10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission file number 001-13106

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) California (Essex Portfolio, L.P.)	77-0369576 (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) 77-0369575 (Essex Portfolio, L.P.)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1100 Park Place, Suite 200

San Mateo, California    94403

(Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

(650) 655-7800

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Essex Property Trust, Inc.    Yes x   No o Essex Portfolio, L.P.     Yes x   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).

Essex Property Trust, Inc.    Yes x   No o Essex Portfolio, L.P.     Yes x   No o

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. (Check one):

i

Essex Property Trust, Inc.:

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

Essex Portfolio, L.P.:

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer x   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	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 Exchange Act).

Essex Property Trust, Inc.    Yes o   No x Essex Portfolio, L.P.     Yes o   No x

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 65,430,092 shares of Common Stock ($0.0001 par value) of Essex Property Trust, Inc. were outstanding as of April 28, 2016.

ii

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This report combines the reports on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended March 31, 2016 of Essex Property Trust, Inc. and Essex Portfolio, L.P. Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Essex” mean Essex Property Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”), and references to “EPLP” mean Essex Portfolio, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”). References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean collectively Essex, EPLP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by Essex and/or EPLP.  References to the “Operating Partnership” mean collectively EPLP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by EPLP.

Essex is the general partner of EPLP and as the sole general partner of EPLP, Essex has exclusive control of EPLP's day-to-day management.

The Company is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT (“UPREIT”) and Essex contributes all net proceeds from its various equity offerings to the Operating Partnership. In return for those contributions, Essex receives a number of OP Units (see definition below) in the Operating Partnership equal to the number of shares of common stock it has issued in the equity offering.  Contributions of properties to the Company can be structured as tax-deferred transactions through the issuance of OP Units in the Operating Partnership, which is one of the reasons why the Company is structured in the manner outlined above. Based on the terms of EPLP's partnership agreement, OP Units can be exchanged with Essex common stock on a one-for-one basis. The Company maintains a one-for-one relationship between the OP Units of the Operating Partnership issued to Essex and shares of common stock.

The Company believes that combining the reports on Form 10-Q of Essex and EPLP into this single report provides the following benefits:

• enhances investors' understanding of the Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business;

• eliminates duplicative disclosure and provides a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Company and the Operating Partnership; and

• creates time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports.

Management operates the Company and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of Essex consists of the same members as the management of EPLP.

All of the Company's property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership and Essex has no material assets, other than its investment in EPLP. Essex's primary function is acting as the general partner of EPLP.  As general partner with control of the Operating Partnership, the Company consolidates the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of the Company and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements.  Essex also issues equity from time to time and guarantees certain debt of EPLP, as disclosed in this report. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all of the assets of the Company, including the Company's ownership interests in its joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for the net proceeds from equity offerings by the Company, which are contributed to the capital of the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) (on a one-for-one share of common stock per OP Unit basis), the Operating Partnership generates all remaining capital required by the Company's business. These sources include the Operating Partnership's working capital, net cash provided by operating activities, borrowings under its revolving credit facilities, the issuance of secured and unsecured debt and equity securities and proceeds received from disposition of certain properties and joint ventures.

The Company believes it is important to understand the few differences between Essex and EPLP in the context of how Essex and EPLP operate as a consolidated company.  Stockholders' equity, partners' capital and noncontrolling interest are the main areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of the Company and those of the Operating Partnership. The limited partners of the Operating Partnership are accounted for as partners' capital in the Operating Partnership's consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interest in Essex’s consolidated financial statements. The noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership's consolidated financial statements include the interest of unaffiliated partners in various consolidated partnerships and joint venture partners. The noncontrolling interest in the Company's  consolidated financial statements include (i) the same noncontrolling interest as presented in the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements and (ii) limited partner OP Unitholders of the Operating Partnership. The differences between stockholders' equity and partners' capital result from differences in the equity issued at the Company and Operating Partnership levels.

iii

To help investors understand the significant differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report provides separate consolidated financial statements for the Company and the Operating Partnership; a single set of consolidated notes to such financial statements that includes separate discussions of stockholders' equity or partners' capital, and earnings per share/unit, as applicable; and a combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This report also includes separate Part I, Item 4. Controls and Procedures sections and separate Exhibits 31 and 32 certifications for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership in order to establish that the requisite certifications have been made and that the Company and the Operating Partnership are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. §1350.

In order to highlight the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, the separate sections in this report for the Company and the Operating Partnership specifically refer to the Company and the Operating Partnership. In the sections that combine disclosure of the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report refers to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that directly or indirectly enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the Company is one business and the Company operates that business through the Operating Partnership. The separate discussions of the Company and the Operating Partnership in this report should be read in conjunction with each other to understand the results of the Company on a consolidated basis and how management operates the Company.

The information furnished in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income, equity, capital, and cash flows of the Company and the Operating Partnership reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the aforementioned condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods and are normal and recurring in nature, except as otherwise noted.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.  Additionally, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

iv

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		Page No.
Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	5
	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Essex Portfolio L.P. (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	7
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	8
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2016	9
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	10
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	12
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks	32
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	33
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	34
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	34
Item 5.	Other Information	34
Item 6.	Exhibits	35
Signatures		36

1

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

ASSETS	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Real estate:
Rental properties:
Land and land improvements	$	2,573,923		$	2,522,842
Buildings and improvements	10,052,754			9,808,627
	12,626,677			12,331,469
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,051,802		)	(1,949,892		)
	10,574,875			10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711			242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684			1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	—			26,879
	11,790,270			11,686,829
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	48,164			29,683
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	32,319			93,372
Marketable securities	138,597			137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198			19,285
Prepaid expenses and other assets	39,936			38,437
Total assets	$	12,067,484		$	12,005,091
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unsecured debt, net	$	2,936,463		$	3,088,680
Mortgage notes payable, net	2,252,057			2,215,077
Lines of credit, net	164,282			11,707
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	170,444			131,415
Construction payable	36,822			40,953
Dividends payable	111,409			100,266
Other liabilities	34,814			34,518
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	73,750			—
Total liabilities	5,780,041			5,622,616
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	46,203			45,452
Equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value, 656,020,000 shares authorized; 65,426,726 and 65,379,359 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	6			6
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	—			73,750
Additional paid-in capital	7,010,181			7,003,317
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(824,046		)	(797,329		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(44,149		)	(42,011		)
Total stockholders' equity	6,141,992			6,237,733
Noncontrolling interest	99,248			99,290
Total equity	6,241,240			6,337,023
Total liabilities and equity	$	12,067,484		$	12,005,091

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Rental and other property	$	312,178		$	280,229
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024			2,644
	314,202			282,873
Expenses:
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	60,071			55,618
Real estate taxes	34,419			31,553
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
General and administrative	9,182			10,545
Merger and integration expenses	—			2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828			547
	214,207			207,558
Earnings from operations	99,995			75,315
Interest expense	(52,466		)	(47,546		)
Total return swap income	3,123			—
Interest and other income	5,208			4,199
Equity income in co-investments	15,068			4,311
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258			7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279		)	—
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	—			21,362
Net income	86,907			64,753
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(5,071		)	(4,076		)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	81,836			60,677
Dividends to preferred stockholders	(1,314		)	(1,314		)
Excess of redemption value of preferred stock over the carrying value	(2,541		)	—
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981		$	59,363
Comprehensive income	$	84,696		$	65,352
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4,998		)	(4,091		)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	79,698		$	61,261
Per share data:
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	1.19		$	0.92
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period	65,405,654			64,185,455
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	1.19		$	0.92
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period	65,557,639			64,394,680
Dividend per common share	$	1.60		$	1.44

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016

(Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

	Series H Preferred stock					Common stock			Additional paid-in capital			Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net			Noncontrolling Interest
	Shares		Amount			Shares	Amount														Total
Balances at December 31, 2015	2,950		$	73,750		65,379	$	6	$	7,003,317		$	(797,329	)	$	(42,011	)	$	99,290		$	6,337,023
Net income	—		—			—	—		—			81,836			—			5,071			86,907
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	—		—			—	—		—			—			(2,445		)	(83		)	(2,528		)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	—		—			—	—		—			—			307			10			317
Issuance of common stock under:
Stock option and restricted stock plans, net	—		—			41	—		5,232			—			—			—			5,232
Sale of common stock, net	—		—			—	—		(134		)	—			—			—			(134		)
Equity based compensation costs	—		—			—	—		895			—			—			595			1,490
Reclassification of Series H preferred stock	(2,950	)	(73,750		)	—	—		2,541			(2,541		)	—			—			(73,750		)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	—		—			—	—		(841		)	—			—			90			(751		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—		—			—	—		—			—			—			(5,465		)	(5,465		)
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	—		—			7	—		(829		)	—			—			(260		)	(1,089		)
Common and preferred stock dividends	—		—			—	—		—			(106,012		)	—			—			(106,012		)
Balances at March 31, 2016	—		$	—		65,427	$	6	$	7,010,181		$	(824,046	)	$	(44,149	)	$	99,248		$	6,241,240

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands) 

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	86,907		$	64,753
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
Amortization of discount on marketable securities and other investments	(3,756		)	(2,856		)
Amortization of (premium) discount and debt financing costs, net	(3,795		)	(6,530		)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(740		)	—
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments	(7,435		)	—
Income from early redemption of preferred equity investments	—			(469		)
Earnings from co-investments	(7,633		)	(3,842		)
Operating distributions from co-investments	9,753			6,055
Gain on the sale of real estate and land	(20,258		)	(7,112		)
Equity-based compensation	1,490			1,370
Gain on remeasurement of co-investments	—			(21,362		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses, receivables and other assets	846			3,548
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,200			21,741
Other liabilities	324			346
Net cash provided by operating activities	200,610			162,549
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to real estate:
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures	(110,309		)	(199,190		)
Redevelopment	(24,151		)	(19,140		)
Development acquisitions of and additions to real estate under development	(22,656		)	(90,925		)
Capital expenditures on rental properties	(5,688		)	(16,196		)
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investments	—			(41,513		)
Proceeds from insurance for property losses	435			4,589
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate	48,008			74,485
Contributions to co-investments	(50,591		)	(48,650		)
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	59,346			45,145
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,344		)	(7,250		)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,045			717
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	21,146			11,072
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,759		)	(286,856		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under debt agreements	305,895			756,562
Repayment of debt	(309,903		)	(536,830		)
Additions to deferred charges	(1,037		)	(4,456		)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	(134		)	174,592
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	5,232			15,613
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(4,858		)	(3,574		)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest	(1,089		)	(2,154		)
Common and preferred stock dividends paid	(95,476		)	(83,663		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(101,370		)	316,090
Cash acquired in consolidation of co-investment	—			1,807
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,481			193,590
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,683			25,610

5

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	48,164	$	219,200
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of $3.1 million and $4.3 million capitalized in 2016 and 2015, respectively	$	48,109	$	50,343
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Transfers between real estate under development to rental properties, net	$	107,643	$	162,345
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	$	2,338	$	1,562
Reclassifications to redeemable noncontrolling interest from additional paid in capital and noncontrolling interest	$	751	$	1,660
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition	$	48,832	$	114,435

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except unit amounts)

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Real estate:
Rental properties:
Land and land improvements	$	2,573,923		$	2,522,842
Buildings and improvements	10,052,754			9,808,627
	12,626,677			12,331,469
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,051,802		)	(1,949,892		)
	10,574,875			10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711			242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684			1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	—			26,879
	11,790,270			11,686,829
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	48,164			29,683
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	32,319			93,372
Marketable securities	138,597			137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198			19,285
Prepaid expenses and other assets	39,936			38,437
Total assets	$	12,067,484		$	12,005,091
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Unsecured debt, net	$	2,936,463		$	3,088,680
Mortgage notes payable, net	2,252,057			2,215,077
Lines of credit, net	164,282			11,707
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	170,444			131,415
Construction payable	36,822			40,953
Distributions payable	111,409			100,266
Other liabilities	34,814			34,518
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred units at liquidation value	73,750			—
Total liabilities	5,780,041			5,622,616
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	46,203			45,452
Capital:
General Partner:
Common equity (65,426,726 and 65,379,359 units issued and outstanding, respectively)	6,186,141			6,208,535
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock (liquidation value of 73,750)	—			71,209
	6,186,141			6,279,744
Limited Partners:
Common equity (2,224,968 and 2,214,545 units issued and outstanding, respectively)	46,889			47,235
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(41,809		)	(39,598		)
Total partners' capital	6,191,221			6,287,381
Noncontrolling interest	50,019			49,642
Total capital	6,241,240			6,337,023
Total liabilities and capital	$	12,067,484		$	12,005,091

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except unit and per unit amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Rental and other property	$	312,178		$	280,229
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024			2,644
	314,202			282,873
Expenses:
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	60,071			55,618
Real estate taxes	34,419			31,553
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
General and administrative	9,182			10,545
Merger and integration expenses	—			2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828			547
	214,207			207,558
Earnings from operations	99,995			75,315
Interest expense	(52,466		)	(47,546		)
Total return swap income	3,123			—
Interest and other income	5,208			4,199
Equity income in co-investments	15,068			4,311
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258			7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279		)	—
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	—			21,362
Net income	86,907			64,753
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,287		)	(2,013		)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	84,620			62,740
Preferred interest distributions	(1,314		)	(1,314		)
Excess of redemption value of preferred units over the carrying value	(2,541		)	—
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765		$	61,426
Comprehensive income	$	84,696		$	65,352
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,287		)	(2,013		)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$	82,409		$	63,339
Per unit data:
Basic:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	1.19		$	0.93
Weighted average number of common units outstanding during the period	67,633,519			66,369,769
Diluted:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	1.19		$	0.92
Weighted average number of common units outstanding during the period	67,785,504			66,578,994
Distribution per common unit	$	1.60		$	1.44

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2016

(Dollars and units in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	General Partner							Limited Partners					Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Common Equity							Common Equity								Noncontrolling Interest
	Units	Amount						Units		Amount									Total
Balances at December 31, 2015	65,379	$	6,208,535		$	71,209		2,215		$	47,235		$	(39,598	)	$	49,642		$	6,337,023
Net income	—	77,981			3,855			—		2,784			—			2,287			86,907
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	—	—			—			—		—			(2,528		)	—			(2,528		)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	—	—			—			—		—			317			—			317
Issuance of common units under:
General partner's stock based compensation, net	41	5,232			—			—		—			—			—			5,232
Sale of common stock by general partner, net	—	(134		)	—			—		—			—			—			(134		)
Equity based compensation costs	—	895			—			18		595			—			—			1,490
Reclassification of Series H preferred units	—	—			(73,750		)	—		—			—			—			(73,750		)
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	—	(841		)	—			—		—			—			90			(751		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—	—			—			—		—			—			(1,818		)	(1,818		)
Redemptions	7	(829		)	—			(8	)	(78		)	—			(182		)	(1,089		)
Distributions declared	—	(104,698		)	(1,314		)	—		(3,647		)	—			—			(109,659		)
Balances at March 31, 2016	65,427	$	6,186,141		$	—		2,225		$	46,889		$	(41,809	)	$	50,019		$	6,241,240

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	86,907		$	64,753
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
Amortization of discount on marketable securities and other investments	(3,756		)	(2,856		)
Amortization of (premium) discount and debt financing costs, net	(3,795		)	(6,530		)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(740		)	—
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments	(7,435		)	—
Income from early redemption of preferred equity investments	—			(469		)
Earnings from co-investments	(7,633		)	(3,842		)
Operating distributions from co-investments	9,753			6,055
Gain on the sales of real estate and land	(20,258		)	(7,112		)
Equity-based compensation	1,490			1,370
Gain on remeasurement of co-investments	—			(21,362		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expense, receivables and other assets	846			3,548
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,200			21,741
Other liabilities	324			346
Net cash provided by operating activities	200,610			162,549
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to real estate:
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures	(110,309		)	(199,190		)
Redevelopment	(24,151		)	(19,140		)
Development acquisitions of and additions to real estate under development	(22,656		)	(90,925		)
Capital expenditures on rental properties	(5,688		)	(16,196		)
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investments	—			(41,513		)
Proceeds from insurance for property losses	435			4,589
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate	48,008			74,485
Contributions to co-investments	(50,591		)	(48,650		)
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	59,346			45,145
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,344		)	(7,250		)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,045			717
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	21,146			11,072
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,759		)	(286,856		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under debt agreements	305,895			756,562
Repayment of debt	(309,903		)	(536,830		)
Additions to deferred charges	(1,037		)	(4,456		)
Net proceeds from issuance of common units	(134		)	174,592
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	5,232			15,613
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,528		)	(221		)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest	(1,089		)	(2,154		)
Common and preferred units and preferred interest distributions paid	(98,806		)	(87,016		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(101,370		)	316,090
Cash acquired in consolidation of co-investment	—			1,807
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,481			193,590
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,683			25,610

10

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	48,164	$	219,200
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of $3.1 million and $4.3 million capitalized in 2016 and 2015, respectively	$	48,109	$	50,343
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Transfers between real estate under development to rental properties, net	$	107,643	$	162,345
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	$	2,338	$	1,562
Reclassifications to redeemable noncontrolling interest from general partner capital and noncontrolling interest	$	751	$	1,660
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition	$	48,832	$	114,435

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

11

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

(1) Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present the accounts of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (“Essex” or the “Company”), which include the accounts of the Company and Essex Portfolio, L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Operating Partnership,” which holds the operating assets of the Company), prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are normal and recurring in nature.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. Essex is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, with a 96.7% general partnership interest as of March 31, 2016. Total Operating Partnership limited partnership units outstanding were 2,224,968 and 2,214,545 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $520.3 million and $530.2 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company owned or had ownership interests in 244 stabilized apartment communities, aggregating 59,441 apartment homes, excluding the Company’s ownership in preferred interest co-investments, (collectively, the “Communities”, and individually, a “Community”), two commercial buildings and seven active developments (collectively, the “Portfolio”).  The Communities are located in Southern California (primarily Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan areas.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-01 "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities", which requires changes to the classification and measurement of investments in certain equity securities and to the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 "Leases", which requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. The guidance also requires disclosure regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The new standard must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

12

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Marketable Securities

The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds and Level 2 for the unsecured bonds, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities, investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature through November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost.  As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	9,603	$	154		$	9,757
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	5,019		2			5,021
Common stock and stock funds	32,576		7,311			39,887
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	83,932		—			83,932
Total - Marketable securities	$	131,130	$	7,467		$	138,597
	December 31, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	11,618	$	68		$	11,686
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	3,675		(9		)	3,666
Common stock and stock funds	34,655		7,091			41,746
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	80,387		—			80,387
Total - Marketable securities	$	130,335	$	7,150		$	137,485

The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $5.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, which resulted in $0.7 million realized gains and no realized gains or losses, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which provides new consolidation guidance and makes changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model. Among other changes, the new standard specifically eliminates the presumption in the current voting model that a general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity unless that presumption can be overcome. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 on

13

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

January 1, 2016. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the new standard, it determined that no change was required to its accounting for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). However, under the guidance of ASU No. 2015-02, 9 previously consolidated co-investments now meet the definition of a VIE and requires additional disclosure about these VIEs which the Company continues to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary.

The Company continues to be the primary beneficiary and consolidates the Operating Partnership and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising eleven communities). Commencing on January 1, 2016, 9 other consolidated co-investments were determined to be VIEs and the Company continued to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to the 9 consolidated co-investments and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $904.4 million and $231.4 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016 and $893.1 million and $231.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Noncontrolling interests in these entities was $55.0 million and $54.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's financial risk in each VIE is limited to its equity investment in the VIE. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any other VIEs of which it was deemed to be the primary beneficiary and did not have any VIEs of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

Equity-based Compensation

The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards.  The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13, “Equity Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its lines of credit, and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, because interest rates, yields, and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $4.6 billion of fixed rate debt, including unsecured debt, at March 31, 2016 is approximately $4.8 billion and the Company’s variable rate debt at March 31, 2016 approximates its fair value based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable, unsecured debt, and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payables, other liabilities, and dividends payable approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Marketable securities, except mortgage backed securities that are held to maturity, and derivatives are carried at fair value as of March 31, 2016.

At March 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $83.9 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $113.3 million.  At December 31, 2015, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $80.4 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $110.2 million.  The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities.  Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.

Capitalization of Costs

The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects were comprised primarily of employee compensation and totaled $3.2 million and $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company capitalizes leasing commissions associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized for leasing commissions are immaterial for all periods presented.

14

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Co-investments

The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Therefore, the Company accounts for co-investments using the equity method of accounting.  The equity method employs the accrual basis for recognizing the investor’s share of investee income or losses. In addition, distributions received from the investee are treated as a reduction in the investment account, not as income. The significant accounting policies of the Company’s co-investment entities are consistent with those of the Company in all material respects.

Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of a co-investment, the co-investment entity is consolidated and a gain or loss is recognized upon the remeasurement of co-investments in the condensed consolidated statement of income equal to the amount by which the fair value of the co-investment interest the Company previously owned exceeds its carrying value.  A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and some of these investments may provide promote income if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved. Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible. Any promote fees are reflected in equity income from co-investments.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net by Component

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

(in thousands)

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(48,366	)	$	6,355	$	(42,011	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,444		)	307		(4,137		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,999			—		1,999
Other comprehensive loss	(2,445		)	307		(2,138		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(50,811	)	$	6,662	$	(44,149	)

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, by Component

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

(in thousands):

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(46,087	)	$	6,489	$	(39,598	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,595		)	317		(4,278		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,067			—		2,067
Other comprehensive loss	(2,528		)	317		(2,211		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(48,615	)	$	6,806	$	(41,809	)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with derivatives are recorded in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

15

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing, and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivables, and its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

16

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

(2)  Significant Transactions During the First Quarter of 2016 and Subsequent Events

Significant Transactions

Acquisitions

In January 2016, the Company acquired Mio, a 103 unit apartment community, located in San Jose, CA for $51.3 million.

In March 2016, the Company acquired Form 15, a 242 apartment unit community, located in San Diego, CA for $97.4 million. In connection with this acquisition, the Company assumed $44.8 million in mortgage loans.

Both properties were acquired via like kind exchange with disposition proceeds.

The $148.7 million aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions listed above were included on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as follows: $35.6 million was included in land and land improvements, $112.2 million was included in buildings and improvements, and $0.9 million was recorded as acquired in-place lease value and was included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Dispositions

In January 2016, the Company sold its former headquarters office building, located in Palo Alto, CA for $18.0 million, resulting in a gain of $9.6 million.

In January 2016, a Company co-investment, BEXAEW, LLC sold The Heights, a 332 unit apartment community, located in Chino Hills, CA for $93.8 million, which resulted in a gain of $7.4 million for the Company, recorded in the statement of income as equity income in co-investments. BEXAEW, LLC used $50.3 million of proceeds to repay the loan on the property. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in the BEXAEW, LLC joint venture.

In February 2016, the Company sold Harvest Park, a 104 unit apartment community, located in Santa Rosa, CA, which was owned by the Company's wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, for $30.5 million, resulting in a gain of $6.4 million, net of $4.3 million deferred tax on gain on sale of real estate.

Preferred Equity Investments

In March 2016, the Company made a commitment to fund a $47.1 million preferred equity investment in a limited liability company that owns 201 Lexington, a development located in Glendale, CA. As of March 31, 2016, $31.8 million of this commitment had been funded. This investment earns a 12.0% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in March 2020.

Private Placement Bond Redemption

In January 2016, the Company paid off $150.0 million in private placement unsecured bonds that had an interest rate of 4.36% and a stated maturity date of March 2016. This represented the total outstanding balance of these unsecured bonds.

Subsequent Events

In April 2016, the Company issued $450 million of 3.375% senior unsecured notes that mature in April 2026. The interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2016 until the maturity date of April 15, 2026. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering to repay indebtedness under its unsecured lines of credit and for other general corporate and working capital purposes.

In April 2016, the Company redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 2,950,000 shares of the Company's 7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock for $25.00 per share. Since the notice of redemption was given in March 2016, the preferred stock was presented at redemption value as a liability as of March 31, 2016, and the excess of redemption value over carrying value was recorded as a charge to net income attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

17

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

In April 2016, a Company co-investment, BEXAEW, LLC, sold Canyon Creek, a 200 apartment home community, located in Northridge, CA for $53.5 million. BEXAEW, LLC used $26.3 million of proceeds to repay the loan on the property. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in the BEXAEW, LLC joint venture.

(3) Co-investments

The Company has joint ventures and preferred equity investments in co-investments which are accounted for under the equity method.  The co-investments own, operate, and develop apartment communities. The carrying values of the Company's co-investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

	Ownership Percentage		March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Membership interest/Partnership interest in:
CPPIB	55	%	$	380,399	$	376,862
Wesco I, III and IV	50	%	216,485		218,902
BEXAEW	50	%	74,069		88,850
Palm Valley	50	%	68,340		68,525
Other	50%-55%		32,000		32,927
Total operating co-investments			771,293		786,066
Total development co-investments	50%-55%		158,408		143,669
Total preferred interest co-investments (includes related party investments of $35.9 million and $35.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)			139,983		106,312
Total co-investments			$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

The combined summarized financial information of co-investments is as follows (in thousands).

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Combined balance sheets: (1)
Rental properties and real estate under development	$	3,323,201	$	3,360,360
Other assets	111,040		96,785
Total assets	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Debt	$	1,475,295	$	1,499,601
Other liabilities	97,765		92,241
Equity (1)	1,861,181		1,865,303
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Company's share of equity	$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

18

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Combined statements of income: (1)
Property revenues	$	75,130		$	63,498
Property operating expenses	(25,821		)	(22,954		)
Net operating income	49,309			40,544
Gain on sale of real estate	17,495			14
Interest expense	(13,140		)	(11,316		)
General and administrative	(1,240		)	(1,606		)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,716		)	(25,381		)
Net income	$	23,708		$	2,255
Company's share of net income (2)	$	15,068		$	4,311

⁽¹⁾ Includes preferred equity investments held by the Company.

⁽²⁾ Includes the Company's share of equity income from co-investments and preferred equity investments, gain on sales of co-investments, co-investment promote income and income from early redemption of preferred equity investments.Includes related party income of $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(4) Notes and Other Receivables

Notes receivable, secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Notes receivable, secured, bearing interest at 6.0%, due December 2016	$	3,219	$	3,219
Notes and other receivables from affiliates (1)	3,522		3,092
Other receivables	11,457		12,974
	$	18,198	$	19,285

⁽¹⁾ The Company had $3.5 million and $3.1 million of short-term loans outstanding and due from various joint ventures as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5, Related Party Transactions, for additional details.

(5) Related Party Transactions

The Company charges certain fees to its co-investments for asset management, property management, development, and redevelopment services. These fees from affiliates totaled $3.3 million and $5.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. All of these fees are net of intercompany amounts eliminated by the Company. The Company netted development and redevelopment fees of $1.3 million and $3.1 million against general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s Chairman and founder, Mr. George Marcus, is the Chairman of the Marcus & Millichap Company (“MMC”), which is a parent company of a diversified group of real estate service, investment, and development firms. Mr. Marcus is also the Co-Chairman of Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (“MMI”), and Mr. Marcus owns a controlling interest in MMI, a national brokerage firm listed on the NYSE. 

In March 2015, a multifamily property, located in Anaheim, CA that was owned by an entity affiliated with MMC, in which the Company held a $13.7 million preferred equity investment, was sold. That investment of $13.7 million plus an additional $1.3 million in cash was invested as outlined in the next two paragraphs. Prior to the property sale, the $13.7 million preferred equity investment earned a 9.0% preferred return and was scheduled to mature in September 2020.

19

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

In June 2015, the Company made a $10.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Greentree Apartments, a 220 apartment community located in San Jose, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in June 2022.

In June 2015, the Company made a $5.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Sterling Cove Apartments, a 218 apartment community located in Concord, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in June 2022.

In August 2015, the Company made a $5.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Alta Vista Apartments, a 92 apartment community located in Los Angeles, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in August 2022.

In January 2013, the Company invested $8.6 million as a preferred equity interest investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns an apartment development in Redwood City, CA. In March 2015, the Company's preferred interest investment was prepaid and the Company recognized a gain of $0.5 million as a result of the prepayment.

As described in Note 4, the Company has provided short-term bridge loans to affiliates.  As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $3.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of short-term loans remained outstanding due from joint venture affiliates and is classified within notes and other receivables in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(6) Debt

The Company does not have indebtedness as debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership.  The Company guarantees the Operating Partnership’s unsecured debt including the revolving credit facilities for the full term of such debt.

Debt consists of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			Weighted Average Maturity In Years
Unsecured bonds private placement - fixed rate	$	314,003		$	463,891		4.4
Term loan - variable rate	224,551			224,467			0.7
Bonds public offering - fixed rate	2,397,909			2,400,322			6.5
Unsecured debt, net (1)	2,936,463			3,088,680
Lines of credit, net (2)	164,282			11,707
Mortgage notes payable, net (3)	2,252,057			2,215,077			5.6
Total debt, net	$	5,352,802		$	5,315,464
Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate unsecured and unsecured private placement bonds	3.6		%	3.6		%
Weighted average interest rate on variable rate term loan	2.4		%	2.4		%
Weighted average interest rate on lines of credit	1.8		%	1.9		%
Weighted average interest rate on mortgage notes payable	4.4		%	4.4		%

(1) Includes unamortized premium and discounts of $11.3 million and $14.3 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $14.8 million and $15.6 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(2) Lines of credit, net, includes unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.1 million and $3.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(3) Includes unamortized premium of $64.5 million and $64.8 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $8.1 million and $8.0 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The aggregate scheduled principal payments of the Company’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016 are as follows (excluding lines of credit) (in thousands):

20

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Remaining in 2016	$	222,803
2017	564,851
2018	321,328
2019	661,954
2020	693,868
Thereafter	2,670,852
	$	5,135,656

21

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

(7) Segment Information

The Company's segment disclosures present the measure used by the chief operating decision makers for purposes of assessing each segment's performance. Essex's chief operating decision makers are comprised of several members of its executive management team who use NOI to assess the performance of the business for the Company's reportable operating segments. NOI represents total property revenue less direct property operating expenses.

The executive management team evaluates the Company's operating performance geographically. The Company defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its communities are located: Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro.

Excluded from segment revenues and net operating income are management and other fees from affiliates and interest and other income. Non-segment revenues and net operating income included in the following schedule also consist of revenue generated from commercial properties.  Other non-segment assets include real estate under development, co-investments, cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, notes and other receivables, prepaid expenses, and other assets.

The revenues and net operating income for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Southern California	$	141,492		$	123,455
Northern California	112,733			102,427
Seattle Metro	52,074			48,654
Other real estate assets	5,879			5,693
Total property revenues	$	312,178		$	280,229
Net operating income:
Southern California	$	96,453		$	83,088
Northern California	80,711			72,516
Seattle Metro	35,689			33,129
Other real estate assets	4,835			4,325
Total net operating income	217,688			193,058
Depreciation and amortization	(109,707		)	(106,907		)
Interest expense	(52,466		)	(47,546		)
Total return swap income	3,123			—
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024			2,644
General and administrative	(9,182		)	(10,545		)
Merger and integration expenses	—			(2,388		)
Acquisition and investment related costs	(828		)	(547		)
Interest and other income	5,208			4,199
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258			7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279		)	—
Equity income in co-investments	15,068			4,311
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	—			21,362
Net income	$	86,907		$	64,753

22

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Assets:
Southern California	$	4,875,525	$	4,912,264
Northern California	3,892,121		3,749,072
Seattle Metro	1,698,550		1,613,175
Other real estate assets	108,679		107,066
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	10,574,875		10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711		242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684		1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	—		26,879
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	80,483		123,055
Marketable securities	138,597		137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198		19,285
Other non-segment assets	39,936		38,437
Total assets	$	12,067,484	$	12,005,091

(8) Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit

(Amounts in thousands, except share and unit data)

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,405,654	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,185,455	$	0.92
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,557,639	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,394,680	$	0.92

Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,227,865 and 2,184,314, which include vested Series Z Incentive Units, Series Z-1 Incentive Units, 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan Units, and 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan Units, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. The related income allocated to these convertible limited partnership units, which includes vested Series Z-1 units, aggregated $2.8 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, excludes 958,972 DownREIT units as they are anti-dilutive.

Stock options of 77,200 and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed proceeds per share of these options plus the average unearned compensation were greater than the average market price of the common stock for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.

23

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,633,519	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,369,769	$	0.93
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,785,504	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,578,994	$	0.92

Stock options of 77,200 and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed proceeds per share of these options plus the average unearned compensation were greater than the average market price of the common stock for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive. Additionally, excludes 958,972 DownREIT units as they are anti-dilutive.

(9) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $225 million that effectively fixed the interest rate on the $225 million unsecured term loan at 2.4%. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has interest rate caps, which are not accounted for as hedges, totaling a notional amount of $20.7 million that effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for $20.7 million of the Company’s tax exempt variable rate debt.

As of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts was a liability of $1.0 million, and is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap was zero on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Hedge ineffectiveness related to cash flow hedges, which is included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated income statements, net was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Additionally, the Company has entered into total return swaps that effectively convert $257.3 million of mortgage notes payable to a floating interest rate based on SIFMA plus a spread. The total return swaps provide fair market value protection on the mortgage notes payable to our counterparties during the initial period of the total return swap until the Company's option to call the mortgage notes at par can be exercised. The Company can currently call the total return swaps with $114.4 million of the outstanding debt at par, while the call option on the total return swaps relating to $142.9 million of outstanding debt can be exercised starting on January 1, 2017. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting and had a carrying and fair value of $13 thousand and $4 thousand at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These total return swaps are scheduled to mature between September 2021 and November 2022. Realized gains of $3.1 million and zero are reported in the condensed consolidated income statements as total return swap income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

24

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

(10) Commitments and Contingencies

To the extent that an environmental matter arises or is identified in the future that has other than a remote risk of having a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company will disclose the estimated range of possible outcomes associated with it, and, if an outcome is probable, accrue an appropriate liability for that matter. The Company will consider whether any such matter results in an impairment of value on the affected property and, if so, impairment will be recognized. The Company is subject to various lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations. We believe that, with respect to such matters we are currently a party to, the ultimate disposition of any such matter will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and with the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The Company is a self-administered and self-managed REIT that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages apartment communities in selected residential areas located primarily in the West Coast of the United States. Essex owns all of its interests in its real estate investments, directly or indirectly, through the Operating Partnership. Essex is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and, as of March 31, 2016, had an approximately 96.7% general partner interest in the Operating Partnership.

The Company’s investment strategy has two components: constant monitoring of existing markets, and evaluation of new markets to identify areas with the characteristics that underlie rental growth. The Company’s strong financial condition supports its investment strategy by enhancing its ability to quickly shift acquisition, development, redevelopment, and disposition activities to markets that will optimize the performance of the portfolio.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had ownership interests in 244 stabilized apartment communities, comprising 59,441 apartment homes, excluding the Company’s ownership in preferred equity interest co-investments, and the Company also had ownership interests in two operating commercial buildings with approximately 140,564 square feet and seven active developments.  The Company’s apartment communities are predominately located in the following major regions:

Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties)

Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area)

SeattleMetro (Seattle metropolitan area)

As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s development pipeline was comprised of two consolidated projects under development, five unconsolidated joint venture projects under development, and various consolidated predevelopment projects all aggregating 2,551 apartment homes, with total incurred costs of $0.5 billion, and estimated remaining project costs of $0.9 billion for total estimated project costs of $1.4 billion.

The Company’s consolidated apartment communities are as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016			As of March 31, 2015
	Apartment Homes	%		Apartment Homes	%
Southern California	23,949	49	%	22,829	48	%
Northern California	14,865	30	%	14,789	31	%
Seattle Metro	10,239	21	%	10,216	21	%
Total	49,053	100	%	47,834	100	%

Co-investments, including Wesco I, LLC ("Wesco I"), Wesco III, LLC ("Wesco III"), Wesco IV, LLC (“Wesco IV”), Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB" or "CPP"), Palm Valley, and BEXAEW, LLC (“BEXAEW”) communities,

25

developments under construction, and preferred equity interest co-investment communities are not included in the table presented above for both periods.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

The Company’s average financial occupancies for the Company’s stabilized apartment communities or “Quarterly Same-Property” (stabilized properties consolidated by the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015) was 96.0% and 96.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Financial occupancy is defined as the percentage resulting from dividing actual rental revenue by total potential rental revenue. Actual rental revenue represents contractual rental revenue pursuant to leases without considering delinquency and concessions. Total potential rental revenue represents the value of all apartment homes, with occupied apartment homes valued at contractual rental rates pursuant to leases and vacant apartment homes valued at estimated market rents.  We believe that financial occupancy is a meaningful measure of occupancy because it considers the value of each vacant apartment home at its estimated market rate.

Market rates are determined using the recently signed effective rates on new leases at the property and are used as the starting point in the determination of the market rates of vacant apartment homes. The Company may increase or decrease these rates based on the supply and demand in the apartment community’s market. The Company will check the reasonableness of these rents based on its position within the market and compare the rents against the asking rents by comparable properties in the market. Financial occupancy may not completely reflect short-term trends in physical occupancy and financial occupancy rates and the Company's calculation of financial occupancy may not be comparable to financial occupancy disclosed by other REITs.

The Company does not take into account delinquency and concessions to calculate actual rent for occupied apartment homes and market rents for vacant apartment homes. The calculation of financial occupancy compares contractual rates for occupied apartment homes to estimated market rents for unoccupied apartment homes, and thus the calculation compares the gross value of all apartment homes excluding delinquency and concessions. For apartment communities that are development properties in lease-up without stabilized occupancy figures, the Company believes the physical occupancy rate is the appropriate performance metric. While an apartment community is in the lease-up phase, the Company’s primary motivation is to stabilize the property which may entail the use of rent concessions and other incentives, and thus financial occupancy, which is based on contractual revenue is not considered the best metric to quantify occupancy.

The regional breakdown of the Company’s Quarterly Same-Property portfolio for financial occupancy for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Southern California	96.0	%	96.0	%
Northern California	96.1	%	96.2	%
Seattle Metro	95.8	%	96.2	%

The following table provides a breakdown of revenue amounts, including revenues attributable to the Quarterly Same-Properties:

	Number of	Three Months Ended   March 31,				Dollar		Percentage
Property Revenues ($ in thousands)	Properties	2016		2015		Change		Change
Quarterly Same-Property:
Southern California	92	$	127,101	$	119,823	$	7,278	6.1	%
Northern California	54	100,571		92,219		8,352		9.1
Seattle Metro	50	52,073		48,655		3,418		7.0
Total Quarterly Same-Property revenues	196	279,745		260,697		19,048		7.3
Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues		32,433		19,532		12,901		66.1
Total property revenues		$	312,178	$	280,229	$	31,949	11.4	%

26

Quarterly Same-Property Revenues increased by $19.0 million or 7.3% to $279.7 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $260.7 million in the first quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of 7.4% in average rental rates from $1,878 per apartment home in the first quarter of 2015 to $2,017 per apartment home in the first quarter of 2016. 

Quarterly Non-Same Property Revenues increased by $12.9 million or 66.1% to $32.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $19.5 million in the first quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily due to revenue generated by the acquisition or consolidation of ten communities, net of dispositions, since January 1, 2015.

Management and other fees from affiliates decreased by $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the first quarter of 2015. The decrease is primarily due to the loss of asset and management fees in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the first quarter of 2015, associated with the consolidation of The Huxley, The Dylan, and Reveal during the first quarter of 2015 and the sale of certain communities.

Property operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes increased $4.5 million to $60.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $55.6 million in the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to the acquisition or consolidation of ten communities, net of dispositions, since January 1, 2015. Quarterly Same-Property operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes, increased by $2.7 million or 5.1% for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in management fees and a $0.9 million increase in maintenance and repairs.

Real estate taxes increased by $2.9 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 due primarily to the acquisition or consolidation of ten communities, net of dispositions, since January 1, 2015. Quarterly Same-Property real estate taxes increased by $0.6 million or 2.1% for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to increases in property tax due to increases in tax rates and property valuations.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2016, due to the acquisition or consolidation of ten communities, net of dispositions, since January 1, 2015. 

Merger and integration expenses include, but are not limited to, advisor fees, legal, and accounting fees related to the merger with BRE and related integration activity. There were no merger and integration expenses for the first quarter of 2016 and $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2015. 

Interest expense increased $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to the $500.0 million senior unsecured notes due on April 1, 2025 issued in March 2015 which resulted in $4.4 million interest expense for the first quarter of 2016 and $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2015. In addition, capitalized interest decreased $1.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015, which was due to a decrease in development costs as compared to the same period in 2015.

Total return swap income of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 consists of monthly settlements related to the Company's total return swap contracts that were entered into during 2015 in connection with $257.3 million of fixed rate tax-exempt mortgage notes payable. There was no total return swap income for the first quarter of 2015.

Interest and other income increased by $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to an increase of $1.3 million in income from marketable securities and other income and $0.7 million in income from the sale of a marketable security partially offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in insurance income.

Equity income in co-investments increased $10.8 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to $7.4 million in income on the gain on sale of a co-investment community during the first quarter of 2016.

Gain on sale of real estate and land increased by $13.1 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 due to a $10.7 million gain on the sale of Harvest Park before tax expense and a $9.6 million gain on the sale of the Company's former headquarters office building during the first quarter of 2016 versus $7.1 million in gains on the sales of Pinnacle South Mountain and two commercial buildings during the first quarter of 2015.

Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land of $4.3 million for the first quarter of 2016 was recorded due to the sale of Harvest Park, which was owned by our wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary. There was no current tax expense on the sale of real estate and land for the first quarter of 2016, because Harvest Park was sold in a like-kind exchange transaction.

27

Gain on remeasurement of co-investment of $21.4 million for the first quarter of 2015 were due to a remeasurement of the Company's investments, caused by the Company's purchase of the joint venture partner's remaining membership interest in The Huxley and The Dylan co-investments. There were no gains on remeasurement of co-investments for the first quarter of 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $48.2 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $138.6 million in marketable securities, of which $54.7 million were available for sale. We believe that cash flows generated by our operations, existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances, availability under existing lines of credit, access to capital markets and the ability to generate cash from the disposition of real estate are sufficient to meet all of our reasonably anticipated cash needs during the next twelve months.  The timing, source and amounts of cash flows provided by financing activities and used in investing activities are sensitive to changes in interest rates and other fluctuations in the capital markets environment, which can affect our plans for acquisitions, dispositions, development and redevelopment activities.

Fitch Ratings ("Fitch"), Moody’s Investor Service, and Standard and Poor's (“S&P”) credit agencies rate Essex Property Trust, Inc. and Essex Portfolio, L.P. BBB+/Stable, Baa2/Positive, and BBB/Positive, respectively.

The Company has two lines of unsecured credit aggregating $1.03 billion.  The Company has a $1.0 billion unsecured line of credit, and as of March 31, 2016, there was $165.0 million outstanding on the line. The underlying interest rate is based on a tiered rate structure tied to the Company's credit ratings and was LIBOR plus 0.90% as of March 31, 2016.  This facility matures in December 2019 with one 18-month extension, exercisable at the Company’s option. The Company has a working capital unsecured line of credit agreement for $25.0 million.  This facility matures in January 2018.  As of March 31, 2016, there was $3.4 million outstanding on the $25.0 million unsecured line. The underlying interest rate on the $25.0 million line is based on a tiered rate structure tied to the Company's credit ratings and was LIBOR plus 0.90% as of March 31, 2016.

In April 2016, the Company issued $450 million of 3.375% senior unsecured notes that mature in April 2026. The interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2016 until the maturity date of April 15, 2026. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering to repay indebtedness under its unsecured lines of credit and for other general corporate and working capital purposes.

In April 2016, the Company redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 2,950,000 shares of the Company's 7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock for $25.00 per share.

The Company has entered into equity distribution agreements with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co, Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BNB Paribas Securities Corp., Capital One Securities, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (USA), Inc., and UBS Securities LLC. The Company has not issued any shares pursuant to its equity distribution program, during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and through April 28, 2016.

Essex pays quarterly dividends from cash available for distribution.  Until it is distributed, cash available for distribution is invested by the Company primarily in investment grade securities held available for sale or is used by the Company to reduce balances outstanding under its line of credit. 

Development and Predevelopment Pipeline

The Company defines development activities as new properties that are being constructed, or are newly constructed and, in the case of development communities, are in a phase of lease-up and have not yet reached stabilized operations. As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s development pipeline was comprised of two consolidated projects under development and five unconsolidated joint venture projects under development, all aggregating 2,551 apartment homes, with total incurred costs of $0.5 billion, and estimated remaining project costs of approximately $0.9 billion, $682 million of which represents the Company's estimated remaining costs, for total estimated project costs of $1.4 billion.

The Company expects to fund the development and predevelopment pipeline by using a combination of some or all of the following sources: its working capital, amounts available on its lines of credit, net proceeds from public and private equity and debt issuances, and proceeds from the disposition of assets, if any.

Redevelopment Pipeline

The Company defines redevelopment communities as existing properties owned or recently acquired, which have been targeted for additional investment by the Company with the expectation of increased financial returns through property improvement.

28

During redevelopment, apartment homes may not be available for rent and, as a result, may have less than stabilized operations. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had ownership interests in five major redevelopment communities aggregating 1,313 apartment homes with estimated redevelopment costs of $159.8 million, of which approximately $72.0 million remains to be expended. The Company has the ability to cease funding of the redevelopment pipeline as needed.

Derivative Activity

The Company uses interest rate swaps, interest rate cap, and total return swap contracts to manage certain interest rate risks. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps and total return swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.

Alternative Capital Sources

The Company utilizes co-investments as an alternative source of capital for acquisitions of both operating and development communities. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had an interest in 1,476 apartment homes of communities actively under development with joint ventures for total estimated costs of $823 million. Total estimated remaining costs total approximately $439 million, of which the Company estimates that our remaining investment in these development joint ventures will be approximately $222 million. In addition, the Company had an interest in 10,388 apartment homes of operating communities with joint ventures for a total book value of $771.3 million as of March 31, 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements, in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company defines critical accounting policies as those accounting policies that require the Company’s management to exercise their most difficult, subjective and complex judgments. The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates relate principally to the following key areas: (i) accounting for business combinations (ii) consolidation under applicable accounting standards for entities that are not wholly owned; (iii) assessing the carrying values of our real estate properties and investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates; and (iv) internal cost capitalization. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from those estimates made by management.

The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed materially from the information reported in Note 2, “Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts may be considered forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. Forward looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s expectations as to the total projected costs of predevelopment, development and redevelopment projects, beliefs as to our ability to meet our cash needs during the next twelve months and to fund the Company’s development and redevelopment pipeline, the expected impact of lawsuits on the Company, and statements regarding the Company's financing activities.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to, that the Company will fail to achieve its business objectives, that the total projected costs of current predevelopment, development and redevelopment projects exceed expectations, that such development and redevelopment projects will not be completed, that development and redevelopment projects and acquisitions will fail to meet expectations, that estimates of future income from an acquired property may prove to be inaccurate, that future cash flows will be inadequate to meet operating requirements, that there may be a downturn in the markets in which the Company's properties are located, that the terms of any

29

refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness, and that lawsuits will be more costly than anticipated, as well as those risks, special considerations, and other factors referred to in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and those risk factors and special considerations set forth in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update this information.

Funds from Operations Attributable to Common Stockholders and Unitholders

Funds from Operations Attributable to Common Stockholders and Unitholders ("FFO") is a financial measure that is commonly used in the REIT industry.  The Company presents funds from operations as a supplemental operating performance measure. FFO is not used by the Company as, nor should it be considered to be, an alternative to net earnings computed under GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash from operating activities computed under GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s ability to fund its cash needs.

FFO is not meant to represent a comprehensive system of financial reporting and does not present, nor does it intend to present, a complete picture of the Company's financial condition and operating performance. The Company believes that net earnings computed under GAAP is the primary measure of performance and that FFO is only meaningful when it is used in conjunction with net earnings. The Company considers FFO and FFO excluding non-recurring items and acquisition costs (referred to as “Core FFO”) to be useful financial performance measurements of an equity REIT because, together with net income and cash flows, FFO provides investors with an additional basis to evaluate operating performance and ability of a REIT to incur and service debt and to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures and ability to pay dividends. Further, the Company believes that its consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP, provide the most meaningful picture of its financial condition and its operating performance.

In calculating FFO, the Company follows the definition for this measure published by the National Association of REITs (“NAREIT”), which is a REIT trade association. The Company believes that, under the NAREIT FFO definition, the two most significant adjustments made to net income are (i) the exclusion of historical cost depreciation and (ii) the exclusion of gains and losses (including impairment charges on depreciable real estate) from the sale of previously depreciated properties. The Company agrees that these two NAREIT adjustments are useful to investors for the following reason:

(a) historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP assumes, through depreciation charges, that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. NAREIT stated in its White Paper on Funds from Operations “since real estate asset values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors have considered presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves.” Consequently, NAREIT’s definition of FFO reflects the fact that real estate, as an asset class, generally appreciates over time and depreciation charges required by GAAP do not reflect the underlying economic realities.

(b) REITs were created as a legal form of organization in order to encourage public ownership of real estate as an asset class through investment in firms that were in the business of long-term ownership and management of real estate.  The exclusion, in NAREIT’s definition of FFO, of gains and losses (including impairment charges on depreciable real estate) from the sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets allows investors and analysts to readily identify the operating results of the long-term assets that form the core of a REIT’s activity and assists in comparing those operating results between periods.

Management believes that it has consistently applied the NAREIT definition of FFO to all periods presented.  However, there is judgment involved and other REITs’ calculation of FFO may vary from the NAREIT definition for this measure, and thus their disclosure of FFO may not be comparable to the Company’s calculation.

The following table sets forth the Company’s calculation of FFO and Core FFO for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands except for share and per share data):

30

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

	Three Months Ended   March 31,
	2016			2015
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981		$	59,363
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
Gains not included in Funds from Operations attributable to common stockholders and unitholders	(27,693		)	(28,474		)
Deferred tax expense on sale of real estate and land - taxable REIT subsidiary activity	4,279			—
Depreciation add back from unconsolidated co-investments	12,023			11,917
Noncontrolling interest related to Operating Partnership units	2,784			2,063
Depreciation attributable to third party ownership and other	6			(249		)
Funds from Operations attributable to common stockholders and unitholders	$	179,087		$	151,527
Funds from Operations attributable to common stockholders and unitholders per share - diluted	$	2.64		$	2.27
Non-core items:
Merger and integration expenses	—			2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828			547
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(740		)	—
Income from early redemption of preferred equity investments	—			(469		)
Excess of redemption value of preferred stock over carrying value	2,541
Other non-core adjustments	—			(1,375		)
Core Funds from Operations attributable to common stockholders and unitholders	$	181,716		$	152,618
Core Funds from Operations attributable to common stockholders and unitholders per share-diluted	$	2.68		$	2.29
Weighted average number shares outstanding diluted (1)	67,866,703			66,641,225

(1) Assumes conversion of all outstanding operating partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and excludes 740,146 DownREIT units for which the Operating Partnership has the ability and intention to redeem the DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be common stock equivalents.

Net Operating Income (“NOI”)

Same-property net operating income (“NOI”)is considered by management to be an important supplemental performance measure to earnings from operations included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The presentation of same-property NOI assists with the presentation of the Company’s operations prior to the allocation of depreciation and any corporate-level or financing-related costs. NOI reflects the operating performance of a community and allows for an easy comparison of the operating performance of individual communities or groups of communities.  In addition, because prospective buyers of real estate have different financing and overhead structures, with varying marginal impacts to overhead by acquiring real estate, NOI is considered by many in the real estate industry to be a useful measure for determining the value of a real estate asset or group of assets.  The Company defines same-property NOI as same-property revenue less same-property operating expenses, including property taxes.  Please see the reconciliation of earnings from operations to same-property NOI, which in the table below is the NOI for stabilized properties consolidated by the Company for the periods presented (in thousands):

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	Three Months Ended   March 31,
	2016			2015
Earnings from operations	$	99,995		$	75,315
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707			106,907
Management and other fees from affiliates	(2,024		)	(2,644		)
General and administrative	9,182			10,545
Merger and integration expenses	—			2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828			547
NOI	217,688			193,058
Less: Non-same property NOI	(22,199		)	(13,349		)
Same-property NOI	$	195,489		$	179,709

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

Interest Rate Hedging Activities

The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has entered into seven interest rate swap contracts to mitigate the risk of changes in the interest-related cash outflows on its $225.0 million variable rate five-year unsecured term debt.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company also had $291.7 million of variable rate indebtedness, of which $20.7 million is subject to interest rate cap protection. All of the Company's interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2016.  The following table summarizes the notional amount, carrying value, and estimated fair value of the Company’s cash flow hedge derivative instruments used to hedge interest rates as of March 31, 2016.  The notional amount represents the aggregate amount of a particular security that is currently hedged at one time, but does not represent exposure to credit, interest rates, or market risks.  The table also includes a sensitivity analysis to demonstrate the impact on the Company’s derivative instruments from an increase or decrease in 10-year Treasury bill interest rates by 50 basis points, as of March 31, 2016.

				Carrying and			Estimated Carrying Value
	Notional		Maturity	Estimated			50			-50
(in thousands)	Amount		Date Range	Fair Value			Basis Points			Basis Points
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	225,000	2016-2017	$	(996	)	$	(306	)	$	(1,674	)
Interest rate caps	20,674		2018-2019	—			5			—
Total cash flow hedges	$	245,674	2016-2019	$	(996	)	$	(301	)	$	(1,674	)

Additionally, the Company has entered into total return swap contracts, with an aggregate notional amount of $257.3 million that effectively converts $257.3 million of fixed mortgage notes payable to a floating interest rate based on SIFMA plus a spread and has a carrying value of $13 thousand at March 31, 2016. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Interest Rate Sensitive Liabilities

The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its lines of credit and long-term tax exempt variable rate debt and unsecured term debt. The Company’s interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives the Company borrows primarily at fixed rates and may enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps, and treasury locks in order to mitigate its interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. The Company does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

32

The Company’s interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal amounts and weighted average interest rates by year of expected maturity to evaluate the expected cash flows.

For the Years Ended	2016				2017			2018		2019		2020		Thereafter			Total			Fair value
(in thousands, except for interest rates)
Fixed rate debt	$	22,765			539,356			320,786		651,362		693,221		2,391,457			$	4,618,947		$	4,817,212
Average interest rate	4.6		%		3.3	%		5.5	%	4.3	%	5.0	%	3.8	%		4.1		%
Variable rate debt	$	200,038		(1)	25,495		(1)	3,928		175,592		647		279,395		(2) (3)	$	685,095		$	680,211
Average interest rate	2.3		%		2.3	%		1.7	%	1.8	%	1.0	%	0.9	%		1.6		%

(1) $225.0 million is subject to interest rate swap agreements.

(2) $20.7 million is subject to interest rate caps.

(3) $257.3 million is subject to total return swaps.

The table incorporates only those exposures that exist as of March 31, 2016; it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date. As a result, the Company's ultimate realized gain or loss, with respect to interest rate fluctuations and hedging strategies would depend on the exposures that arise prior to settlement.

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

As of March 31, 2016, Essex carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including Essex’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based upon that evaluation, Essex’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by Essex in the reports that Essex files or submit under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such disclosure controls and procedures were also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Essex’s management, including Essex’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in Essex’s internal control over financial reporting, that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Essex’s internal control over financial reporting.

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

As of March 31, 2016, the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Operating Partnership in the reports that the Operating Partnership files or submit under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such disclosure controls and procedures were also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting, that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II -- Other Information

Item 1: Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to various lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations.  Such lawsuits could, but are not expected to, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A: Risk Factors

There were no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.

Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities; Essex Portfolio, L.P.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Operating Partnership issued partnership units in private placements in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, in the amounts and for the consideration set forth below:

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, Essex Property Trust, Inc. issued an aggregate of 47,367 of its common stock upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock awards, and the exchange of Operating Partnership limited partnership units by limited partners into shares of common stock. Essex Property Trust, Inc. contributed the proceeds from the option exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2016 to our Operating Partnership in exchange for an aggregate of 47,367 common operating partnership units ("common units"), as required by the Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement.

Item 5: Other Information

None.

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Item 6: Exhibits

A. Exhibits
10.1	Form of Equity Distribution Agreement between Essex Property Trust, Inc. and various entities, dated March 8, 2016, attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report of From 8-K, filed on March 9, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
12.1	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1	Certification of Michael J. Schall, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Angela L. Kleiman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.3	Certification of Michael J. Schall,  Principal Executive Officer of General Partner, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.4	Certification of Angela L. Kleiman, Principal Financial Officer of General Partner, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Michael J. Schall, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Angela L. Kleiman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.3	Certification of Michael J. Schall, Principal Executive Officer of General Partner, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.4	Certification of Angela L. Kleiman, Principal Financial Officer of General Partner, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

35

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: May 3, 2016

By:  /S/ ANGELA L. KLEIMAN

Angela L. Kleiman

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer)

Date: May 3, 2016

By:  /S/ JOHN FARIAS

John Farias

Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

By Essex Property Trust, Inc., its general partner

(Registrant)

Date: May 3, 2016

By:  /S/ ANGELA L. KLEIMAN

Angela L. Kleiman

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer)

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

By Essex Property Trust, Inc., its general partner

(Registrant)

Date: May 3, 2016

By:  /S/ JOHN FARIAS

John Farias

Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

36

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule of computation of Ratio and Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)

	Three Months ended March 31,			Years ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014			2013			2012
Earnings before fixed charges:
Income before discontinued operations	$	86,907		$	248,239		$	134,438		$	140,882		$	127,653
Interest expense	52,466			204,827			164,551			116,524			111,888
Interest portion of rental expense	241			559			267			136			130
Total earnings before fixed charges	$	139,614		$	453,625		$	299,256		$	257,542		$	239,671
Fixed charges:
Interest expense	$	52,466		$	204,827		$	164,551		$	116,524		$	111,888
Capitalized interest	3,055			15,571			22,510			16,486			10,346
Interest portion of rental expense	241			559			267			136			130
Total fixed charges	$	55,762		$	220,957		$	187,328		$	133,146		$	122,364
Preferred stock dividends	1,314			5,255			5,291			5,472			5,472
Total fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends and preferred unit distributions	$	57,076		$	226,212		$	192,619		$	138,618		$	127,836
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
(excluding preferred stock dividends
and preferred unit distributions)	2.50		X	2.05		X	1.60		X	1.93		X	1.96		X
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends
and preferred unit distributions	2.45		X	2.01		X	1.55		X	1.86		X	1.87		X

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule of computation of Ratio and Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Unit Distributions

(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)

	Three Months ended March 31,			Years ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014			2013			2012
Earnings before fixed charges:
Income before discontinued operations	$	86,907		$	248,239		$	134,438		$	140,882		$	127,653
Interest expense	52,466			204,827			164,551			116,524			111,888
Interest portion of rental expense	241			559			267			136			130
Total earnings before fixed charges	$	139,614		$	453,625		$	299,256		$	257,542		$	239,671
Fixed charges:
Interest expense	$	52,466		$	204,827		$	164,551		$	116,524		$	111,888
Capitalized interest	3,055			15,571			22,510			16,486			10,346
Interest portion of rental expense	241			559			267			136			130
Total fixed charges	$	55,762		$	220,957		$	187,328		$	133,146		$	122,364
Preferred interest distributions	1,314			5,255			5,291			5,472			5,472
Total fixed charges and preferred
interest and preferred unit distributions	$	57,076		$	226,212		$	192,619		$	138,618		$	127,836
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
(excluding preferred interest
and preferred unit distributions)	2.50		X	2.05		X	1.60		X	1.93		X	1.96		X
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred interest and
preferred unit distributions	2.45		X	2.01		X	1.55		X	1.86		X	1.87		X

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Michael J. Schall, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Essex Property Trust, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure control and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:May 3, 2016

/s/ Michael J. Schall

Michael J. Schall

Chief Executive Officer and President

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Angela L. Kleiman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Essex Property Trust, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure control and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:May 3, 2016

/s/ Angela L. Kleiman

Angela L. Kleiman

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

EX-31.3

EXHIBIT 31.3

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Michael J. Schall, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Essex Portfolio, L.P.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure control and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:May 3, 2016

/s/ Michael J. Schall

Michael J. Schall

Chief Executive Officer and President

Essex Property Trust, Inc., general partner of

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

EX-31.4

EXHIBIT 31.4

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Angela L. Kleiman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Essex Portfolio, L.P.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure control and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:May 3, 2016

/s/ Angela L. Kleiman

Angela L. Kleiman

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Essex Property Trust, Inc., general partner of

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Michael J. Schall, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 (the “Form 10-Q”) of Essex Property Trust, Inc. fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Essex Property Trust, Inc. at the dates of and for the periods presented.

Date: May 3, 2016	/s/ Michael J. Schall
	Michael J. Schall
	Chief Executive Officer and President
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Angela L. Kleiman, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 (the “Form 10-Q”) of Essex Property Trust, Inc. fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Essex Property Trust, Inc. at the dates of and for the periods presented.

Date: May 3, 2016	/s/ Angela L. Kleiman
	Angela L. Kleiman
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.

EX-32.3

Exhibit 32.3

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Michael J. Schall, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 (the “Form 10-Q”) of Essex Portfolio, L.P. fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Essex Portfolio, L.P. at the dates of and for the periods presented.

Date: May 3, 2016	­­/s/ Michael J. Schall
	Michael J. Schall
	Chief Executive Officer and President
	Essex Property Trust, Inc., general partner of
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.

EX-32.4

Exhibit 32.4

ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Angela L. Kleiman, hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 (the “Form 10-Q”) of Essex Portfolio, L.P. fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Essex Portfolio, L.P. at the dates of and for the periods presented.

Date: May 3, 2016	­­­­­/s/ Angela L. Kleiman
	Angela L. Kleiman
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	Essex Property Trust, Inc., general partner of
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 28, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000920522
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		65,430,092
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	ESSEX PORTFOLIO LP
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Rental properties:
Land and land improvements	$ 2,573,923	$ 2,522,842
Buildings and improvements	10,052,754	9,808,627
Total rental properties	12,626,677	12,331,469
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,051,802)	(1,949,892)
Net real estate	10,574,875	10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711	242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684	1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	0	26,879
Total real estate	11,790,270	11,686,829
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	48,164	29,683
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	32,319	93,372
Marketable securities	138,597	137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198	19,285
Prepaid expenses and other assets	39,936	38,437
Total assets	12,067,484	12,005,091
Liabilities
Unsecured debt, net	2,936,463	3,088,680
Mortgage notes payable, net	2,252,057	2,215,077
Lines of credit, net	164,282	11,707
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	170,444	131,415
Construction payable	36,822	40,953
Dividends payable	111,409	100,266
Other liabilities	34,814	34,518
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	73,750	0
Total liabilities	$ 5,780,041	$ 5,622,616
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 46,203	$ 45,452
Equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value, 656,020,000 shares authorized; 65,426,726 and 65,379,359 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	6	6
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	0	73,750
Additional paid-in capital	7,010,181	7,003,317
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(824,046)	(797,329)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(44,149)	(42,011)
Total stockholders' equity	6,141,992	6,237,733
Noncontrolling interest	99,248	99,290
Total equity	6,241,240	6,337,023
Total liabilities and equity	12,067,484	12,005,091
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Rental properties:
Land and land improvements	2,573,923	2,522,842
Buildings and improvements	10,052,754	9,808,627
Total rental properties	12,626,677	12,331,469
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,051,802)	(1,949,892)
Net real estate	10,574,875	10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711	242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684	1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	0	26,879
Total real estate	11,790,270	11,686,829
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	48,164	29,683
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	32,319	93,372
Marketable securities	138,597	137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198	19,285
Prepaid expenses and other assets	39,936	38,437
Total assets	12,067,484	12,005,091
Liabilities
Unsecured debt, net	2,936,463	3,088,680
Mortgage notes payable, net	2,252,057	2,215,077
Lines of credit, net	164,282	11,707
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	170,444	131,415
Construction payable	36,822	40,953
Dividends payable	111,409	100,266
Other liabilities	34,814	34,518
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	73,750	0
Total liabilities	$ 5,780,041	$ 5,622,616
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 46,203	$ 45,452
Equity:
General Partner	6,186,141	6,279,744
Common equity (2,224,968 and 2,214,545 units issued and outstanding, respectively)	46,889	47,235
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(41,809)	(39,598)
Total partners' capital	6,191,221	6,287,381
Noncontrolling interest	50,019	49,642
Total capital	6,241,240	6,337,023
Total liabilities and equity	12,067,484	12,005,091
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Capital [Member]
Equity:
General Partner	6,186,141	6,208,535
Total capital	6,186,141	6,208,535
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Preferred Capital [Member]
Equity:
General Partner	0	71,209
Total capital	$ 0	$ 71,209

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	656,020,000	656,020,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	65,426,726	65,379,359
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	65,426,726	65,379,359
Series H Preferred Interest [Member]
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage	7.125%	7.125%
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Series H Preferred Interest [Member]
Preferred interest, liquidation value	$ 73,750	$ 73,750
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage	7.125%	7.125%
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	65,426,726	65,379,359
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	65,426,726	65,379,359
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partners [Member]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	2,224,968	2,214,545
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	2,224,968	2,214,545

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Rental and other property	$ 312,178	$ 280,229
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024	2,644
Total revenues	314,202	282,873
Expenses:
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	60,071	55,618
Real estate taxes	34,419	31,553
Depreciation and amortization	109,707	106,907
General and administrative	9,182	10,545
Merger and integration expenses	0	2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828	547
Total expenses	214,207	207,558
Earnings from operations	99,995	75,315
Interest expense	(52,466)	(47,546)
Total return swap income	3,123	0
Interest and other income	5,208	4,199
Equity income in co-investments	15,068	4,311
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258	7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279)	0
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	21,362
Net income	86,907	64,753
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(5,071)	(4,076)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	81,836	60,677
Dividends to preferred stockholders	(1,314)	(1,314)
Excess of redemption value of preferred stock over the carrying value	(2,541)	0
Net income available to common stockholders	77,981	59,363
Comprehensive income	84,696	65,352
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4,998)	(4,091)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 79,698	$ 61,261
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	65,405,654	64,185,455
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	65,557,639	64,394,680
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.60	$ 1.44
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Revenues:
Rental and other property	$ 312,178	$ 280,229
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024	2,644
Total revenues	314,202	282,873
Expenses:
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	60,071	55,618
Real estate taxes	34,419	31,553
Depreciation and amortization	109,707	106,907
General and administrative	9,182	10,545
Merger and integration expenses	0	2,388
Acquisition and investment related costs	828	547
Total expenses	214,207	207,558
Earnings from operations	99,995	75,315
Interest expense	(52,466)	(47,546)
Total return swap income	3,123	0
Interest and other income	5,208	4,199
Equity income in co-investments	15,068	4,311
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258	7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279)	0
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	21,362
Net income	86,907	64,753
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,287)	(2,013)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	84,620	62,740
Dividends to preferred stockholders	(1,314)	(1,314)
Excess of redemption value of preferred stock over the carrying value	(2,541)	0
Net income available to common stockholders	80,765	61,426
Comprehensive income	84,696	65,352
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,287)	(2,013)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 82,409	$ 63,339
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.93
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	67,633,519	66,369,769
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	67,785,504	66,578,994
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.6	$ 1.44

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Series H Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 6,337,023	$ 73,750	$ 6	$ 7,003,317	$ (797,329)	$ (42,011)	$ 99,290
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		2,950	65,379
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	86,907				81,836		5,071
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,528)					(2,445)	(83)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	317					307	10
Issuance of common stock under:
Stock option and restricted stock plans, net	5,232			5,232
Stock option and restricted stock plans (in shares)			41
Sale of common stock, net	(134)			(134)
Equity based compensation costs	1,490			895			595
Reclassification of Series H preferred stock	(73,750)	$ (73,750)		2,541	(2,541)
Reclassification of Series H preferred stock (in shares)		(2,950)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(751)			(841)			90
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(5,465)						(5,465)
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	(1,089)			(829)			(260)
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest (in shares)			7
Common and preferred stock dividends	(106,012)				(106,012)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 6,241,240	$ 0	$ 6	$ 7,010,181	$ (824,046)	$ (44,149)	$ 99,248
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016		0	65,427

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Capital (Unaudited) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 86,907
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,528)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	317
Issuance of common stock under:
Sale of common stock by general partner, net	(134)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(751)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(5,465)
Redemptions	(1,089)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	6,337,023
Net income	86,907
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,528)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	317
Issuance of common stock under:
General partner's stock based compensation, net	5,232
Sale of common stock by general partner, net	(134)
Equity based compensation costs	1,490
Reclassification of Series H preferred stock	(73,750)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(751)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,818)
Redemptions	(1,089)
Distributions declared	(109,659)
Balance at period end	6,241,240
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 6,208,535
Balance at period beginning (in shares) | shares	65,379
Net income	$ 77,981
Issuance of common stock under:
General partner's stock based compensation, net	$ 5,232
General partner's stock based compensation (in shares) | shares	41
Sale of common stock by general partner, net	$ (134)
Equity based compensation costs	895
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(841)
Redemptions	$ (829)
Redemptions (in shares) | shares	7
Distributions declared	$ (104,698)
Balance at period end	$ 6,186,141
Balance at period end (in shares) | shares	65,427
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 47,235
Balance at period beginning (in shares) | shares	2,215
Net income	$ 2,784
Issuance of common stock under:
Equity based compensation costs	$ 595
Equity based compensation costs (in shares) | shares	18
Redemptions	$ (78)
Redemptions (in shares) | shares	8
Distributions declared	$ (3,647)
Balance at period end	$ 46,889
Balance at period end (in shares) | shares	2,225
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 71,209
Net income	3,855
Issuance of common stock under:
Reclassification of Series H preferred stock	(73,750)
Distributions declared	(1,314)
Balance at period end	0
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	(39,598)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,528)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	317
Issuance of common stock under:
Balance at period end	(41,809)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	49,642
Net income	2,287
Issuance of common stock under:
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest	90
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,818)
Redemptions	(182)
Balance at period end	$ 50,019

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 86,907	$ 64,753
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707	106,907
Amortization of discount on marketable securities and other investments	(3,756)	(2,856)
Amortization of (premium) discount and debt financing costs, net	(3,795)	(6,530)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(740)	0
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments	(7,435)	0
Income from early redemption of preferred equity investments	0	(469)
Earnings from co-investments	(7,633)	(3,842)
Operating distributions from co-investments	9,753	6,055
Gain on the sale of real estate and land	(20,258)	(7,112)
Equity-based compensation	1,490	1,370
Gain on remeasurement of co-investments	0	(21,362)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses, receivables and other assets	846	3,548
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,200	21,741
Other liabilities	324	346
Net cash provided by operating activities	200,610	162,549
Additions to real estate:
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures	(110,309)	(199,190)
Redevelopment	(24,151)	(19,140)
Development acquisitions of and additions to real estate under development	(22,656)	(90,925)
Capital expenditures on rental properties	(5,688)	(16,196)
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investments	0	(41,513)
Proceeds from insurance for property losses	435	4,589
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate	48,008	74,485
Contributions to co-investments	(50,591)	(48,650)
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	59,346	45,145
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,344)	(7,250)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,045	717
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	21,146	11,072
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,759)	(286,856)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under debt agreements	305,895	756,562
Repayment of debt	(309,903)	(536,830)
Additions to deferred charges	(1,037)	(4,456)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	(134)	174,592
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	5,232	15,613
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(4,858)	(3,574)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest	(1,089)	(2,154)
Common and preferred stock dividends paid	(95,476)	(83,663)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(101,370)	316,090
Cash acquired in consolidation of co-investment	0	1,807
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,481	193,590
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,683	25,610
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	48,164	219,200
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of interest capitalized in 2016 and 2015	48,109	50,343
Cash paid for interest, capitalized	3,100	4,300
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Transfers between real estate under development to rental properties, net	107,643	162,345
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	2,338	1,562
Reclassifications to redeemable noncontrolling interest from additional paid in capital and noncontrolling interest	751	1,660
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition	48,832	114,435
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	86,907	64,753
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	109,707	106,907
Amortization of discount on marketable securities and other investments	(3,756)	(2,856)
Amortization of (premium) discount and debt financing costs, net	(3,795)	(6,530)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	(740)	0
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments	(7,435)	0
Income from early redemption of preferred equity investments	0	(469)
Earnings from co-investments	(7,633)	(3,842)
Operating distributions from co-investments	9,753	6,055
Gain on the sale of real estate and land	(20,258)	(7,112)
Equity-based compensation	1,490	1,370
Gain on remeasurement of co-investments	0	(21,362)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses, receivables and other assets	846	3,548
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,200	21,741
Other liabilities	324	346
Net cash provided by operating activities	200,610	162,549
Additions to real estate:
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures	(110,309)	(199,190)
Redevelopment	(24,151)	(19,140)
Development acquisitions of and additions to real estate under development	(22,656)	(90,925)
Capital expenditures on rental properties	(5,688)	(16,196)
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investments	0	(41,513)
Proceeds from insurance for property losses	435	4,589
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate	48,008	74,485
Contributions to co-investments	(50,591)	(48,650)
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	59,346	45,145
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,344)	(7,250)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,045	717
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	21,146	11,072
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,759)	(286,856)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under debt agreements	305,895	756,562
Repayment of debt	(309,903)	(536,830)
Additions to deferred charges	(1,037)	(4,456)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	(134)	174,592
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	5,232	15,613
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,528)	(221)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest	(1,089)	(2,154)
Common and preferred stock dividends paid	(98,806)	(87,016)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(101,370)	316,090
Cash acquired in consolidation of co-investment	0	1,807
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,481	193,590
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,683	25,610
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	48,164	219,200
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of interest capitalized in 2016 and 2015	48,109	50,343
Cash paid for interest, capitalized	3,100	4,300
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Transfers between real estate under development to rental properties, net	107,643	162,345
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	2,338	1,562
Reclassifications to redeemable noncontrolling interest from additional paid in capital and noncontrolling interest	751	1,660
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition	$ 48,832	$ 114,435

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Organization and Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present the accounts of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (“Essex” or the “Company”), which include the accounts of the Company and Essex Portfolio, L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Operating Partnership,” which holds the operating assets of the Company), prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are normal and recurring in nature.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. Essex is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, with a 96.7% general partnership interest as of March 31, 2016. Total Operating Partnership limited partnership units outstanding were 2,224,968 and 2,214,545 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $520.3 million and $530.2 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company owned or had ownership interests in 244 stabilized apartment communities, aggregating 59,441 apartment homes, excluding the Company’s ownership in preferred interest co-investments, (collectively, the “Communities”, and individually, a “Community”), two commercial buildings and seven active developments (collectively, the “Portfolio”).  The Communities are located in Southern California (primarily Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan areas.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-01 "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities", which requires changes to the classification and measurement of investments in certain equity securities and to the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 "Leases", which requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. The guidance also requires disclosure regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The new standard must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

Marketable Securities

The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds and Level 2 for the unsecured bonds, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities, investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature through November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost.  As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	9,603	$	154		$	9,757
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	5,019		2			5,021
Common stock and stock funds	32,576		7,311			39,887
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	83,932		—			83,932
Total - Marketable securities	$	131,130	$	7,467		$	138,597
	December 31, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	11,618	$	68		$	11,686
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	3,675		(9		)	3,666
Common stock and stock funds	34,655		7,091			41,746
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	80,387		—			80,387
Total - Marketable securities	$	130,335	$	7,150		$	137,485

The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $5.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, which resulted in $0.7 million realized gains and no realized gains or losses, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which provides new consolidation guidance and makes changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model. Among other changes, the new standard specifically eliminates the presumption in the current voting model that a general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity unless that presumption can be overcome. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 on January 1, 2016. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the new standard, it determined that no change was required to its accounting for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). However, under the guidance of ASU No. 2015-02, 9 previously consolidated co-investments now meet the definition of a VIE and requires additional disclosure about these VIEs which the Company continues to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary.

The Company continues to be the primary beneficiary and consolidates the Operating Partnership and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising eleven communities). Commencing on January 1, 2016, 9 other consolidated co-investments were determined to be VIEs and the Company continued to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to the 9 consolidated co-investments and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $904.4 million and $231.4 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016 and $893.1 million and $231.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Noncontrolling interests in these entities was $55.0 million and $54.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's financial risk in each VIE is limited to its equity investment in the VIE. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any other VIEs of which it was deemed to be the primary beneficiary and did not have any VIEs of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

Equity-based Compensation

The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards.  The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13, “Equity Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its lines of credit, and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, because interest rates, yields, and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $4.6 billion of fixed rate debt, including unsecured debt, at March 31, 2016 is approximately $4.8 billion and the Company’s variable rate debt at March 31, 2016 approximates its fair value based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable, unsecured debt, and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payables, other liabilities, and dividends payable approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Marketable securities, except mortgage backed securities that are held to maturity, and derivatives are carried at fair value as of March 31, 2016.

At March 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $83.9 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $113.3 million.  At December 31, 2015, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $80.4 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $110.2 million.  The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities.  Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.

Capitalization of Costs

The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects were comprised primarily of employee compensation and totaled $3.2 million and $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company capitalizes leasing commissions associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized for leasing commissions are immaterial for all periods presented.

Co-investments

The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Therefore, the Company accounts for co-investments using the equity method of accounting.  The equity method employs the accrual basis for recognizing the investor’s share of investee income or losses. In addition, distributions received from the investee are treated as a reduction in the investment account, not as income. The significant accounting policies of the Company’s co-investment entities are consistent with those of the Company in all material respects.

Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of a co-investment, the co-investment entity is consolidated and a gain or loss is recognized upon the remeasurement of co-investments in the condensed consolidated statement of income equal to the amount by which the fair value of the co-investment interest the Company previously owned exceeds its carrying value.  A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and some of these investments may provide promote income if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved. Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible. Any promote fees are reflected in equity income from co-investments.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net by Component

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

(in thousands)

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(48,366	)	$	6,355	$	(42,011	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,444		)	307		(4,137		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,999			—		1,999
Other comprehensive loss	(2,445		)	307		(2,138		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(50,811	)	$	6,662	$	(44,149	)

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, by Component

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

(in thousands):

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(46,087	)	$	6,489	$	(39,598	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,595		)	317		(4,278		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,067			—		2,067
Other comprehensive loss	(2,528		)	317		(2,211		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(48,615	)	$	6,806	$	(41,809	)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with derivatives are recorded in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing, and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivables, and its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

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Significant Transactions During the First Quarter of 2016 and Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Significant Transactions During the First Quarter of 2016 and Subsequent Events

Significant Transactions During the First Quarter of 2016 and Subsequent Events

Significant Transactions

Acquisitions

In January 2016, the Company acquired Mio, a 103 unit apartment community, located in San Jose, CA for $51.3 million.

In March 2016, the Company acquired Form 15, a 242 apartment unit community, located in San Diego, CA for $97.4 million. In connection with this acquisition, the Company assumed $44.8 million in mortgage loans.

Both properties were acquired via like kind exchange with disposition proceeds.

The $148.7 million aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions listed above were included on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as follows: $35.6 million was included in land and land improvements, $112.2 million was included in buildings and improvements, and $0.9 million was recorded as acquired in-place lease value and was included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Dispositions

In January 2016, the Company sold its former headquarters office building, located in Palo Alto, CA for $18.0 million, resulting in a gain of $9.6 million.

In January 2016, a Company co-investment, BEXAEW, LLC sold The Heights, a 332 unit apartment community, located in Chino Hills, CA for $93.8 million, which resulted in a gain of $7.4 million for the Company, recorded in the statement of income as equity income in co-investments. BEXAEW, LLC used $50.3 million of proceeds to repay the loan on the property. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in the BEXAEW, LLC joint venture.

In February 2016, the Company sold Harvest Park, a 104 unit apartment community, located in Santa Rosa, CA, which was owned by the Company's wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, for $30.5 million, resulting in a gain of $6.4 million, net of $4.3 million deferred tax on gain on sale of real estate.

Preferred Equity Investments

In March 2016, the Company made a commitment to fund a $47.1 million preferred equity investment in a limited liability company that owns 201 Lexington, a development located in Glendale, CA. As of March 31, 2016, $31.8 million of this commitment had been funded. This investment earns a 12.0% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in March 2020.

Private Placement Bond Redemption

In January 2016, the Company paid off $150.0 million in private placement unsecured bonds that had an interest rate of 4.36% and a stated maturity date of March 2016. This represented the total outstanding balance of these unsecured bonds.

Subsequent Events

In April 2016, the Company issued $450 million of 3.375% senior unsecured notes that mature in April 2026. The interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2016 until the maturity date of April 15, 2026. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering to repay indebtedness under its unsecured lines of credit and for other general corporate and working capital purposes.

In April 2016, the Company redeemed all of the issued and outstanding 2,950,000 shares of the Company's 7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock for $25.00 per share. Since the notice of redemption was given in March 2016, the preferred stock was presented at redemption value as a liability as of March 31, 2016, and the excess of redemption value over carrying value was recorded as a charge to net income attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

In April 2016, a Company co-investment, BEXAEW, LLC, sold Canyon Creek, a 200 apartment home community, located in Northridge, CA for $53.5 million. BEXAEW, LLC used $26.3 million of proceeds to repay the loan on the property. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in the BEXAEW, LLC joint venture.

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Co-investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Co-investments

Co-investments

The Company has joint ventures and preferred equity investments in co-investments which are accounted for under the equity method.  The co-investments own, operate, and develop apartment communities. The carrying values of the Company's co-investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

	Ownership Percentage		March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Membership interest/Partnership interest in:
CPPIB	55	%	$	380,399	$	376,862
Wesco I, III and IV	50	%	216,485		218,902
BEXAEW	50	%	74,069		88,850
Palm Valley	50	%	68,340		68,525
Other	50%-55%		32,000		32,927
Total operating co-investments			771,293		786,066
Total development co-investments	50%-55%		158,408		143,669
Total preferred interest co-investments (includes related party investments of $35.9 million and $35.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)			139,983		106,312
Total co-investments			$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

The combined summarized financial information of co-investments is as follows (in thousands).

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Combined balance sheets: (1)
Rental properties and real estate under development	$	3,323,201	$	3,360,360
Other assets	111,040		96,785
Total assets	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Debt	$	1,475,295	$	1,499,601
Other liabilities	97,765		92,241
Equity (1)	1,861,181		1,865,303
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Company's share of equity	$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Combined statements of income: (1)
Property revenues	$	75,130		$	63,498
Property operating expenses	(25,821		)	(22,954		)
Net operating income	49,309			40,544
Gain on sale of real estate	17,495			14
Interest expense	(13,140		)	(11,316		)
General and administrative	(1,240		)	(1,606		)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,716		)	(25,381		)
Net income	$	23,708		$	2,255
Company's share of net income (2)	$	15,068		$	4,311

⁽¹⁾ Includes preferred equity investments held by the Company.

⁽²⁾ Includes the Company's share of equity income from co-investments and preferred equity investments, gain on sales of co-investments, co-investment promote income and income from early redemption of preferred equity investments.Includes related party income of $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Notes and Other Receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Receivables [Abstract]

Notes and Other Receivables

Notes and Other Receivables

Notes receivable, secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Notes receivable, secured, bearing interest at 6.0%, due December 2016	$	3,219	$	3,219
Notes and other receivables from affiliates (1)	3,522		3,092
Other receivables	11,457		12,974
	$	18,198	$	19,285

⁽¹⁾ The Company had $3.5 million and $3.1 million of short-term loans outstanding and due from various joint ventures as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5, Related Party Transactions, for additional details.

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

The Company charges certain fees to its co-investments for asset management, property management, development, and redevelopment services. These fees from affiliates totaled $3.3 million and $5.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. All of these fees are net of intercompany amounts eliminated by the Company. The Company netted development and redevelopment fees of $1.3 million and $3.1 million against general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s Chairman and founder, Mr. George Marcus, is the Chairman of the Marcus & Millichap Company (“MMC”), which is a parent company of a diversified group of real estate service, investment, and development firms. Mr. Marcus is also the Co-Chairman of Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (“MMI”), and Mr. Marcus owns a controlling interest in MMI, a national brokerage firm listed on the NYSE. 

In March 2015, a multifamily property, located in Anaheim, CA that was owned by an entity affiliated with MMC, in which the Company held a $13.7 million preferred equity investment, was sold. That investment of $13.7 million plus an additional $1.3 million in cash was invested as outlined in the next two paragraphs. Prior to the property sale, the $13.7 million preferred equity investment earned a 9.0% preferred return and was scheduled to mature in September 2020.

In June 2015, the Company made a $10.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Greentree Apartments, a 220 apartment community located in San Jose, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in June 2022.

In June 2015, the Company made a $5.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Sterling Cove Apartments, a 218 apartment community located in Concord, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in June 2022.

In August 2015, the Company made a $5.0 million preferred equity investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns Alta Vista Apartments, a 92 apartment community located in Los Angeles, CA. This investment will earn a 9.5% preferred return and is scheduled to mature in August 2022.

In January 2013, the Company invested $8.6 million as a preferred equity interest investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns an apartment development in Redwood City, CA. In March 2015, the Company's preferred interest investment was prepaid and the Company recognized a gain of $0.5 million as a result of the prepayment.

As described in Note 4, the Company has provided short-term bridge loans to affiliates.  As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $3.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of short-term loans remained outstanding due from joint venture affiliates and is classified within notes and other receivables in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt

The Company does not have indebtedness as debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership.  The Company guarantees the Operating Partnership’s unsecured debt including the revolving credit facilities for the full term of such debt.

Debt consists of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			Weighted Average Maturity In Years
Unsecured bonds private placement - fixed rate	$	314,003		$	463,891		4.4
Term loan - variable rate	224,551			224,467			0.7
Bonds public offering - fixed rate	2,397,909			2,400,322			6.5
Unsecured debt, net (1)	2,936,463			3,088,680
Lines of credit, net (2)	164,282			11,707
Mortgage notes payable, net (3)	2,252,057			2,215,077			5.6
Total debt, net	$	5,352,802		$	5,315,464
Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate unsecured and unsecured private placement bonds	3.6		%	3.6		%
Weighted average interest rate on variable rate term loan	2.4		%	2.4		%
Weighted average interest rate on lines of credit	1.8		%	1.9		%
Weighted average interest rate on mortgage notes payable	4.4		%	4.4		%

(1) Includes unamortized premium and discounts of $11.3 million and $14.3 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $14.8 million and $15.6 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(2) Lines of credit, net, includes unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.1 million and $3.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(3) Includes unamortized premium of $64.5 million and $64.8 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $8.1 million and $8.0 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The aggregate scheduled principal payments of the Company’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016 are as follows (excluding lines of credit) (in thousands):

Remaining in 2016	$	222,803
2017	564,851
2018	321,328
2019	661,954
2020	693,868
Thereafter	2,670,852
	$	5,135,656

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Information

The Company's segment disclosures present the measure used by the chief operating decision makers for purposes of assessing each segment's performance. Essex's chief operating decision makers are comprised of several members of its executive management team who use NOI to assess the performance of the business for the Company's reportable operating segments. NOI represents total property revenue less direct property operating expenses.

The executive management team evaluates the Company's operating performance geographically. The Company defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its communities are located: Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle Metro.

Excluded from segment revenues and net operating income are management and other fees from affiliates and interest and other income. Non-segment revenues and net operating income included in the following schedule also consist of revenue generated from commercial properties.  Other non-segment assets include real estate under development, co-investments, cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, notes and other receivables, prepaid expenses, and other assets.

The revenues and net operating income for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Southern California	$	141,492		$	123,455
Northern California	112,733			102,427
Seattle Metro	52,074			48,654
Other real estate assets	5,879			5,693
Total property revenues	$	312,178		$	280,229
Net operating income:
Southern California	$	96,453		$	83,088
Northern California	80,711			72,516
Seattle Metro	35,689			33,129
Other real estate assets	4,835			4,325
Total net operating income	217,688			193,058
Depreciation and amortization	(109,707		)	(106,907		)
Interest expense	(52,466		)	(47,546		)
Total return swap income	3,123			—
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024			2,644
General and administrative	(9,182		)	(10,545		)
Merger and integration expenses	—			(2,388		)
Acquisition and investment related costs	(828		)	(547		)
Interest and other income	5,208			4,199
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258			7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279		)	—
Equity income in co-investments	15,068			4,311
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	—			21,362
Net income	$	86,907		$	64,753

Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Assets:
Southern California	$	4,875,525	$	4,912,264
Northern California	3,892,121		3,749,072
Seattle Metro	1,698,550		1,613,175
Other real estate assets	108,679		107,066
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	10,574,875		10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711		242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684		1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	—		26,879
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	80,483		123,055
Marketable securities	138,597		137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198		19,285
Other non-segment assets	39,936		38,437
Total assets	$	12,067,484	$	12,005,091

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Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit

Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit

(Amounts in thousands, except share and unit data)

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,405,654	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,185,455	$	0.92
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,557,639	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,394,680	$	0.92

Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,227,865 and 2,184,314, which include vested Series Z Incentive Units, Series Z-1 Incentive Units, 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan Units, and 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan Units, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. The related income allocated to these convertible limited partnership units, which includes vested Series Z-1 units, aggregated $2.8 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, excludes 958,972 DownREIT units as they are anti-dilutive.

Stock options of 77,200 and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed proceeds per share of these options plus the average unearned compensation were greater than the average market price of the common stock for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,633,519	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,369,769	$	0.93
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,785,504	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,578,994	$	0.92

Stock options of 77,200 and zero for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the assumed proceeds per share of these options plus the average unearned compensation were greater than the average market price of the common stock for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive. Additionally, excludes 958,972 DownREIT units as they are anti-dilutive.

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $225 million that effectively fixed the interest rate on the $225 million unsecured term loan at 2.4%. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has interest rate caps, which are not accounted for as hedges, totaling a notional amount of $20.7 million that effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for $20.7 million of the Company’s tax exempt variable rate debt.

As of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts was a liability of $1.0 million, and is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap was zero on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Hedge ineffectiveness related to cash flow hedges, which is included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated income statements, net was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Additionally, the Company has entered into total return swaps that effectively convert $257.3 million of mortgage notes payable to a floating interest rate based on SIFMA plus a spread. The total return swaps provide fair market value protection on the mortgage notes payable to our counterparties during the initial period of the total return swap until the Company's option to call the mortgage notes at par can be exercised. The Company can currently call the total return swaps with $114.4 million of the outstanding debt at par, while the call option on the total return swaps relating to $142.9 million of outstanding debt can be exercised starting on January 1, 2017. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting and had a carrying and fair value of $13 thousand and $4 thousand at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These total return swaps are scheduled to mature between September 2021 and November 2022. Realized gains of $3.1 million and zero are reported in the condensed consolidated income statements as total return swap income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

To the extent that an environmental matter arises or is identified in the future that has other than a remote risk of having a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company will disclose the estimated range of possible outcomes associated with it, and, if an outcome is probable, accrue an appropriate liability for that matter. The Company will consider whether any such matter results in an impairment of value on the affected property and, if so, impairment will be recognized. The Company is subject to various lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations. We believe that, with respect to such matters we are currently a party to, the ultimate disposition of any such matter will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-01 "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities", which requires changes to the classification and measurement of investments in certain equity securities and to the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 "Leases", which requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. The guidance also requires disclosure regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The new standard must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which provides new consolidation guidance and makes changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model. Among other changes, the new standard specifically eliminates the presumption in the current voting model that a general partner controls a limited partnership or similar entity unless that presumption can be overcome. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02 on January 1, 2016. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the new standard, it determined that no change was required to its accounting for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). However, under the guidance of ASU No. 2015-02, 9 previously consolidated co-investments now meet the definition of a VIE and requires additional disclosure about these VIEs which the Company continues to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary.

Marketable Securities

The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds and Level 2 for the unsecured bonds, as defined by the FASB standard for fair value measurements), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company continues to be the primary beneficiary and consolidates the Operating Partnership and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising eleven communities). Commencing on January 1, 2016, 9 other consolidated co-investments were determined to be VIEs and the Company continued to consolidate as they were determined to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to the 9 consolidated co-investments and 19 DownREIT limited partnerships, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $904.4 million and $231.4 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016 and $893.1 million and $231.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Noncontrolling interests in these entities was $55.0 million and $54.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's financial risk in each VIE is limited to its equity investment in the VIE. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any other VIEs of which it was deemed to be the primary beneficiary and did not have any VIEs of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

Equity Based Compensation

The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards.  The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13, “Equity Based Compensation Plans,” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015) are being amortized over the expected service periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its lines of credit, and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, because interest rates, yields, and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $4.6 billion of fixed rate debt, including unsecured debt, at March 31, 2016 is approximately $4.8 billion and the Company’s variable rate debt at March 31, 2016 approximates its fair value based on the terms of existing mortgage notes payable, unsecured debt, and variable rate demand notes compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payables, other liabilities, and dividends payable approximate fair value as of March 31, 2016 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Marketable securities, except mortgage backed securities that are held to maturity, and derivatives are carried at fair value as of March 31, 2016.

At March 31, 2016, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $83.9 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $113.3 million.  At December 31, 2015, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $80.4 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $110.2 million.  The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities.  Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.

Capitalization of Costs

The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects were comprised primarily of employee compensation and totaled $3.2 million and $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company capitalizes leasing commissions associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized for leasing commissions are immaterial for all periods presented.

Co-investments

The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Therefore, the Company accounts for co-investments using the equity method of accounting.  The equity method employs the accrual basis for recognizing the investor’s share of investee income or losses. In addition, distributions received from the investee are treated as a reduction in the investment account, not as income. The significant accounting policies of the Company’s co-investment entities are consistent with those of the Company in all material respects.

Upon the acquisition of a controlling interest of a co-investment, the co-investment entity is consolidated and a gain or loss is recognized upon the remeasurement of co-investments in the condensed consolidated statement of income equal to the amount by which the fair value of the co-investment interest the Company previously owned exceeds its carrying value.  A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and some of these investments may provide promote income if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved. Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible. Any promote fees are reflected in equity income from co-investments.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with derivatives are recorded in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing, and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivables, and its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”). The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Components of marketable securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	9,603	$	154		$	9,757
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	5,019		2			5,021
Common stock and stock funds	32,576		7,311			39,887
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	83,932		—			83,932
Total - Marketable securities	$	131,130	$	7,467		$	138,597
	December 31, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Carrying Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	11,618	$	68		$	11,686
Investment funds - U.S. treasuries	3,675		(9		)	3,666
Common stock and stock funds	34,655		7,091			41,746
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities	80,387		—			80,387
Total - Marketable securities	$	130,335	$	7,150		$	137,485

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

(in thousands)

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(48,366	)	$	6,355	$	(42,011	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,444		)	307		(4,137		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,999			—		1,999
Other comprehensive loss	(2,445		)	307		(2,138		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(50,811	)	$	6,662	$	(44,149	)

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, by Component

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

(in thousands):

	Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements			Unrealized gains on available for sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(46,087	)	$	6,489	$	(39,598	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,595		)	317		(4,278		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,067			—		2,067
Other comprehensive loss	(2,528		)	317		(2,211		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(48,615	)	$	6,806	$	(41,809	)

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Co-investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summary of co-investments

The carrying values of the Company's co-investments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

	Ownership Percentage		March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Membership interest/Partnership interest in:
CPPIB	55	%	$	380,399	$	376,862
Wesco I, III and IV	50	%	216,485		218,902
BEXAEW	50	%	74,069		88,850
Palm Valley	50	%	68,340		68,525
Other	50%-55%		32,000		32,927
Total operating co-investments			771,293		786,066
Total development co-investments	50%-55%		158,408		143,669
Total preferred interest co-investments (includes related party investments of $35.9 million and $35.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)			139,983		106,312
Total co-investments			$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

Summarized financial information for co-investments accounted for under the equity method

The combined summarized financial information of co-investments is as follows (in thousands).

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Combined balance sheets: (1)
Rental properties and real estate under development	$	3,323,201	$	3,360,360
Other assets	111,040		96,785
Total assets	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Debt	$	1,475,295	$	1,499,601
Other liabilities	97,765		92,241
Equity (1)	1,861,181		1,865,303
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,434,241	$	3,457,145
Company's share of equity	$	1,069,684	$	1,036,047

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Combined statements of income: (1)
Property revenues	$	75,130		$	63,498
Property operating expenses	(25,821		)	(22,954		)
Net operating income	49,309			40,544
Gain on sale of real estate	17,495			14
Interest expense	(13,140		)	(11,316		)
General and administrative	(1,240		)	(1,606		)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,716		)	(25,381		)
Net income	$	23,708		$	2,255
Company's share of net income (2)	$	15,068		$	4,311

⁽¹⁾ Includes preferred equity investments held by the Company.

⁽²⁾ Includes the Company's share of equity income from co-investments and preferred equity investments, gain on sales of co-investments, co-investment promote income and income from early redemption of preferred equity investments.Includes related party income of $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Notes and Other Receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Receivables [Abstract]

Notes and other receivables

Notes receivable, secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Notes receivable, secured, bearing interest at 6.0%, due December 2016	$	3,219	$	3,219
Notes and other receivables from affiliates (1)	3,522		3,092
Other receivables	11,457		12,974
	$	18,198	$	19,285

⁽¹⁾ The Company had $3.5 million and $3.1 million of short-term loans outstanding and due from various joint ventures as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5, Related Party Transactions, for additional details.

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Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of debt and lines of credit

Debt consists of the following ($ in thousands):

	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015			Weighted Average Maturity In Years
Unsecured bonds private placement - fixed rate	$	314,003		$	463,891		4.4
Term loan - variable rate	224,551			224,467			0.7
Bonds public offering - fixed rate	2,397,909			2,400,322			6.5
Unsecured debt, net (1)	2,936,463			3,088,680
Lines of credit, net (2)	164,282			11,707
Mortgage notes payable, net (3)	2,252,057			2,215,077			5.6
Total debt, net	$	5,352,802		$	5,315,464
Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate unsecured and unsecured private placement bonds	3.6		%	3.6		%
Weighted average interest rate on variable rate term loan	2.4		%	2.4		%
Weighted average interest rate on lines of credit	1.8		%	1.9		%
Weighted average interest rate on mortgage notes payable	4.4		%	4.4		%

(1) Includes unamortized premium and discounts of $11.3 million and $14.3 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $14.8 million and $15.6 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(2) Lines of credit, net, includes unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.1 million and $3.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(3) Includes unamortized premium of $64.5 million and $64.8 million and reduced by unamortized debt issuance costs of $8.1 million and $8.0 million, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Summary of aggregate scheduled principal payments

The aggregate scheduled principal payments of the Company’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016 are as follows (excluding lines of credit) (in thousands):

Remaining in 2016	$	222,803
2017	564,851
2018	321,328
2019	661,954
2020	693,868
Thereafter	2,670,852
	$	5,135,656

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Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reconciliation of revenues and operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated

The revenues and net operating income for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Southern California	$	141,492		$	123,455
Northern California	112,733			102,427
Seattle Metro	52,074			48,654
Other real estate assets	5,879			5,693
Total property revenues	$	312,178		$	280,229
Net operating income:
Southern California	$	96,453		$	83,088
Northern California	80,711			72,516
Seattle Metro	35,689			33,129
Other real estate assets	4,835			4,325
Total net operating income	217,688			193,058
Depreciation and amortization	(109,707		)	(106,907		)
Interest expense	(52,466		)	(47,546		)
Total return swap income	3,123			—
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024			2,644
General and administrative	(9,182		)	(10,545		)
Merger and integration expenses	—			(2,388		)
Acquisition and investment related costs	(828		)	(547		)
Interest and other income	5,208			4,199
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258			7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279		)	—
Equity income in co-investments	15,068			4,311
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	—			21,362
Net income	$	86,907		$	64,753

Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated

Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Assets:
Southern California	$	4,875,525	$	4,912,264
Northern California	3,892,121		3,749,072
Seattle Metro	1,698,550		1,613,175
Other real estate assets	108,679		107,066
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	10,574,875		10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711		242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684		1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	—		26,879
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	80,483		123,055
Marketable securities	138,597		137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198		19,285
Other non-segment assets	39,936		38,437
Total assets	$	12,067,484	$	12,005,091

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Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Net Income Per Share and Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]

Schedule of net income per common share

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Shares	Per Common Share Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,405,654	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,185,455	$	0.92
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	77,981	65,557,639	$	1.19	$	59,363	64,394,680	$	0.92

Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]

Net Income Per Share and Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]

Schedule of net income per common share

Essex Portfolio, L.P.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016					Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount		Income		Weighted- average Common Units	Per Common Unit Amount
Basic:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,633,519	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,369,769	$	0.93
Effect of Dilutive Securities	—		151,985			—		209,225
Diluted:
Net income available to common unitholders	$	80,765	67,785,504	$	1.19	$	61,426	66,578,994	$	0.92

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Summary of Financial Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value	$ 138,597	$ 137,485
Marketable securities and other investments, amortized cost	131,130	130,335
Marketable securities and other investments, gross unrealized gain	7,467	7,150
Marketable securities	138,597	137,485
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, amortized cost	9,603	11,618
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	154	68
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value	9,757	11,686
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, amortized cost	5,019	3,675
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	2	(9)
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value	5,021	3,666
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, amortized cost	32,576	34,655
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax	7,311	7,091
Available-for-sale securities, carrying value	39,887	41,746
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, amortized cost	83,932	80,387
Held-to-maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	0	0
Held-to-maturity securities, carrying value	$ 83,932	$ 80,387

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Summary (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 6,237,733
Balance at period end	6,141,992
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	(42,011)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,137)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,999
Other comprehensive loss	(2,138)
Balance at period end	(44,149)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	(48,366)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,444)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,999
Other comprehensive loss	(2,445)
Balance at period end	(50,811)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	6,355
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	307
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Other comprehensive loss	307
Balance at period end	$ 6,662

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Partnership (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 6,237,733
Balance at period end	6,141,992
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	(39,598)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,278)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,067
Other comprehensive loss	(2,211)
Balance at period end	(41,809)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	(46,087)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	(4,595)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,067
Other comprehensive loss	(2,528)
Balance at period end	(48,615)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	6,489
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	317
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Other comprehensive loss	317
Balance at period end	$ 6,806

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Organization and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) community building partnership apartment project shares	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016 investment	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Ownership interest in partnership	96.70%
Apartment communities owned | community	244
Apartment units owned | apartment	59,441
Ownership interest, number of commercial buildings | building	2
Ownership interest, number of active development projects | project	7
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	$ 5,000,000	$ 700,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross realized gain (loss)	$ 700,000	0
Number of previously consolidated co-investments considered VIE | investment			9
Downreit limited partnerships consolidated by company | partnership	19
Communities within Downreit partnerships | community	11
Assets related to variable interest entities net of intercompany eliminations	$ 904,400,000			$ 893,100,000
Liabilities related to variable interest entities net of intercompany eliminations	231,400,000			231,800,000
Noncontrolling interest in variable interest entity	55,000,000			54,600,000
Fixed rate debt carrying amount	4,600,000,000
Fixed rate debt fair value	4,800,000,000
Investments in mortgage back securities, fair value	113,300,000			110,200,000
Capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects	3,200,000	$ 2,000,000
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities, carrying value	$ 83,932,000			$ 80,387,000
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Operating Partnership units outstanding | shares	2,224,968			2,214,545
Redemption value of operating partnership units outstanding	$ 520,300,000			$ 530,200,000

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Significant Transactions During the First Quarter of 2016 and Subsequent Events (Details)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($) unit $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) unit	Feb. 29, 2016 USD ($) unit	Jan. 31, 2016 USD ($) unit	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures					$ 110,309,000	$ 199,190,000
Land and land improvements		$ 2,573,923,000			2,573,923,000		$ 2,522,842,000
Buildings and improvements		$ 10,052,754,000			10,052,754,000		$ 9,808,627,000
Tax on gain on sale of real estate					4,279,000	0
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments					$ 50,591,000	$ 48,650,000
Series H Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage					7.125%		7.125%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Series H Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | shares	2,950,000
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares	2,950,000
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage	7.125%
Cumulative redeemable preferred stock redemption price per share | $ / shares	$ 25.00
Unsecured Bonds 4.36% [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				$ 150,000,000
Debt Instrument, interest rate, stated percent				4.36%
Unsecured Bonds 3.375% [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 450,000,000
Debt Instrument, interest rate, stated percent	3.375%
BEXAWE, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred equity investment, ownership percentage		50.00%			50.00%
Palo Alto, CA [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of buildings				$ 18,000,000
Gain on sale of properties				$ 9,600,000
Acquisitions Q1 2016 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures					$ 148,700,000
Land and land improvements		$ 35,600,000			35,600,000
Buildings and improvements		$ 112,200,000			112,200,000
Acquisitions Q1 2016 [Member] | Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquired in-place leases					900,000
Mio Apartment Community [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of units acquired | unit				103
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures				$ 51,300,000
Form 15 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of units acquired | unit		242
Acquisitions of real estate and acquisition related capital expenditures		$ 97,400,000
Mortgage loans assumed in acquisition		44,800,000			44,800,000
The Heights [Member] | BEXAWE, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of properties				$ 7,400,000
Number of units sold | unit				332
Sales of real estate				$ 93,800,000
Repayments of secured debt				$ 50,300,000
Preferred equity investment, ownership percentage				50.00%
Harvest Park [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of properties			$ 6,400,000
Tax on gain on sale of real estate			$ 4,300,000
Number of units sold | unit			104
Sales of real estate			$ 30,500,000
201 Lexington [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments		$ 31,800,000
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage		12.00%
201 Lexington [Member] | Commitments To Invest [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Commitment to fund preferred equity investment		$ 47,100,000			$ 47,100,000
Canyon Creek [Member] | BEXAWE, LLC [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of units sold | unit	200
Sales of real estate	$ 53,500,000
Repayments of secured debt	$ 26,300,000

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Co-investments - Summary of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 1,069,684	$ 1,036,047
Total operating co investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 771,293	786,066
Total operating co investments [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	50.00%
Total operating co investments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	55.00%
Membership Interest In Limited Liability Company That Owns Connolly Station [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 380,399	376,862
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	55.00%
Membership interest in Wesco I, III, and IV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 216,485	218,902
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	50.00%
Membership interest in BEXAEW [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 74,069	88,850
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	50.00%
Membership Interest In Palm Valley [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 68,340	68,525
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	50.00%
Partnership interest in Fund II [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 32,000	32,927
Partnership interest in Fund II [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	50.00%
Partnership interest in Fund II [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments	55.00%
Total development co investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 158,408	143,669
Total preferred interest investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	139,983	106,312
Total preferred interest investments [Member] | Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Co-investments	$ 35,900	$ 35,800

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Co-investments - Combined Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Rental properties and real estate under development	$ 145,711		$ 242,326
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Other liabilities	34,814		34,518
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest expense	(52,466)	$ (47,546)
General and administrative	(9,182)	(10,545)
Total co investment [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Rental properties and real estate under development	3,323,201		3,360,360
Other assets	111,040		96,785
Total assets	3,434,241		3,457,145
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Debt	1,475,295		1,499,601
Other liabilities	97,765		92,241
Equity	1,861,181		1,865,303
Total liabilities and equity	3,434,241		3,457,145
Company's share of equity	1,069,684		$ 1,036,047
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Property revenues	75,130	63,498
Property operating expenses	(25,821)	(22,954)
Net operating income	49,309	40,544
Gain on sale of real estate	17,495	14
Interest expense	(13,140)	(11,316)
General and administrative	(1,240)	(1,606)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,716)	(25,381)
Net income	23,708	2,255
Company's share of net income	15,068	4,311
Total co investment [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Company's share of net income	$ 800	$ 900

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Notes and Other Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 18,198	$ 19,285
Bridge loan	3,500	3,100
Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	3,522	3,092
Other Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	11,457	12,974
Secured Due December 2016 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 3,219	$ 3,219
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%

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Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($) apartment	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) apartment	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) apartment	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management and other fees from affiliates					$ 3,300	$ 5,700
Development and redevelopment fees					1,300	3,100
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments					50,591	48,650
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments					$ (7,435)	$ 0
Apartment units owned | apartment					59,441
Notes and other receivables					$ 18,198		$ 19,285
Notes Receivable [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables					3,522		$ 3,092
Marcus and Millichamp Company TMMC Affiliate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred equity interest investment related party entity				$ 8,600
Proceeds from redemption of preferred equity interest			$ 500
Anaheim, CA Multifamily Property [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred equity investments					13,700
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments			$ 1,300
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investments					$ 13,700
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage			9.00%
Greentree Apartments [Member] | Limited Liability Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments		$ 10,000
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage		9.50%
Apartment units owned | apartment		220
Sterling Cove [Member] | Limited Liability Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments		$ 5,000
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage		9.50%
Apartment units owned | apartment		218
Alta Vista Apartments [Member] | Limited Liability Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments	$ 5,000
Preferred stock, stated interest percentage	9.50%
Apartment units owned | apartment	92

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Debt - Debt Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured debt, net	$ 2,936,463	$ 3,088,680
Lines of credit, net	164,282	11,707
Mortgage notes payable, net	2,252,057	2,215,077
Total debt	5,352,802	5,315,464
Fixed Rate Bond One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured debt, net	$ 314,003	463,891
Debt, weighted average maturity (years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Loans Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured debt, net	$ 224,551	$ 224,467
Debt, weighted average maturity (years)	8 months
Weighted average interest rate	2.40%	2.40%
Fixed Rate Bond Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured debt, net	$ 2,397,909	$ 2,400,322
Debt, weighted average maturity (years)	6 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	3.60%	3.60%
Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, net	$ 164,282	$ 11,707
Weighted average interest rate	1.80%	1.90%
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, weighted average maturity (years)	5 years 7 months
Mortgage notes payable, net	$ 2,252,057	$ 2,215,077
Weighted average interest rate	4.40%	4.40%

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Debt - Future Principal Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remaining in 2016	$ 222,803
2017	564,851
2018	321,328
2019	661,954
2020	693,868
Thereafter	2,670,852
Long-term debt	$ 5,135,656

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Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized premium	$ 11.3	$ 14.3
Unamortized debt issuance expense	14.8	15.6
Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance expense	4.1	3.3
Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized premium	64.5	64.8
Unamortized debt issuance expense	$ 8.1	$ 8.0

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Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable operating segments defined by geographical regions | segment	3
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property revenues	$ 312,178	$ 280,229
Net operating income	217,688	193,058
Depreciation and amortization	(109,707)	(106,907)
Interest expense	(52,466)	(47,546)
Total return swap income	3,123	0
Management and other fees from affiliates	2,024	2,644
General and administrative	(9,182)	(10,545)
Merger and integration expenses	0	(2,388)
Acquisition and investment related costs	(828)	(547)
Interest and other income	5,208	4,199
Gain on sale of real estate and land	20,258	7,112
Deferred tax expense on gain on sale of real estate and land	(4,279)	0
Equity income in co-investments	15,068	4,311
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	21,362
Net income	86,907	64,753
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	10,574,875		$ 10,381,577
Real estate under development	145,711		242,326
Co-investments	1,069,684		1,036,047
Real estate held for sale, net	0		26,879
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash	80,483		123,055
Marketable securities	138,597		137,485
Notes and other receivables	18,198		19,285
Other non-segment assets	39,936		38,437
Total assets	12,067,484		12,005,091
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Southern California [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property revenues	141,492	123,455
Net operating income	96,453	83,088
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	4,875,525		4,912,264
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Northern California [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property revenues	112,733	102,427
Net operating income	80,711	72,516
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	3,892,121		3,749,072
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Seattle Metro [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property revenues	52,074	48,654
Net operating income	35,689	33,129
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	1,698,550		1,613,175
Other Real Estate Assets [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property revenues	5,879	5,693
Net operating income	4,835	$ 4,325
Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets	$ 108,679		$ 107,066

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Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Basic [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders	$ 77,981	$ 59,363
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	65,405,654	64,185,455
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Effect of dilutive securities	$ 0	$ 0
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	151,985	209,225
Diluted [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$ 77,981	$ 59,363
Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)	65,557,639	64,394,680
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Basic [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders	$ 80,765	$ 61,426
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	67,633,519	66,369,769
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.93
Effect of dilutive securities	$ 0	$ 0
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	151,985	209,225
Diluted [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$ 80,765	$ 61,426
Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)	67,785,504	66,578,994
Net income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 1.19	$ 0.92
Convertible Limited Partnership Units [Member]
Diluted [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	2,227,865	2,184,314
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, value	$ 2,800	$ 2,100
Convertible Limited Partnership Units [Member] | Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Diluted [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	958,972	958,972
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Diluted [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	77,200	0
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Diluted [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	77,200	0

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Total return swap income	$ 3,123,000	$ 0
Multifamily Housing Mortgage Revenue Bonds [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Bond subject to interest rate caps	257,300,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 225,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts	$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts	0		0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	20,700,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member] | Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	13,000		$ 4,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Total Return Swap, Callable [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	114,400,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Total Return Swap, January 1, 2017 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 142,900,000