Chicago-based Equity Residential, an owner and operator of apartment properties, and Cambridge-based Zipcar Inc. have formed partnership that will expand the presence of Zipcar’s car sharing services at Equity Residential apartment properties in major cities across the country, including those in Boston.

As part of this agreement, Zipcars will be placed at Equity Residential apartment properties in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Seattle, according to a statement. More than 17,000 residents living in participating properties will have access to Zipcar vehicles.

"We are delighted to partner with Zipcar to bring this extraordinary lifestyle amenity directly to our residents in these key strategic cities," said David Santee, Equity Residential’s executive vice president of operations. "Our partnership with Zipcar will continue to grow as both companies expand their presence in these highly sought after locations, further differentiating our properties as exceptional lifestyle choices."