EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement Form S-3 No. 333-00000 and related Prospectus of United
Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. for the registration of 12,307,692 shares of its
common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
January 31, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                  /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia
April 22, 2002