Elme Communities (ELME) 10-Q 27 Apr 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 23, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6622
Entity Registrant Name	WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
Entity Central Index Key	0000104894
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	53-0261100
Entity Address, Address Line One	1775 EYE STREET, NW
Entity Address, Address Line Two	SUITE 1000
Entity Address, City or Town	WASHINGTON
Entity Address, State or Province	DC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	20006
City Area Code	202
Local Phone Number	774-3200
Title of 12(b) Security	Shares of Beneficial Interest
Trading Symbol	WRE
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		82,317,095

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Land	$ 574,025	$ 566,807
Income producing property	2,444,525	2,392,415
Net income producing property, at cost	3,018,550	2,959,222
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(719,446)	(693,610)
Net income producing property	2,299,104	2,265,612
Properties under development or held for future development	89,791	124,193
Total real estate held for investment, net	2,388,895	2,389,805
Investment in real estate held for sale, net	57,028	57,028
Cash and cash equivalents	20,601	12,939
Restricted cash	634	1,812
Rents and other receivables	64,617	65,259
Prepaid expenses and other assets	84,722	95,149
Other assets related to properties held for sale	6,123	6,336
Total assets	2,622,620	2,628,328
Liabilities
Notes payable, net	997,075	996,722
Mortgage notes payable, net	0	47,074
Line of credit	148,000	56,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	98,966	71,136
Dividend payable	0	24,668
Advance rents	8,681	9,353
Tenant security deposits	10,875	10,595
Other liabilities related to properties held for sale	875	718
Total liabilities	1,264,472	1,216,266
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred shares; $0.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 82,315 and 82,099 shares issued and outstanding, as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	823	821
Additional paid in capital	1,596,242	1,592,487
Distributions in excess of net income	(206,506)	(183,405)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(32,744)	1,823
Total shareholders’ equity	1,357,815	1,411,726
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	333	336
Total equity	1,358,148	1,412,062
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,622,620	$ 2,628,328

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred shares, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Shares of beneficial interest, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares of beneficial interest, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Shares of beneficial interest, shares issued (in shares)	82,315,000	82,099,000
Shares of beneficial interest, shares outstanding (in shares)	82,315,000	82,099,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue
Real estate rental revenue		$ 76,792	$ 71,434
Expenses
Real estate expenses		28,639	26,143
Depreciation and amortization		29,720	27,057
General and administrative expenses		6,337	7,807
Real estate impairment		0	8,374
Expenses		64,696	69,381
Real estate operating income		12,096	2,053
Other expense
Interest expense		(10,845)	(12,496)
Gain on extinguishment of debt		468	0
Other expense		(10,377)	(12,496)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		1,719	(10,443)
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale		0	6,038
Net income (loss)		1,719	(4,405)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests		$ 1,719	$ (4,405)
Basic net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per share:
Continuing operations, basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02	$ (0.13)
Discontinued operations, basic (in dollars per share)		0	0.08
Basic net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.02	(0.06)
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per share:
Continuing operations, diluted (in dollars per share)		0.02	(0.13)
Discontinued operations, diluted (in dollars per share)		0	0.08
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (in dollars per share)	[1]	$ 0.02	$ (0.06)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)		82,086	79,881
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)		82,287	79,881
[1]	Earnings per share may not sum due to rounding

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,719	$ (4,405)
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges	(34,567)	(4,169)
Comprehensive loss	(32,848)	(8,574)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to the controlling interests	$ (32,848)	$ (8,574)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Shares of Beneficial Interest	Additional Paid in Capital	Distributions in Excess of Net Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Shareholders’ Equity	Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		79,910
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,068,478	$ 799	$ 1,526,574	$ (469,085)	$ 9,839	$ 1,068,127	$ 351
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests	(4,405)			(4,405)		(4,405)
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges	(4,169)				(4,169)	(4,169)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4)						(4)
Dividends	$ (24,141)			(24,141)		(24,141)
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment program (in shares)	43	43
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment program	$ 1,097	$ 0	1,097			1,097
Share grants, net of forfeitures and tax withholdings (in shares)		76
Share grants, net of forfeitures and tax withholdings	2,246	$ 1	2,245			2,246
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		80,029
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,038,196	$ 800	1,529,916	(498,537)	5,670	1,037,849	347
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		82,099
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	1,412,062	$ 821	1,592,487	(183,405)	1,823	1,411,726	336
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests	1,719			1,719		1,719
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges	(34,567)				(34,567)	(34,567)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3)						(3)
Dividends	(24,820)			(24,820)		(24,820)
Equity issuances, net of issuance costs (in shares)		46
Equity issuances, net of issuance costs	$ 1,242	$ 1	1,241			1,242
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment program (in shares)	35	35
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment program	$ 921	$ 0	921			921
Share grants, net of forfeitures and tax withholdings (in shares)		135
Share grants, net of forfeitures and tax withholdings	1,594	$ 1	1,593			1,594
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		82,315
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 1,358,148	$ 823	$ 1,596,242	$ (206,506)	$ (32,744)	$ 1,357,815	$ 333

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 1,719	$ (4,405)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	29,720	29,547
Credit losses on lease related receivables	923	0
Real estate impairment	0	8,374
Share-based compensation expense	1,778	2,826
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and related financing costs	645	536
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(468)	0
Changes in operating other assets	895	(2,035)
Changes in operating other liabilities	(6,352)	(7,265)
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,860	27,578
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital improvements to real estate	(10,846)	(7,281)
Development in progress	(9,402)	(6,091)
Non-real estate capital improvements	(94)	(67)
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,342)	(13,439)
Cash flows from financing activities
Line of credit borrowings, net	92,000	40,000
Dividends paid	(49,485)	(48,165)
Principal payments – mortgage notes payable	(46,567)	(610)
Payment of financing costs	0	(252)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3)	(4)
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment program	921	1,097
Net proceeds from equity issuances	1,241	0
Payment of tax withholdings for restricted share awards	(141)	(452)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,034)	(8,386)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	6,484	5,753
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	14,751	7,640
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	21,235	13,393
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	5,133	6,848
Change in accrued capital improvements and development costs	4,851	8,119
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 21,235	$ 13,393

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	NATURE OF BUSINESS Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“WashREIT”), a Maryland real estate investment trust, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust, successor to a trust organized in 1960. Our business consists of the ownership and operation of income producing real estate properties in the greater Washington metro region. We own a portfolio of multifamily and commercial (office and retail) properties. Federal Income Taxes We believe that we qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and intend to continue to qualify as such. To maintain our status as a REIT, we are, among other things, required to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income (which is, generally, our ordinary taxable income, with certain modifications), excluding any net capital gains and any deductions for dividends paid to our shareholders on an annual basis. When selling a property, we generally have the option of (a) reinvesting the sales proceeds of property sold, in a way that allows us to defer recognition of some or all taxable gain realized on the sale, (b) distributing gains to the shareholders with no tax to us or (c) treating net long-term capital gains as having been distributed to our shareholders, paying the tax on the gain deemed distributed and allocating the tax paid as a credit to our shareholders. Generally, and subject to our ongoing qualification as a REIT, no provisions for income taxes are necessary except for taxes on undistributed taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). Our TRSs are subject to corporate federal and state income tax on their taxable income at regular statutory rates, or as calculated under the alternative minimum tax, as appropriate. As of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , our TRSs had a deferred tax asset of $1.4 million that was fully reserved. As of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , we had deferred state and local tax liabilities of $0.6 million . These deferred tax liabilities are recorded in Accounts payable and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and are primarily related to temporary differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue, depreciation and amortization.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentations	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATIONS Significant Accounting Policies We have prepared our consolidated financial statements using the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 , as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 6, 2020. Pronouncements Adopted Standard/Description Effective Date and Adoption Considerations Effect on Financial Statements or Other significant Matters ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . This standard requires financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis, including trade receivables, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software . This standard requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Standard/Description Effective Date and Adoption Considerations Effect on Financial Statements or Other significant Matters ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting . This standard contains optional practical expedients and exceptions for applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) to contracts, hedging relations, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. We elected certain optional practical expedients as of January 1, 2020. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. As of January 1, 2020, we have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of WashREIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which WashREIT has a controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We have prepared the accompanying unaudited financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In addition, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 , as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 6, 2020. Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 as the “ 2020 Quarter” and the “ 2019 Quarter,” respectively. Discontinued Operations We classify properties as held for sale when they meet the necessary criteria, which include: (a) senior management commits to a plan to sell the assets, (b) the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the assets have been initiated, (d) the sale of the assets is probable, and transfer of the assets is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, (e) the assets are being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation on these properties is discontinued at the time they are classified as held for sale, but operating revenues, operating expenses and interest expense continue to be recognized until the date of sale. Revenues and expenses of properties that are either sold or classified as held for sale are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of operations if the dispositions represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results. Interest on debt that can be identified as specifically attributed to these properties is included in discontinued operations. If the dispositions do not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results, then the revenues and expenses of the properties that are classified as sold or held for sale are presented as continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes funds escrowed for tenant security deposits, real estate tax, insurance and mortgage escrows and escrow deposits required by lenders on certain of our properties to be used for future building renovations or tenant improvements. Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Real Estate

Real Estate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate	REAL ESTATE Development/Redevelopment We have properties under development/redevelopment and held for current or future development. As of March 31, 2020 , we have invested $119.8 million , including the cost of acquired land, in The Trove, a 401 -unit multifamily development adjacent to The Wellington. During the 2020 Quarter, we substantially completed major construction activities for The Trove’s base building and garage and delivered 121 units. As of March 31, 2020, we have placed into service assets totaling $58.9 million . We expect to place the remainder of The Trove development into service during 2020. We have also invested $27.0 million , including the cost of acquired land, in a multifamily development adjacent to Riverside Apartments. In addition, there are several other projects with minor development activity in the multifamily and office segments. Properties Sold and Held for Sale We intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning our properties, and to make occasional sales of properties that no longer meet our long-term strategy or return objectives and where market conditions for sale are favorable. The proceeds from the sales may be reinvested into other properties, used to fund development operations or to support other corporate needs, or distributed to our shareholders. We classified as held for sale or sold our interests in the following properties during 2020 and 2019: Disposition Date Property Name Property Type Rentable Square Feet Contract Sales Price (Loss) Gain on Sale April 21, 2020 John Marshall II (1) Office 223,000 $ 57,000 N/A Total 2020 223,000 $ 57,000 N/A June 26, 2019 Quantico Corporate Center (2) Office 272,000 $ 33,000 $ (1,046 ) July 23, 2019 Shopping Center Portfolio (3) Retail 800,000 485,250 333,023 August 21, 2019 Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square Retail 520,000 57,500 9,507 August 27, 2019 Centre at Hagerstown Retail 330,000 23,500 (3,506 ) December 19, 2019 1776 G Street Office 262,000 129,500 61,007 Total 2019 2,184,000 $ 728,750 $ 398,985 ______________________________ (1) Held for sale as of March 31, 2020. (2) Consists of 925 and 1000 Corporate Drive. (3) Consists of five retail properties: Gateway Overlook, Wheaton Park, Olney Village Center, Bradlee Shopping Center and Shoppes of Foxchase. During the second quarter of 2019, we sold Quantico Corporate Center, an office property in Stafford, Virginia, consisting of two office buildings totaling 272,000 square feet, for a contract sale price of $33.0 million , recognizing a loss on sale of real estate of $1.0 million . Prior to the sale, due to the negotiations to sell the property, we evaluated Quantico Corporate Center for impairment and recognized an $8.4 million impairment charge during the first quarter of 2019 in order to reduce the carrying value of the property to its estimated fair value. In June 2019, we entered into two separate purchase and sale agreements with two separate buyers to sell the Shopping Center Portfolio (Gateway Overlook, Wheaton Park, Olney Village Center, Bradlee Shopping Center and Shoppes of Foxchase) and the Power Center Portfolio (Frederick Crossing, Frederick County Square and Centre at Hagerstown). As of June 30, 2019, the properties in the Retail Portfolio (as defined below) met the criteria for classification as held for sale. We closed on the Shopping Center Portfolio sale transaction on July 23, 2019, recognizing a gain on sale of real estate of $333.0 million . Prior to closing on the disposition of the Shopping Center Portfolio, we prepaid the mortgage note secured by Olney Village Center, incurring a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.8 million , which we recognized in the third quarter of 2019. In the third quarter of 2019, the purchase and sale agreement to sell the Power Center Portfolio was amended to include only Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square. We closed on the sale of these assets on August 21, 2019, recognizing a gain on sale of real estate of $9.5 million . Following the amendment to the purchase and sale agreement to sell the Power Center Portfolio, we marketed Centre at Hagerstown for sale and identified a separate buyer. We closed on the sale of this asset on August 27, 2019, recognizing a loss on sale of real estate of $3.5 million . References to the “Retail Portfolio” include the Shopping Center Portfolio, Frederick Crossing, Frederick County Square and Centre at Hagerstown. The disposition of the Retail Portfolio represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on our financial results and we accordingly reported the Retail Portfolio as discontinued operations. The Retail Portfolio represented a majority of our retail assets and following its sale, we determined that our retail line of business was no longer a reportable segment. In December 2019, we executed a purchase and sale agreement to sell John Marshall II for a contract sale price of $63.4 million . Upon execution of the purchase and sale agreement, the property met the criteria for classification as held for sale. As of March 31, 2020, the property continued to meet the criteria for classification as held for sale. Subsequent to the end of the 2020 Quarter, we executed an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement decreasing the contract sale price to $57.0 million and closed on the sale on April 21, 2020. As of March 31, 2020, we assessed certain properties for impairment and did not recognize any impairment charges during the 2020 Quarter. We applied reasonable estimates and judgments in evaluating each of the properties as of March 31, 2020. Should external or internal circumstances change requiring the need to shorten holding periods or adjust future estimated cash flows from our properties, we could be required to record impairment charges in the future. Discontinued Operations The results of the Retail Portfolio are classified as discontinued operations and are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except for share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Real estate rental revenue $ 11,740 Real estate expenses (3,067 ) Depreciation and amortization (2,490 ) Interest expense (145 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 6,038 Basic net income per share $ 0.08 Diluted net income per share $ 0.08 Capital expenditures $ 406

Lease Accounting

Lease Accounting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Accounting	LEASE ACCOUNTING Leasing as a Lessor Future Minimum Rental Income As of March 31, 2020 , non-cancelable commercial operating leases provide for future minimum rental income from continuing operations as follows (in thousands). Apartment leases are not included as the terms are generally for one year or less. 2020 $ 106,177 2021 137,244 2022 124,684 2023 107,647 2024 94,677 Thereafter 316,221 $ 886,650 Leasing as a Lessee 2000 M Street, an office property in Washington, DC, is subject to an operating ground lease with a remaining term of 51 years . Rental payments under this lease are subject to percentage rent variable payments, which are not included as part of our measurement of straight-line rental expense. We recognized variable rental payments of $0.2 million during the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter. We recognized a right of use asset (included in Income producing property) and lease liability (included in Accounts payable and other liabilities) of $4.2 million . We used a discount rate of approximately 5.9% , which was derived from our assessment of securitized rates for similar assets and credit quality. We recognized $0.1 million of right-of-use and lease liability amortization during the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter. The following table sets forth the undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum payments on our operating ground lease as of March 31, 2020 and a reconciliation of those cash flows to the operating lease liability as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands): 2020 $ 195 2021 260 2022 260 2023 260 2024 260 Thereafter 11,830 13,065 Imputed interest (9,156 ) Lease liability $ 3,909
Lease Accounting	LEASE ACCOUNTING Leasing as a Lessor Future Minimum Rental Income As of March 31, 2020 , non-cancelable commercial operating leases provide for future minimum rental income from continuing operations as follows (in thousands). Apartment leases are not included as the terms are generally for one year or less. 2020 $ 106,177 2021 137,244 2022 124,684 2023 107,647 2024 94,677 Thereafter 316,221 $ 886,650 Leasing as a Lessee 2000 M Street, an office property in Washington, DC, is subject to an operating ground lease with a remaining term of 51 years . Rental payments under this lease are subject to percentage rent variable payments, which are not included as part of our measurement of straight-line rental expense. We recognized variable rental payments of $0.2 million during the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter. We recognized a right of use asset (included in Income producing property) and lease liability (included in Accounts payable and other liabilities) of $4.2 million . We used a discount rate of approximately 5.9% , which was derived from our assessment of securitized rates for similar assets and credit quality. We recognized $0.1 million of right-of-use and lease liability amortization during the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter. The following table sets forth the undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum payments on our operating ground lease as of March 31, 2020 and a reconciliation of those cash flows to the operating lease liability as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands): 2020 $ 195 2021 260 2022 260 2023 260 2024 260 Thereafter 11,830 13,065 Imputed interest (9,156 ) Lease liability $ 3,909

Mortgage Notes Payable

Mortgage Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage Notes Payable	MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE In January 2020, we prepaid the $45.6 million mortgage note secured by Yale West, which was scheduled to mature in 2052. As a result of the transaction, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million related to the write-off of an unamortized mortgage premium of $1.4 million , partially offset by a prepayment penalty of $0.9 million

Unsecured Line of Credit Payabl

Unsecured Line of Credit Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Unsecured Line of Credit Payable	UNSECURED LINE OF CREDIT PAYABLE During the first quarter of 2018, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) which provides for a $700.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”), the continuation of an existing $150.0 million unsecured term loan (“2015 Term Loan”) and an additional $250.0 million unsecured term loan (“2018 Term Loan”). The Revolving Credit Facility has a four -year term ending in March 2022 , with two six -month extension options. The Credit Agreement has an accordion feature that allows us to increase the aggregate facility to $1.5 billion , subject to the lenders’ agreement to provide additional revolving loan commitments or term loans. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate of either one month LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 0.775% to 1.55% or the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.0% to 0.55% (in each case depending upon WashREIT’s credit rating). The base rate is the highest of the administrative agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and the LIBOR market index rate plus 1.0% . In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility requires the payment of a facility fee ranging from 0.10% to 0.30% (depending on WashREIT’s credit rating) on the $700.0 million committed revolving loan capacity, without regard to usage. As of March 31, 2020 , the interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility is one month LIBOR plus 1.00% , the one month LIBOR is 0.99% and the facility fee is 0.20% . All outstanding advances for the Revolving Credit Facility are due and payable upon maturity in March 2022, unless extended pursuant to one or both of the two six-month extension options. Interest only payments are due and payable generally on a monthly basis. The 2018 Term Loan increases and replaces the $150.0 million unsecured term loan, initially entered into on July 22, 2016 (“2016 Term Loan”), that was scheduled to mature in July 2023. The 2018 Term Loan is scheduled to mature in July 2023 and bears interest at a rate of either one month LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 0.85% to 1.75% or the base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.0% to 0.75% (in each case depending upon WashREIT’s credit rating). We used the $100.0 million of additional proceeds from the 2018 Term Loan primarily to repay outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. We had previously used interest rate derivatives to effectively fix the interest rate of the 2016 Term Loan. These interest rate derivatives now effectively fix the interest rate on a $150.0 million portion of the 2018 Term Loan at 2.31% . In March 2018, we entered into interest rate derivatives that commenced on June 29, 2018 to effectively fix the interest rate on the remaining $100.0 million of the 2018 Term Loan at 3.71% . The 2018 Term Loan has an all-in fixed interest rate of 2.87% . The amount of the Revolving Credit Facility’s unsecured line of credit unused and available at March 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands): Committed capacity $ 700,000 Borrowings outstanding (148,000 ) Unused and available $ 552,000 We executed borrowings and repayments on the Revolving Credit Facility during the 2020 Quarter as follows (in thousands): Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 56,000 Borrowings 115,000 Repayments (23,000 ) Balance, March 31, 2020 $ 148,000

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS On September 15, 2015 , we entered into two interest rate swap arrangements with a total notional amount of $150.0 million to swap the floating interest rate under the $150.0 million 2015 Term Loan to an all-in fixed interest rate of 2.72% starting on October 15, 2015 and extending until the maturity of the 2015 Term Loan on March 15, 2021 . On July 22, 2016 , we entered into two forward interest rate swap arrangements with a total notional amount of $150.0 million to swap the floating interest rate under the $150.0 million 2016 Term Loan to an all-in fixed interest rate of 2.86% starting on March 31, 2017 and extending until the maturity of the 2016 Term Loan on July 21, 2023 . On March 29, 2018, we entered into the $250.0 million 2018 Term Loan maturing on July 21, 2023, which increased and replaced the 2016 Term Loan. The interest rate swap arrangements that had effectively fixed the 2016 Term Loan now effectively fix the interest rate on a $150.0 million portion of the 2018 Term Loan at 2.31% . On March 29, 2018, we entered into four interest rate swap arrangements with a total notional amount of $100.0 million to effectively fix the interest rate on the remaining $100.0 million of the 2018 Term Loan at 3.71% , that commenced on June 29, 2018 and extending until the maturity of the 2018 Term Loan on July 21, 2023 . The $250.0 million 2018 Term Loan has an all-in fixed interest rate of 2.87% . In November 2019, we entered into four interest rate swap arrangements with a total notional amount of $200.0 million to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates on future fixed-rate debt (the “hedged debt transaction”) to replace our $250.0 million of 4.95% 10 -year unsecured notes scheduled to mature in October 2020. In April 2020, we used borrowings from our Revolving Credit Facility to prepay the $250.0 million of 4.95% 10 -year unsecured notes ( “2020 Senior Notes”) without penalty. We still intend to execute fixed-rate debt in 2020 and have determined that the hedged debt transaction remains probable as of March 31, 2020. The interest rate swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value in accordance with GAAP, based on discounted cash flow methodologies and observable inputs. We record the total change in fair value of the interest rate swap arrangements associated with our cash flow hedges in other comprehensive loss. The resulting unrealized loss on interest rate hedges was the only activity in other comprehensive loss during the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements. We assess the effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The cash flow hedges were highly effective for all periods presented. The fair values of the interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Derivative Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument Aggregate Notional Amount Effective Date Maturity Date March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Interest rate swaps $ 150,000 October 15, 2015 March 15, 2021 $ (1,851 ) $ (62 ) Interest rate swaps 150,000 March 31, 2017 July 21, 2023 (4,316 ) 1,825 Interest rate swaps 100,000 June 29, 2018 July 21, 2023 (7,448 ) (3,664 ) Interest rate swaps 200,000 April 1, 2020 April 1, 2030 (19,129 ) 3,724 $ 600,000 $ (32,744 ) $ 1,823 We record interest rate swaps on our consolidated balance sheets within prepaid expenses and other assets when in a net asset position and within accounts payable and other liabilities when in a net liability position. The interest rate swaps have been effective since inception. The net unrealized gains or losses on the effective swaps are recognized in other comprehensive loss, as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges $ (34,567 ) $ (4,169 ) Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, we estimate that an additional $7.0 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. We have agreements with each of our derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness. As of March 31, 2020 , the fair value of the derivative liabilities, including accrued interest, was $32.7 million . As of March 31, 2020 , we have not posted any collateral related to these agreements. Derivative instruments expose us to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparty under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreements. We believe that we minimize our credit risk on these transactions by dealing with major, creditworthy financial institutions. We monitor the credit ratings of counterparties and our exposure to any single entity, thus minimizing our credit risk concentration.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements are required to be disclosed separately for each major category of assets and liabilities, as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Level 2: Significant other observable inputs Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs The only assets or liabilities we had at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are the assets held in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), which primarily consist of investments in mutual funds, and the interest rate swaps (see note 7 ). We base the valuations related to the SERP on assumptions derived from significant other observable inputs and accordingly these valuations fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The valuation of the interest rate swaps is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each interest rate swap. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the interest rate swaps, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement , we incorporate credit valuation adjustments in the fair value measurements to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk. These credit valuation adjustments were concluded to not be significant inputs for the fair value calculations for the periods presented. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as the posting of collateral, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. The valuation of interest rate swaps fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of these assets and liabilities at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: SERP $ 1,561 $ — $ 1,561 $ — $ 1,792 $ — $ 1,792 $ — Interest rate swaps — — — — 5,549 — 5,549 — Liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ (32,744 ) $ — $ (32,744 ) $ — $ (3,726 ) $ — $ (3,726 ) $ — Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value The following disclosures of estimated fair value were determined by management using available market information and established valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models. Many of these estimates involve significant judgment. The estimated fair value disclosed may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies could have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts. In addition, fair value estimates are made at a point in time and thus, estimates of fair value subsequent to March 31, 2020 may differ significantly from the amounts presented. The valuations of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash fall into Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and the valuations of debt instruments fall into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,601 $ 20,601 $ 12,939 $ 12,939 Restricted cash 634 634 1,812 1,812 Mortgage notes payable, net — — 47,074 47,899 Line of credit 148,000 148,000 56,000 56,000 Notes payable, net 997,075 995,875 996,722 1,022,937

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION WashREIT maintains short-term (“STIP”) and long-term (“LTIP”) incentive plans that allow for stock based awards to officers and non-officer employees. Stock based awards are provided to officers and non-officer employees, as well as trustees, under the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan which allows for awards in the form of restricted shares, restricted share units, options and other awards up to an aggregate of 2,400,000 shares over the ten -year period in which the plan will be in effect. Restricted share units are converted into shares of our stock upon full vesting through the issuance of new shares. On February 14, 2020, the board of trustees adopted an Amended and Restated Executive Officer Short-Term Incentive Plan (the “Officer STIP”) and an Amended and Restated Executive Officer Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Officer LTIP”). Upon adoption by the board of trustees, both plans became effective for the performance periods beginning January 1, 2020. Officer LTIP Under the Officer LTIP, as revised, all named executive officers will have the opportunity to receive awards based on (i) the achievement of performance measures, which will be established for each performance period, and (ii) continued employment with the Company. The aggregate weighting for the performance measures and the time-based measures, as determined by the Compensation Committee, will total 100% . The performance measures will consist of one or more shareholder return measures and one or more strategic measures. The awards earned under the Officer LTIP, if any, are payable in our common shares of beneficial interest. Each participant’s total award under the Officer LTIP with respect to a performance period will be stated as a percentage of the participant’s annual base salary determined as of the beginning of that performance period, which percentage will depend upon the participant’s position and the degree of achievement of threshold, target, and high performance goals for the performance period which, except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, will be as set forth in the table below: Threshold Target High President and Chief Executive Officer 198% 275% 440% Executive Vice President 143% 200% 295% Senior Vice President 100% 143% 207% Any time-based awards under the Officer LTIP will be subject to a three-year vesting schedule, with any award vesting in one-third increments on each December 15 of the applicable performance period if the participant remains employed by the Company on each of such dates. The Officer LTIP provides that following a performance period, 100% of any performance-based award will vest immediately upon grant. Each year, the Compensation Committee will establish the threshold, target and high performance goals for each performance measures. Upon or following completion of a performance period, the degree of achievement of each performance measures will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. If a Change in Control (as defined in the Officer LTIP) occurs during a performance period while the participant is employed, the Officer LTIP provides that all time-based awards which are unvested will become vested, and the participant will receive a pro-rated portion of the shareholder return measure-based awards and the strategic measure-based awards will be calculated at target. Total Compensation Expense Total compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements for all outstanding share based awards was $1.8 million and $2.8 million for the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter, respectively. Restricted Share Awards The total fair values of restricted share awards vested was $0.4 million and $1.3 million for the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter, respectively. The total unvested restricted share awards at March 31, 2020 was 503,600 shares, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $29.99 per share. As of March 31, 2020 , the total compensation cost related to unvested restricted share awards was $11.9 million , which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 27

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Common Share	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE We determine “Basic earnings per share” using the two-class method as our unvested restricted share awards and units have non-forfeitable rights to dividends, and are therefore considered participating securities. We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable to the controlling interest less the allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards and units by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. We also determine “Diluted earnings per share” as the more dilutive of the two-class method or the treasury stock method with respect to the unvested restricted share awards. We further evaluate any other potentially dilutive securities at the end of the period and adjust the basic earnings per share calculation for the impact of those securities that are dilutive. Our dilutive earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive impact of operating partnership units under the if-converted method and our share based awards with performance conditions prior to the grant date and all market condition awards under the contingently issuable method. The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 1,719 $ (10,443 ) Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards to continuing operations (151 ) (134 ) Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 1,568 (10,577 ) Adjusted income from discontinued operations — 6,038 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests $ 1,568 $ (4,539 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 82,086 79,881 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee restricted share awards 189 — Operating partnership units 12 — Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 82,287 79,881 Earnings per common share, basic: Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ (0.13 ) Discontinued operations — 0.08 Basic net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (1) $ 0.02 $ (0.06 ) Earnings per common share, diluted: Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ (0.13 ) Discontinued operations — 0.08 Diluted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (1) $ 0.02 $ (0.06 ) Dividends declared per common share $ 0.30 $ 0.30 ______________________________ (1) Earnings per share may not sum due to rounding.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION We evaluate real estate performance and allocate resources by property type and have two reportable segments: office and multifamily. Office properties provide office space for various types of businesses and professions. Multifamily properties provide rental housing for individuals and families throughout the Washington metro region. We have eight retail properties that do not meet the qualitative or quantitative criteria for a reportable segment and are classified as “Corporate and other” in our segment disclosure tables. We evaluate performance based upon net operating income from the combined properties in each segment. Our reportable operating segments are consolidations of similar properties. GAAP requires that segment disclosures present the measure(s) used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing each segment’s performance. Net operating income is a key measurement of our segment profit and loss. Net operating income is defined as real estate rental revenue less real estate expenses. The following tables present revenues, net operating income, capital expenditures and total assets for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 from these segments, and reconcile net operating income of reportable segments to net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests as reported (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Office Multifamily Corporate and Other (1) Consolidated Real estate rental revenue $ 35,670 $ 36,578 $ 4,544 $ 76,792 Real estate expenses 13,317 13,985 1,337 28,639 Net operating income $ 22,353 $ 22,593 $ 3,207 $ 48,153 Depreciation and amortization (29,720 ) General and administrative expenses (6,337 ) Interest expense (10,845 ) Gain on extinguishment of debt 468 Net income 1,719 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries — Net income attributable to the controlling interests $ 1,719 Capital expenditures $ 7,088 $ 3,469 $ 383 $ 10,940 Total assets $ 1,130,013 $ 1,339,925 $ 152,682 $ 2,622,620 ______________________________ (1) Corporate and Other is comprised of eight retail properties that do not meet the qualitative or quantitative criteria for a reportable segment and are classified as “Corporate and other” in our segment disclosure tables. Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Multifamily Corporate and Other (2) Consolidated Real estate rental revenue $ 42,293 $ 24,335 $ 4,806 $ 71,434 Real estate expenses 15,224 9,470 1,449 26,143 Net operating income $ 27,069 $ 14,865 $ 3,357 $ 45,291 Depreciation and amortization (27,057 ) General and administrative expenses (7,807 ) Interest expense (12,496 ) Real estate impairment (8,374 ) Discontinued operations: Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale 6,038 Net loss (4,405 ) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries — Net loss attributable to the controlling interests $ (4,405 ) Capital expenditures $ 4,923 $ 1,803 $ 622 $ 7,348 Total assets $ 1,238,795 $ 796,525 $ 373,147 $ 2,408,467 ______________________________ (2) Net operating income includes the retail properties not classified as discontinued operations: Takoma Park, Westminster, Concord Center, Chevy Chase Metro Plaza, 800 S. Washington Street, Randolph Shopping Center, Montrose Shopping Center and Spring Valley Village, and total assets and capital expenditures include all retail properties, including those classified as discontinued operations.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY On May 4, 2018, we entered into eight separate equity distribution agreements (collectively, the “Equity Distribution Agreements”) with each of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, Capital One Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. relating to the issuance of up to $250.0 million of our common shares from time to time. Issuances of our common shares are made at market prices prevailing at the time of issuance. We may use net proceeds from the issuance of common shares under this program for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, working capital, the acquisition, renovation, expansion, improvement, development or redevelopment of income producing properties or the repayment of debt. During the 2020 Quarter, we issued 46,500 common shares at a weighted average price of $31.07 for net proceeds of $1.2 million . We did no t issue common shares during the 2019 Quarter. We have a dividend reinvestment program, whereby shareholders may use their dividends and optional cash payments to purchase common shares. The common shares sold under this program may either be common shares issued by us or common shares purchased in the open market. Net proceeds under this program were used for general corporate purposes. Our issuances and net proceeds on the dividend reinvestment program for the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Issuance of common shares 35 43 Weighted average price per share $ 26.96 $ 25.84 Net proceeds $ 921 $ 1,097

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	SUBSEQUENT EVENT As previously disclosed, our 2020 Senior Notes were scheduled to mature in October 2020, but could be prepaid without penalty beginning in April 2020. In April 2020, we used borrowings from our Revolving Credit Facility to prepay the 2020 Senior Notes without penalty.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentations (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	Pronouncements Adopted Standard/Description Effective Date and Adoption Considerations Effect on Financial Statements or Other significant Matters ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . This standard requires financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis, including trade receivables, to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software . This standard requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Standard/Description Effective Date and Adoption Considerations Effect on Financial Statements or Other significant Matters ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting . This standard contains optional practical expedients and exceptions for applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) to contracts, hedging relations, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. We elected certain optional practical expedients as of January 1, 2020. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. As of January 1, 2020, we have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of WashREIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which WashREIT has a controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Accounting	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In addition, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 , as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 6, 2020. Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 as the “ 2020 Quarter” and the “ 2019 Quarter,” respectively.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations We classify properties as held for sale when they meet the necessary criteria, which include: (a) senior management commits to a plan to sell the assets, (b) the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the assets have been initiated, (d) the sale of the assets is probable, and transfer of the assets is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, (e) the assets are being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation on these properties is discontinued at the time they are classified as held for sale, but operating revenues, operating expenses and interest expense continue to be recognized until the date of sale. Revenues and expenses of properties that are either sold or classified as held for sale are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of operations if the dispositions represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results. Interest on debt that can be identified as specifically attributed to these properties is included in discontinued operations. If the dispositions do not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results, then the revenues and expenses of the properties that are classified as sold or held for sale are presented as continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes funds escrowed for tenant security deposits, real estate tax, insurance and mortgage escrows and escrow deposits required by lenders on certain of our properties to be used for future building renovations or tenant improvements.
Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Real Estate (Tables)

Real Estate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Properties Held-for-Sale or Sold and Discontinued Operations	The results of the Retail Portfolio are classified as discontinued operations and are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except for share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Real estate rental revenue $ 11,740 Real estate expenses (3,067 ) Depreciation and amortization (2,490 ) Interest expense (145 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 6,038 Basic net income per share $ 0.08 Diluted net income per share $ 0.08 Capital expenditures $ 406 We classified as held for sale or sold our interests in the following properties during 2020 and 2019: Disposition Date Property Name Property Type Rentable Square Feet Contract Sales Price (Loss) Gain on Sale April 21, 2020 John Marshall II (1) Office 223,000 $ 57,000 N/A Total 2020 223,000 $ 57,000 N/A June 26, 2019 Quantico Corporate Center (2) Office 272,000 $ 33,000 $ (1,046 ) July 23, 2019 Shopping Center Portfolio (3) Retail 800,000 485,250 333,023 August 21, 2019 Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square Retail 520,000 57,500 9,507 August 27, 2019 Centre at Hagerstown Retail 330,000 23,500 (3,506 ) December 19, 2019 1776 G Street Office 262,000 129,500 61,007 Total 2019 2,184,000 $ 728,750 $ 398,985 ______________________________ (1) Held for sale as of March 31, 2020. (2) Consists of 925 and 1000 Corporate Drive. (3) Consists of five retail properties: Gateway Overlook, Wheaton Park, Olney Village Center, Bradlee Shopping Center and Shoppes of Foxchase.

Lease Accounting (Tables)

Lease Accounting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Income	As of March 31, 2020 , non-cancelable commercial operating leases provide for future minimum rental income from continuing operations as follows (in thousands). Apartment leases are not included as the terms are generally for one year or less. 2020 $ 106,177 2021 137,244 2022 124,684 2023 107,647 2024 94,677 Thereafter 316,221 $ 886,650
Schedule of Obligations for Future Minimum Payments on Operating Ground Lease	The following table sets forth the undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum payments on our operating ground lease as of March 31, 2020 and a reconciliation of those cash flows to the operating lease liability as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands): 2020 $ 195 2021 260 2022 260 2023 260 2024 260 Thereafter 11,830 13,065 Imputed interest (9,156 ) Lease liability $ 3,909

Unsecured Line of Credit Paya_2

Unsecured Line of Credit Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Revolving Credit Facility	The amount of the Revolving Credit Facility’s unsecured line of credit unused and available at March 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands): Committed capacity $ 700,000 Borrowings outstanding (148,000 ) Unused and available $ 552,000 We executed borrowings and repayments on the Revolving Credit Facility during the 2020 Quarter as follows (in thousands): Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 56,000 Borrowings 115,000 Repayments (23,000 ) Balance, March 31, 2020 $ 148,000

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Values of Interest Rate Swaps	The fair values of the interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , are as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Derivative Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Instrument Aggregate Notional Amount Effective Date Maturity Date March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Interest rate swaps $ 150,000 October 15, 2015 March 15, 2021 $ (1,851 ) $ (62 ) Interest rate swaps 150,000 March 31, 2017 July 21, 2023 (4,316 ) 1,825 Interest rate swaps 100,000 June 29, 2018 July 21, 2023 (7,448 ) (3,664 ) Interest rate swaps 200,000 April 1, 2020 April 1, 2030 (19,129 ) 3,724 $ 600,000 $ (32,744 ) $ 1,823
Schedule of Net Gains or Losses on the Effective Swaps	The net unrealized gains or losses on the effective swaps are recognized in other comprehensive loss, as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges $ (34,567 ) $ (4,169 )

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The fair values of these assets and liabilities at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: SERP $ 1,561 $ — $ 1,561 $ — $ 1,792 $ — $ 1,792 $ — Interest rate swaps — — — — 5,549 — 5,549 — Liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ (32,744 ) $ — $ (32,744 ) $ — $ (3,726 ) $ — $ (3,726 ) $ —
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,601 $ 20,601 $ 12,939 $ 12,939 Restricted cash 634 634 1,812 1,812 Mortgage notes payable, net — — 47,074 47,899 Line of credit 148,000 148,000 56,000 56,000 Notes payable, net 997,075 995,875 996,722 1,022,937

Earnings per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of the Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 1,719 $ (10,443 ) Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards to continuing operations (151 ) (134 ) Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests 1,568 (10,577 ) Adjusted income from discontinued operations — 6,038 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests $ 1,568 $ (4,539 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 82,086 79,881 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee restricted share awards 189 — Operating partnership units 12 — Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted 82,287 79,881 Earnings per common share, basic: Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ (0.13 ) Discontinued operations — 0.08 Basic net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (1) $ 0.02 $ (0.06 ) Earnings per common share, diluted: Continuing operations $ 0.02 $ (0.13 ) Discontinued operations — 0.08 Diluted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (1) $ 0.02 $ (0.06 ) Dividends declared per common share $ 0.30 $ 0.30 ______________________________ (1) Earnings per share may not sum due to rounding.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Net Operating Income of Reportable Segments	The following tables present revenues, net operating income, capital expenditures and total assets for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 from these segments, and reconcile net operating income of reportable segments to net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests as reported (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Office Multifamily Corporate and Other (1) Consolidated Real estate rental revenue $ 35,670 $ 36,578 $ 4,544 $ 76,792 Real estate expenses 13,317 13,985 1,337 28,639 Net operating income $ 22,353 $ 22,593 $ 3,207 $ 48,153 Depreciation and amortization (29,720 ) General and administrative expenses (6,337 ) Interest expense (10,845 ) Gain on extinguishment of debt 468 Net income 1,719 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries — Net income attributable to the controlling interests $ 1,719 Capital expenditures $ 7,088 $ 3,469 $ 383 $ 10,940 Total assets $ 1,130,013 $ 1,339,925 $ 152,682 $ 2,622,620 ______________________________ (1) Corporate and Other is comprised of eight retail properties that do not meet the qualitative or quantitative criteria for a reportable segment and are classified as “Corporate and other” in our segment disclosure tables. Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Multifamily Corporate and Other (2) Consolidated Real estate rental revenue $ 42,293 $ 24,335 $ 4,806 $ 71,434 Real estate expenses 15,224 9,470 1,449 26,143 Net operating income $ 27,069 $ 14,865 $ 3,357 $ 45,291 Depreciation and amortization (27,057 ) General and administrative expenses (7,807 ) Interest expense (12,496 ) Real estate impairment (8,374 ) Discontinued operations: Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale 6,038 Net loss (4,405 ) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries — Net loss attributable to the controlling interests $ (4,405 ) Capital expenditures $ 4,923 $ 1,803 $ 622 $ 7,348 Total assets $ 1,238,795 $ 796,525 $ 373,147 $ 2,408,467 ______________________________ (2) Net operating income includes the retail properties not classified as discontinued operations: Takoma Park, Westminster, Concord Center, Chevy Chase Metro Plaza, 800 S. Washington Street, Randolph Shopping Center, Montrose Shopping Center and Spring Valley Village, and total assets and capital expenditures include all retail properties, including those classified as discontinued operations.

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Dividend Reinvestment Program Activity	Our issuances and net proceeds on the dividend reinvestment program for the 2020 Quarter and 2019 Quarter were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Issuance of common shares 35 43 Weighted average price per share $ 26.96 $ 25.84 Net proceeds $ 921 $ 1,097

Nature of Business - Narrative

Nature of Business - Narrative (Details) - TRSs - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset	$ 1.4	$ 1.4
Deferred tax Asset, valuation allowance	1.4	1.4
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 0.6	$ 0.6

Real Estate - Development_Redev

Real Estate - Development/Redevelopment Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)unit	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Real Estate [Line Items]
Properties under development or held for future development	$ 89,791	$ 124,193
The Trove
Real Estate [Line Items]
Total investment to date for property in development	$ 119,800
Number of units in property | unit	401
Number of units in development project delivered | unit	121
Assets placed into service	$ 58,900
Riverside Developments
Real Estate [Line Items]
Properties under development or held for future development	$ 27,000

Real Estate - Properties Sold a

Real Estate - Properties Sold and Held for Sale (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 19, 2019USD ($)ft²	Aug. 27, 2019USD ($)ft²	Aug. 21, 2019USD ($)ft²	Jul. 23, 2019USD ($)ft²property	Jun. 26, 2019USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)ft²	Apr. 21, 2020USD ($)ft²
Quantico Corporate Center | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²					272
Contract Sales Price					$ 33,000
(Loss) gain on sale					$ 1,000
Shopping Center Portfolio
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale				$ 333,000
Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale			$ 9,500
Centre at Hagerstown
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale		$ (3,500)
2019 Properties
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²						2,184
Contract Sales Price						$ 728,750
(Loss) gain on sale						$ 398,985
2019 Properties | Disposal group, not discontinued operations | Quantico Corporate Center | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²					272
Contract Sales Price					$ 33,000
(Loss) gain on sale					$ (1,046)
2019 Properties | Disposal group, not discontinued operations | 1776 G Street | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²	262
Contract Sales Price	$ 129,500
(Loss) gain on sale	$ 61,007
2019 Properties | Discontinued operations | Shopping Center Portfolio | Retail
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²				800
Contract Sales Price				$ 485,250
(Loss) gain on sale				$ 333,023
Number of properties | property				5
2019 Properties | Discontinued operations | Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square | Retail
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²			520
Contract Sales Price			$ 57,500
(Loss) gain on sale			$ 9,507
2019 Properties | Discontinued operations | Centre at Hagerstown | Retail
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²		330
Contract Sales Price		$ 23,500
(Loss) gain on sale		$ (3,506)
Subsequent Event | 2020 Properties
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²							223
Contract Sales Price							$ 57,000
Subsequent Event | 2020 Properties | Disposal group, not discontinued operations | John Marshall II | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet (sq ft) | ft²							223
Contract Sales Price							$ 57,000

Real Estate - Properties Sold_2

Real Estate - Properties Sold and Held for Sale Narrative (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Aug. 27, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 21, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 23, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2019USD ($)ft²buildings	Jun. 30, 2019agreementbuyer	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Real estate impairment						$ 0		$ 8,374
Loss on extinguishment of debt							$ 800
Quantico Corporate Center | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Number of buildings | buildings				2
Rentable square feet (sq ft) | ft²				272
Contract sales price				$ 33,000
(Loss) gain on sale				$ 1,000
Real estate impairment								$ 8,400
Shopping Center Portfolio and Power Center Portfolio
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Number of purchase and sale agreements | agreement					2
Number of buyers | buyer					2
Shopping Center Portfolio
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale			$ 333,000
Frederick Crossing and Frederick County Square
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale		$ 9,500
Centre at Hagerstown
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
(Loss) gain on sale	$ (3,500)
John Marshall II | Held for sale | Office
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Contract sales price per agreement										$ 63,400
John Marshall II | Held for sale | Office | Subsequent Event
Properties Sold and Held for Sale [Line Items]
Contract sales price per agreement									$ 57,000

Real Estate - Discontinued Oper

Real Estate - Discontinued Operations Results of Retail Portfolio (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Results of Discontinued Operations
Income from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 6,038
Discontinued operations, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.08
Discontinued operations, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.08
Retail Portfolio | Discontinued Operations
Results of Discontinued Operations
Real estate rental revenue		$ 11,740
Real estate expenses		(3,067)
Depreciation and amortization		(2,490)
Interest expense		(145)
Income from discontinued operations		6,038
Capital expenditures		$ 406

Lease Accounting - Leasing as a

Lease Accounting - Leasing as a Lessor Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020
Multifamily Properties
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessor operating lease terms (in years)	1 year

Lease Accounting - Schedule of

Lease Accounting - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Income (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Future Minimum Rental Income
2020	$ 106,177
2021	137,244
2022	124,684
2023	107,647
2024	94,677
Thereafter	316,221
Total	$ 886,650

Lease Accounting - Leasing as_2

Lease Accounting - Leasing as a Lessee Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Line Items]
Operating ground lease remaining lease term (in years)	51 years
Variable rental payments	$ 200	$ 300
Lease liability	$ 3,909
Operating lease discount rate	5.90%
Right-of-use asset and lease liability amortization	$ 100
ASU No. 2016-02
Leases [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset			$ 4,200
Lease liability			$ 4,200

Lease Accounting - Schedule o_2

Lease Accounting - Schedule of Obligations for Future Minimum Payments on Operating Ground Lease (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Obligations for Future Minimum Payments on Operating Ground Lease
2020	$ 195
2021	260
2022	260
2023	260
2024	260
2025
Thereafter	11,830
Total minimum payments due	13,065
Imputed interest	(9,156)
Lease liability	$ 3,909

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain on extinguishment of debt		$ 468	$ 0
Yale West | Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of mortgage note	$ 45,600
Gain on extinguishment of debt	500
Write-off of unamortized premium	1,400
Prepayment penalty	$ 900

Unsecured Line of Credit Paya_3

Unsecured Line of Credit Payable - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)extension_option	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
One-month LIBOR (percent)	0.99%	0.99%
Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount				$ 600,000,000
Credit Agreement 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement, aggregate maximum borrowing capacity including accordion feature			$ 1,500,000,000
2015 Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount						$ 150,000,000
2015 Term Loan | Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount				150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate (percent)						2.72%
2018 Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount					$ 250,000,000
2018 Term Loan | Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate (percent)			2.87%		2.87%
2018 Term Loan A | Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount			$ 150,000,000	150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate (percent)			2.31%		2.31%
2018 Term Loan B
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount					$ 100,000,000
2018 Term Loan B | Interest Rate Swap
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount			$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate (percent)			3.71%		3.71%
Term Loan | 2015 Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount			$ 150,000,000
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount			250,000,000
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.85%
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		1.75%
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan | Base Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.00%
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan | Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.75%
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan A
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Term Loan | 2018 Term Loan B
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowing capacity	$ 700,000,000	$ 700,000,000	$ 700,000,000
Debt instrument term (in years)			4 years
Number of extensions allowed | extension_option			2
Term of allowable extensions (in months)			6 months
Commitment fee (percent)	0.20%
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee (percent)		0.10%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee (percent)		0.30%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.00%
Base rate component, spread on variable rate (percent)		1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.775%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		1.55%
Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)		0.55%
Revolving Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Base rate component, spread on variable rate (percent)		0.50%

Unsecured Line of Credit Paya_4

Unsecured Line of Credit Payable - Revolving Credit Facility Unused and Available Credit (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding	$ (148,000,000)	$ (56,000,000)
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Committed capacity	700,000,000		$ 700,000,000
Borrowings outstanding	(148,000,000)	$ (56,000,000)
Unused and available	$ 552,000,000

Unsecured Line of Credit Paya_5

Unsecured Line of Credit Payable - Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings and Repayments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Line of Credit [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2019	$ 56,000
Borrowings	92,000	$ 40,000
Balance, March 31, 2020	148,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2019	56,000
Borrowings	115,000
Repayments	(23,000)
Balance, March 31, 2020	$ 148,000

Derivative Instruments - Narrat

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)arrangement	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2018USD ($)arrangement	Jul. 22, 2016USD ($)arrangement	Sep. 15, 2015USD ($)arrangement
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount				$ 600,000,000
Estimated amount to be reclassified within next twelve months as an increase to interest expense			$ 7,000,000
Derivative liabilities			32,700,000
2015 Term Loan
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount								$ 150,000,000
2015 Term Loan | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | arrangement								2
Derivative notional amount				150,000,000				$ 150,000,000
All-in fixed interest rate (percent)								2.72%
2016 Term Loan
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount							$ 150,000,000
2016 Term Loan | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | arrangement							2
Derivative notional amount							$ 150,000,000
All-in fixed interest rate (percent)							2.86%
2018 Term Loan
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount						$ 250,000,000
2018 Term Loan | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
All-in fixed interest rate (percent)					2.87%	2.87%
2018 Term Loan A | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount				150,000,000	$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
All-in fixed interest rate (percent)					2.31%	2.31%
2018 Term Loan B
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount						$ 100,000,000
2018 Term Loan B | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | arrangement						4
Derivative notional amount				100,000,000	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
All-in fixed interest rate (percent)					3.71%	3.71%
Replacement 10-year 4.95% notes | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | arrangement		4
Derivative notional amount		$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
10-year unsecured notes 4.95%
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate (percent)		4.95%	4.95%
Debt instrument term (in years)		10 years	10 years
10-year unsecured notes 4.95% | Subsequent Event
Derivative [Line Items]
Repayments of unsecured notes	$ 250,000,000

Derivative Instruments - Fair V

Derivative Instruments - Fair Value of Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 29, 2018	Sep. 15, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount		$ 600,000,000
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	$ (32,744,000)	1,823,000
2015 Term Loan
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount		150,000,000				$ 150,000,000
2015 Term Loan | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	(1,851,000)	(62,000)
2018 Term Loan A
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount		150,000,000		$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
2018 Term Loan A | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	(4,316,000)
2018 Term Loan A | Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)		1,825,000
2018 Term Loan B
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount		100,000,000		$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
2018 Term Loan B | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	(7,448,000)	(3,664,000)
Replacement 10-year 4.95% notes
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aggregate Notional Amount		200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Replacement 10-year 4.95% notes | Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	$ (19,129,000)
Replacement 10-year 4.95% notes | Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)		$ 3,724,000

Derivative Instruments - Net Un

Derivative Instruments - Net Unrealized Gains or Losses on Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges	$ (34,567)	$ (4,169)
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedges	$ (34,567)	$ (4,169)

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$ (32,700)
Recurring | SERP
Assets:
SERP	1,561	$ 1,792
Recurring | Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	0	5,549
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	(32,744)	(3,726)
Recurring | Level 1 | SERP
Assets:
SERP	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Recurring | Level 2 | SERP
Assets:
SERP	1,561	1,792
Recurring | Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	0	5,549
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	(32,744)	(3,726)
Recurring | Level 3 | SERP
Assets:
SERP	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Interest Rate Swap
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures - Financ

Fair Value Disclosures - Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Value
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Values [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,601	$ 12,939
Restricted cash	634	1,812
Mortgage notes payable, net	0	47,074
Line of credit	148,000	56,000
Notes payable, net	997,075	996,722
Fair Value
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Values [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	20,601	12,939
Restricted cash	634	1,812
Mortgage notes payable, net	0	47,899
Line of credit	148,000	56,000
Notes payable, net	$ 995,875	$ 1,022,937

Stock Based Compensation - Narr

Stock Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 1.8	$ 2.8
Restricted Share Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of share awards vested	$ 0.4	$ 1.3
Total unvested restricted share awards (in shares)	503,600
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 29.99
Total compensation cost related to unvested restricted share awards	$ 11.9
Total compensation cost related to unvested restricted share awards, expected period for recognition (in months)	27 months
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares authorized for stock based awards (in shares)	2,400,000
Stock based plan, period in effect (in years)	10 years

Stock Based Compensation - Offi

Stock Based Compensation - Officer LTIP (Details) - Officer LTIP	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate weighting of performance and time-based measures (percent)	100.00%
Performance award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of awards that vest immediately after performance period (percent)	100.00%
Performance award | President and Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award as percentage of base salary, threshold performance goal (percent)	198.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, target performance goal (percent)	275.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, high performance goal (percent)	440.00%
Performance award | Executive Vice President
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award as percentage of base salary, threshold performance goal (percent)	143.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, target performance goal (percent)	200.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, high performance goal (percent)	295.00%
Performance award | Senior Vice President
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award as percentage of base salary, threshold performance goal (percent)	100.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, target performance goal (percent)	143.00%
Award as percentage of base salary, high performance goal (percent)	207.00%
Time-based award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Vesting percentage per year over three-year vesting period (percent)	33.33%

Earnings per Common Share - Com

Earnings per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$ 1,719	$ (10,443)
Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards to continuing operations		(151)	(134)
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests		1,568	(10,577)
Adjusted income from discontinued operations		0	6,038
Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests		$ 1,568	$ (4,539)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)		82,086	79,881
Employee restricted share awards (in shares)		189	0
Operating partnership units (in shares)		12	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)		82,287	79,881
Earnings per common share, basic:
Continuing operations, basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02	$ (0.13)
Discontinued operations, basic (in dollars per share)		0	0.08
Basic net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.02	(0.06)
Earnings per common share, diluted:
Continuing operations, diluted (in dollars per share)		0.02	(0.13)
Discontinued operations, diluted (in dollars per share)		0	0.08
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests per common share (in dollars per share)	[1]	0.02	(0.06)
Dividends declared per common share:
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.30	$ 0.30
[1]	Earnings per share may not sum due to rounding

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020propertysegment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Number of properties that do not meet criteria for reportable segment | property	8

Segment Information - Financial

Segment Information - Financial Information by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	$ 76,792	$ 71,434
Real estate expenses	28,639	26,143
Net operating income	48,153	45,291
Depreciation and amortization	(29,720)	(27,057)
General and administrative expenses	(6,337)	(7,807)
Interest expense	(10,845)	(12,496)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	468	0
Real estate impairment	0	(8,374)
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale	0	6,038
Net income (loss)	1,719	(4,405)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to the controlling interests	1,719	(4,405)
Capital expenditures	10,940	7,348
Total assets	2,622,620	2,408,467	$ 2,628,328
Office | Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	35,670	42,293
Real estate expenses	13,317	15,224
Net operating income	22,353	27,069
Capital expenditures	7,088	4,923
Total assets	1,130,013	1,238,795
Multifamily | Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	36,578	24,335
Real estate expenses	13,985	9,470
Net operating income	22,593	14,865
Capital expenditures	3,469	1,803
Total assets	1,339,925	796,525
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	4,544	4,806
Real estate expenses	1,337	1,449
Net operating income	3,207	3,357
Capital expenditures	383	622
Total assets	$ 152,682	$ 373,147

Shareholders' Equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	May 04, 2018USD ($)agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of separate equity distribution agreements | agreement			8
Net proceeds from equity issuances	$ 1,241,000	$ 0
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuances			$ 250,000,000
Common shares issued (in shares) | shares	46,500	0
Shares issued, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 31.07

Shareholders' Equity - Dividend

Shareholders' Equity - Dividend Reinvestment Program Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Issuance of common shares, dividend reinvestment program	35	43
Weighted average price per share, dividend reinvestment program (in dollars per share)	$ 26.96	$ 25.84
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment program	$ 921	$ 1,097

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - 10-year unsecured notes 4.95% - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate (percent)		4.95%	4.95%
Debt instrument term (in years)		10 years	10 years
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of unsecured notes	$ 250,000,000

Uncategorized Items - wre-33120

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (906,000)
Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(906,000)
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (906,000)