1 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-16837), Form S-8 (File No. 333-56089), Form S-3 (File No. 333-16647), Form S-3 (File No. 333-15407) and Form S-3 (File No. 333-41511) of our report dated August 5, 1998 appearing on page 5 of this Form 8-K. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP August 5, 1998 Washington, D. C.