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, our reports dated March 5, 1999 included in Gables Realty Limited Partnership'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 Atlanta, Georgia April 8, 1999