Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Oct. 24, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6622
Entity Registrant Name	ELME COMMUNITIES
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	53-0261100
Entity Address, Address Line One	1775 EYE STREET, NW
Entity Address, Address Line Two	SUITE 1000
Entity Address, City or Town	WASHINGTON
Entity Address, State or Province	DC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	20006
City Area Code	202
Local Phone Number	774-3200
Title of 12(b) Security	Shares of Beneficial Interest
Trading Symbol	ELME
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		87,517,479
Entity Central Index Key	0000104894
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false