Exhibit 23.1





                       [L.P. MARTIN & COMPANY LETTERHEAD]


                        Consent of Independent Auditors'






    The Board of Directors
    Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc.
    Richmond, Virginia


          We consent to the use of our report dated April 24, 1996 with respect
    to the statement of income and direct operating expenses exclusive of items
    not comparable to the proposed future operations of the property Scarlett
    Oaks Apartments for the twelve month period ended January 31, 1996, for
    inclusion in a form 8K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission by
    Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc., and to the reference to our firm
    under the heading "Expert" therein.


    Richmond, Virginia                  /s/ L.P. MARTIN & CO., P.C.