SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 10, 2000 CORNERSTONE REALTY INCOME TRUST, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) VIRGINIA 1-12875 54-1589139 (State of (Commission (IRS Employer incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 306 East Main Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 (Address of principal Zip Code) executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (804) 643-1761 CORNERSTONE REALTY INCOME TRUST, INC. FORM 8-K Index Item 5. Other Events. Item 7. Exhibits. Exhibits: 99 Press Release dated March 13, 2000 announcing the sale by Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. of 16 apartment communities. Item 5. Other Events On March 13, 2000, Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. ("Cornerstone") issued a Press Release (attached as an Exhibit to this Report) announcing that it had sold 16 apartment communities. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. Date: March 14, 2000 By: /s/ Stanley J. Olander, Jr. ---------------------------- Stanley J. Olander, Jr. Chief Financial Officer Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. Index to Exhibits Exhibit No. Exhibit - ----------- ------- 99 Press Release dated March 13, 2000 announcing the sale by Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. of 16 apartment communities.