Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our reports, included in the Form 10-K, into Gables Residential Trust's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-00618, 33-83054 and 333-27177) and Form S-3 (File Nos. 33-89000, 333-40, 333-13651, 333-30093, 333-41999, 333-68359, 333-75999 and 333-78389). /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia March 28, 2000