Sets Record and Meeting Dates for 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR), today announced that the company declared dividends on its common and preferred shares.

First Quarter Dividends

The quarterly common share dividend of $0.3375 per share will be paid on April 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2010.

The following regular quarterly dividends will be paid on the company's preferred/depositary shares:

Series  Record Date     Payment Date    Amount/Share

E       March 15, 2010  April 1, 2010   $0.4375

H       March 15, 2010  March 31, 2010  $0.4375

K       March 15, 2010  March 31, 2010  $1.03625

N       March 15, 2010  April 15, 2010  $0.405

2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

In addition, the company declared that its Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in Chicago, Illinois. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2010 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

Equity Residential is an S&P 500 company focused on the acquisition, development and management of high quality apartment properties in top U.S. growth markets. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 495 properties totaling 137,007 units. For more information on Equity Residential, please visit our website at www.equityapartments.com.

    Source: Equity Residential

Contact: Equity Residential Marty McKenna, (312) 928-1901