encumbrances (1)
                                                                                            1,417,683,780  
Total Consolidated Investment in Real Estate
            124,866     $ 4,336,999,983     $ 13,999,852,420     $     $ 1,365,518,589     $ 4,336,999,983     $ 15,365,371,009     $ 19,702,370,992     $ (4,337,356,641 )   $ 15,365,014,351     $ 4,762,895,885  
             
 
(1)   See attached Encumbrances Reconciliation

S-10


Table of Contents

ERP OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2010
NOTES:
(A)   The balance of furniture & fixtures included in the total investment in real estate amount was $1,231,391,664 as of December 31, 2010.
 
(B)   The cost, net of accumulated depreciation, for Federal Income Tax purposes as of December 31, 2010 was approximately $11.1 billion.
 
(C)   The life to compute depreciation for building is 30 years, for building improvements ranges from 5 to 10 years, for furniture & fixtures and replacements is 5 years, and for in-place leases is the average remaining term of each respective lease.
 
(D)   This asset consists of various acquisition dates and largely represents furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized software costs owned by the Management Business, which are generally depreciated over periods ranging from 3 to 7 years.
 
(E)   Primarily represents capital expenditures for major maintenance and replacements incurred subsequent to each property’s acquisition date.
 
(F)   Represents land and/or construction-in-progress on projects either held for future development or projects currently under development.
 
(G)   A portion or all of these properties includes commercial space (retail, parking and/or office space).
 
(H)   Total properties and units exclude the Military Housing consisting of two properties and 4,738 units.
 
(I)   through (L) See Encumbrances Reconciliation schedule.
 
(M)   Boot property for Freddie Mac tax-exempt bond pool.

S-11


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this report. References to exhibits or other filings under the caption “Location” indicate that the exhibit or other filing has been filed, that the indexed exhibit and the exhibit referred to are the same and that the exhibit referred to is incorporated by reference. The Commission file number for our Exchange Act filings referenced below is 0-24920.
         
Exhibit   Description   Location
3.1
  Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership for ERP Operating Limited Partnership dated as of March 12, 2009.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated March 12, 2009, filed on March 18, 2009.
 
       
4.1
  Indenture, dated October 1, 1994, between the Operating Partnership and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (“Indenture”).   Included as Exhibit 4(a) to the Operating Partnership’s Form S-3 filed on October 7, 1994.
 
       
4.2
  First Supplemental Indenture to Indenture, dated as of September 9, 2004.   Included as Exhibit 4.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on September 10, 2004.
 
       
4.3
  Second Supplemental Indenture to Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2006.   Included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated August 16, 2006, filed on August 23, 2006.
 
       
4.4
  Third Supplemental Indenture to Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2007.   Included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated May 30, 2007, filed on June 1, 2007.
 
       
4.5
  Terms Agreement regarding 6.95% Notes due March 2, 2011.   Included as Exhibit 1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on March 2, 2001.
 
       
4.6
  Terms Agreement regarding 6.625% Notes due March 15, 2012.   Included as Exhibit 1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on March 14, 2002.
 
4.7
  Form of 5.50% Note due October 1, 2012.   Included as Exhibit 4.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated May 30, 2007, filed on June 1, 2007.
 
       
4.8
  Form of 5.2% Note due April 1, 2013.   Included as Exhibit 4 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on March 19, 2003.
 
       
4.9
  Form of 5.25% Note due September 15, 2014.   Included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on September 10, 2004.
 
       
4.10
  Terms Agreement regarding 6.63% (subsequently remarketed to a 6.584% fixed rate) Notes due April 13, 2015.   Included as Exhibit 1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on April 13, 1998.
 
       
4.11
  Terms Agreement regarding 5.125% Notes due March 15, 2016.   Included as Exhibit 1.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on September 13, 2005.
 
       
4.12
  Form of 5.375% Note due August 1, 2016.   Included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated January 11, 2006, filed on January 18, 2006.
 
       
4.13
  Form of 5.75% Note due June 15, 2017.   Included as Exhibit 4.3 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated May 30, 2007, filed on June 1, 2007.

 


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit   Description   Location
4.14
  Terms Agreement regarding 7 1/8% Notes due October 15, 2017.   Included as Exhibit 1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on October 9, 1997.
 
       
4.15
  Form of 4.75% Note due July 15, 2020.   Included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated July 12, 2010, filed on July 15, 2010.
 
       
4.16
  Terms Agreement regarding 7.57% Notes due August 15, 2026.   Included as Exhibit 1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K, filed on August 13, 1996.
 
       
4.17
  Form of 3.85% Exchangeable Senior Notes due August 15, 2026.   Included as Exhibit 4.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated August 16, 2006, filed on August 23, 2006.
 
       
10.1*
  Noncompetition Agreement (Zell).   Included as an exhibit to Equity Residential’s Form S-11 Registration Statement, File No. 33-63158.
 
       
10.2*
  Noncompetition Agreement (Spector).   Included as an exhibit to Equity Residential’s Form S-11 Registration Statement, File No. 33-63158.
 
       
10.3*
  Form of Noncompetition Agreement (other officers).   Included as an exhibit to Equity Residential’s Form S-11 Registration Statement, File No. 33-63158.
 
       
10.4
  Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 among ERP Operating Limited Partnership, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners, SunTrust Bank, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., LaSalle Bank National Association, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, and US Bank National Association, as co-documentation agents, and a syndicate of other banks (the “Credit Agreement”).   Included as Exhibit 10.5 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
       
10.5
  Guaranty of Payment made as of February 28, 2007 between Equity Residential and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the banks party to the Credit Agreement.   Included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated February 28, 2007, filed on March 5, 2007.
 
       
10.6
  Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.
 
       
10.7
  Credit Agreement dated as of October 5, 2007 among ERP Operating Limited Partnership, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as joint lead arranger and joint book runner, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as joint lead arranger and joint book runner, Citicorp North America Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Regions Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, and U.S. Bank National Association, as documentation agents, and a syndicate of other banks (the “Term Loan Agreement”).   Included as Exhibit 10.8 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
       
10.8
  Guaranty of Payment made as of October 5, 2007 between Equity Residential and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders party to the Term Loan Agreement.   Included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated October 5, 2007, filed on October 11, 2007.

 


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit   Description   Location
10.9
  Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Lexford Properties, L.P.   Included as Exhibit 10.16 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
 
       
10.10*
  Equity Residential Second Restated 2002 Share Incentive Plan dated December 10, 2008.   Included as Exhibit 10.15 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
       
10.11*
  First Amendment to Second Restated 2002 Share Incentive Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.
 
       
10.12*
  Equity Residential Amended and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.11 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
 
       
10.13*
  First Amendment to Equity Residential 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003.
 
       
10.14*
  Second Amendment to Equity Residential 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.20 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
       
10.15*
  Third Amendment to Equity Residential 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007.
 
       
10.16*
  Fourth Amendment to Equity Residential 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.2 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.
 
       
10.17*
  Fifth Amendment to Equity Residential 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan dated December 10, 2008.   Included as Exhibit 10.21 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
       
10.18*
  Form of Change in Control Agreement between Equity Residential and other executive officers.   Included as Exhibit 10.13 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
 
       
10.19*
  Form of First Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control/Severance Agreement with each executive officer.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009.
 
       
10.20*
  Form of Indemnification Agreement between Equity Residential and each trustee and executive officer.   Included as Exhibit 10.18 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
 
       
10.21*
  Form of Letter Agreement between Equity Residential and each of David J. Neithercut, Frederick C. Tuomi, Alan W. George and Bruce C. Strohm.   Included as Exhibit 10.3 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.
 
       
10.22*
  Form of Executive Retirement Benefits Agreement.   Included as Exhibit 10.24 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
       
10.23*
  Retirement Benefits Agreement between Samuel Zell and Equity Residential dated October 18, 2001.   Included as Exhibit 10.18 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
 
       
10.24*
  Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement between Equity Residential and Gerald A. Spector dated January 1, 2002.   Included as Exhibit 10.17 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
 
       
10.25*
  Change in Control Agreement dated as of March 13, 2009 by and between Equity Residential and Mark J. Parrell, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.   Included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated March 12, 2009, filed on March 18, 2009.
 
       
10.26*
  Summary of Changes to Trustee Compensation.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated September 21, 2005, filed on September 27, 2005.

 


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit   Description   Location
10.27*
  The Equity Residential Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as Amended and Restated effective November 1, 2008.   Included as Exhibit 10.4 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.
 
       
10.28*
  Amendment to the Equity Residential Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.   Included as Exhibit 10.1 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010.
 
       
10.29*
  The Equity Residential Grandfathered Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2005.   Included as Exhibit 10.2 to Equity Residential’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008.
 
       
10.30
  Amended and Restated Sales Agency Financing Agreement, dated February 3, 2011, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.   Included as Exhibit 1.1 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated and filed on February 3, 2011.
 
       
10.31
  Sales Agency Financing Agreement, dated February 3, 2011, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC.   Included as Exhibit 1.2 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated and filed on February 3, 2011.
 
       
10.32
  Amended and Restated Sales Agency Financing Agreement, dated February 3, 2011, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.   Included as Exhibit 1.3 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated and filed on February 3, 2011.
 
       
10.33
  Amended and Restated Sales Agency Financing Agreement, dated February 3, 2011, among the Company, the Operating Partnership and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.   Included as Exhibit 1.4 to the Operating Partnership’s Form 8-K dated and filed on February 3, 2011.
 
       
12
  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges.   Attached herein.
 
       
21
  List of Subsidiaries of ERP Operating Limited Partnership.   Attached herein.
 
       
23.1
  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.   Attached herein.
 
       
24
  Power of Attorney.   See the signature page to this report.
 
       
31.1
  Certification of David J. Neithercut, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.   Attached herein.
 
       
31.2
  Certification of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.   Attached herein.
 
       
32.1
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of David J. Neithercut, Chief Executive Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.   Attached herein.
 
       
32.2
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Mark J. Parrell, Chief Financial Officer of Registrant’s General Partner.   Attached herein.
 
*   Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements filed as exhibits to this report are identified by an asterisk.