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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 5, 1999
included in Gables Residential Trust's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

                                                   /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                                   -------------------------   
                                                       Arthur Andersen LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
May 12, 1999