e424b7
Table of Contents

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(7)
Registration No. 333-131278
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
                                             
 
                  Proposed Maximum     Proposed Maximum        
  Title of Each Class of     Amount to be     Offering     Aggregate Offering     Amount of  
  Securities to be Registered     Registered     Price Per Unit     Price     Registration Fee  
 
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share(1)
    469,344 shares(2)     $ 33.34 (3)     $ 15,647,929 (3)     $ 1,675 (4)  
 
 
(1)   The common stock registered hereunder also includes the attached rights to purchase Series C Junior Participating Redeemable Preferred Stock, no par value.
 
(2)   In the event of a stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction involving the Registrant’s common stock, in order to prevent dilution the number of shares registered shall automatically be increased to cover additional shares in accordance with Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
(3)   Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 based on the average of the high and low sales price per share of the registrant’s common stock on February 13, 2007 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
(4)   In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the Registrant initially deferred payment of all of the registration fee for Registration Statement No. 333-131278 filed by United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. on January 25, 2006, except for $111,860 that had already been paid with respect to $882,877,580 aggregate initial offering price of securities that were previously registered pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-115696, filed by United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. on May 20, 2004, and were not sold thereunder. In accordance with Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act of 1933, $1,675 of the $111,860 unused amount of the registration fee paid with respect to Registration Statement No. 333-115696 is applied to pay the registration fee payable under this prospectus supplement, calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r), with respect to Registration Statement No. 333-131278. The Registrant previously applied $13,375 of the $111,860 unused registration fee to pay the registration fee in connection with the filing of the Registrant’s pricing supplement dated June 2, 2006, filed with the SEC on June 6, 2006, and $26,750 of the unused registration fee to pay the registration fee in connection with the filing of the Registrant’s prospectus supplement dated June 14, 2006 and filed with the SEC on June 14, 2006, resulting in an unused registration fee in the amount of $71,735 prior to the filing of this prospectus supplement.
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated January 25, 2006)
United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc.
469,344 Shares of Common Stock
     The selling stockholder named on page S-17 of this prospectus supplement is offering up to 469,344 shares of our common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares offered by the selling stockholder.
     Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UDR.” On February 15, 2007, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $33.84 per share.
     To read about certain factors you should consider before investing in our common stock, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-2 of this prospectus supplement and on page 3 of the accompanying prospectus.
     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
February 16, 2007.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    PAGE  
       
    S-2  
    S-8  
    S-10  
    S-10  
    S-10  
    S-13  
    S-14  
    S-14  
    S-17  
    S-17  
    S-19  
 
       
       
    2  
    2  
    2  
    3  
    3  
    4  
    4  
    4  
    19  
    21  
    26  
    26  
    27  
    27  
    41  
    41  
    41  
    42  
    42  
     You should only rely on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We will not make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, as well as information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
 -i- 

 


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS
     Investing in our common stock involves risks. Before purchasing our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors below and information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the same may be updated from time to time by our filings under the Exchange Act, as well as other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Unfavorable changes in apartment market and economic conditions could adversely affect occupancy levels and rental rates.
     Market and economic conditions in the metropolitan areas in which we operate may significantly affect our occupancy levels and rental rates and, therefore, our profitability. Factors that may adversely affect these conditions include the following:
    a reduction in jobs and other local economic downturns,
 
    declines in mortgage interest rates, making alternative housing more affordable,
 
    government or builder incentives which enable first time homebuyers to put little or no money down, making alternative housing decisions easier to make,
 
    oversupply of, or reduced demand for, apartment homes,
 
    declines in household formation, and
 
    rent control or stabilization laws, or other laws regulating rental housing, which could prevent us from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs.
     The strength of the United States economy has become increasingly susceptible to global events and threats of terrorism. At the same time, productivity enhancements and the increased exportation of labor have resulted in limited job growth despite an improving economy. Continued weakness in job creation, or any worsening of current economic conditions, generally and in our principal market areas, could have a material adverse effect on our occupancy levels, our rental rates and our ability to strategically acquire and dispose of apartment communities. This may impair our ability to satisfy our financial obligations and pay distributions to our stockholders.
New acquisitions, developments and condominium projects may not achieve anticipated results.
     We intend to continue to selectively acquire apartment communities that meet our investment criteria and to develop apartment communities for rental operations, to convert properties into condominiums and to develop condominium projects. Our acquisition, development and condominium activities and their success are subject to the following risks:
    an acquired apartment community may fail to perform as we expected in analyzing our investment, or a significant exposure related to the acquired property may go undetected during our due diligence procedures,
 
    when we acquire an apartment community, we often invest additional amounts in it with the intention of increasing profitability. These additional investments may not produce the anticipated improvements in profitability,

S-2


Table of Contents

    new developments may not achieve pro forma rents or occupancy levels, or problems with construction or local building codes may delay initial occupancy dates for all or a portion of a development community, and
 
    an over supply of condominiums in a given market may cause a decrease in the prices at which we expect to sell condominium properties.
Possible difficulty of selling apartment communities could limit operational and financial flexibility.
     We periodically dispose of apartment communities that no longer meet our strategic objectives, but market conditions could change and purchasers may not be willing to pay prices acceptable to us. A weak market may limit our ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changing economic conditions. Furthermore, a significant portion of the proceeds from our overall property sales may be held by intermediaries in order for some sales to qualify as like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code,” so that any related capital gain can be deferred for federal income tax purposes. As a result, we may not have immediate access to all of the cash flow generated from our property sales. In addition, federal tax laws limit our ability to profit on the sale of communities that we have owned for fewer than four years, and this limitation may prevent us from selling communities when market conditions are favorable.
Increased competition could limit our ability to lease apartment homes or increase or maintain rents.
     Our apartment communities compete with numerous housing alternatives in attracting residents, including other apartment communities and single-family rental homes, as well as owner occupied single- and multi-family homes. Competitive housing in a particular area could adversely affect our ability to lease apartment homes and increase or maintain rents.
Insufficient cash flow could affect our debt financing and create refinancing risk.
     We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risk that our operating income and cash flow will be insufficient to make required payments of principal and interest, or could restrict our borrowing capacity under our line of credit due to debt covenant restraints. Sufficient cash flow may not be available to make all required principal payments and still satisfy our distribution requirements to maintain our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and the full limits of our line of credit may not be available to us if our operating performance falls outside the constraints of our debt covenants. Additionally, we are likely to need to refinance substantially all of our outstanding debt as it matures. We may not be able to refinance existing debt, or the terms of any refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of the existing debt, which could create pressures to sell assets or to issue additional equity when we would otherwise not choose to do so.
Failure to generate sufficient revenue could impair debt service payments and distributions to stockholders.
     If our apartment communities do not generate sufficient net rental income to meet rental expenses, our ability to make required payments of interest and principal on our debt securities and to pay distributions to our stockholders will be adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may affect the net rental income generated by our apartment communities:
    the national and local economies,
 
    local real estate market conditions, such as an oversupply of apartment homes,
 
    tenants’ perceptions of the safety, convenience, and attractiveness of our communities and the neighborhoods where they are located,
 
    our ability to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance, and
 
    rental expenses, including real estate taxes and utilities.

S-3


Table of Contents

     Expenses associated with our investment in a community, such as debt service, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in rental income from that community. If a community is mortgaged to secure payment of debt and we are unable to make the mortgage payments, we could sustain a loss as a result of foreclosure on the community or the exercise of other remedies by the mortgage holder.
Debt level may be increased.
     Our current debt policy does not contain any limitations on the level of debt that we may incur, although our ability to incur debt is limited by covenants in our bank and other credit agreements. We manage our debt to be in compliance with these debt covenants, but subject to compliance with these covenants, we may increase the amount of our debt at any time without a concurrent improvement in our ability to service the additional debt.
Financing may not be available and could be dilutive.
     Our ability to execute our business strategy depends on our access to an appropriate blend of debt financing, including unsecured lines of credit and other forms of secured and unsecured debt, and equity financing, including common and preferred equity. Debt or equity financing may not be available in sufficient amounts, or on favorable terms or at all. If we issue additional equity securities to finance developments and acquisitions instead of incurring debt, the interests of our existing stockholders could be diluted.
Development and construction risks could impact our profitability.
     We intend to continue to develop and construct apartment communities. Development activities may be conducted through wholly owned affiliated companies or through joint ventures with unaffiliated parties. Our development and construction activities may be exposed to the following risks:
    we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased development costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to a project for which we are unable to obtain permits or authorizations,
 
    if we are unable to find joint venture partners to help fund the development of a community or otherwise obtain acceptable financing for the developments, our development capacity may be limited,
 
    we may abandon development opportunities that we have already begun to explore, and we may fail to recover expenses already incurred in connection with exploring such opportunities,
 
    we may be unable to complete construction and lease-up of a community on schedule, or incur development or construction costs that exceed our original estimates, and we may be unable to charge rents that would compensate for any increase in such costs,
 
    occupancy rates and rents at a newly developed community may fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market and economic conditions, preventing us from meeting our profitability goals for that community, and
 
    when we sell to third parties homes or properties that we developed or renovated, we may be subject to warranty or construction defect claims that are uninsured or exceed the limits of our insurance.
     Construction costs have been increasing in our existing markets, and the costs of upgrading acquired communities have, in some cases, exceeded our original estimates. We may experience similar cost increases in the future. Our inability to charge rents that will be sufficient to offset the effects of any increases in these costs may impair our profitability.

S-4


Table of Contents

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance.
     We have a comprehensive insurance program covering our property and operating activities. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are adequate and appropriate. There are, however, certain types of extraordinary losses for which we may not have insurance. Accordingly, we may sustain uninsured losses due to insurance deductibles, self-insured retention, uninsured claims or casualties, or losses in excess of applicable coverage.
     We may not be able to renew insurance coverage in an adequate amount or at reasonable prices. In addition, insurance companies may no longer offer coverage against certain types of losses, such as losses due to terrorist acts and mold, or, if offered, these types of insurance may be prohibitively expensive. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. In such an event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Material losses in excess of insurance proceeds may occur in the future. If one or more of our significant properties were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could seriously disrupt our operations, delay revenue and result in large expenses to repair or rebuild the property. Such events could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Failure to succeed in new markets may limit our growth.
     We may from time to time make acquisitions outside of our existing market areas if appropriate opportunities arise. We may be exposed to a variety of risks if we choose to enter new markets, and we may not be able to operate successfully in new markets. These risks include, among others:
    inability to accurately evaluate local apartment market conditions and local economies,
 
    inability to obtain land for development or to identify appropriate acquisition opportunities,
 
    inability to hire and retain key personnel, and
 
    lack of familiarity with local governmental and permitting procedures.
Changing interest rates could increase interest costs and adversely affect our cash flow and the market price of our securities.
     We currently have, and expect to incur in the future, interest-bearing debt at rates that vary with market interest rates. As of September 30, 2006, we had approximately $717.2 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding, which constitutes approximately 21.5% of our total outstanding indebtedness as of such date. An increase in interest rates would increase our interest expenses to the extent our variable rate debt is not hedged effectively, and it would increase the costs of refinancing existing indebtedness and of issuing new debt. Accordingly, higher interest rates could adversely affect cash flow and our ability to service our debt and to make distributions to security holders. In addition, an increase in market interest rates may lead our security holders to demand a higher annual yield, which could adversely affect the market price of our common and preferred stock and debt securities.
Risk of inflation/deflation.
     Substantial inflationary or deflationary pressures could have a negative effect on rental rates and property operating expenses.
Limited investment opportunities could adversely affect our growth.
     We expect that other real estate investors will compete with us to acquire existing properties and to develop new properties. These competitors include insurance companies, pension and investment funds, developer partnerships, investment companies and other apartment REITs. This competition could increase prices for

S-5


Table of Contents

properties of the type that we would likely pursue, and our competitors may have greater resources than we do. As a result, we may not be able to make attractive investments on favorable terms, which could adversely affect our growth.
Failure to integrate acquired communities and new personnel could create inefficiencies.
     To grow successfully, we must be able to apply our experience in managing our existing portfolio of apartment communities to a larger number of properties. In addition, we must be able to integrate new management and operations personnel as our organization grows in size and complexity. Failures in either area will result in inefficiencies that could adversely affect our expected return on our investments and our overall profitability.
Interest rate hedging contracts may be ineffective and may result in material charges.
     From time to time when we anticipate issuing debt securities, we may seek to limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates during the period prior to the pricing of the securities by entering into interest rate hedging contracts. We may do this to increase the predictability of our financing costs. Also, from time to time we may rely on interest rate hedging contracts to limit our exposure under variable rate debt to unfavorable changes in market interest rates. If the terms of new debt securities are not within the parameters of, or market interest rates fall below that which we incur under a particular interest rate hedging contract, the contract is ineffective. Furthermore, the settlement of interest rate hedging contracts has involved and may in the future involve material charges.
Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.
     Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, as a current or former owner or operator of real estate, we could be required to investigate and remediate the effects of contamination of currently or formerly owned real estate by hazardous or toxic substances, often regardless of our knowledge of or responsibility for the contamination and solely by virtue of our current or former ownership or operation of the real estate. In addition, we could be held liable to a governmental authority or to third parties for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection with the contamination. These costs could be substantial, and in many cases environmental laws create liens in favor of governmental authorities to secure their payment. The presence of such substances or a failure to properly remediate any resulting contamination could materially and adversely affect our ability to borrow against, sell or rent an affected property.
We would incur adverse tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.
     We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. Our qualification as a REIT requires us to satisfy numerous requirements, some on an annual and quarterly basis, established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. We intend that our current organization and method of operation enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT, but we may not so qualify or we may not be able to remain so qualified in the future. In addition, U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs and other corporations and the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended at any time, potentially with retroactive effect. Future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or adversely affect our stockholders.
     If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and applicable relief provisions under the Code were not available, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and would not be allowed to deduct dividends paid to our stockholders in computing our taxable income. Also, unless the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) granted us relief under certain statutory provisions, we would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we first failed to qualify. The additional tax liability from the failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for investment or distribution to our stockholders. This would likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of our securities and our ability to raise additional capital. In addition, we would no longer be required to make distributions to our stockholders. Even if we continue to qualify as a REIT, we will continue to be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property.

S-6


Table of Contents

We may conduct a portion of our business through taxable REIT subsidiaries, which are subject to certain tax risks.
     We have established several taxable REIT subsidiaries. Despite our qualification as a REIT, our taxable REIT subsidiaries must pay income tax on their taxable income. In addition, we must comply with various tests to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and our income from and investments in our taxable REIT subsidiaries generally do not constitute permissible income and investments for these tests. While we will attempt to ensure that our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not adversely affect our REIT qualification, we cannot provide assurance that we will successfully achieve that result. Furthermore, we may be subject to a 100% penalty tax, we may jeopardize our ability to retain future gains on real property sales, or our taxable REIT subsidiaries may be denied deductions, to the extent our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries are not deemed to be arm’s length in nature or are otherwise not respected.
Certain property transfers may generate prohibited transaction income, resulting in a penalty tax on gain attributable to the transaction.
     From time to time, we may transfer or otherwise dispose of some of our properties. Under the Code, any gain resulting from transfers of properties that we hold as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business would be treated as income from a prohibited transaction subject to a 100% penalty tax. Since we acquire properties for investment purposes, we do not believe that our occasional transfers or disposals of property are prohibited transactions. However, whether property is held for investment purposes is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. The IRS may contend that certain transfers or disposals of properties by us are prohibited transactions. If the IRS were to argue successfully that a transfer or disposition of property constituted a prohibited transaction, then we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any gain allocable to us from the prohibited transaction and we may jeopardize our ability to retain future gains on real property sales. In addition, income from a prohibited transaction might adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Changes in market conditions, and volatility of stock prices could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
     The stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, on which we list our common shares, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. As a result, the market price of our common stock could be similarly volatile, and investors in our common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects.
Property ownership through joint ventures may limit our ability to act exclusively in our interest.
     We have in the past and may in the future develop and acquire properties in joint ventures with other persons or entities when we believe circumstances warrant the use of such structures. If we use such a structure, we could become engaged in a dispute with one or more of our joint venture partners that might affect our ability to operate a jointly-owned property. Moreover, joint venture partners may have business, economic or other objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives, including objectives that relate to the appropriate timing and terms of any sale or refinancing of a property. In some instances, joint venture partners may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflicts of interest.
Real estate tax and other laws.
     Generally we do not directly pass through costs resulting from compliance with or changes in real estate tax laws to residential property tenants. We also do not generally pass through increases in income, service or other taxes, to tenants under leases. These costs may adversely affect funds from operations and the ability to make distributions to stockholders. Similarly, compliance with or changes in (i) laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or the restrictions on discharges or other conditions or (ii) rent control or rent stabilization laws or other laws regulating housing, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of

S-7


Table of Contents

1990 and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, may result in significant unanticipated expenditures, which would adversely affect funds from operations and the ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Any weaknesses identified in our internal control over financial reporting could have an adverse effect on our stock price.
     Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal report over financial reporting. If we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our stock price.
Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, which may not be in our stockholders’ best interests.
     Maryland business statutes may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us. As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to various Maryland laws which may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire our company and of increasing the difficulty of consummating any such offers, even if our acquisition would be in our stockholders’ best interests. The Maryland General Corporation Law restricts mergers and other business combination transactions between us and any person who acquires beneficial ownership of shares of our stock representing 10% or more of the voting power without our board of directors’ prior approval. Any such business combination transaction could not be completed until five years after the person acquired such voting power, and generally only with the approval of stockholders representing 80% of all votes entitled to be cast and 66-2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast, excluding the interested stockholder, or upon payment of a fair price. Maryland law also provides generally that a person who acquires shares of our equity stock that represents 10% (and certain higher levels) of the voting power in electing directors will have no voting rights unless approved by a vote of two-thirds of the shares eligible to vote.
Limitations on share ownership and limitations on the ability of our stockholders to effect a change in control of our company may prevent takeovers that are beneficial to our stockholders.
     One of the requirements for maintenance of our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes is that no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned by five or fewer individuals, including entities specified in the Code, during the last half of any taxable year. Our charter contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock primarily to assist us in complying with this and other REIT ownership requirements; however, the restrictions may have the effect of preventing a change of control, which does not threaten REIT status. These restrictions include a provision that generally limits ownership by any person of more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding equity stock, unless our board of directors exempts the person from such ownership limitation, provided that any such exemption shall not allow the person to exceed 13% of the value of our outstanding equity stock. These provisions may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing someone from taking control of us, even though a change of control might involve a premium price for our stockholders or might otherwise be in our stockholders’ best interests.
     Under the terms of our stockholder rights plan, our board of directors can, in effect, prevent a person or group from acquiring more than 15% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Unless our board of directors approves the person’s purchase, after that person acquires more than 15% of our outstanding common stock, all other stockholders will have the right to purchase securities from us at a price that is less than their then fair market value. Purchases by other stockholders would substantially reduce the value and influence of the shares of our common stock owned by the acquiring person. Our board of directors, however, can prevent the stockholder rights plan from operating in this manner. This gives our board of directors significant discretion to approve or disapprove a person’s efforts to acquire a large interest in us.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     This document, including the documents incorporated by reference in this document, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

S-8


Table of Contents

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including those risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement, or in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning property acquisitions and dispositions, development activity and capital expenditures, capital raising activities, rent growth, occupancy and rental expense growth. Examples of forward-looking statements also include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives and future financial or other performance. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or the negative thereof and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.
     Factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
    unfavorable changes in apartment market and economic conditions that could adversely affect occupancy levels and rental rates,
 
    the failure of acquisitions to achieve anticipated results,
 
    possible difficulty in selling apartment communities,
 
    the timing and closing of planned dispositions under agreement,
 
    competitive factors that may limit our ability to lease apartment homes or increase or maintain rents,
 
    insufficient cash flow that could affect our debt financing and create refinancing risk,
 
    failure to generate sufficient revenue, which could impair our debt service payments and reduce distributions to stockholders,
 
    development and construction risks that may impact our profitability,
 
    potential damage from natural disasters, including hurricanes and other weather-related events, which could result in substantial costs to us,
 
    risks from extraordinary losses for which we may not have insurance or adequate reserves,
 
    uninsured losses due to insurance deductibles, self-insurance retention, uninsured claims or casualties, or losses in excess of applicable coverage,
 
    delays in completing developments and lease-ups on schedule,
 
    our failure to succeed in new markets,
 
    changing interest rates, which could increase interest costs and affect the market price of our securities,
 
    potential liability for environmental contamination, which could result in substantial costs to us,
 
    the imposition of federal taxes if we fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code in any taxable year,

S-9


Table of Contents

    our internal control over financial reporting may not be considered effective which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports, and in turn have an adverse effect on our stock price, and
 
    changes in real estate laws, tax laws and other laws affecting our business.
     These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
     Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore such statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may not prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results or conditions described in such statements or our objectives and plans will be achieved. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except to fulfill our obligations under the United States securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
     On December 11, 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend on our common stock for the fourth quarter of 2006 in the amount of $0.3125 per share, payable on January 31, 2007, to holders of our common stock of record as of January 12, 2007.
USE OF PROCEEDS
     We will not receive any cash proceeds from the sale of the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
     The following summary of certain important terms of our common updates the summary set forth under the heading “Description of Common Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.
General
     As of December 31, 2006, our authorized capital stock consisted of 250,000,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $0.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock without par value, and 300,000,000 shares of excess stock having a par value of $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2006, there were 135,025,142 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. We currently have four series of preferred stock designated as follows: 6,000,000 shares designated 8.60% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 1,000,000 shares designated Series C Junior Participating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 2,803,812 shares designated Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, and 20,000,000 shares designated Series F Preferred Stock.
     In addition, as of December 31, 2006, up to 2,286,091 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under our 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, up to 15,106,345 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and up to 1,174,240 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options granted under our 1985 Stock Option Plan, which expired in accordance with its terms. Further, as of December 31, 2006, an aggregate of 171,727,940 shares of common stock may be issued upon the exchange of outstanding operating partnership units, tendered to our

S-10


Table of Contents

operating partnerships, for redemption in accordance with the provisions of their respective partnership agreements, and an aggregate of 8,828,850 shares of common stock may be issued upon conversion of our 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 and an aggregate of up to 7,989,775 shares of common stock may be issued upon conversion of our 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011.
Common Stock
     The following description of our common stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the common stock. This description is in all respects subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of Maryland law as well as our charter, bylaws and stockholder rights plan. Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UDR.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075.
Voting Rights
     Holders of our common stock have one vote per share and are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors. The holders of our outstanding Series E preferred stock are entitled to vote on an “as converted” (one-for-one) basis as a single class in combination with the holders of our common stock at any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose on which holders of our common stock are entitled to vote. The holders of our Series F preferred are entitled to vote on a one-for-one basis as a single class in combination with the holders of our common stock at any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose on which holders of our common stock are entitled to vote.
Dividends
     Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if, when and as declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds after payment of, or provision for, full cumulative dividends on shares of our preferred stock then outstanding. We currently pay regular quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock out of funds legally available for distribution when, and if, declared by our board of directors. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our distributable assets remaining after satisfaction of the prior preferential rights of our preferred stock and the satisfaction of all of our debts and liabilities. The shares of common stock offered under this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will be fully paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to preemptive or similar rights.
     The dividend and liquidation rights of holders of our common stock are specifically limited by the terms of the outstanding preferred stock, which in general provide that no dividends will be declared or paid on the common stock unless the accrued dividends on each series of outstanding preferred stock have been fully paid or declared and set apart for payment, and that in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of each series of outstanding preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders the liquidation preference of that series before any amount is distributed to holders of common stock.
     We are required to seek certain information from all persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than a certain percentage of our outstanding stock. Stockholders who do not provide us with the information requested are required to submit such information with their U.S. federal income tax returns.
Certain Maryland Law Provisions
     As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions concerning certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between us and an “interested stockholder.” Interested stockholders are persons: (i) who beneficially own 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock, or (ii) who are affiliates or associates of us who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, were the beneficial owners of 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding stock. Such business combinations are

S-11


Table of Contents

prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares voting together as a single voting group, and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares other than voting shares held by the interested stockholder or an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation’s stockholders receive a minimum price for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.
     Also under Maryland law, “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares owned by the acquirer or by officers or directors who are employees of the corporation. “Control shares” are shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquirer or shares of stock for which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
    one-tenth or more but less than one-third,
 
    one-third or more but less than a majority, or
 
    a majority or more of all voting power.
     Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means, subject to certain exceptions, the acquisition of, ownership of or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, control shares.
     The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock.
     Under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, a Maryland corporation that has a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that has at least three independent directors who are not officers or employees of the corporation, are not acquiring persons, are not directors, officers, affiliates or associates of any acquiring person, or are not nominated or designated as a director by an acquiring person, may elect in its charter or bylaws or by resolution of its board of directors to be subject to certain provisions of Subtitle 8 that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the corporation. These provisions relate to a classified board of directors, removal of directors, establishing the number of directors, filling vacancies on the board of directors and calling special meetings of the corporation’s stockholders. We have not made the election to be governed by these provisions of Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law. However, our articles of restatement, referred to herein as our “charter,” and our bylaws permit our board of directors to determine the number of directors subject to a minimum number and other provisions contained in such documents.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
     Our charter contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock that are designed primarily to assist us in maintaining our status as a REIT. These restrictions include but are not limited to the following:
    no person may beneficially own or constructively own shares of our outstanding “equity stock” (defined as stock that is either common stock or preferred stock) with a value in excess of 9.9% of the value of all outstanding equity stock unless our board of directors exempts the person from

S-12


Table of Contents

      such ownership limitation, provided that any such exemption shall not allow the person to exceed 13% of the value of our outstanding equity stock;
 
    any transfer (including acquiring shares upon the conversion of a note) that, if effective, would result in any person beneficially owning or constructively owning equity stock with a value in excess of 9.9% of the value of all outstanding equity stock (or such higher value not to exceed 13% as determined pursuant to an exemption from our board of directors) shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares of equity stock which would otherwise be beneficially owned or constructively owned by such person in excess of such ownership limit; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock;
 
    except as provided in the charter, any transfer that, if effective, would result in the equity stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares which would be otherwise beneficially owned or constructively owned by the transferee; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock; and
 
    any transfer of shares of equity stock (including acquiring shares upon the conversion of a note) that, if effective, would result in us being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares of equity stock which would cause us to be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
     Pursuant to our First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated September 14, 1999, each share of our common stock evidences one right to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of our Series C Junior Participating Cumulative Redeemable preferred stock. Except with respect to certain preferential rights, each one one-thousandth of a share of Series C preferred stock is structured to be the equivalent of one share of common stock. The exercise price of the rights is $45.00, subject to adjustment. The rights are not currently exercisable and no shares of Series C preferred stock are currently outstanding.
     The rights will separate from the common stock and a distribution of certificates evidencing the rights will occur upon the earlier of:
    10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group of related persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock, or
 
    10 business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock.
     Generally, the rights will become exercisable at the time of the distribution of certificates evidencing the rights as set forth above. The rights will expire at the close of business on February 4, 2008, unless we redeem or exchange them earlier.
     Additional information regarding the Series C preferred stock is set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Common Stock — Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.”
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
     We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public on the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room and their copy charges.

S-13


Table of Contents

     You can inspect our reports, proxy statements and other information that we file at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION FILED WITH THE SEC
     The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you be referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference herein is an important part of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Any statement contained in a document which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus is automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, or information that we later file with the SEC prior to the termination of this offering, modifies or replaces this information. The following documents filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus (Commission File No. 1-10524), except for any document or portion thereof deemed to be “furnished” and not filed in accordance with SEC rules:
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 7, 2006;
 
    Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2006, June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006, filed on May 10, 2006, August 9, 2006 and November 9, 2006, respectively;
 
    Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed on January 6, 2006, February 15, 2006, February 21, 2006, February 24, 2006 (Item 5.02 information only), March 2, 2006, March 22, 2006 (Item 3.02 information only), May 5, 2006, May 8, 2006 (not including Item 7.01 information), May 17, 2006, June 5, 2006 (not including Item 7.01 information), June 23, 2006 (not including Item 7.01 information), August 1, 2006 (Item 1.01 information only), August 17, 2006, October 6, 2006, October 12, 2006, October 19, 2006 (not including Item 7.01 information), November 30, 2006, December 12, 2006 and December 15, 2006;
 
    our definitive proxy statement dated March 31, 2006, filed in connection with our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 2, 2006;
 
    the description of our capital stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated and filed with the SEC on November 7, 2005, and all amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description;
 
    all documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ''Exchange Act’’) (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K) after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of this offering.
     We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are delivered, a copy of any of the documents referred to above by written or oral request. To receive a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus (other than exhibits, unless they are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents), call or write to United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc., 1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone number (720) 283-6120. We also maintain a website that contains additional information about us (http://www.udrt.com). Information on our website is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
     The following discussion supplements, where applicable, the corresponding discussions under the caption “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.

S-14


Table of Contents

     This section is based on current law. The tax law upon which this discussion is based could be changed, and any such change could have a retroactive effect. The following discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. This summary neither gives a detailed discussion of any state, local or foreign tax considerations nor discusses all of the aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or to particular types of stockholders of our common stock which are subject to special tax rules.
     We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our common stock and of our election to be taxed as a REIT. Specifically, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of such acquisition, ownership, disposition, and election, and regarding potential changes in applicable tax laws.
General
     We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the federal income tax laws commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1972. We believe that we have been organized and operated in a manner that permits us to satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, asset diversification, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below. Although we intend to continue to operate to satisfy such requirements, the actual results of our operations for any particular taxable year may not satisfy such requirements.
     Morrison & Foerster LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with the filing of this prospectus supplement. In connection with this filing, Morrison & Foerster LLP will opine that we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for each of our taxable years beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2003 through our taxable year ended December 31, 2006, and if we continue to be organized and operated after December 31, 2006 in the same manner as we have prior to that date, we will continue to qualify as a REIT. The opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP will be based on various assumptions and representations made by us as to factual matters, including representations made by us in this prospectus and a factual certificate provided by one of our officers. The opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP is based upon existing law, Treasury regulations and current administrative positions of the IRS and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code and discussed below, relating to our actual annual operating results, asset diversification, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Morrison & Foerster LLP. Accordingly, neither Morrison & Foerster LLP nor we can assure you that the actual results of our operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy these requirements.
Qualification as a REIT
     Our continued qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, certain qualification tests set forth in the Code. A summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our election to be taxed as REIT is provided in the accompanying prospectus.
Tax Consequences of an Investment in Our Common Stock
     A summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our common stock (to the extent not inconsistent with the discussion below under "— Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005”) is provided in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “— Investment in Our Stock.”

S-15


Table of Contents

Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005
     Subsequent to the date of our prospectus, Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, or the Act, and the President signed the Act into law. The Act made certain changes as discussed below.
     With respect to the discussion in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “— Investment in Our Stock — Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders,” the provisions relating to the maximum tax rate of 15% for long-term capital gain applicable to noncorporate taxpayers and “qualified dividend income” of noncorporate taxpayers that is currently taxed as net capital gain at the maximum tax rate of 15% apply for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
     With respect to the discussion in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “— Investment in Our Stock — Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders,” the Act explicitly requires withholding on distributions by a REIT to non-U.S. holders that are attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of USRPIs at a rate of 35%, or, to the extent provided by U.S. treasury regulations, at 15%. This withholding requirement had previously been imposed only under U.S. Treasury regulations. This provision is effective for taxable years of REITs beginning after December 31, 2005, except that no withholding is required for distributions before the enactment of the Act that were not subject to withholding under prior law.
     The Act also provides that a non-U.S. holder that disposes of its REIT stock during the 30-day period preceding a distribution on that stock that would have been treated as a distribution from the disposition of a USRPI, that acquires a substantially identical interest, or enters into a contract or option to acquire such an interest during the 61-day period beginning the first day of such 30-day period preceding that distribution, and that does not in fact receive the distribution in a manner that subjects the foreign shareholder to tax under FIRPTA, will now be subject to tax under FIRPTA on an amount equal to the amount of the distribution that was not taxed under FIRPTA as a result of the disposition. This provision also applies to “substitute dividend payments” under stock loan transactions. However, no withholding is required on the proceeds of such dispositions. This provision is effective for taxable years of REITs beginning after December 31, 2005, except for any distribution or substitute dividend payment occurring within 30 days after May 17, 2006.
     Finally, the Act provides that a distribution by a REIT to another REIT that is attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI will retain its character as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI in the hands of the REIT. This provision is effective for taxable years of REITs beginning after December 31, 2005.
Other Tax Considerations
     Possible Legislative or Other Actions Affecting Tax Considerations
     Prospective investors should recognize that the present U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in us may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, and that any such action may affect investments and commitments previously made. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as statutory changes. Revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in us.
     State and Local Taxes
     We and our stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which we or they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of us and our stockholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective stockholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in our common stock.

S-16


Table of Contents

SELLING STOCKHOLDER
     We issued the shares of common stock to the selling stockholder upon conversion of a total of 469,344 limited partnership units of United Dominion Realty, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, held by the selling stockholder. The limited partnership units were originally issued by United Dominion Realty, L.P. in connection with the acquisition by us of American Apartment Communities II in 1998. The selling stockholder, including its pledges or donees or successors, may from time to time offer and sell any or all of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.
     The following table sets forth information with respect to the selling stockholder and the common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholder that may be offered under this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. This information is based on information provided by or on behalf of the selling stockholder. The selling stockholder may offer all, some or none of the common stock. Because the selling stockholder may offer all or some portion of the common stock, we cannot give you an estimate as to the amount of the common stock that will be held by the selling stockholder upon termination of any sales. The table below assumes that the selling stockholder will sell all of its common stock. The selling stockholder may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of its common stock since the date on which it provided the information regarding its common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. To our knowledge, the selling stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by the selling stockholder.
                                 
                    Common Stock   Percentage
                    Beneficially   Ownership of
    Common Stock   Common Stock   Owned After   Common Stock
    Beneficially   Offered   Completion of   Outstanding After
Name   Owned   Hereby   the Offering   the Offering (1)
Klingbeil Multifamily Fund V, L.P. (2)
    469,344       469,344       0       *  
 
*   Less than 1%.
 
(1)   Calculated based on 135,038,923 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 1, 2007. Beneficial ownership after the offering assumes the sale of all shares offered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and no other purchases or sales of our common stock by the selling stockholder. If the selling stockholder does not sell the shares offered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, actual share ownership will be higher than this table reflects.
 
(2)   The selling stockholder has acknowledged to us that it is not a registered broker-dealer or affiliated with a registered broker-dealer. The selling stockholder is a limited partnership, the general partnership of which is KMF V Associates, LLC. AAC Management LLC owns all of the outstanding interests of KMF V Associates, LLC and is also a limited partner of the selling stockholder. AAC Management LLC is controlled by James D. Klingbeil, who is one of our independent directors. Mr. Klingbeil may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, up to 1,962,894 shares of our common stock, including shares of common stock into which limited partnership units of United Dominion Realty, L.P. owned by various limited partnerships and limited liability companies are redeemable if we elect to issue shares of common stock rather than pay cash on such redemption. The table above reflects only the shares of common stock held by the selling stockholder and not any other shares of our common stock which Mr. Klingbeil may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly.
     Information about the selling stockholder may change over time. Any changed information given to us by the selling stockholder will be set forth in prospectus supplements if and when necessary.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
     The selling stockholder and its successors, including its pledgees, donees, partnership distributees and other transferees receiving the common stock from the selling stockholder in non-sale transfers, may sell the common stock directly to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling stockholder or the purchasers. These discounts, concessions or commissions may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved.
     The common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at:
    fixed prices that may be changed;

S-17


Table of Contents

    prevailing market prices at the time of sale;
 
    prices related to the prevailing market prices;
 
    varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
 
    negotiated prices.
     These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve cross or block transactions, in the following manner:
    on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, including the New York Stock Exchange;
 
    in the over-the-counter-market;
 
    in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market (privately negotiated transactions);
 
    through the writing and exercise of options (including the issuance of derivative securities), whether these options or such other derivative securities are listed on an options or other exchange or otherwise;
 
    through the settlement of short sales;
 
    through any combination of the foregoing; or
 
    by any other legally available means.
     These transactions may include block transactions or crosses. Crosses are transactions in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the transaction.
     The selling stockholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock and deliver these securities to close out short positions. In addition, the selling stockholder may sell the common stock short and deliver the common stock to close out short positions or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers or other financial institutions that in turn may sell such securities. The selling stockholder may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions that require the delivery to the broker-dealers or other financial institutions of the common stock or enter into transactions in which a broker-dealer makes purchases as a principal for resale for its own account or through other types of transactions.
     The selling stockholder may decide not to sell all or a portion of the common stock offered by it pursuant to this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus or may decide not to sell the common stock under this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. In addition, the selling stockholder may sell or transfer its shares of common stock other than by means of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. In particular, any securities covered by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold thereunder, rather than pursuant to this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.
     The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholder from the sale of the common stock will be the purchase price of the common stock less any discounts and commissions. The selling stockholder reserves the right to accept and, together with its agents, to reject any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

S-18


Table of Contents

     The selling stockholder has acknowledged to us that at the time it acquired the common stock being offered under this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, it had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities.
     Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UDR.”
     The selling stockholder and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of the common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act. As a result, any profits on the sale of the common stock by the selling stockholder and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such broker-dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If the selling stockholder were deemed to be an underwriter, the selling stockholder will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and may be subject to liabilities including, but not limited to, those of Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act. The selling stockholder has acknowledged that it understands its obligations to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, including Regulation M.
     If the common stock is sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling stockholder will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions.
     If required, the specific shares of common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholder, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agent, dealer or underwriter and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus is a part.
LEGAL MATTERS
     The validity of the shares of our common stock and certain U.S. federal income tax matters have been passed upon for us by Morrison & Foerster LLP.

S-19


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS
(UNITEDOMINION LOGO)
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Purchase Contracts
Units
     We may from time to time offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and purchase contracts, as well as units that include any of these securities. The debt securities, preferred stock, warrants and purchase contracts may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common or preferred stock or other securities of ours.
     We will offer our securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time we offer those securities. We will provide the specific terms of the securities and the terms of the offering in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.
     We may offer and sell these securities on a delayed or continuous to or through one or more agents, underwriters or dealers as designated from time to time, directly to one or more purchasers, through a combination of these methods or any other method as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, this prospectus may be used to offer any of these securities for the account of persons other than us as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts.
     Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UDR.”
 
     Investing in our securities involves risks. Before buying our securities, you should refer to the risk factors included in our periodic reports, in prospectus supplements relating to specific offerings and in other information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Risk Factors” on page 3.
 
     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
January 25, 2006

 


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
     This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we have filed on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Because these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
     This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities and the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
     We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public on the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about their public reference room and their copy charges. Our reports, proxy statements and other information about us may also be inspected at:
The New York Stock Exchange
20 Broad Street
New York, New York 10005
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION FILED WITH THE SEC
     The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information that we refer to in this manner is considered part of this prospectus. Any information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede the information contained in this prospectus.
     We are incorporating by reference the following documents that we have previously filed with the SEC (Commission File No. 1-10524), except for any document or portion thereof deemed to be “furnished” and not filed in accordance with SEC rules:
    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
 
    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
 
    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
 
    Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 11, 2005, March 22, 2005, April 6, 2005, May 9, 2005, May 19, 2005, May 27, 2005, August 1, 2005, August 11, 2005, November 15, 2005, December 5, 2005, December 14, 2005, December 19, 2005, December 23, 2005, and January 6, 2006.
 
    Our definitive Proxy Statement dated April 1, 2005, filed in connection with our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 3, 2005.

2


Table of Contents

 
    The description of our capital stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated and filed with the SEC on November 7, 2005, including any amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.
     We are also incorporating by reference any future filings that we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering. In no event, however, will any of the information that we “furnish” to the SEC in any Current Report on Form 8-K from time to time be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.
     We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered a copy of any of the documents referred to above by written or oral request to:
United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc.
1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 200
Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (720) 283-6120
     We maintain a web site at www.udrt.com. The reference to our web site does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at the site and you should not consider it a part of this prospectus or any other document we file with or furnish to the SEC.
UNITED DOMINION REALTY TRUST, INC.
     We are a self-administered real estate investment trust, or REIT, that owns, acquires, renovates, develops and manages apartment communities nationwide. As of December 31, 2005, our portfolio included 259 communities with a total of 74,875 apartment homes nationwide.
     We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the “Code.” To continue to qualify as a REIT under the Code, we must continue to meet certain tests which, among other things, generally require that our assets consist primarily of real estate assets, our income be derived primarily from real estate assets, and that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (other than our net capital gain) to our stockholders. As a qualified REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our REIT taxable income to the extent we distribute such income to our stockholders.
     We were formed in 1972 as a Virginia corporation and reincorporated in the State of Maryland in June 2003. Our principal executive offices are located at 1745 Shea Center Drive, Suite 200, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129. The telephone number of our principal executive offices is (720) 283-6120. Our corporate headquarters is located at 400 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. The telephone number of our corporate headquarters is (804) 780-2691.
RISK FACTORS
     Investing in our securities involves risks. Before purchasing our securities, in addition to the other information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should carefully consider the risk factors under the heading “Factors Affecting Our Business and Prospects” in the “Business” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, as the same may be updated from time to time by our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

3


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS
     Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include additions to working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of debt, funding improvements to properties, and acquiring and developing additional properties. Pending application of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the proceeds in interest bearing accounts and short-term, interest bearing securities.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES THAT WE MAY OFFER
     We may offer and sell, at any time and from time to time:
    our debt securities, in one or more series, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities,
 
    shares of our common stock, par value $.01 per share,
 
    shares of our preferred stock, without par value,
 
    warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities,
 
    purchase contracts,
 
    units that include any of these securities, and
 
    any combination of these securities.
     The terms of any securities we offer will be determined at the time of sale. We may issue debt securities, preferred stock, warrants and purchase contracts that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common or preferred stock or other securities of ours. When particular securities are offered, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed with the SEC, which will describe the terms of the offering and sale of the offered securities.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
     We may offer debt securities, in one or more series, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, in each case under an indenture entered into between us and a trustee. The debt securities will be our direct obligations. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities offered, including a description of the material terms of the applicable indenture, in a prospectus supplement. This description will contain all or some of the following, as applicable:
    the title of the debt securities and whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities,
 
    the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount of debt securities outstanding, and any limit on the principal amount, including the aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized,
 
    the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into our common stock, preferred stock or other securities, including the conversion price or its manner of calculation, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option of the holders, the events requiring an adjustment to the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt securities,
 
    the percentage of the principal amount at which we will issue the debt securities and, if other than the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount payable upon declaration of

4


Table of Contents

      acceleration of their maturity, or, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that is convertible into our capital stock, or the method for determining the portion,
 
    if convertible, in connection with the preservation of our status as a REIT, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of our capital stock into which the debt securities are convertible,
 
    the denominations of the debt securities, if other than denominations of an integral multiple of $1,000,
 
    the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable and the amount of principal payable on the debt securities,
 
    the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, or the method for determining the rate or rates, the date or dates from which the interest will accrue or the method for determining the date or dates, the interest payment dates on which any interest will be payable and the regular record dates for the interest payment dates or the method for determining the dates, the person to whom interest should be payable, and the basis for calculating interest if other than that of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months,
 
    the place or places where the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, any interest on, and any additional amounts payable in respect of, the debt securities will be payable, where holders of debt securities may surrender for registration of transfer or exchange, and where holders may serve notices or demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the applicable indenture,
 
    any provisions for the redemption of the debt securities, the period or periods within which, the price or prices, including any premium or make-whole amount, at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option, if we have the option,
 
    our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which the debt securities will be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to the obligation,
 
    if other than United States dollars, the currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated and payable, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies,
 
    whether the amount of payments of principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, or any interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method, which index, formula or method may be based on one or more currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner for determining the amounts,
 
    whether the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, or any interest or additional amounts on the debt securities are to be payable, at the election of United Dominion or a holder, in a currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the election may be made, and the time and manner of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for, determining the exchange rate between the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the debt securities are to be so payable,
 
    provisions, if any, granting special rights to the holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of

5


Table of Contents

      specified events,
 
    any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants of United Dominion with respect to the debt securities, whether or not the events of default or covenants are consistent with the events of default or covenants set forth in the applicable indenture,
 
    whether the debt securities will be issued in certificated or book-entry form,
 
    the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of the applicable indenture,
 
    whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts as contemplated in the applicable indenture on the debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts, and the terms of the option,
 
    any restrictions or condition on the transferability of the debt securities,
 
    the exchanges, if any, on which the debt securities may be listed,
 
    the trustee, authenticating or paying agent, transfer agent or registrar, and
 
    any other material terms of the debt securities and the applicable indenture.
     The debt securities may be original issue discount securities, which are debt securities that may provide for less than their entire principal amount to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity. Special U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the prospectus supplement.
     Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue our senior debt securities under an indenture dated as of November 1, 1995, between us and the trustee under the indenture, which is U.S. Bank National Association, formerly Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank). We refer to this indenture as the “Senior Indenture.” Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue our subordinated debt securities under the indenture dated as of August 1, 1994, between us and the trustee under the indenture, which is SunTrust Bank (formerly known as Crestar Bank). We refer to this indenture as the “Subordinated Indenture.” The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are sometimes referred to in this prospectus individually as an “Indenture” and collectively as the “Indentures.” As trustees, U.S. Bank and SunTrust Bank serve two roles. First, the trustees can enforce your rights against us if we default on the debt securities. Second, the trustees assist in administering our obligations under the debt securities, such as payments of interest.
     Below, we describe the Indentures and summarize some of their provisions. However, we have not described every aspect of the Indentures or the debt securities that we may issue under the Indentures. You should refer to the actual Indentures for a complete description of their provisions and the definitions of terms used in them. In this prospectus, we provide only the definitions for some of the more important terms in the Indentures. Wherever we refer to defined terms of the Indentures in this prospectus or in the prospectus supplement, we are incorporating by reference those defined terms. The Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
General Terms
     The Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, except that the Senior Indenture contains limitations on the amount of indebtedness that we may incur, as described in more detail below.

6


Table of Contents

     The senior debt securities issued under the Senior Indenture will be unsecured obligations and will rank on a parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture will be our unsecured obligations and will be subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt.
     Each Indenture allows for any one or more series of debt securities to have one or more trustees. Any trustee under either Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to the series. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the applicable Indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Unless this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement states differently, each trustee of a series of debt securities may take any action that we may take under the applicable Indenture.
     We will provide you with more information in the applicable prospectus supplement regarding any deletions, modifications or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision.
Denominations, Interest, Registration and Transfer
     Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states differently, the debt securities of any series issued under an Indenture in registered form will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the debt securities of any series issued under an Indenture in bearer form will be issuable in denominations of $5,000.
     Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the trustees will pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities issued under an Indenture and will register the transfer of any debt securities at their offices. However, at our option, we may distribute interest payments by mailing a check to the address of each holder of debt securities that appears on the register for the debt securities.
     Any interest on the debt securities not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date will cease to be payable to the holder on the applicable regular record date. This defaulted interest may be paid to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of the defaulted interest. We will set the special record date and give the holder of the debt security at least 10 days’ prior notice. In the alternative, this defaulted interest may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more completely described in the applicable Indenture.
     Subject to any limitations imposed upon debt securities issued under an Indenture in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender to the applicable trustee of the debt securities. In addition, subject to any limitations imposed upon debt securities issued under an Indenture in book-entry form, a holder may surrender the debt securities to the trustee for conversion or registration of transfer. Debt securities surrendered for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange will be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer from the holder. A holder will not have to pay a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge.
     If the prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent, in addition to the applicable trustee that we initially designated with respect to any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of the transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which the transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities issued under an Indenture.

7


Table of Contents

     Neither we nor the trustees under the Indentures will be required to:
    issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption,
 
    register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part, or
 
    issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security that has been surrendered for repayment at the holder’s option, except the portion, if any, of the debt security not to be repaid.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale
     The Indentures generally provide that we may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity, provided that:
    either we will be the continuing entity, or the successor entity formed by or resulting from the consolidation or merger or that will have received the transfer of the assets is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state and will expressly assume payment of the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, if any, and interest on all of the debt securities issued under the Indenture and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions contained in the Indenture,
 
    immediately after giving effect to the transaction and treating any resulting indebtedness that becomes our or any subsidiary’s obligation as having been incurred by us or the subsidiary at the time of the transaction, no event of default under the Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing, and
 
    we receive an Officers’ Certificate and legal opinion as to compliance with these conditions.
Covenants Under the Senior Indenture
     The Senior Indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit any subsidiary to, incur any Debt (as defined below) if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of the additional Debt and the application of the proceeds from the Debt, the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding Debt on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles is greater than 60% of the sum of, without duplication:
    our Total Assets (as defined below) as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently filed with the SEC, or, if the filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act, with the trustee, prior to the incurrence of the additional Debt, and
 
    the purchase price of any real estate assets or mortgages receivable acquired, and the amount of any securities offering proceeds received, to the extent the proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or mortgages receivable or used to reduce Debt, by us or any subsidiary since the end of the calendar quarter, including those proceeds obtained in connection with the incurrence of the additional Debt.
     In addition to the foregoing limitations on the incurrence of Debt, the Senior Indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit any subsidiary to, incur any Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of our or any subsidiary’s property if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of the Debt and the application of the proceeds from the Debt, the aggregate principal

8


Table of Contents

amount of all of our outstanding Debt on a consolidated basis that is secured by any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge, encumbrance or security interest on our or any subsidiary’s property is greater than 40% of our Total Assets.
     In addition to the foregoing limitations on the incurrence of Debt, the Senior Indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit any subsidiary to, incur any Debt if the ratio of Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service (as defined below) to the Annual Service Charge (as defined below) for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the date on which the additional Debt is to be incurred will have been less than 1.5, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Debt and to the application of the proceeds from the Debt, and calculated on the assumption that:
    the Debt and any other Debt incurred since the first day of the four-quarter period and the application of the proceeds therefrom, including to refinance other Debt, had occurred at the beginning of the period,
 
    our repayment or retirement of any other Debt since the first day of the four-quarter period had been incurred, repaid or retired at the beginning of the period, except that, in making the computation, the amount of Debt under any revolving credit facility will be computed based upon the average daily balance of the Debt during the period,
 
    in the case of Acquired Debt (as defined below) or Debt incurred in connection with any acquisition since the first day of the four-quarter period, the related acquisition had occurred as of the first day of the period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the acquisition being included in the pro forma calculation, and
 
    in the case of our acquisition or disposition of any asset or group of assets since the first day of the four-quarter period, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale, or asset purchase or sale, the acquisition or disposition or any related repayment of Debt had occurred as of the first day of the period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the acquisition or disposition being included in the pro forma calculation.
     The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the incurrence of Debt.
     The following terms used in the covenants summarized above have the indicated meanings:
     “Acquired Debt” means Debt of a person (i) existing at the time the person becomes a subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from the person, in each case, other than Debt incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, the person becoming a subsidiary or the acquisition. Acquired Debt will be deemed to be incurred on the date of the related acquisition of assets from any person or the date the acquired person becomes a subsidiary.
     “Annual Service Charge” as of any date means the maximum amount that is payable in any period for interest on, and original issue discount of, our Debt and the amount of dividends that are payable in respect of any Disqualified Stock (as defined below).
     “Capital Stock” means, with respect to any person, any capital stock, including preferred stock, shares, interests, participations or other ownership interests, however designated, of the person and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for corporate stock), warrants or options to purchase any capital stock.
     “Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service” for any period means Funds From Operations (as defined below) plus amounts that have been deducted for interest on Debt.
     “Debt” of United Dominion or any subsidiary means any indebtedness of United Dominion, or any subsidiary, whether or not contingent, in respect of, without duplication:

9


Table of Contents

    borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments,
 
    indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or any security interest existing on property owned by United Dominion or any subsidiary,
 
    the reimbursement obligations, contingent or otherwise, in connection with any letters of credit actually issued or amounts representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services, except any balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, or all conditional sale obligations or obligations under any title retention agreement,
 
    the principal amount of all obligations of United Dominion or any subsidiary with respect to redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock, or
 
    any lease of property by United Dominion or any subsidiary as lessee that is reflected on United Dominion’s consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to the extent, in the case of items of indebtedness under the first three bullet points above, that any of the items, other than letters of credit, would appear as a liability on United Dominion’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and also includes, to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of United Dominion or any subsidiary to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, other than for purposes of collection in the ordinary course of business, debt of another person, other than United Dominion or any subsidiary.
Debt will be deemed to be incurred by us or any subsidiary whenever we or a subsidiary creates, assumes, guarantees or otherwise becomes liable for that Debt.
     “Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any person, any capital stock of the person that by the terms of the capital stock, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable, upon the happening of any event or otherwise:
    matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise,
 
    is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Debt or Disqualified Stock, or
 
    is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the Stated Maturity of the series of debt securities.
     “Funds From Operations” for any period means income before gains or losses on investments and extraordinary items plus amounts that have been deducted, and minus amounts that have been added, for the following items, without duplication:
    provision for preferred stock dividends,
 
    provision for property depreciation and amortization, and
 
    the effect of any adjustments for significant non-recurring items, including any noncash charge resulting from a change in accounting principles in determining income before gains or losses on investments and extraordinary items for the period, as reflected in our financial statements for the period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  “Total Assets” as of any date means the sum of:
 
    our Undepreciated Real Estate Assets, and

10


Table of Contents

    all of our other assets determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but excluding intangibles.
     “Undepreciated Real Estate Assets” as of any date means the original cost plus capital improvements of our real estate assets on the date, before depreciation and amortization determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
     Except as described above, the Indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or in the event of a change of control. However, our Articles of Restatement, referred to in this prospectus as our charter, contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock that are designed primarily to preserve our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Code generally provides that concentration of more than 50% in value of direct or indirect ownership of our stock in five or fewer individual stockholders during the last six months of any year, or ownership of our stock by fewer than 100 persons on more than a limited number of days during any taxable year, will result in our disqualification as a REIT for such purposes. Provisions of our charter that are intended to prevent concentration of ownership may prevent or hinder a change of control. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or covenants of United Dominion that are described in this section, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.
Covenants Under Both Indentures
     Each Indenture includes the following covenants:
     Existence. Except as described above under “ Merger, Consolidation or Sale,” we will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, rights, both under our charter and statutory, and franchises. However, we will not be required to preserve any right or franchise if our board of directors determines that its preservation is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business and the business of our subsidiaries as a whole and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the debt securities of any series.
     Maintenance of Properties. We will cause all of our properties used or useful in the conduct of our business or the business of any subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in our judgment may be necessary so that our business may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times. However, we will not be prevented from selling or otherwise disposing of for value our properties in the ordinary course of business.
     Insurance. We will, and will cause each of our subsidiaries to, keep all of our insurable properties insured against loss or damage in an amount at least equal to their then full insurable value with financially sound and reputable insurance companies.
     Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. We will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same becomes delinquent:
    all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon us or any subsidiary or upon our or any subsidiary’s income, profits or property, and
 
    all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon our or any subsidiary’s property.
However, we will not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

11


Table of Contents

     Provision of Financial Information. Whether or not we are subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will, to the extent permitted under the Exchange Act, file with the SEC the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13 and 15(d) if we were subject to those Sections. We will also in any event:
    within 15 days of each required filing date
    transmit by mail to all holders of debt securities, as their names and addresses appear in the security register, without cost to the holders, copies of the annual reports and quarterly reports that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject to those Sections, and
 
    file with the trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that we would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if we were subject to those Sections, and
 
    if our filing the documents with the SEC is not permitted under the Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of the documents to any prospective holder.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
   Each Indenture provides that the following events are “events of default” with respect to any issued series of debt securities:
    default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of interest or additional amounts payable on any debt security of the series,
 
    default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium or make-whole amount on any debt security of the series at its maturity,
 
    default in making any sinking fund payment as required for any debt security of the series,
 
    default in the performance of any other covenant of United Dominion contained in the Indenture, other than a covenant added to the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities issued under the Indenture other than the series, continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture,
 
    default under any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by us, or by any subsidiary, the repayment of which we have guaranteed or for which we are directly responsible or liable as obligor or guarantor, having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $10,000,000, whether the indebtedness now exists or will later be created, which default will have resulted in the indebtedness being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without the acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within 10 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture,
 
    the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of one or more judgments, orders or decrees against us or any subsidiary in an aggregate amount, excluding amounts covered by insurance, in excess of $10,000,000 and those judgments, orders or decrees remain undischarged, unstayed and unsatisfied in an aggregate amount, excluding amounts covered by insurance, in excess of $10,000,000 for a period of 30 consecutive days,

12


Table of Contents

    certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of United Dominion or any significant subsidiary or for all or substantially all of either of their properties, and
 
    any other event of default provided with respect to the series of debt securities.
     The term “significant subsidiary” means each significant subsidiary, as defined in Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, of United Dominion.
     If an event of default under either Indenture with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every case the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount, or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in their terms, of, and any make-whole amount on, all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice to us, and to the trustee if given by the holders. However, at any time after the declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of the series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be, has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be, may rescind and annul the declaration and its consequences if:
    we will have deposited with the trustee all required payments of the principal of and any premium or make-whole amount and interest, and any additional amounts, on the debt securities of the series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be, plus certain fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the trustee, and
 
    all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, or specified portion thereof and any premium or make-whole amount, or interest, with respect to the debt securities of the series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.
     Each Indenture also provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be, may waive any past default with respect to the series and its consequences, except a default:
    in the payment of the principal of, or any premium or make-whole amount, or interest or additional amounts payable on any debt security of the series, or
 
    in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each affected outstanding debt security.
     Each trustee is required to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default under the applicable Indenture. However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to that series, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium or make-whole amount, or interest or additional amounts payable, on any debt security of the series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of the series, if the trustee considers the withholding to be in the interest of the holders.
     Each Indenture provides that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the trustee for 60 days to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series, as well as an offer of reasonable indemnity. This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, interest on and additional amounts payable with respect to, the debt securities at their respective due dates.

13


Table of Contents

Modification of the Indentures
     We and the applicable trustee may modify and amend either Indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under the Indenture affected by the modification or amendment. However, we must have the consent of the holders of all affected outstanding debt securities to:
    change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium or make-whole amount, or any installment of principal of or interest or additional amounts payable on, any debt security,
 
    reduce the principal amount of, or the rate or amount of interest on, or any premium or make-whole amount payable on redemption of, or any additional amounts payable with respect to, any debt security, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security or make-whole amount, if any, that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of its maturity or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any debt security,
 
    change the place of payment, or the coin or currency, for payment of principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, or interest on, or any additional amounts payable with respect to, a debt security,
 
    impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security,
 
    reduce the percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series necessary to modify or amend the applicable Indenture, to waive compliance with any provisions of that Indenture or any defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the Indenture, or
 
    modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of certain past defaults or certain covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect the action or to provide that certain other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of the debt security.
     The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities issued under either Indenture have the right to waive our compliance with some covenants in the Indenture.
Subordination
     Upon any distribution to our creditors in a liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding, the payment of the principal of and interest on subordinated debt securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture will be subordinated to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior debt. Our obligation to make payment of the principal and interest on the subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected.
     No payment of principal or interest may be made on the subordinated debt securities at any time if a default on senior debt exists that permits the holders of the senior debt to accelerate its maturity and the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default. After all senior debt is paid in full and until the subordinated debt securities are paid in full, holders will be subrogated to the rights of holders of senior debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders have been applied to the payment of senior debt. By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, certain of our general creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of the subordinated debt securities.
     Senior debt is defined in the Subordinated Indenture as the principal of and interest on, or substantially similar payments to be made by United Dominion in respect of, the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the Subordinated Indenture or thereafter incurred, created or assumed:

14


Table of Contents

    our indebtedness for money borrowed or represented by purchase-money obligations,
 
    our indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, or bonds, or other securities issued under the provisions of an indenture, fiscal agency agreement or other instrument,
 
    our obligations as lessee under leases of property either made as part of any sale and lease-back transaction to which we are a party or otherwise,
 
    indebtedness of partnerships and joint ventures that is included in our consolidated financial statements,
 
    indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of others in respect of which we are liable contingently or otherwise to pay or advance money or property or as guarantor, endorser or otherwise or which we have agreed to purchase or otherwise acquire, and
    any binding commitment of us to fund any real estate investment or to fund any investment in any entity making a real estate investment, in each case other than the following:
    any indebtedness, obligation or liability referred to in the above bullet points as to which, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that the indebtedness, obligation or liability is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or ranks pari passu with the subordinated debt securities,
 
    any indebtedness, obligation or liability that is subordinated to indebtedness of United Dominion to substantially the same extent as or to a greater extent than the subordinated debt securities are subordinated, and
 
    the subordinated debt securities.
     At December 31, 2005, our senior unsecured debt aggregated approximately $1.8 billion.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
     Under each Indenture, we may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under the Indenture that have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year, or scheduled for redemption within one year, by irrevocably depositing with the applicable trustee, in trust, funds in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on the debt securities in respect of principal, and any premium or make-whole amount, and interest and any additional amounts payable to the date of the deposit, if the debt securities have become due and payable, or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.
     Each Indenture provides that, if the provisions of its Article Fourteen are made applicable to the debt securities of or within any series pursuant the Indenture, we may elect:
    “defeasance,” which is to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities, except for the obligation to pay additional amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on the debt securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust, or
 
    “covenant defeasance,” which is to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under provisions of each Indenture described under “Covenants Under the Senior Indenture” and “Covenants Under Both Indentures” above, or, if provided pursuant to Section 301 of each Indenture, our

15


Table of Contents

      obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with the obligations will not constitute a default or an event or default with respect to the debt securities issued under the Indenture.
In either case upon our irrevocable deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, of an amount, in the currency or currencies, currency unit or currency units or composite currency or currencies in which the debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as defined below), or both, applicable to the debt securities that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, and interest on the debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor.
     Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in each Indenture, to the effect that the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. In the case of defeasance, the opinion of counsel must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax laws occurring after the date of the Indenture.
     “Government Obligations” means securities that are:
    direct obligations of the United States of America or the government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or
 
    obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or the government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of the series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or any other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer, and will also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any Government Obligation held by the custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that, except as required by law, the custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of the depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by the depository receipt.
     Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series issued under an Indenture:
    the holder of a debt security of the series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture or the terms of the debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which the deposit has been made in respect of the debt security, or
 
    a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by the debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, and interest on the debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount deposited in respect of the debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the debt security becomes payable as a result of the election or cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate.

16


Table of Contents

     “Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of:
    a currency, currency unit or composite currency, other than the ECU or other currency unit, both by the government of the country that issued the currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community,
 
    the ECU both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the European Communities, or
 
    any currency unit or composite currency other than the ECU for the purposes for which it was established.
     Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of, and any premium or make-whole amount, and interest on any debt security issued under an Indenture that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance will be made in United States dollars.
     If we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount in the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the debt securities are payable, and Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. This situation will not apply in the case of an event of default described in the fourth bullet point under “Events of Default, Notice and Waiver” of either Indenture, which sections would no longer be applicable to the debt securities or described in the last bullet point under “Events of Default, Notice and Waiver” with respect to a covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance. However, we would remain liable to make payment of the amounts due at the time of acceleration.
     The prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.
Book-Entry System
     We may issue debt securities of a series as one or more fully registered global securities. We will deposit the global securities with, or on behalf of, a depository bank identified in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. We will register the global securities in the name of the depository bank or its nominee. In that case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series represented by the global security or securities. Until any global security is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, the depository bank or its nominee may not transfer the global certificate except to each other, another nominee or to their successors and except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
     The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities that a global security will represent. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.
     Upon the issuance of any global security, and the deposit of the global security with or on behalf of the depository bank for the global security, the depository bank will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of institutions, also referred to as “participants,” that have accounts with the depository bank or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution or placement of the debt securities or by us, if we offer and sell the debt securities directly. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants.
     Ownership of beneficial interests by participants in the global security will be shown by book-keeping entries on, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through book-keeping entries to, records

17


Table of Contents

maintained by the depository bank or its nominee for the global security. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participants will be shown by book-keeping entries on, and the transfer of that ownership interest among or through the participants will be effected only through book-keeping entries to, records maintained by the participants.
     The laws of some jurisdictions require that some of the purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive certificated form rather than book-entry form. Such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in any global security.
     So long as the depository bank for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of the global security, the depository bank or the nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as described below or otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:
    will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security registered in their names,
 
    will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the series in definitive certificated form, and
 
    will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the applicable indenture.
     Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the depository bank and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person directly or indirectly owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture. The depository bank may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture.
     We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to give any notice or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depository bank for the global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interest to give notice or take action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through the participants to give notice or take action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
     Principal and any premium and interest payments on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository bank or its nominee will be made to the depository bank or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security. None of us, the trustee or any paying agent for the debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in any global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
     We expect that the depository bank for any series of debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit immediately participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depository bank. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security or securities held through the participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of the participants.
     If the depository bank for any series of debt securities represented by a global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depository bank and we do not appoint a successor depository bank within 90 days, we will issue the debt securities in definitive certificated form in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine not to have the debt securities of a series

18


Table of Contents

represented by one or more global securities and, in that event, will issue debt securities of the series in definitive certificated form in exchange for the global security representing the series of debt securities.
     Debt securities of the series issued in definitive certificated form will, except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof and will be issued in registered form.
Trustees
     U.S. Bank National Association (formerly Wachovia Bank, National Association) is the trustee under the Senior Indenture. SunTrust Bank is the trustee under the Subordinated Indenture, as well as the indenture dated December 19, 2005 relating to our 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2035. Both U.S. Bank and SunTrust Bank have lending relationships with us.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
     The following description sets forth general terms and provisions of our preferred stock. Specific terms of any series of preferred stock offered by a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement. You should review our charter for a more complete description of the preferences, limitations and relative rights of a particular series of preferred stock.
General
     We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value. The preferred stock is issuable in series designated by our board of directors, without further stockholder action and pursuant to our charter, with the designations, preferences, terms, rights, restrictions, limitations, qualifications, terms and conditions of redemption and other relative rights as our board of directors may approve. We currently have four designated series of preferred stock: 8.60% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series C Junior Participating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock. At December 31, 2005, there were outstanding 5,416,009 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 2,803,812 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. No shares of Series C Preferred Stock or Series F Preferred Stock have been issued. We will not issue any shares of Series C Preferred Stock except upon the exercise of rights as described below under “Description of Common Stock—Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.” We will not issue additional shares of any outstanding series of preferred stock.
     Our preferred stock will have the dividend, liquidation, redemption, conversion and voting rights described below unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock. In an offering of a series of our preferred stock, the prospectus supplement will provide specific terms of the series, including:
    the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered,
 
    the price at which the series will be issued,
 
    the dividend rate or method of its calculation, the dates on which dividends will be payable and the dates from which dividends will commence to accumulate,
 
    any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the series,
 
    any conversion provisions of the series, and
 
    any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of the series.

19


Table of Contents

     Our preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock, each series will rank on a parity as to dividends and distributions in the event of a liquidation with each other series of preferred stock and, in all cases, will be senior to the common stock.
Dividend Rights
     Holders of preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at the rates and on the dates as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series of preferred stock. The rate may be fixed or variable or both and may be cumulative, noncumulative or partially cumulative.
     If the prospectus supplement provides, as long as any shares of preferred stock are outstanding, no dividends will be declared or paid or any distributions be made on the common stock unless the accrued dividends on each series of preferred stock have been fully paid or declared and set apart for payment and we will have set apart all amounts, if any, required to be set apart for all sinking funds, if any, for each series of preferred stock.
     If the prospectus supplement so provides, when dividends are not paid in full upon any series of preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the series of preferred stock, all dividends declared upon the series of preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends will be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on the series of preferred stock and the other series will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the series of preferred stock and the other series bear to each other.
     Each series of preferred stock will be entitled to dividends as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the series, which may be based upon one or more methods of determination. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of determination. Except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, no series of preferred stock will be entitled to participate in our earnings or assets.
Rights Upon Liquidation
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of United Dominion, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders the amount stated or determined on the basis set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. This distribution may include accrued dividends, if the liquidation, dissolution or winding up is involuntary. If the liquidation, dissolution or winding up is voluntary, the distribution may equal the current redemption price per share provided for the series set forth in the prospectus supplement, otherwise than for the sinking fund, if any, provided for the series. Any preferential basis for the distribution will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.
     If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of United Dominion, the amounts payable with respect to preferred stock of any series and any other shares of our stock ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the series of preferred stock are not paid in full, the holders of preferred stock of the series and of the other shares will share ratably in any distribution of our assets in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled or on such other basis as is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred stock to participate in our remaining assets after the holders of other series of preferred stock have been paid their respective specified liquidation preferences upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of United Dominion will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the series.
Redemption
     A series of preferred stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund, in each case upon terms, at the times, the redemption prices and

20


Table of Contents

for the types of consideration set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of the series that we will redeem in each year commencing after a specified date at a specified redemption price per share, together with an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption.
     If, after giving notice of redemption to the holders of a series of preferred stock, we deposit with a designated bank funds sufficient to redeem the preferred stock, then from and after the deposit, all shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding for any purpose, other than the right to receive the redemption price and the right to convert the shares into other classes of our capital stock. The prospectus supplement will set forth the redemption price relating to a particular series of preferred stock.
     Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption at the option of the holder.
Sinking Fund
     The prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock will state the terms, if any, of a sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of that series.
Conversion Rights
     The prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock will state the terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into shares of common stock or another series of preferred stock. The preferred stock will have no preemptive rights.
Voting Rights
     The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock will set forth any voting rights applicable to that series.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
     Our charter contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock that are designed primarily to preserve our status as a REIT. These restrictions, which apply to our preferred stock and our common stock, include the ownership and transfer restrictions discussed in more detail below under “Description of Common Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
     The prospectus supplement will state our selection for the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for a series of preferred stock. The registrar for shares of preferred stock will send notices to preferred stockholders of any meetings at which holders of preferred stock have the right to vote on any matter.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
     The following is a summary of some of the important terms of our common stock. The following discussion also summarizes some of the terms of our preferred stock, our stockholder rights plan and Maryland law. None of these summaries or descriptions is complete and all of them are qualified by reference to our charter, bylaws and stockholder rights plan and the applicable provisions of Maryland law. You should review the applicable Maryland law as well as our charter, bylaws and stockholder rights plan for a more complete description of our common stock.

21


Table of Contents

General
     We are authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of December 31, 2005, there were 134,012,053 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and 23,833,710 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options, convertible notes, convertible preferred stock and operating partnership units exchangeable for our common stock.
Voting Rights
     Holders of our common stock have one vote per share and are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors. The holders of our outstanding Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on an “as converted” (one-for-one) basis as a single class in combination with the holders of our common stock at any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose on which holders of our common stock are entitled to vote. If we issue shares of our Series F Preferred Stock, the holders thereof will be entitled to one vote for each share of the Series F Preferred Stock they hold, voting together with the holders of our common stock, on each matter submitted to a vote of securityholders at a meeting of our stockholders.
Dividends
     Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if, when and as declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds after payment of, or provision for, full cumulative dividends on shares of our preferred stock then outstanding. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our distributable assets remaining after satisfaction of the prior preferential rights of our preferred stock and the satisfaction of all of our debts and liabilities. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive rights.
     The dividend and liquidation rights of holders of our common stock are specifically limited by the terms of the outstanding preferred stock, which in general provide that no dividends will be declared or paid on the common stock unless the accrued dividends on each series of outstanding preferred stock have been fully paid or declared and set apart for payment, and that in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of each series of outstanding preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders the liquidation preference of that series before any amount is distributed to holders of common stock.
Certain Maryland Law Provisions
     As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions concerning certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between us and an “interested stockholder.” Interested stockholders are persons: (i) who beneficially own 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock, or (ii) who are affiliates or associates of us who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, were the beneficial owners of 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding stock. Such business combinations are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares voting together as a single voting group, and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of the outstanding voting shares other than voting shares held by the interested stockholder or an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder with whom the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other things, the corporation’s stockholders receive a minimum price for their shares and the consideration is received in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.
     Also under Maryland law, “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be

22


Table of Contents

cast on the matter, excluding shares owned by the acquirer or by officers or directors who are employees of the corporation. “Control shares” are shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquirer or shares of stock for which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
    one-tenth or more but less than one-third,
 
    one-third or more but less than a majority, or
 
    a majority or more of all voting power.
     Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means, subject to certain exceptions, the acquisition of, ownership of or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, control shares.
     The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock.
     Under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, a Maryland corporation that has a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that has at least three directors who are not officers or employees of the corporation, are not acquiring persons, are not directors, officers, affiliates or associates of any acquiring person, or are not nominated or designated as a director by an acquiring person, may elect in its charter or bylaws or by resolution of its board of directors to be subject to certain provisions of Subtitle 8 that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the corporation. These provisions relate to a classified board of directors, removal of directors, establishing the number of directors, filling vacancies on the board of directors and calling special meetings of the corporation’s stockholders. We have not made the election to be governed by these provisions of Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law. However, our charter and our bylaws permit our board of directors to determine the number of directors subject to a minimum number and other provisions contained in such documents.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
     Our charter contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock that are designed primarily to preserve our status as a REIT. These restrictions include but are not limited to the following:
    no person may beneficially own or constructively own shares of our outstanding “equity stock” (defined as stock that is either common stock or preferred stock) with a value in excess of 9.9% of the value of all outstanding equity stock unless our board of directors exempts the person from such ownership limitation, provided that any such exemption shall not allow the person to exceed 13% of the value of our outstanding equity stock;
 
    any transfer that, if effective, would result in any person beneficially owning or constructively owning equity stock with a value in excess of 9.9% of the value of all outstanding equity stock (or such higher value not to exceed 13% as determined pursuant to an exemption from our board of directors) shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares of equity stock which would otherwise be beneficially owned or constructively owned by such person in excess of such ownership limit; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock;
 
    except as provided in our charter, any transfer that, if effective, would result in the equity stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares which would be otherwise beneficially owned or constructively owned by the transferee; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock; and

23


Table of Contents

    any transfer of shares of equity stock that, if effective, would result in us being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code shall be void as to the transfer of that number of shares of equity stock which would cause us to be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code; and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such excess shares of equity stock.
Transfer Agent
     The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075.
Exchange Listing
     Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UDR.”
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
     Pursuant to our First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated September 14, 1999, each share of our common stock evidences one right to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of our Series C Junior Participating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Except with respect to certain preferential rights, each one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Preferred Stock is structured to be the equivalent of one share of common stock. The exercise price of the rights is $45.00, subject to adjustment. The rights are not currently exercisable and no shares of Series C Preferred Stock are currently outstanding.
     The rights will separate from the common stock and a distribution of certificates evidencing the rights will occur upon the earlier of:
    10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group of related persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock, or
 
    10 business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning more than 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock.
     Generally, the rights will become exercisable at the time of the distribution of certificates evidencing the rights as set forth above. The rights will expire at the close of business on February 4, 2008, unless we redeem or exchange them earlier.
     The Series C Preferred Stock is junior to all other outstanding series of preferred stock in respect of rights to receive dividends and to participate in distributions or payments in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Series C Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock and any other capital stock of United Dominion ranking, as to dividends and upon liquidation, junior to the Series C Preferred Stock.
     Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, if, when and as declared by our board of directors, out of legally available funds, cumulative preferential cash dividends payable quarterly in an amount per share equal to the greater of:
    $0.01 or
 
    subject to adjustment set forth in the charter, 1,000 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 1,000 times the aggregate per share amount, payable in kind, of all non-cash dividends or other distributions, other than dividends payable in shares of common stock, declared on the common stock since the immediately preceding quarterly dividend payment date, or, with respect to the first quarterly dividend payment date, since the first issuance of any share or fraction of a share of Series C Preferred Stock.

24


Table of Contents

     In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of United Dominion, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to be paid out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, subject to the prior preferential rights of our other preferred stock ranking senior to the Series C Preferred Stock, a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of payment, which is referred to as the “Series C Preferred Liquidation Preference.” After the payment to the holders of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock of the full Series C Preferred Liquidation Preference, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets until the holders of common stock shall have received an amount per share, referred to as the “common adjustment,” equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the Series C Preferred Liquidation Preference by 1,000, subject to adjustments as set forth in the charter. Following the payment of the full amount of the Series C Preferred Liquidation Preference, the full amount of any liquidation preference payable to holders of any of our other shares of stock ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock as to any liquidation distribution, and the full amount of the common adjustment, respectively, holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, such other shares and shares of the common stock shall be entitled to receive their ratable and proportionate share of our remaining assets to be distributed in the ratio of 1,000 (subject to adjustment as set forth in our charter) to 1 with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock, such other shares and the common stock, on a per share basis, respectively. In the event that there are not sufficient assets available after payment in full of the Series C Preferred Liquidation Preference and such other liquidation preferences to permit payment in full of the common adjustment, then the remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the common stock.
     The outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the option of the board of directors as a whole, but not in part, at any time, or from time to time, at a redemption price per share equal to 1,000 (subject to certain adjustments as set forth in our charter) times the Average Market Value of the common stock, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the date fixed for redemption. The “Average Market Value” is the average of the closing sale prices of a share of the common stock during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date before the redemption date quoted on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange Listed Stocks, or, if the common stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if the common stock is not listed on such exchange, on the principal United States registered securities exchange on which the common stock is listed, or, if the common stock is not listed on any such exchange, the average of the closing bid quotations with respect to a share of common stock during such 30-day period on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or if no such quotations are available, the fair market value of a share of common stock as determined by our board of directors in good faith.
     Each share of Series C Preferred Stock entitles its holder to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. In general, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of common stock vote together as one voting group on all those matters. If the Series C Preferred Stock is listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock will be required for adoption of any amendment to our charter or bylaws that would materially affect the existing terms of the Series C Preferred Stock.
     Whenever dividends on any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are in arrears for six or more consecutive quarterly periods, the holders of such shares, voting separately as a class with all other series of preferred stock having like voting rights, will be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors of United Dominion at a special meeting called by the holders of record of at least 10% of the Series C Preferred Stock or the holders of any other series of preferred stock so in arrears or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on such shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the past dividend periods and the current dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In such case, the entire board of United Dominion will be increased by two directors.
     The dividend rate on the Series C Preferred Stock, the common adjustment, the Series C Preferred Stock redemption price and the number of votes per share of Series C Preferred Stock and certain other terms of the Series C Preferred Stock are all subject to adjustment upon the declaration of any dividend payable in common stock, subdivision of the outstanding common stock or combination of the outstanding shares of common stock into a smaller number of shares.

25


Table of Contents

     The Series C Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of United Dominion except as provided in Article VI of our charter.
     Effective January 6, 2004, we appointed Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Rights Agent under the First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, replacing Mellon Investor Services LLC.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
     We may issue warrants, in one or more series, for the purchase of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities.
     The warrants will be evidenced by warrant certificates. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the warrant certificates may be traded separately from the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, if any, with which the warrant certificates were issued. Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations at the office of an agent that we will appoint. Until a warrant is exercised, the holder of a warrant does not have any of the rights of a holder of our stock or debt securities and is not entitled to any payments on any debt securities or shares of stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants.
     A prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus relating to a particular series of warrants to issue debt securities or shares of stock will describe the terms of those warrants, including:
    the title and the aggregate number of warrants,
 
    the debt securities or stock for which each warrant is exercisable,
 
    the date or dates on which the right to exercise such warrants commence and expire,
 
    the price or prices at which such warrants are exercisable,
 
    the currency or currencies in which such warrants are exercisable,
 
    the periods during which and places at which such warrants are exercisable,
 
    the terms of any mandatory or optional call provisions,
 
    the price or prices, if any, at which the warrants may be redeemed at the option of the holder or will be redeemed upon expiration,
 
    the identity of the warrant agent, and
 
    the exchanges, if any, on which such warrants may be listed.
     You may exercise warrants by payment to our warrant agent of the exercise price, in each case in such currency or currencies as are specified in the warrant, and giving your identity and the number of warrants to be exercised. Once you pay our warrant agent and deliver the properly completed and executed warrant certificate to our warrant agent at the specified office, our warrant agent will, as soon as practicable, forward securities to you in authorized denominations or share amounts. If you exercise less than all of the warrants evidenced by your warrant certificate, you will be issued a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
     We may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, our securities at a future date or dates. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of purchase contracts. These payments may be unsecured or prefunded on a basis to be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the purchase contracts.

26


Table of Contents

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contract. The purchase contracts will be issued pursuant to documents to be issued by us. You should read the particular terms of the documents, which will be described in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
     We may issue units consisting of one or more purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately. You should read the particular terms of the documents pursuant to which the units would be issued, which will be described in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
     The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT which may be material to purchasers of our securities. This summary is based on current law, is for general information only and is not tax advice. The tax treatment of a holder of our debt or equity securities will vary depending upon the terms of the specific securities acquired by such holder, as well as the holder’s particular situation. You are urged to review the applicable prospectus supplement in connection with the purchase of any of our securities, and to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of investing in our securities and of our election to be taxed as a REIT.
     We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our securities and of our election to be taxed as a REIT. Specifically, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of such acquisition, ownership, disposition and election and regarding potential changes in applicable tax laws.
General
     We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the federal income tax laws commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1972. We believe that we have been organized and operated in a manner that permits us to satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Code. Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, asset diversification, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below. Although we intend to continue to operate to satisfy such requirements, the actual results of our operations for any particular taxable year may not satisfy such requirements.
     The provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and other U.S. federal income tax laws relating to qualification and operation as a REIT and the taxation of holders of our securities are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material aspects of the laws that govern the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, rules and Treasury regulations thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. Further, the anticipated income tax treatment described in this prospectus may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time.
     Morrison & Foerster LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with the filing of this prospectus. In connection with this filing, Morrison & Foerster LLP will opine that we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for each of our taxable years beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2002 through our taxable year ended December 31, 2005, and if we continue to be organized and operated after December 31, 2005 in the same manner as we have prior to that date, we will continue to qualify as a REIT. The opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP will be based on various assumptions and representations made by us as to factual matters, including representations made by us in this prospectus and a factual certificate provided by one of our officers. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a

27


Table of Contents

REIT depends upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code and discussed below, relating to our actual annual operating results, asset diversification, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Morrison & Foerster LLP. Accordingly, neither Morrison & Foerster LLP nor we can assure you that the actual results of our operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy these requirements.
     In brief, if certain detailed conditions imposed by the REIT provisions of the Code are satisfied, entities, such as us, that invest primarily in real estate and that otherwise would be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as corporations, generally are not taxed at the corporate level on their “REIT taxable income” that is distributed currently to stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” (i.e., taxation at both the corporate and stockholder levels) that generally results from investing in corporations under current law.
     If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any year, however, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as if we were an ordinary corporation and our stockholders will be taxed in the same manner as stockholders of ordinary corporations. In that event, we could be subject to potentially significant tax liabilities, the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders could be reduced and we would not be obligated to make any distributions. Moreover, we could be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for four taxable years.
REIT Taxation
     In any year in which we qualify as a REIT, in general, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of our net income that we distribute to stockholders, except as follows:
    First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gain. However, we can elect to “pass through” any of our taxes paid on our undistributed net capital gain income to our stockholders on a pro rata basis.
 
    Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the “alternative minimum tax” on our items of tax preference.
 
    Third, if we have (a) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property” which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (b) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on such income.
 
    Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, generally other than, foreclosure property and property involuntarily converted), such income will be subject to a 100% penalty tax.
 
    Fifth, as discussed in detail below, if we should fail to satisfy the gross income tests or the asset tests, and nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been satisfied, we ordinarily will be subject to a penalty tax relating to such failure, computed as described below. Similarly, if we maintain our REIT status despite our failure to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and asset tests, we must pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.
 
    Sixth, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our net capital gain income for such year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts distributed.
 
    Seventh, if we acquire any asset from a C-corporation (i.e., generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other property) in the hands of the C-corporation, and we

28


Table of Contents

      recognize gain on the disposition of such asset during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired such asset, then, to the extent of any built-in, unrealized gain at the time of acquisition, such gain generally will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate.
 
    Eighth, we may be subject to an excise tax if our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries, defined below, are not at arm’s length.
 
    Finally, any earnings we derive through a taxable REIT subsidiary will effectively be subject to a corporate-level tax.
Requirements for Qualification
     The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association (1) which is managed by one or more trustees or directors; (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; (3) which would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 860 of the Code; (4) which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain provisions of the Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; (6) not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code, at any time during the last half of each taxable year; and (7) which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and minimum distribution requirements with respect to its REIT taxable income.
     The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. If we were to fail to satisfy condition (6) during a taxable year, that failure would not result in our disqualification as a REIT under the Code for such taxable year as long as (i) we satisfied the stockholder demand statement requirements described in the succeeding paragraph and (ii) we did not know, or exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether we had failed condition (6).
     We believe we have issued sufficient stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to satisfy conditions (5) and (6) above. Moreover, to evidence compliance with these requirements, we must maintain records which disclose the actual ownership of our outstanding stock. In fulfilling our obligations to maintain records, we must and will demand written statements each year from the record holders of designated percentages of our stock disclosing the actual owners of our stock. A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with such demand must be maintained as part of our records. A stockholder failing or refusing to comply with our written demand must submit with his U.S. federal income tax returns a similar statement disclosing the actual ownership of our stock and certain other information. In addition, our charter restricts the transfer of our shares in order to assist in satisfying the share ownership requirements. These restrictions are discussed in more detail above under the heading “Description of Common Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”
     Although we intend to satisfy the stockholder demand letter rules described in the preceding paragraph, our failure to satisfy these requirements will not result in our disqualification as a REIT under the Code but may result in the imposition of Internal Revenue Service penalties against us.
     We currently have several direct corporate subsidiaries and may have additional corporate subsidiaries in the future. Certain of our corporate subsidiaries will be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation will qualify as a qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of its outstanding stock and we and the subsidiary do not jointly elect to treat it as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” as described below. A corporation that is a qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit (as the case may be) of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code (including all REIT qualification tests). Thus, in applying the requirements described in this prospectus the subsidiaries in which we own a 100% interest (other than taxable REIT subsidiaries) will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of such subsidiaries will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and

29


Table of Contents

credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax and our ownership of the stock of such a subsidiary will not violate the REIT asset tests, described below under “Asset Tests.”
     In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, U.S. Treasury regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share, generally based on its pro rata share of capital interest in the partnership, of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be entitled to the gross income of the partnership attributable to such share. In addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership shall retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests, described below. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of a partnership in which we own an interest, directly or indirectly will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described below. The taxation of our investments in partnerships is discussed below under “Investments in Partnerships.”
     We report our net income based on the calendar year.
Asset Tests
     At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we generally must satisfy three tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by interests in real property, interests in mortgages on real property, shares in other REITs, cash, cash items and government securities (as well as certain temporary investments in stock or debt instruments purchased with the proceeds of new capital raised by us). Second, although the remaining 25% of our assets generally may be invested without restriction, securities in this class generally may not exceed either (1) 5% of the value of our total assets as to any one nongovernment issuer, (2) 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, or (3) 10% of the value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. Third, not more than 20% of the total value of our assets can be represented by securities of one or more “taxable REIT subsidiaries” (described below). Securities for purposes of the above 5% and 10% asset tests may include debt securities, including debt issued by a partnership. However, debt of an issuer will not count as a security for purposes of the 10% value test if the security qualifies for any of a number of exceptions applicable, for example, to “straight debt,” as specially defined for this purpose.
     We and a corporation in which we own stock may make a joint election for such subsidiary to be treated as a “taxable REIT subsidiary.” The securities of a taxable REIT subsidiary are not subject to the 5% asset test and the 10% vote and value tests described above. Instead, as discussed above, a separate asset test applies to taxable REIT subsidiaries. The rules regarding taxable REIT subsidiaries contain provisions generally intended to ensure that transactions between a REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiary occur “at arm’s length” and on commercially reasonable terms. These requirements include a provision that prevents a taxable REIT subsidiary from deducting interest on direct or indirect indebtedness to its parent REIT if, under a specified series of tests, the taxable REIT subsidiary is considered to have an excessive interest expense level or debt-to-equity ratio. In addition, a 100% penalty tax can be imposed on the REIT if its loans to or rental, service or other agreements with its taxable REIT subsidiary are determined not to be on arm’s length terms. No assurance can be given that our loans to or rental, service or other agreements with our taxable REIT subsidiaries will be on arm’s length terms. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to a corporate level tax on its net taxable income, as a result of which our earnings derived through a taxable REIT subsidiary are effectively subject to a corporate level tax notwithstanding our status as a REIT. To the extent that a taxable REIT subsidiary pays dividends to us in a particular calendar year, we may designate a corresponding portion of dividends we pay to our noncorporate stockholders during that year as “qualified dividend income” eligible to be taxed at reduced rates to such recipients. The taxation of U.S. holders of our equity stock is discussed below under “Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders.”
     We have made elections to treat several of our corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries. We believe that the value of the securities we hold of our taxable REIT subsidiaries does not and will not represent more than 20% of our total assets, and that all transactions between us and our taxable REIT subsidiaries are conducted on arm’s length terms. In addition, we believe that the amount of our assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test will continue to represent less than 25% of our total assets and will satisfy the 5% and both 10% asset tests.

30


Table of Contents

     Beginning in 2005, if we fail to satisfy the 5% and/or 10% asset tests for a particular quarter, we will not lose our REIT status if the failure is due to the ownership of assets the total value of which does not exceed a specified de minimis threshold, provided that we come into compliance with the asset tests generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify the failure. In addition, beginning in 2005, other failures to satisfy the asset tests generally will not result in a loss of REIT status if (i) following our identification of the failure, we file a schedule with the Internal Revenue Service describing each asset that caused the failure; (ii) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; (iii) we come into compliance with the asset tests generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure was identified; and (iv) we pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the amount determined by multiplying the highest corporate tax rate by the net income generated by the prohibited assets for the period beginning on the first date of the failure and ending on the earlier of the date we dispose of such assets and the end of the quarter in which we come into compliance with the asset tests.
Gross Income Tests
     We must satisfy two separate percentage tests relating to the sources of our gross income for each taxable year. For purposes of these tests, where we invest in a partnership, we will be treated as receiving our pro rata share based on our capital interest in the partnership of the gross income and loss of the partnership, and the gross income of the partnership will retain the same character in our hands as it has in the hands of the partnership. The taxation of our investments in partnerships is discussed below under “Investments in Partnerships.”
  The 75% Test
     At least 75% of our gross income for a taxable year must be “qualifying income.” Qualifying income generally includes (1) rents from real property (except as modified below); (2) interest on obligations collateralized by mortgages on, or interests in, real property; (3) gains from the sale or other disposition of interests in real property and real estate mortgages, other than gain from property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our trade or business, or “dealer property”; (4) dividends or other distributions on shares in other REITs, as well as gain from the sale of such shares; (5) abatements and refunds of real property taxes; (6) income from the operation, and gain from the sale of property acquired at or in lieu of a foreclosure of the mortgage collateralized by such property, or “foreclosure property”; (7) commitment fees received for agreeing to make loans collateralized by mortgages on real property or to purchase or lease real property; and (8) income from temporary investments in stock or debt instruments purchased with the proceeds of new capital raised by us.
     Rents received from a tenant will not, however, qualify as rents from real property in satisfying the 75% test (or the 95% test described below) if we, or an owner of 10% or more of our equity securities, directly or constructively owns (i) in the case of any tenant that is a corporation, stock possessing 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of stock of such tenant; or (ii) in the case of any tenant that is not a corporation, an interest of 10% or more in the assets or net profits of such tenant, or a “related party tenant,” unless the related party tenant is a taxable REIT subsidiary and certain other requirements are satisfied. In addition, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as rents from real property. Moreover, an amount received or accrued generally will not qualify as rents from real property (or as interest income) for purposes of the 75% test and 95% test (described below) if it is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. Rent or interest will not be disqualified, however, solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Finally, for rents received to qualify as rents from real property, we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render certain services to tenants, other than through an “independent contractor” who is adequately compensated and from whom we derive no revenue or through a taxable REIT subsidiary. The “independent contractor” or taxable REIT subsidiary requirement, however, does not apply to the extent that the services provided by us are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only, and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant.” For both the related party tenant rules and determining whether an entity qualifies as an independent contractor of a REIT, certain attribution rules of the Code apply, pursuant to which ownership interests in certain entities held by one entity are deemed held by certain other related entities.

31


Table of Contents

     In general, if a REIT provides impermissible services to its tenants, all of the rent from that property will be disqualified from satisfying the 75% test and 95% test (described below). However, rents will not be disqualified if a REIT provides de minimis impermissible services. For this purpose, services provided to tenants of a property are considered de minimis where income derived from the services rendered equals 1% or less of all income derived from the property (as determined on a property-by-property basis). For purposes of the 1% threshold, the amount treated as received for any service shall not be less than 150% of the direct cost incurred by the REIT in furnishing or rendering the service.
     We do not receive any rent that is based on the income or profits of any person. In addition, we do not own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any tenant (other than, perhaps, a tenant that is a taxable REIT subsidiary where other requirements are satisfied). Furthermore, we believe that any personal property rented in connection with our apartment facilities is well within the 15% restriction. Finally, we do not believe that we provide services, other than within the 1% de minimis exception described above, to our tenants that are not customarily furnished or rendered in connection with the rental of property, other than through an independent contractor or a taxable REIT subsidiary. We do not intend to rent to any related party, to base any rent on the income or profits of any person (other than rents that are based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales), or to charge rents that would otherwise not qualify as rents from real property.
  The 95% Test
     In addition to deriving 75% of our gross income from the sources listed above, at least 95% of our gross income for a taxable year must be derived from the above-described qualifying income, or from dividends, interest or gains from the sale or disposition of stock or other securities that are not dealer property. Dividends from a corporation (including a taxable REIT subsidiary) and interest on any obligation not collateralized by an interest on real property are included for purposes of the 95% test, but not (except with respect to dividends from a REIT) for purposes of the 75% test. For purposes of determining whether we comply with the 75% and 95% tests, gross income does not include income from “prohibited transactions” (discussed below).
     From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate or other swaps, caps and floors, or options to purchase such items, and futures and forward contracts. Through the end of our 2004 tax year, to the extent that we entered into an interest rate swap or cap contract, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement or any similar financial instrument to hedge our indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry “real estate assets,” any periodic income or gain from the disposition of such contract was qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. Beginning in 2005, to the extent a transaction meets certain identification requirements and hedges any indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry “real estate assets,” including interest rate hedges as well as other types of hedges, any income or gain from the disposition of such a hedging transaction will be disregarded in applying the 95% gross income test, but will continue to be taken into account as nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments, or in other situations, it is not entirely clear how the income from those transactions will be treated for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.
     Our investment in apartment communities generally gives rise to rental income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Gains on sales of apartment communities, other than from prohibited transactions, as described below, or of our interest in a partnership generally will be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We have leases on certain other properties that we own and we treat the income from those leases as nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests; however, we anticipate that income from those properties and our other investments will not result in our failing the 75% or 95% gross income test for any year.
     Even if we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will generally be available if our failure to comply was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, and we timely comply with requirements for reporting each item of our income to the Internal Revenue Service. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. Even if

32


Table of Contents

these relief provisions apply, we will still be subject to a special tax upon the greater of either (1) the amount by which 75% of our gross income exceeds the amount of our income qualifying under the 75% test for the taxable year or (2) the amount by which 90% (95% for 2005 and later taxable years) of our gross income exceeds the amount of our income qualifying for the 95% income test for the taxable year, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
Like-Kind Exchanges
     We may dispose of our properties in transactions intended to qualify under a provision of the Code which permits the nonrecognition of loss or gain on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment for property “of like kind.” No assurance can be given that our nonrecognition of loss or gain will be respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If not, we may be required to make additional distributions to our stockholders under the “deficiency dividend” procedures set forth below.
Annual Distribution Requirements
     To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders each year in an amount equal to at least (A) the sum of (i) 90% of our REIT taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (ii) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of non-cash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income. Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following twelve months if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. These distributions are taxable to stockholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular corporate tax rates, as the case may be. (However, we can elect to “pass through” any of our taxes paid on our undistributed net capital gain income to our stockholders on a pro rata basis.) Furthermore, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our net capital gain income for such year, and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of the amounts actually distributed and the amount of any net capital gains we elected to retain and pay tax on. For these and other purposes, dividends declared by us in October, November or December of one taxable year and payable to a stockholder of record on a specific date in any such month shall be treated as both paid by us and received by the stockholder during such taxable year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us by January 31 of the following taxable year.
     We believe that we have made timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements It is possible that in the future we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the distribution requirements, due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of expenses on the one hand, and the inclusion of such income and deduction of such expenses in computing our REIT taxable income on the other hand. Further, as described below, it is possible that, from time to time, we may be allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to the sale of depreciated property that exceeds our allocable share of cash attributable to that sale. To avoid any problem with the distribution requirements, we will closely monitor the relationship between our REIT taxable income and cash flow and, if necessary, will borrow funds or issue preferred or common stock to satisfy the distribution requirement. We may be required to borrow funds at times when market conditions are not favorable.
     If we fail to meet the distribution requirements as a result of an adjustment to our tax return by the Internal Revenue Service or we determine that we understated our income on a filed return, we may retroactively cure the failure by paying a “deficiency dividend” (plus applicable penalties and interest) within a specified period.
     Beginning in 2005, if we should fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and asset tests, we may retain our REIT qualification if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and if we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

33


Table of Contents

     Under legislation enacted in 2004, the utilization of losses allocable to leased property owned by a partnership having both taxable and tax-exempt partners may be subject to certain limitations. As a result, beginning in 2006, certain losses generated with respect to properties owned by a partnership in which we invest, such as our operating partnerships, may be disallowed, which could increase the amount of distributions we are required to make in a particular year in order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and also could increase the portion of distributions to our stockholders that are taxable as dividends.
Prohibited Transaction Rules
     A REIT will incur a 100% penalty tax on the net income derived from a sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business, which we refer to as a “prohibited transaction.” Under a safe harbor provision in the Code, however, income from certain sales of real property held by the REIT for at least four years at the time of the disposition will not be treated as income from a prohibited transaction. We believe that none of our assets is held for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our assets would not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. Although we will attempt to ensure that none of our sales of property will constitute a prohibited transaction, we cannot assure you that none of such sales will be so treated.
Failure to Qualify
     If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible by us, nor will they be required to be made. In such event, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary income, and, subject to certain limitations in the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction and noncorporate distributees may be eligible to treat the dividends as “qualified dividend income” taxable at capital gain rates. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to such statutory relief.
Investments in Partnerships
     The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable solely to our investment in entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or any U.S. federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
  General
     We hold a direct ownership interest in certain partnerships. In general, partnerships are “pass-through” entities which are not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and are potentially subject to tax thereon, without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from the partnership. We include our proportionate share, based on our capital interest in a partnership, of the foregoing partnership items for purposes of the various REIT income tests, and we include our allocable share of such partnership items in the computation of our REIT taxable income. Any resultant increase in our REIT taxable income increases our distribution requirements, but is not subject to U.S. federal income tax in our hands provided that such income is distributed to our stockholders. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we include our proportionate share, generally based on our capital interest in the partnership, of assets held by the partnerships.

34


Table of Contents

  Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties
     Pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership (such as some of our properties), must be allocated in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of contributed property at the time of contribution, and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution, or a “book-tax difference.” Such allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. Our two material partnership subsidiaries, referred to in this discussion as the “operating partnerships,” have property subject to book-tax differences. Consequently, the partnership agreement of the operating partnerships requires such allocations to be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code.
     In general, the partners who contributed appreciated assets to the operating partnerships will be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes and increased taxable income and gain on sale by the operating partnerships of the contributed assets (including some of our properties). This will tend to eliminate the book-tax difference over time. However, the special allocation rules under Section 704(c) of the Code do not always entirely rectify the book-tax difference on an annual basis or with respect to a specific taxable transaction, such as a sale. Thus, the carryover basis of the contributed assets in the hands of the operating partnerships can be expected to cause us to be allocated lower depreciation and other deductions, and possibly greater amounts of taxable income in the event of a sale of such contributed assets, in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of such sale. This may cause us to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. In addition, the application of Section 704(c) of the Code is not entirely clear and may be affected by authority that may be promulgated in the future.
  Sale of the Properties
     Generally, any gain realized by the operating partnerships on the sale of property held by the operating partnerships will be capital gain, except for any portion of such gain that is treated as certain depreciation or cost recovery recapture. Our share of any gain realized by the operating partnerships on the sale of any “dealer property” generally will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax, as discussed above under “Prohibited Transaction Rules.” Under existing law, whether property is dealer property is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances with respect to the particular transaction. The operating partnerships intend to hold their properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing, owning and operating their properties, and to make such occasional sales of their properties as are consistent with our investment objectives. Based upon such investment objectives, we believe that in general our properties should not be considered dealer property and that the amount of income from prohibited transactions, if any, will not be material.
Investment in Our Stock
     The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our equity stock as of the date hereof. This summary deals only with equity stock held as “capital assets,” (within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code), and does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor’s particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation, financial institutions (including banks), insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, persons subject to the mark-to market rules of the Code, persons that will hold our stock as a position in a hedging transaction, “integrated transaction,” “straddle” or “conversion transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders, as defined below, that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code and, except as expressly indicated below, tax-exempt organizations.

35


Table of Contents

     In addition, if a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a holder of our equity stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Holders that are partnerships, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our equity stock.
     As used herein, the term “U.S. holder” means any beneficial owner of our equity stock who or that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, (iv) a trust if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and (B) one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (v) certain eligible trusts that elect to be taxed as U.S. persons under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. As used herein, the term “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our equity stock who or that is not a U.S. holder.
  Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders
     As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our taxable U.S. holders on our equity stock out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends or “qualified dividend income”) will be taken into account by them as ordinary income, and U.S. holders that are corporations will not be entitled to a dividends received deduction.
     “Qualified dividend income” of noncorporate taxpayers is currently taxed as net capital gain, thus reducing the maximum tax rate on such dividends to 15% for taxable years ending after December 31, 2002 and beginning before January 1, 2009. In general, dividends paid by REITs are not eligible for the 15% tax rate on “qualified dividend income” and, as a result, our ordinary REIT dividends will continue to be taxed at the higher ordinary income tax rate. Dividends received by a noncorporate stockholder could be treated as “qualified dividend income,” however, to the extent we have dividend income from taxable corporations (such as a taxable REIT subsidiary) and to the extent such dividends are attributable to income that is subject to tax at the REIT level (for example, if we distributed less than 100% of our taxable income). In general, to qualify for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, a stockholder must hold our common stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which our common stock becomes ex-dividend; different holding periods apply to our preferred stock.
     To the extent we make distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions are treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the U.S. holder, reducing the tax basis of a U.S. holder’s equity stock by the amount of such distribution (but not below zero), with distributions in excess of the U.S. holder’s tax basis treated as proceeds from a sale of equity stock, the tax treatment of which is described below. Distributions will generally be taxable, if at all, in the year of the distribution. However, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any year and payable to a U.S. holder who held our equity stock on a specified record date in any such month shall be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. holder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us during January of the following calendar year.
     In general, distributions which are designated by us as capital gain dividends will be taxable to U.S. holders as gain from the sale of assets held for greater than one year, or “long-term capital gain.” That treatment will apply regardless of the period for which a U.S. holder has held the equity stock upon which the capital gain dividend is paid. However, corporate U.S. holders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Noncorporate taxpayers are generally taxable at a current maximum tax rate of 15% for long-term capital gain attributable to sales or exchanges occurring on or after May 6, 2003 but before January 1, 2009. A portion of any capital gain dividends received by noncorporate taxpayers might be subject to tax at a 25% rate to the extent attributable to gains realized on the sale of real property that correspond to our “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain.”

36


Table of Contents

     We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, our net long-term capital gain. In such event, we would pay tax on such retained net long-term capital gain. In addition, to the extent designated by us, a U.S. holder generally would (1) include his proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gain in computing his long-term capital gain for his taxable year in which the last day of our taxable year falls (subject to certain limitations as to the amount so includable), (2) be deemed to have paid his share of the U.S. federal income tax imposed on us on the designated amounts included in such U.S. holder’s long-term capital gain, (3) receive a credit or refund for such amount of tax deemed paid by the U.S. holder, (4) increase the adjusted basis of his equity stock by the difference between the amount of such includable gain and the tax deemed to have been paid by him, and (5) in the case of a U.S. holder that is a corporation, appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations.
     Distributions made by us and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. holder of equity stock will not be treated as passive activity income, and as a result, U.S. holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. U.S. holders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.
     Disposition of Equity Stock. Upon any taxable sale or other disposition of our equity stock, a U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and (2) the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the equity stock for tax purposes.
     This gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss, respectively if our equity stock has been held for more than one year at the time of the disposition. Noncorporate U.S. holders generally are taxable at a current maximum rate of 15% on long-term capital gain. The U.S. Treasury has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is generally higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for noncorporate U.S. holders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a noncorporate U.S. holder on the sale of REIT stock that would correspond to the REIT’s “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain.” U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability. A corporate U.S. holder will be subject to tax at a maximum rate of 35% on capital gain from the sale of our equity stock regardless of its holding period for the shares.
     In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our equity stock by a U.S. holder who has held such shares for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules) will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent of distributions (actually made or deemed made in accordance with the discussion above) from us required to be treated by such U.S. holder as long-term capital gain.
     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Payments of dividends on our equity stock and proceeds received upon the sale, redemption or other disposition of our shares may be subject to Internal Revenue Service information reporting and backup withholding tax. Payments to certain U.S. holders (including, among others, corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations) are generally not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. Payments to a non-corporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to information reporting. Such payments also generally will be subject to backup withholding tax if such holder:
    fails to furnish its taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number,
 
    furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number,
 
    is notified by the Internal Revenue Service that it has failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends, or
 
    fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the Internal Revenue Service has not notified the U.S. holder that it is subject to backup withholding.

37


Table of Contents

     A U.S. holder that does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and otherwise will be refundable, provided that the requisite procedures are followed.
     You should consult your tax advisor regarding your qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and information reporting and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption, if applicable
  Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Holders
     Based upon a published ruling by the Internal Revenue Service, a distribution by us to, and gain upon a disposition of our equity stock by, a U.S. holder that is a tax-exempt entity will not constitute “unrelated business taxable income,” or “UBTI,” provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the acquisition of its equity stock with “acquisition indebtedness” within the meaning of the Code and the stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of the tax-exempt entity. However, for tax-exempt U.S. holders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(l7) and (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in us will constitute UBTI unless the organization properly sets aside or reserves such amounts for purposes specified in the Code. These tax-exempt U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.
     Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, however, a portion of the dividends paid by us may be treated as UBTI to certain domestic private pension trusts if we are treated as a “pension-held REIT.” We believe that we are not, and we do not expect to become, a “pension-held REIT.” If we were to become a pension-held REIT, these rules generally would only apply to certain pension trusts that held more than 10% of our shares.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
     The following is a discussion of certain anticipated U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our equity stock applicable to non-U.S. holders of such shares. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. The discussion addresses only certain and not all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation. Special rules may apply to certain non-U.S. holders such as “controlled foreign corporations” and “passive foreign investment companies.” Such entities should consult their own tax advisors to determine the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences that may be relevant to them.
  Distributions from the Company
     1. Ordinary Dividends. The portion of dividends received by non-U.S. holders payable out of our current and accumulated earnings and profits which are not attributable to capital gains and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (unless reduced by an applicable income tax treaty). In general, non-U.S. holders will not be considered engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our equity stock. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. holder’s investment in our equity stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (or, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder), the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. holders are taxed with respect to such dividends (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of a corporate non-U.S. holder).
     2. Non-Dividend Distributions. Unless our stock constitutes a USRPI (as defined below), distributions by us which are not paid out of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. income or withholding tax. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not such distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. holder may seek a refund of such amounts from the Internal Revenue Service if it is subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our equity stock constitutes a USRPI, a distribution in excess of

38


Table of Contents

current and accumulated earnings and profits will be subject to 10% withholding tax and may be subject to additional taxation under FIRPTA (as defined below). However, the 10% withholding tax will not apply to distributions already subject to the 30% dividend withholding.
     We expect to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any distributions of ordinary income made to a non-U.S. holder unless (1) a lower treaty rate applies and proper certification is provided or (2) the non-U.S. holder files an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (or, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder). However, the non-U.S. holder may seek a refund of such amounts from the Internal Revenue Service if it is subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.
     3. Capital Gain Dividends. Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA, a distribution made by us to a non-U.S. holder, to the extent attributable to gains, which we refer to as “USRPI Capital Gains,” from dispositions of United States Real Property Interests, or “USRPIs,” will be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder and therefore will be subject to U.S. income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. holders, without regard to whether such distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. (The properties owned by us generally are USRPIs.) Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a corporate non-U.S. holder that is not entitled to treaty exemption. Notwithstanding the preceding, distributions received on our equity stock, to the extent attributable to USRPI Capital Gains, will not be treated as gain recognized by the non-U.S. holder from the sale or exchange of a USRPI if (1) the class of our equity stock held by such non-U.S. holder is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States and (2) the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 5% of such class of shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. The distribution will instead be treated as an ordinary dividend to the non-U.S. holder, and the tax consequences to the non-U.S. holder will be as described above under “Ordinary Dividends.”
     Distributions attributable to our capital gains which are not USRPI Capital Gains generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, unless (1) investment in our equity stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. trade or business (or, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder), in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain (except that a corporate non-U.S. holder may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax), or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a non-resident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are present, in which case the non-resident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s U.S. capital gain.
     We generally will be required to withhold and remit to the Internal Revenue Service 35% of any distributions to non-U.S. holders that are designated as capital gain dividends, or, if greater, 35% of a distribution that could have been designated as a capital gain dividend. Distributions can be designated as capital gain dividends to the extent of our net capital gain for the taxable year of the distribution. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. This withholding will not apply to any amounts paid to a holder of not more than 5% of a class of our equity stock while such class of stock is regularly traded on an established securities market. Instead, those amounts will be treated as described above under “Ordinary Dividends.”
     Disposition of Our Equity Stock. Unless our equity stock constitutes a USRPI, a sale of such shares by a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless (1) the investment in the equity stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. trade or business (or, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder), or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a non-resident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are present.
     Our equity stock will not constitute a USRPI if we are a “domestically controlled REIT.” A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders. We believe that we are, and we expect to continue to be, a domestically controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of our equity stock will not be subject to taxation under

39


Table of Contents

FIRPTA. Because at least some classes of our equity stock will be publicly traded, however, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a domestically controlled REIT.
     Even if we do not constitute a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. holder’s sale of our equity stock generally will not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI provided that (1) the shares are “regularly traded” (as defined by applicable U.S. Treasury regulations) on an established securities market and (2) the selling non-U.S holder held (taking into account constructive ownership rules) 5% or less of our outstanding equity stock at all times during a specified testing period. It is currently anticipated that our stock will, in the future, be regularly traded on an established securities market within the meaning of this provision.
     If gain on the sale of our equity stock were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. holder with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals). In addition, the purchaser of the equity stock could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the Internal Revenue Service.
     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Backup withholding will apply to dividend payments made to a non-U.S. holder of our equity stock unless the holder has certified that it is not a U.S. holder and the payor has no actual knowledge that the owner is not a non-U.S. holder. Information reporting generally will apply with respect to dividend payments even if certification is provided.
     Payment of the proceeds from a disposition of our shares by a non-U.S. holder made to or through the U.S. office of a broker is generally subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the holder or beneficial owner certifies that it is not a U.S. holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, Internal Revenue Service information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the payment is made outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker-dealer. If the proceeds from a disposition of our shares are paid to or through a foreign office of a U.S. broker-dealer or a non-U.S. office of a foreign broker-dealer that is (i) a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for a specified three-year period was effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, (iii) a foreign partnership with one or more partners who are U.S. persons and who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership, or (iv) a foreign partnership engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, then backup withholding and information reporting generally will apply unless the non-U.S. holder satisfies certification requirements regarding its status as a non-U.S. holder and the broker-dealer has no actual knowledge that the owner is not a non-U.S. holder.
     A non-U.S. holder should consult its tax advisor regarding application of withholding and backup withholding in its particular circumstance and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from withholding and backup withholding under current U.S. Treasury regulations.
Other Tax Considerations
  Dividend Reinvestment Program
     Stockholders participating in our common stock dividend reinvestment program are treated as having received the gross amount of any cash distributions which would have been paid by us to such Stockholders had they not elected to participate in the program. These distributions will retain the character and tax effect applicable to distributions from us generally. Participants in the dividend reinvestment program are subject to U.S. federal income and withholding tax on the amount of the deemed distributions to the extent that such distributions represent dividends or gains, even though they receive no cash. Shares of our common stock received under the program will have a holding period beginning with the day after purchase, and a tax basis equal to their cost (which is the gross amount of the distribution).

40


Table of Contents

  Possible Legislative or Other Actions Affecting Tax Considerations
     Prospective investors should recognize that the present U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in us may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, and that any such action may affect investments and commitments previously made. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department, resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as statutory changes. Revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in us.
  State and Local Taxes
     We and our stockholders may be subject to state or local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which we or they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of us and our stockholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective stockholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in our equity stock.
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
     Information about selling securityholders, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment, or in filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act which are incorporated by reference.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
     We may sell the offered securities on a delayed or continuous basis through one or more agents, underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through a combination of any of these methods of sale, or in any other manner, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus may also be used to offer any of these securities for the account of persons other than us as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning property acquisitions and dispositions, development activity and capital expenditures, capital raising activities, rent growth, occupancy and rental expense growth. Examples of forward-looking statements also include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives and future financial or other performance. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made; and, except to fulfill our obligations under the United States securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.
     Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore we cannot assure you that any of these statements included in this document or in the documents incorporated by reference will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results or conditions described in such statements or our objectives and plans will be achieved.

41


Table of Contents

LEGAL MATTERS
     Certain legal matters with respect to the securities being offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Morrison & Foerster LLP. Any agents or underwriters will be represented by their own counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
     Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule for the year ended December 31, 2004 included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2005, and has audited management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule and management’s assessment are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

42