EXHIBIT 23.2


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-0000) and related Prospectus of
Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. for the registration of 2,694,270 shares
of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 6, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the related
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia
September 25, 2002