UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $.0001 par value (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) ESS New York Stock Exchange FORM 10-K (MARK ONE) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period ...