Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.'s previously filed Registration Statements on Forms S-3 (File Nos. 33-62830, 333-90395 and 333-47041) and Forms S-8 (File Nos. 33-73376, 333-04295 and 333-41768). ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Chattanooga, Tennessee March 6, 2002 166