Exhibit 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We  consent to the  reference  to our firm under the  caption  "Experts"  in the
Registration   Statement  (Form  S-3  No.  333-27221)  and  related   Prospectus
Supplement  of  United   Dominion  Realty  Trust,   Inc.  for   registration  of
$150,000,000  of 8 1/8%  Notes  Due 2000,  dated  November  10,  1998 and to the
incorporation  by reference  therein of our report dated January 28, 1998,  with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of United Dominion
Realty Trust,  Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                            Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia
November 6, 1998