EXHIBIT 32.1

                                  CERTIFICATION

      In connection with the periodic report of United Dominion Realty Trust,
Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, Thomas W. Toomey,
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof,
solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States
Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

      (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

      (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

      This Certification has not been, and shall be deemed, "filed" with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Date: May 6, 2004                        /s/ Thomas W. Toomey
                                         -------------------------------
                                         Thomas W. Toomey
                                         Chief Executive Officer and President