AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES INC
8-K, 1998-12-21
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ----------------------

                                   FORM 8-K

                                CURRENT REPORT

                    PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                            ----------------------


      Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): DECEMBER 21, 1998
                                                        -----------------



                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)



          MARYLAND                    1-12672                   77-0404318
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction  (Commission file number)         (IRS employer
     of incorporation)                                      identification no.)


         2900 EISENHOWER AVENUE, SUITE 300, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

                                (703) 329-6300
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE>
 
Item 5.  Other Events

COMMENCEMENT OF MEDIUM-TERM NOTES OFFERING

     On December 21, 1998, AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company"), commenced a Medium-Term Note Program (the "Program") which
provides that the Company may offer and sell from time to time its Medium-Term
Notes Due Nine Months or More from Date of Issue in an aggregate principal
amount of up to $400,000,000 (the "MTNs"), as described in the Company's
Prospectus Supplement dated September 30, 1998 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to
the Company's Prospectus dated August 18, 1998.  The Prospectus Supplement was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 424(b)(2) on
September 30, 1998.  The MTNs will be issued pursuant to the Company's existing
registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-60875).

     The MTNs will be offered and sold by PaineWebber Incorporated, First Union
Capital Markets, J.P. Morgan & Co., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, and
Warburg Dillon Read LLC, as agents for the Company or as principals for resale
to investors and other purchasers (the "Agents"), subject to the Company's right
to solicit offers from and sell the MTNs itself directly to investors, pursuant
to that certain Distribution Agreement among the Company and the Agents dated
December 21, 1998 (the "Distribution Agreement").  The MTNs will be issued under
an Indenture between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as
trustee (the "Trustee"), dated as of January 16, 1998, as supplemented by a
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 20, 1998, a Second Supplemental
Indenture dated as of July 7, 1998, and a Third Supplemental Indenture dated as
of December 21, 1998.

RISK FACTORS

     An investment in the MTNs involves various risks.  Prospective purchasers
of the MTNs should carefully consider the following risk factors.  You should
read these together with the Company's other reports and documents that we file
with the Securites and Exchange Commission, which may include additional or more
current information that is important for you to consider.

THE COMPANY MAY FAIL TO MANAGE GROWTH AND INTEGRATE OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

     The Company is the surviving entity from the merger of Avalon Properties,
Inc. ("Avalon") with and into Bay Apartment Communities, Inc. (before the
merger, "Bay") on June 4, 1998.  We have experienced a period of rapid growth as
a result of the merger and through the acquisition and development of additional
apartment communities.  We currently own 147 apartment communities with
approximately 42,952 apartment homes (including those under development and
redevelopment).  This represents an increase of 24,311 from the number of
apartment homes in Bay's pre-merger portfolio.  In addition, the integration of
the departments, systems, operating procedures and information technologies of
Bay and Avalon, as well as future acquisitions, developments and redevelopments,
will be challenging, and we cannot assure you

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
that we will be able to integrate and manage these operations effectively. If we
are unable to successfully manage our growth or integrate these systems and
procedures into one operating philosophy, it could materially and adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.

THE COMPANY MAY NOT REALIZE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS OF THE MERGER

     Based on anticipated savings in expenses and other factors related to the
merger, we expect that our FFO per share for the second half of fiscal year 1998
and for future periods will increase compared to FFO per share for Bay prior to
the merger.  However, these anticipated savings may not be realized and
unanticipated costs may arise as a result of the merger.  For example, although
we believe that we have reasonably estimated the likely costs of integrating the
operations of Bay and Avalon, as well as the incremental costs of operating as a
combined company, unexpected future operating expenses (such as increased
personnel costs, increased property taxes or increased travel expenses) could
materially and adversely affect our operations and financial condition.  If we
do not realize the expected savings or if we incur unexpected costs, the merger
could significantly dilute our FFO per share.

THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ITS EXTERNAL GROWTH RATE

     Our asset base should allow us to access capital for the acquisition,
development and redevelopment of apartment communities on more favorable terms
than would be available with a smaller asset base.  However, we may be forced to
limit our acquisition, development and redevelopment activities as we attempt to
integrate the operations of Bay and Avalon. Furthermore, we have increased our
minimum target returns, particularly for new community acquisitions that do not
require redevelopment.  As a result of this increase, as well as current market
conditions, we anticipate that we will acquire significantly fewer apartment
communities during the remainder of 1998, and we believe that this is also
likely to be true in 1999. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our external
growth rate will equal or exceed our recent historical external growth rates.

MARKET CONDITIONS AND THE COST OF FINANCING NEW ACQUISITIONS AND DEVELOPMENT MAY
LIMIT OUR GROWTH RATE

     The cost of equity and debt financing for new acquisitions and development
has recently been increasing.  The increased cost of financing, combined with
increases in the sales prices of existing apartment communities, results in a
lower margin of profit on new acquisitions.  While these market conditions
continue, we expect that we will acquire fewer existing apartment communities.
If the current market conditions continue for an extended period, our current
earnings growth rates may decline.  As a result, there could be material adverse
effects on our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders and on the
market prices of our equity securities.

RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITIONS OF APARTMENT COMMUNITIES

     The acquisition of apartment communities has historically been an important
component

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
of our business strategy. When we acquire an apartment community, we expose
ourselves to the risk that our investment will fail to generate expected
returns, and that estimates of the costs of improvements to bring the acquired
community up to standards established for the market position intended for that
community, will prove inaccurate. Acquisitions also involve general investment
risks associated with any new real estate investment. Although we will undertake
an evaluation of the physical condition of each new community before it is
acquired, certain defects or necessary repairs may not be detected until after
the community is acquired, which could significantly increase our total
acquisition costs and reduce the profitability of the acquired community.

RISKS RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF APARTMENT COMMUNITIES

     We intend to continue to develop and redevelop apartment home communities
using integrated development, redevelopment and underwriting policies derived
from the respective strengths of Bay and Avalon.  In addition to the risk that
we will be unable to successfully integrate these policies, our development and
redevelopment activities may be exposed to the following risks:

     *  we may abandon development and redevelopment opportunities we have
already begun to explore;

     *  we may incur construction or reconstruction costs for a community which
exceed our original estimates due to increased materials, labor or other  costs,
which could make completion of the community uneconomical;

     *  occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed development or
redevelopment community may fluctuate depending on a number of factors,
including market and economic conditions, and may not be sufficient to  make the
original estimated unleveraged returns on cost for the  community;

     *  we may not be able to obtain financing with favorable terms for the
development or redevelopment of a community; and

     *  we may be unable to complete construction or reconstruction and lease-up
of a community on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and
construction or reconstruction costs.

     Our development activities are also subject to the risk that we will be
unable to obtain, or will face delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, land-use,
building, occupancy, and other required governmental permits and authorizations.
If any of these events occurs, it could adversely affect our ability to achieve
our projected yields on communities under development or redevelopment and could
prevent us from making expected distributions to stockholders.  See "--Real
Estate Investment Risks."

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     Construction costs have been increasing in our target markets, and the cost
to develop new communities and redevelop acquired communities has, in some
cases, exceeded our original estimates.  We may experience similar cost
increases in the future.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to charge
rents upon completing the development or redevelopment of communities that will
be sufficient to offset the effects of any increases in construction or
reconstruction costs.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING NEW MARKETS

     Although our historical management expertise is in Northern California, the
Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast, we have expanded our ownership and operation of
apartment communities into new markets in recent years.  If appropriate
opportunities arise, we may also make other selective investments in high
barrier-to-entry markets outside of our current market areas.  Our entry into
new market areas will require us to apply our experience to these new market
areas, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully accomplish
this or that our historical expertise will assist us in our expansion into new
markets.  If we expand into new markets in the future, we may be exposed to
risks associated with:

     *  a lack of market knowledge and understanding of the local economy;

     *  an inability to obtain land for development or to identify property
acquisition opportunities;

     *  an inability to obtain construction tradespeople;

     *  sudden adverse shifts in supply and demand factors; and

     *  an unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures.

DEPENDENCE ON MARKET CONDITIONS IN PRIMARY MARKETS

     Of the 147 communities we currently own, 41 are located in Northern
California (primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area), 18 are located in Southern
California and 71 are located in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets.
Consequently, economic conditions in these primary markets will significantly
influence our future performance.  As a result of the merger, we have a more
geographically diverse portfolio than either Bay or Avalon had before the
merger.  We believe that our increased geographical diversity will provide
additional stability in the event of adverse economic conditions in any one
region or market.  However, a decline in the economy in one or more of our
primary markets, or in the United States generally, could materially and
adversely affect our operating results and our ability to make expected
distributions to stockholders.

REAL ESTATE FINANCING RISKS

     No Limitation on the Company's Debt.   Debt covenants in our credit
facilities and our unsecured senior notes limit the amount of debt we can incur,
but our charter and bylaws do not

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
contain any such limitations. Because we do not have any debt incurrence
restrictions in our charter or bylaws, we could increase the amount of
outstanding debt at any time.

     Existing Debt Maturities, Balloon Payments and Refinancing Risks.  We are
subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risk
that our cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal
and interest.  We anticipate that only a small portion of the principal of our
debt will be repaid prior to maturity.  Although we may be able to use cash flow
to make future principal payments, we cannot assure you that sufficient cash
flow will be available to make all required principal payments. Therefore, we
may need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures.
Accordingly, there is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt
or that the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of
the existing debt.

     Risk of Rising Interest Rates.  We expect to incur variable rate debt under
credit facilities or in connection with the acquisition, construction and
reconstruction of apartment communities in the future, as well as for other
purposes.  Accordingly, if interest rates increase, so will our interest costs.

     Bond Compliance Requirements.  Some of our apartment communities are
financed with obligations issued by various local government agencies or
instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from federal income taxation.
These obligations are commonly referred to as "tax-exempt bonds." Compared to
unsecured debt, tax-exempt bonds are less cost competitive than in prior years
and, moreover, generally must be secured by communities.  Since we plan to use
more unsecured debt in the future compared to prior experience, we expect that
our use of tax-exempt bonds to finance communities will decline.

     Nevertheless, the bond compliance requirements for our current tax-exempt
bonds, and the requirements of any future tax-exempt bond financing, may have
the effect of limiting our income from communities subject to such financing.
Under the terms of our tax-exempt bonds, we must comply with various
restrictions on the use of the communities financed by such bonds, including a
requirement that a percentage of apartments be made available to low and middle
income households.

     In addition, some of our tax-exempt bond financing documents require that a
financial institution guarantee payment of the principal of, and interest on,
the bonds (a "credit enhancement").  The credit enhancement may take the form of
a letter of credit, surety bond, guarantee agreement or other additional
collateral.  If the financial institution defaults in its credit enhancement
obligations, or we are unable to renew the applicable credit enhancement or
otherwise post satisfactory collateral, a default will occur under the
applicable tax-exempt bonds and the community could be foreclosed upon.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RISKS

     General Real Estate Ownership Risks.  If our communities do not generate
revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and
capital expenditures, our

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
cash flow and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders will be adversely
affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the revenues
generated by our apartment communities:

     *  the national economic climate;

     *  the perceptions by prospective residents of the safety, convenience and
attractiveness of the communities;

     *  our ability to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance;

     *  increased operating costs (including real estate taxes and utilities);
and

     *  other market and economic conditions that may affect the local economy,
which are described below.

     Certain significant expenditures associated with each equity investment
(such as mortgage payments, if any, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance
costs) are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income
from the investment.  For example, if we mortgage a community to secure payment
of debt and are unable to meet the mortgage payments, we could sustain a loss as
a result of foreclosure on the community or the exercise of other remedies by
the mortgagee.  In addition, real estate values and income from communities are
also affected by such factors as the cost of compliance with government
regulations, including zoning and tax laws, interest rate levels and the
availability of financing.

     Risks Associated with Local Market Conditions.  Local market and economic
conditions may significantly affect apartment home occupancy or rental rates in
that market.  Occupancy and rental rates, in turn, may significantly affect our
profitability and our ability to satisfy our financial obligations.  These risks
include:

     *  the local economic climate (which may be adversely impacted by plant
closings, industry slowdowns and other factors);

     *  local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of, or a reduced
demand for, apartment homes);

     *  a decline in household formation that adversely affects occupancy or
rental rates;

     *  the inability or unwillingness of residents to pay rent increases;

     *  the potential effect of rent control or rent stabilization laws, or
other  laws regulating housing, on some of our communities, which could prevent
us from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs; and

     *  the local rental market may limit the extent to which rents may be
increased to meet increased expenses without decreasing occupancy rates.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Any of these risks could adversely affect our ability to achieve our desired
yields on our communities and to make expected distributions to stockholders.

     Difficulty of Selling Apartment Communities.  Real estate can be hard to
sell, especially if local market conditions are poor.  This may limit our
ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or
other conditions.  In addition, federal tax laws limit our ability to sell
communities that we have owned for fewer than four years, and this may affect
our ability to sell communities without adversely affecting returns to
stockholders.

     Competition.  Our apartment communities compete with numerous housing
alternatives in attracting residents, including other rental apartments and
single-family homes that are available for rent, as well as new and existing
single-family homes for sale.  Competitive residential housing in a particular
area could adversely affect our ability to lease apartment homes and increase or
maintain rents.

     In addition, competitors for acquisitions and development communities may
have greater resources than us, putting us at a competitive disadvantage.

RISK OF EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN CALIFORNIA MARKETS

     Many of our West Coast communities are located in the general vicinity of
active earthquake faults.  In July 1998, we obtained a seismic risk analysis
from an engineering firm which estimated the probable maximum damage ("PMD") for
each of the 60 West Coast communities that we owned at that time and for each of
the five West Coast communities under development, individually and for all of
those communities combined.  To establish a PMD, the engineers first define a
severe earthquake event for the applicable geographic area, which is an
earthquake that has only a 10% likelihood of occurring over a 50-year period.
The PMD is determined as the structural and architectural damage and business
interruption loss that has a 10% probability of being exceeded in the event of
such an earthquake.  Because a significant number of our communities are located
in the San Francisco Bay Area, the engineers' analysis defined an earthquake on
the Hayward Fault with a Richter Scale magnitude of 7.1 as a severe earthquake
with a 10% probability of occurring within a 50-year period. The engineers then
established an aggregate PMD at that time of $113 million for the 60 West Coast
communities that we owned at that time and the five West Coast communities under
development.  The $113 million PMD for those communities was a PMD level that
the engineers expected to be exceeded only 10% of the time in the event of such
a severe earthquake.  The actual aggregate PMD could be higher or lower as a
result of variations in soil classification and structural vulnerabilities.  For
each community, the engineers' analysis calculated an individual PMD as a
percentage of the community's replacement cost and projected revenues.  We
cannot assure you that an earthquake would not cause damage or losses greater
than the PMD assessments indicate, that future PMD levels will not be higher
than the current PMD levels for our communities located on the West Coast, or
that future acquisitions or developments will not have PMD assessments
indicating the possibility of greater damages or losses than currently
indicated.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     In August 1998, we renewed our earthquake insurance, both for physical
damage and lost revenue, with respect to all of the communities we owned at that
time and all of the communities under development.  For any single occurrence,
we self-insure the first $25 million of loss, and we have in place $75 million
of coverage above this amount.  In addition, our general liability and property
casualty insurance provides coverage for personal liability and fire damage.  In
the event that an uninsured disaster or a loss in excess of insured limits were
to occur, we could lose the capital we have invested in the affected community,
as well as anticipated future revenue from that community, and we would continue
to be obligated to repay any mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related
to the community.  Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our
business and our financial condition and results of operations.

RISKS OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INCREASED EXPENSES RESULTING FROM INCLEMENT WEATHER

     Our communities in the Northeast and Midwest expose us to risks associated
with inclement winter weather, including increased costs for the removal of snow
and ice as well as from delays in the construction, reconstruction, development
or redevelopment of apartment communities.  In addition, inclement weather could
increase the need for maintenance and repair of our communities. Similarly,
unusually high rainfall or other inclement weather could result in increased
costs due to delays in the construction, reconstruction, development or
redevelopment of apartment communities.  These costs and delays could adversely
effect our financial performance.

POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION

     Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or
previous owner or operator of real estate may be required (often regardless of
knowledge or responsibility) to investigate and remediate the effects of
hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at its properties,
and may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property
damage and for investigation and remediation costs incurred by them in
connection with the contamination.  These costs could be substantial. The
presence of such substances (or the failure to properly remediate the
contamination) may materially and adversely affect the owner's ability to borrow
against, sell or rent the affected property.  In addition, certain environmental
laws create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages
and costs it incurs in connection with the contamination.

     Certain federal, state and local laws govern the removal, encapsulation or
disturbance of asbestos-containing materials ("ACMs") when such materials are in
poor condition or in the event of reconstruction, remodeling, renovation, or
demolition of a building.  Those laws may impose liability for release of ACMs
and may provide for third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of
real properties for personal injury associated with ACMs.  In connection with
our ownership and operation of the communities, we may potentially be liable for
such costs.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     We are not aware that any ACMs were used in connection with the
construction of the communities we developed.  However, ACMs were used in
connection with the construction of several of the communities that we have
acquired.  We do not anticipate that we will incur any material liabilities in
connection with the presence of ACMs at our communities.  We currently have or
intend to implement an operations and maintenance program for each of the
communities at which ACMs have been detected.

     All of our stabilized operating communities, and all of the communities
that we are currently developing or redeveloping, have been subjected to a Phase
I or similar environmental assessment (which generally does not involve invasive
techniques such as soil or ground water sampling).  These assessments have not
revealed any environmental conditions that we believe will have a material
adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition or results of
operations.  We are not aware of any other environmental conditions which would
have such a material adverse effect.

     However, we are aware that the migration of contamination from an
upgradient landowner near Toscana, one of our communities which is under
development, has affected the groundwater there.  The upgradient landowner is
undertaking remedial response actions and we expect that the upgradient
landowner will take all necessary response actions.  The upgradient landowner
has also provided an indemnity that runs to current and future owners of the
Toscana property and upon which we may be able to rely if we incur environmental
liability arising from the groundwater contamination at issue.

     We are also aware that certain communities have lead paint and we are
undertaking or intend to undertake appropriate remediation or management
activity.

     Additionally, prior to their respective initial public offerings, Bay and
Avalon had each been occasionally involved in developing, managing, leasing and
operating various properties for third parties.  Consequently, each may be
considered to have been an operator of such properties and, therefore,
potentially liable for removal or remediation costs or other potential costs
which could relate to hazardous or toxic substances.  We are not aware of any
material environmental liabilities with respect to properties managed or
developed by either Bay or Avalon for such third parties.

     We cannot assure you that:

     *  the environmental assessments identified all potential environmental
liabilities;

     *  that no prior owner created any material environmental condition not
known  to us or the consultants who prepared the assessments;

     *  that no environmental liabilities developed since such environmental
assessments were prepared;

     *  that the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of our
communities (such as the presence of underground storage tanks) will not  affect
the environmental condition of such communities; or

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
     *  that future uses or conditions (including, without limitation, changes
in  applicable environmental laws and regulations) will not result in the
imposition of environmental liability.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX RISKS--FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

     We intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify
as a REIT. Although we believe that we have been organized and our past and
present operations qualify us as a REIT, we cannot assure you that this is true,
or that we will remain qualified as a REIT in the future.  This is because
qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex
Internal Revenue 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.

     If either Bay or Avalon failed to qualify as a REIT prior to the merger,
this failure could disqualify us as a REIT.  If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we
will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates for both
current and past years.  In this event, we could be subject to potentially
significant tax liabilities, and the amount of cash available for distribution
to stockholders would be reduced and possibly eliminated.  Unless entitled to
relief under certain statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from
treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which
qualification was lost.

Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

     (c)  Exhibits

          1.1  Distribution Agreement, dated December 21, 1998, among the
               Company and the Agents, including Administrative Procedures,
               relating to the MTNs.

          4.1  Indenture, dated as of January 16, 1998, between the Company and
               the Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
               Company's Form 8-K filed on January 21, 1998).
 
          4.2  First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 20, 1998, between the
               Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
               to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 21, 1998).

          4.3  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated July 7, 1998 between the
               Company and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
               to the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 9, 1998).

          4.4  Third Supplemental Indenture, dated December 21, 1998, between
               the Company and the Trustee, including forms of Floating Rate
               Note and Fixed Rate Note.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be filed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                    AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.



                                    By: /s/ Joanne Lockridge
                                       -------------------------------------
Dated: December 21, 1998                    Joanne Lockridge
                                            Vice President-Finance


                                      12

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

================================================================================


                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                                        


                               MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
                   DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE


                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

                               DECEMBER 21, 1998
                                        


                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                          FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS
                          J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
                     NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                            WARBURG DILLON READ LLC
                                        



                                        
================================================================================
                                      
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
1.                                                          DESCRIPTION OF NOTES   1
2.                                                          APPOINTMENT AS AGENT   3
     (a)                                                             Appointment   3
     (b)                                                            Sale of Note   3
     (c)                                                  Purchases as Principal   3
     (d)                                                  Solicitations as Agent   3
     (e)                                                                Reliance   4
3.                                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY   4
     (a)           Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Filing of Prospectus   4
     (b)                                          Compliance with Securities Act   4
     (c)                                                  Incorporated Documents   5
     (d)                            Organization, Power and Authority of Company   5
     (e)    Organization, Power and Authority and Capitalization of Subsidiaries   5
     (f)                                                   Capital Stock Matters   6
     (g)                                                    Financial Statements   6
     (h)                                    Company's Internal Accounting System   7
     (i)                                                                   Notes   7
     (j)                                    Distribution Agreement and Indenture   8
     (k)                                                                  Rating   9
     (l)                                              No Material Adverse Change   9
     (m)                                       Company Not an Investment Company   9
     (n)                                      No Material Actions or Proceedings   9
     (o)                                     Filing and Enforceability Contracts   9
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
     (p)                                                     Compliance With Law   9
     (q)                                            No Further Consents Required  10
     (r)                                                     Title to Properties  10
     (s)                                            Mortgages; Community Matters  11
     (t)                                                         Title Insurance  11
     (u)                                        Accuracy of Company's Statements  11
     (v)                                  No Price Stabilization or Manipulation  11
     (w)                                                       No Labor Disputes  11
     (x)                                               No Unlawful Contributions  11
     (y)                                      Compliance With Environmental Laws  12
     (z)                                                     Hazardous Materials  12
     (aa)                   Periodic Review of Costs of Environmental Compliance  13
     (bb)                                        Property and Casualty Insurance  13
     (cc)                                                            REIT Status  14
     (dd)                                                            Tax matters  14
     (ee)                                                         No Plan Assets  14
     (ff)                                     Distribution of Offering Materials  14
     (gg)                        No Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights  14
     (hh)                                      No Applicable Registration Rights  14
     (ii)                                                   Form S-3 Eligibility  14
           
4.                                PURCHASES AS PRINCIPAL; SOLICITATIONS AS AGENT  14
     (a)                                                  Purchases as Principal  14
</TABLE> 

<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
     (b)                                                  Solicitations as Agent  16
     (c)                                               Administrative Procedures  16
     (d)                               Agents' Obligations Several and Not Joint  17
5.                                                      COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY  17
     (a)                                              Amendments and Supplements  17
     (b)                                        Notification Upon Certain Events  17
     (c)                                         Compliance With Securities Laws  17
     (d)                                            Copies of Offering Documents  18
     (e)                          Copies of Securities Filings and Distributions  18
     (f)                                                     Earnings Statements  18
     (g)                                                     Payment of Expenses  18
     (h)                                                  Blue Sky Qualification  19
     (i)                                  No Price Stabilization or Manipulation  19
     (j)                                                   Rating Agency Matters  19
     (k)                                             Establishing Terms of Notes  19
     (l)                                                         Use of Proceeds  19
     (m)                                      Preparation of Pricing Supplements  19
     (n)                                         Unaudited Financial Information  20
     (o)                                           Audited Financial Information  20
     (p)                                                             REIT Status  20
     (q)                                     Market Stand-Off Pending Settlement  20
     (r)                                              Market Stand-Off Generally  20
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
6.                              CONDITIONS OF AGENTS' OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING  21
     (a)                                              Opinion of Company Counsel  21
     (b)                                          Opinion of Company Tax Counsel  21
     (c)       Letter of Company Special Counsel Regarding Tax Exempt Financings 
                                                               and Other Matters  21
     (d)                     Letter of Company Special Counsel Regarding Certain 
                                                          Real Estate Operations  21
     (e)                                        Opinion of Counsel to the Agents  21
     (f)                                                          Comfort Letter  22
     (g)                                                   Officers' Certificate  23
     (h)                             No Stop Orders or Unmet Commission Requests  24
     (i)                                              No Material Adverse Change  24
     (j)                                        No Material Litigation Commenced  25
     (k)     Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; Observance of Covenants  25
     (l)                                                  Blue Sky Qualification  25
     (m)                                                         Other Documents  25
     (n)                   Special Conditions for Agents' Purchases as Principal  25
7.                     DELIVERY OF AND PAYMENT FOR NOTES SOLD THROUGH THE AGENTS  26
8.                                           ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY  27
     (a)                         Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties  27
     (b)                                     Subsequent Delivery of Certificates  27
     (c)                                   Subsequent Delivery of Legal Opinions  27
     (d)                       Subsequent Delivery of Letters of Special Counsel  28
     (e)                                  Subsequent Delivery of Comfort Letters  28
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
9.                                              INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION  29
      (a)                           Indemnification of the Agents by the Company  29
      (b)                     Indemnification of the Company and its Directors, 
                              Certain Officers and Control Persons by the Agents  30
      (c)                                                             Procedures  30
      (d)                                                           Contribution  31
      (e)                      Survival of Indemnity and Contribution Provisions  32
      10                                       REIMBURSEMENT OF AGENTS' EXPENSES  32
      11                      REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY  32
      12                                                          ROLE OF AGENTS  32
      13                                                             TERMINATION  33
      14                                                                 NOTICES  34
      15                                                                 PARTIES  35
      16                                                           GOVERNING LAW  35
      17                                                            COUNTERPARTS  35
      18                                                          ENFORCEABILITY  35
      19                                       WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY  35
      20                                            AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS  36
EXHIBIT A  Terms of Notes    
EXHIBIT B  Administrative Procedures Agreement
     PART I    Administrative Procedures for Certificates Notes and Generally
               Applicable Administrative Procedures
     PART II   Administrative Procedures for Global Note Method of Book-Entry
               Notes        
     PART III  Administrative Procedures for Master Note Method of Book-Entry
               Notes        
EXHIBIT C      Form of Opinion of Counsel to the Company
SCHEDULE I     Information in the Prospectus Furnished by any Agent
SCHEDULE II    List of Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE III   Commissions

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 

                          AvalonBay Communities Inc.

                               Medium-Term Notes
                  Due Nine Months or More From Date of Issue

                            Distribution Agreement
                            ----------------------
                                        

                                                               December 21, 1998

PaineWebber Incorporated
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10019

First Union Capital Markets
One First Union Center
300 So. College Street/TW6
Charlotte, North Carolina  28288

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
60 Wall Street
New York, New York  10260

NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
100 N. Tryon Street, 7th Floor
Charlotte, NC  28255

Warburg Dillon Read LLC
677 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut  06901


Ladies and Gentlemen:


          AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"),
confirms its agreement with PaineWebber Incorporated, First Union Capital
Markets, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and
Warburg Dillon Read LLC (each, an "Agent" and collectively, the "Agents"), with
respect to the issue and sale from time to time by the Company of its Medium-
Term Notes Due Nine Months or More From Date of Issue (the "Notes"), as follows:

          Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings given to those terms in the Prospectus (as defined herein).

          1.  DESCRIPTION OF NOTES.  The Company proposes to issue the Notes
under that certain Indenture, dated as of January 16, 1998 (the "Original
Indenture"), as supplemented by that certain First Supplemental Indenture, dated
as of January 20, 1998, that certain Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
July 7, 1998, and that certain Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the
date hereof (collectively and together with the Original

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
Indenture and any additional indentures supplemental thereto entered into after
the date hereof, the "Indenture") between the Company and State Street Bank and
Trust Company, as trustee (the "Trustee"). As of the date of this agreement
(this "Distribution Agreement"), the Company has authorized the issuance and
sale of up to U.S. $400,000,000 aggregate initial offering price (or its
equivalent, based upon the applicable exchange rate at the time of issuance, in
such foreign or composite currencies as the Company shall designate at the time
of issuance) of Notes to or through the Agents pursuant to the terms of this
Distribution Agreement [, as such amount may be reduced by the aggregate initial
offering price of any other debt securities issued by the Company, whether
within or without the United States, pursuant to the registration statement
referred to below]. It is understood, however, that the Company may from time to
time authorize the issuance of additional Notes and that such additional Notes
may be sold to or through the Agents or through or to other agents pursuant to
the terms of this Distribution Agreement, all as though the issuance of such
Notes were authorized as of the date hereof.

          This Distribution Agreement provides both for the sale of Notes by the
Company to one or more Agents as principal for resale to investors and other
purchasers and for the sale of Notes by the Company directly to investors (as
may from time to time be agreed to by the Company and the applicable Agent), in
which case the applicable Agent will act as an agent of the Company in
soliciting offers for the purchase of Notes.

          The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-60875) for the
registration of debt securities, including the Notes, under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the offering thereof from time
to time in accordance with Rule 430A or Rule 415 of the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder (the "Securities Act Rules and Regulations").  Such
registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission.  Such
registration statement (and any further registration statements which may be
filed by the Company for the purpose of registering additional Notes and in
connection with which this Distribution Agreement is included or incorporated by
reference as an exhibit) and the prospectus constituting a part thereof
(including in each case the information, if any, deemed to be part thereof
pursuant to Rule 430A(b) of the Securities Act Rules and Regulations), and any
prospectus supplement and pricing supplement relating to the Notes, including
all documents incorporated therein by reference, as from time to time amended or
supplemented by the filing of documents pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or the Securities Act or otherwise, is
referred to herein as the "Registration Statement."  A prospectus supplement
(the "Prospectus Supplement") setting forth the terms of the offer of the Notes
contemplated by this Distribution Agreement, and additional information
concerning the Company has been or will be prepared and will be filed by the
Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Rules and Regulations, on or before the second business day after it is first
used in connection with the offer and sale of Notes under this Distribution
Agreement (or such earlier time as may be required by the Securities Act Rules
and Regulations). The final form of prospectus included in the Registration
Statement, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement (including any
supplement to the Prospectus that sets forth the purchase price, interest rate
or formula, maturity date and other terms of a particular issue of Notes and all
documents incorporated therein by reference (each, a "Pricing Supplement")), is
referred to herein as the "Prospectus," except that if any revised prospectus,
whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed by the Company
pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Rules and Regulations, shall be
provided to the Agents by the Company for use in connection with the offer and
sale of any of the Notes under this Distribution Agreement, the term
"Prospectus" shall refer to such revised prospectus from and after the time such
documents are first provided to the Agents for such use. If the Company elects
to rely on Rule 434 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, all references
to the Prospectus shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the form of
prospectus and the term sheet, taken together, provided to the Agents by the
Company in reliance on such Rule 434. Any registration statement (including any
supplement thereto or information which is deemed part thereof) filed by the
Company under Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act Rules and Regulations (a "Rule
462(b) Registration Statement") shall be deemed to be part of the Registration
Statement. Any prospectus (including any amendment or supplement thereto or
information which is deemed part thereof) included in the Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be part of the Prospectus. For
purposes of this Distribution Agreement, all references to the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto shall be deemed to include any copy filed with the Commission
pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR),
and such copy shall be identical (except to the extent permitted by Regulation 
S-T) to any Prospectus delivered to any Agent for use in connection with the
offering of the Notes by the Company.

          2.  APPOINTMENT AS AGENT.


              (a)  Appointment.  Subject to the terms and conditions stated 
     herein and subject to the reservation by the Company of the right to
     solicit, sell or accept offers for Notes directly on its own behalf, the
     Company hereby appoints the Agents as its exclusive agents (except as
     described below), for the purpose of soliciting and receiving offers to
     purchase Notes from the Company by others and, on the basis of the
     representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms
     and conditions herein set forth, each Agent agrees to use reasonable
     efforts to solicit and receive offers to purchase Notes upon terms
     acceptable to the Company at such times and in such amounts as the Company
     shall from time to time specify. The Company agrees that Notes will be sold
     exclusively to or through the Agents except as otherwise described below.
     The Company may accept offers to purchase Notes through an agent other than
     an Agent (and, in connection therewith, may respond to inquiries and
     requests for information from any such agents), provided that (i) the
     Company shall not have solicited such offers, (ii) the Company and such
     agent shall have executed an agreement with respect to such purchases
     having terms and conditions (including, without limitation, commission
     rates) with respect to such purchases substantially the same as the terms
     and conditions that would apply to such purchases under this Distribution
     Agreement if such agent were an Agent (which may be accomplished by
     incorporating by reference in such agreement the terms and conditions of
     this Distribution Agreement) and (iii) the Company shall provide the Agents
     with a copy of such agreement promptly following the execution thereof.

              (b)  Sale of Notes.  The Company shall not sell or approve the 
     solicitation of offers for the purchase of Notes in excess of the amount
     which shall be authorized by the Company from time to time or in excess of
     the aggregate initial offering price of Notes registered pursuant to the
     Registration Statement. The Agents shall have no responsibility for
     maintaining records with respect to the aggregate initial offering price of
     Notes sold, or of otherwise monitoring the availability of Notes for sale,
     under the Registration Statement.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
              (c)  Purchases as Principal.  The Agents shall not have any 
     obligation to purchase Notes from the Company as principal, but one or more
     Agents may agree from time to time to purchase Notes as principal for
     resale to investors and other purchasers determined by such Agent or
     Agents. Any such purchase of Notes by an Agent or Agents as principal shall
     be made in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof.

              (d)  Solicitations as Agent.  If agreed upon by an Agent and the
     Company, such Agent, acting solely as agent for the Company and not as
     principal, will solicit offers for the purchase of Notes. Such Agent will
     communicate to the Company, orally, each offer to purchase Notes solicited
     by it on an agency basis, other than those offers rejected by such Agent.
     Such Agent shall have the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to
     reject any proposed purchase of Notes, in whole or in part, and any such
     rejection shall not be deemed a breach of its agreement contained herein.
     The Company shall have the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offer
     hereunder without notice and the sole right to accept offers to purchase
     the Notes and may reject any such offer in whole or in part and any such
     rejection shall not be deemed a breach of its agreements contained herein.
     Such Agent shall make reasonable efforts to assist the Company in obtaining
     performance by each purchaser whose offer to purchase Notes has been
     solicited by it and accepted by the Company. Such Agent shall not have any
     liability to the Company in the event that any such purchase is not
     consummated for any reason. If the Company shall default on its obligation
     to deliver Notes to a purchaser whose offer it has accepted, the Company
     shall (i) hold such Agent harmless against any loss, claim or damage
     arising from or as a result of such default by the Company and (ii)
     notwithstanding such default, pay to such Agent any commission to which it
     would otherwise be entitled.

              (e)  Reliance.  The Company and the Agents agree that any Notes 
     purchased by one or more Agents as principal shall be purchased, and any
     Notes the placement of which an Agent arranges as agent shall be placed by
     such Agent, in reliance on the representations, warranties, covenants and
     agreements of the Company contained herein and on the terms and conditions
     and in the manner provided herein.

          3.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company 
represents and warrants to and agrees with each Agent as of the date hereof, as
of the date of each acceptance by the Company of an offer for the purchase of
Notes (whether to an Agent as principal or through an Agent as agent), as of the
date of each delivery of Notes (whether to an Agent as principal or through an
Agent as agent (each a "Delivery Date")) (the date of each such delivery to an
Agent as principal being hereafter referred to as a "Settlement Date"), and as
of any time that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be amended
or supplemented (it being understood that such representations, warranties and
agreements shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented to each such time) as follows:

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
              (a)  Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Filing of 
     Prospectus. The Company has filed with the Commission a registration
     statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-60875) for the registration of debt
     securities, including the Notes, under the Securities Act, and the offering
     thereof from time to time in accordance with Rule 430A or Rule 415 of the
     Securities Act Rules and Regulations. Such registration statement has been
     declared effective by the Commission. The Prospectus Supplement setting
     forth the terms of the offer of the Notes contemplated by this Distribution
     Agreement, and additional information concerning the Company has been or
     will be prepared and will be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b)
     of the Securities Act Rules and Regulations, on or before the second
     business day after it is first used in connection with the offer and sale
     of Notes under this Distribution Agreement (or such earlier time as may be
     required by the Securities Act Rules and Regulations).

              (b)  Compliance with Securities Act.  Each part of the 
     Registration Statement, when such part became or becomes effective, and the
     Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement
     or such Prospectus, on the date of filing thereof with the Commission and
     as of the date hereof, complied or will comply in all material respects
     with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Rules
     and Regulations; the Indenture, on the date of filing thereof with the
     Commission and as of the date hereof complied or will comply in all
     material respects with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
     as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the
     "TIA"); each part of the Registration Statement, when such part became or
     becomes effective did not or will not contain an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; the
     Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, on the date of filing
     thereof with the Commission and as of the date hereof did not or will not
     include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except that the
     foregoing shall not apply to (i) that part of the Registration Statement
     which constitutes the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
     TIA and (ii) statements in, or omissions from, any such document in
     reliance upon, and in conformity with, information concerning the Agents
     that was furnished to the Company by the Agents specifically for use in the
     preparation thereof. The Company acknowledges that the only information
     furnished to the Company by the Agents on or before the date hereof
     specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     is the information set forth in Schedule I hereto.
                                     ----------        

              (c)  Incorporated Documents.  The documents incorporated by 
     reference in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any amendment
     or supplement to such Registration Statement or such Prospectus, when they
     became or become effective under the Securities Act or were or are filed
     with the Commission under the Exchange Act, as the case may be, conformed
     or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the
     Securities Act, the Securities Act Rules and Regulations, the Exchange Act
     and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the "Exchange
     Act Rules and Regulations"), as applicable.

              (d)  Organization, Power and Authority of Company.  The Company 
     has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good
     standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with the power and
     authority to conduct all the

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     activities conducted by it, to own or lease all the assets owned or leased
     by it and otherwise to conduct its business as described in the
     Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company is duly licensed or
     qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
     the nature of the activities conducted by it or the character of the assets
     owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary
     except where the failure to be so qualified, considering all such cases in
     the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the business,
     properties, business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or
     results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter
     defined), taken as a whole.

              (e)  Organization, Power and Authority and Capitalization of 
     Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, the only subsidiaries (as
     defined in the Securities Act Rules and Regulations) of the Company are the
     entities listed on Schedule II attached hereto. Each of the Company's
                        -----------
     subsidiaries is an entity duly organized or formed, as the case may be,
     and, in the case of each such subsidiary that is a corporation, limited
     partnership or limited liability company (each a "Subsidiary" and,
     collectively, the "Subsidiaries") is validly existing and in good standing
     under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization or
     incorporation. Each of the Company's subsidiaries has full power and
     authority to conduct all the activities conducted by it, to own or lease
     all the assets owned or leased by it and otherwise to conduct its business
     as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. Each of the
     Subsidiaries is duly licensed or qualified to do business in good standing
     as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, as the
     case may be, in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the activities
     conducted by it or the character of the assets owned or leased by it makes
     such licensing or qualification necessary except where the failure to be so
     qualified, considering all such cases in the aggregate, will not have a
     material adverse effect on the business, properties, business prospects,
     condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company
     and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except for the stock or other
     interests in the subsidiaries and as disclosed in the Registration
     Statement, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any shares of
     stock or any other equity or long-term debt securities of any corporation
     or have any equity interest in any firm, partnership, joint venture, trust,
     association or other entity. Complete and correct copies of the charter of
     the Company, as amended through the date hereof (collectively, the
     "Charter"), and the bylaws of the Company, as amended through the date
     hereof (the "Bylaws"), and the charter documents of each of its
     subsidiaries and all amendments thereto have been delivered to counsel for
     the Agents. Except as otherwise described in the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus, or as described in Schedule II, all of the issued and
                                        -----------
     outstanding capital stock of each corporate Subsidiary of the Company has
     been duly authorized and will be, as of the Closing Date, validly issued,
     fully paid and non-assessable and owned by the Company.

              (f)  Capital Stock Matters.  The outstanding securities of the 
     Company, including the outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value
     (the "Common Stock"), and the outstanding shares of each series of
     preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") have been duly authorized and are
     validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable by the Company and conform to
     the description thereof in the Prospectus. Except as set forth in the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus, the Company does

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     not have outstanding any option to purchase, or any rights or warrants to
     subscribe for, or any securities or obligations convertible into, or any
     contracts or commitments to issue or sell, any of its securities or any
     shares of capital stock of any subsidiary or any such warrants, convertible
     securities or obligations, except for shares of Common Stock to be issued
     to certain employees in connection with the deferment of income, shares of
     Common Stock issuable pursuant to awards granted or to be granted under the
     Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, shares of
     Common Stock issuable under the Company's 1996 Non-Qualified Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan, shares of Common Stock issuable under the Company's Dividend
     Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and shares of Common Stock issuable
     upon redemption or conversion of units of limited partnership interests.

              (g)  Financial Statements.  The financial statements and 
     schedules included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus set forth fairly the financial condition of
     the respective entity or entities presented as of the dates indicated and
     the results of operations and changes in financial position for the periods
     therein specified in conformity with generally accepted accounting
     principles consistently applied throughout the periods involved (except as
     otherwise stated therein and except to the extent that Avalon Properties,
     Inc. applied different principles than the Company prior to its merger with
     and into the Company and except, in the case of interim periods, for the
     notes thereto and normal year-end adjustment). The pro forma financial
     statements of the Company included in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements
     of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X of the Commission and the pro forma
     adjustments have been properly applied to the historical amounts in the
     compilation of such statements. No other financial statements (or
     schedules) of the Company or any predecessor of the Company are required by
     the Securities Act or the Securities Act Rules and Regulations to be
     included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (together with any other nationally recognized
     accounting firm that the Company may from time to time engage, the
     "Accountants"), who have reported on the financial statements and schedules
     which are audited, are independent accountants with respect to the Company
     as required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Rules and
     Regulations. The statements included in the Registration Statement with
     respect to the Accountants pursuant to Rule 509 of Regulation S-K of the
     Securities Act Rules and Regulations are true and correct in all material
     respects.

              (h)  Company's Internal Accounting System.  The Company maintains
     a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
     assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with
     management's general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are
     recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
     conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain
     accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets and financial and
     corporate books and records is permitted only in accordance with
     management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded
     accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable
     intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
              (i)  Notes.  The Notes are as of the date hereof duly authorized
     by the Company for issuance and sale pursuant to this Distribution
     Agreement and the Indenture; and when duly authenticated and delivered by
     the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (assuming the due
     authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture by the Trustee),
     against payment of the consideration therefor, the Notes will be valid and
     legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefit of the
     Indenture and will be enforceable against the Company in accordance with
     their terms, subject, as to enforcement, to (i) applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting
     creditors' rights and remedies generally, (ii) general principles of equity
     (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or
     law), (iii) the discretion of the court before which any proceeding
     therefor may be brought, (iv) requirements that a claim with respect to any
     Notes payable in a foreign or composite currency (or a foreign or composite
     currency judgment in respect of such claim) be converted into U.S. dollars
     at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant to
     applicable law and (v) governmental authority to limit, delay or prohibit
     the making of payments outside the United States (collectively, the
     "Enforceability Limitations") and authorization of the Notes did not, and
     the execution, delivery and performance of the Notes will not, constitute a
     breach or violation of, or a default under, or conflict with, or give any
     other party a right to terminate any of its obligations under, or result in
     the acceleration of any obligation under, or result in the creation or
     imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Communities or any
     of the other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to
     the terms or provisions of, the Charter or Bylaws of the Company, the
     articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws or partnership agreement
     or operating agreement of any of the Company's subsidiaries or any Contract
     (as defined herein) or any judgment, ruling, decree, order, law, statute,
     rule or regulation of any court or other governmental agency or body
     applicable to the Communities or the business or properties of the Company
     or any of its subsidiaries, except as disclosed in the Prospectus or except
     for such instances as, individually or in the aggregate, do not involve a
     material risk to the business, properties, condition (financial or
     otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries,
     taken as a whole; the Indenture has been duly qualified under the TIA and
     prior to the issuance of the Notes will be duly authorized, executed and
     delivered by the Company, and assuming due authorization, execution and
     delivery thereof by the Trustee, will constitute a valid and legally
     binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
     accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof
     may be limited by the Enforceability Limitations; the Notes and the
     Indenture will conform in all material respects to the statements relating
     thereto contained in the Prospectus; and the Notes are, in all material
     respects, in the form contemplated by the Indenture. Upon payment of the
     purchase price and delivery of the Notes in accordance with this
     Distribution Agreement, each of the purchasers thereof will receive good,
     valid and marketable title to such Notes, free and clear of all liens,
     charges and encumbrances.

              (j)  Distribution Agreement and Indenture.  The Company has the 
     corporate power and authority to enter into this Distribution Agreement,
     the Indenture, the Notes and each Terms Agreement (as defined herein). This
     Distribution Agreement and the Indenture have been duly authorized,
     executed and delivered by the Company and constitute valid and binding
     agreements of the Company, enforceable against the

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Company in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, except to the
     extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Enforceability
     Limitations. The execution, delivery and the performance of this
     Distribution Agreement, the Indenture and each Written Terms Agreement (as
     defined herein) and the entry into, and the performance of, each non-
     written Terms Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated herein and therein did not and will not constitute a breach or
     violation of, or a default under, or conflict with, or give any other party
     a right to terminate any of its obligations under, or result in the
     acceleration of any obligation under, or result in the creation or
     imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Communities or any
     of the other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to
     the terms or provisions of, the Charter or Bylaws of the Company, the
     articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws or partnership agreement
     or operating agreement of any of the Company's subsidiaries or any material
     contract, lease or other instrument to which the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their property may be bound or
     any judgment, ruling, decree, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of
     any court or other governmental agency or body applicable to the
     Communities or the business or properties of the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries, except as disclosed in the Prospectus or except for such
     instances as, individually or in the aggregate, do not involve a material
     risk to the business, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or
     results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a
     whole.

              (k)  Rating.  At the time of each Settlement Date, the Notes will
     be rated at least Baa1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and
     at least BBB+ by Standard & Poor's Ratings Service ("S&P" and, together
     with Moody's, the "Rating Agencies"), or such other rating as to which the
     Company shall have most recently notified the Agents pursuant to Section
     5(b)(iv) hereof.

              (l)  No Material Adverse Change.  Except as contemplated in the 
     Prospectus, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
     given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company and its
     subsidiaries, taken as a whole, have not incurred any liabilities or
     obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any transactions, not in
     the ordinary course of business, that are material to the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole, and there has not been any material change
     in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company, or
     any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective
     material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business,
     prospects, net worth or results of operations of the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole.

              (m)  Company Not an Investment Company.  The Company is not an 
     "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company"
     as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
     (the "1940 Act").

              (n)  No Material Actions or Proceedings.  Except as set forth in 
     the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there is not pending or, to
     the knowledge of the Company, threatened any action, suit or proceeding
     against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
     respective directors, partners or officers in their capacity as such, or
     any of the Current Communities, the Development Communities or the
     Redevelopment Communities (each as defined in the Prospectus and
     collectively, the

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
       "Communities") before or by any Federal or state court, commission,
     regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic
     or foreign, wherein an unfavorable ruling, decision or finding might,
     individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
     business, properties, business prospects, condition (financial or
     otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries,
     taken as a whole.

              (o)  Filing and Enforceability of Contracts.  There are no 
     contracts or documents of a character required to be described in the
     Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement by the
     Securities Act or the Securities Act Rules and Regulations that have not
     been so described or filed (the "Contracts"). All Contracts executed and
     delivered on or before the date hereof to which the Company or any
     subsidiary of the Company is a party have been duly authorized, executed
     and delivered by the Company or such subsidiary and, assuming due
     authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto,
     constitute valid and binding agreements of the other parties thereto,
     enforceable against such parties in accordance with the terms thereof,
     subject to the Enforceability Limitations.

              (p)  Compliance With Law.  Each of the Company and its 
     subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all laws,
     regulations and orders applicable to it or their respective businesses and
     properties where the failure to comply would, individually or in the
     aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, properties,
     business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of
     operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; neither
     the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, and upon consummation of each
     sale of a Note, none of them will be, in default under any Contract, the
     violation of which would individually or in the aggregate have a material
     adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, and no
     other party under any such Contract to which the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries is a party is, to the knowledge of the Company, in default in
     any material respect thereunder; the Company is not in violation of its
     Charter or Bylaws; except as disclosed in the Prospectus, the Company and
     each of its subsidiaries have or, upon each Delivery Date, will have all
     governmental licenses (including, without limitation, a California real
     estate brokerage license and a California general contractor's license, if
     applicable), permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations
     required to carry on its business as contemplated in the Prospectus, and
     none of them has received any notice of proceedings relating to the
     revocation or modification of any such governmental license, permit,
     consent, order, approval or other authorization which, individually or in
     the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or
     finding, would have a material adverse effect on the business, properties,
     business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of
     operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

              (q)  No Further Consents Required.  No consent, approval, 
     authorization or order of, or filing with, any court or governmental agency
     or body is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     by this Distribution Agreement and the Indenture in connection with the
     issuance or sale of the Notes by the Company, except such as may be
     required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the TIA or state
     securities or blue sky laws; and the Company has full power and authority
     to authorize, issue and sell the Notes as contemplated by this Distribution
     Agreement and the Indenture, free of any preemptive or similar rights.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
              (r)  Title to Properties.  The Company, or its subsidiaries, as 
     applicable, has good and marketable title to the Communities, and the
     Communities are not subject to any liens or encumbrances except for
     monetary liens as set forth in the Prospectus or the Registration
     Statement, non-delinquent property taxes, utility easements and other
     immaterial non-monetary liens or encumbrances of record. All liens,
     charges, encumbrances, claims or restrictions on or affecting the
     Communities which are required to be disclosed in the Prospectus are
     disclosed therein. Except as is disclosed in the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus and except as would not, in the aggregate, have a material
     adverse effect on the business, properties, business prospects, condition
     (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its
     subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (i) each of the Company and each of its
     subsidiaries has valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with its tenants
     for the properties described in the Prospectus as leased by it, (ii) no
     tenant under any of the leases pursuant to which the Company or any
     subsidiary leases its properties has an option or right of first refusal to
     purchase the premises demised under such lease, (iii) the use and occupancy
     of each of the properties of the Company and its subsidiaries complies in
     all material respects with all applicable codes and zoning laws and
     regulations, (iv) the Company has no knowledge of any pending or threatened
     condemnation or zoning change that will in any material respect affect the
     size of, use of, improvements of, construction on, or access to any of the
     properties of the Company or its subsidiaries, and (v) the Company has no
     knowledge of any pending or threatened proceeding or action that will in
     any manner affect the size of, use of, improvements on, construction on, or
     access to any of the properties of the Company or its subsidiaries.

              (s)  Mortgages; Community Matters.  Except as disclosed in the 
     Registration Statement, the mortgages and deeds of trust encumbering the
     Communities are not convertible nor will the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries hold a participating interest therein and such mortgages and
     deeds of trust are not cross-defaulted or cross-collateralized to any
     property not to be owned directly or indirectly by the Company. To the
     knowledge of the Company (i) the present use and occupancy of each of the
     Communities complies with all applicable codes and zoning laws and
     regulations, if any, except for such failures to comply which would not
     individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the
     condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, business affairs or
     business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;
     and (ii) there is no pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened
     condemnation, zoning change, environmental or other proceeding or action
     that will in any material respect affect the size of, use of, improvements
     on, construction on, or access to the Communities, except for such
     proceedings or actions that would not individually or in the aggregate have
     a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on
     the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole.

              (t)  Title Insurance.  Title insurance in favor of the mortgagee,
     the Company or its Subsidiaries is maintained with respect to each of the
     Communities, in an amount at least equal to the greater of (i) the cost of
     acquisition of such property and

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     (ii) the cost of construction by the Company and its subsidiaries of the
     improvements located on such property (measured at the time of such
     construction), except, in each case, where the failure to maintain such
     title insurance would not have a material adverse effect on the condition,
     financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business affairs or business
     prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

              (u)  Accuracy of Company's Statements.  No statement, 
     representation, warranty or covenant made by the Company in this
     Distribution Agreement or made in any certificate or document required by
     this Distribution Agreement to be delivered to the Agents was or will be,
     when made, inaccurate, untrue or incorrect.

              (v)  No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.  Except as stated 
     in the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its directors, officers
     or controlling persons has taken, nor will it take, directly or indirectly,
     any action designed to or that might reasonably be expected to cause or
     result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Notes to
     facilitate the sale or resale of the Notes.

              (w)  No Labor Disputes.  No labor dispute with the employees of 
     the Company or any subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge of the Company
     after due inquiry and investigation, is threatened, which, in either case,
     would have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, business
     prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of
     the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

              (x)  No Unlawful Contributions.  Neither the Company nor any of 
     its subsidiaries nor, to the Company's knowledge, any employee or agent of
     the Company of any subsidiary has made any payment of funds of the Company
     or any subsidiary or received or retained any funds in violation of any
     law, rule or regulation or of a character required to be disclosed in the
     Prospectus which has not been so disclosed.

              (y)  Compliance With Environmental Laws.  As of each Delivery 
     Date the Company, and each of its subsidiaries (i) will be in compliance in
     all material respects with any and all applicable foreign, Federal, state
     and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health
     and safety, the Hazardous Materials (as defined below), or hazardous or
     toxic wastes, pollutants or contaminants (the "Environmental Laws"); (ii)
     will have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of
     them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective
     businesses; and (iii) will be in compliance with all terms and conditions
     of any such permit, license or approval, except where such noncompliance
     with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or
     other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such
     permits, licenses or approvals are otherwise disclosed in the Prospectus or
     would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
     on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

              (z)  Hazardous Materials.

                   (i)  None of the Company or any partnership or other 
     subsidiary that owns a Community (each a

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     "Partnership") has at any time, and, to the best knowledge of the Company
     after due inquiry and investigation, no other party has, at any time,
     handled, buried, stored, retained, refined, transported, processed,
     manufactured, generated, produced, spilled, allowed to seep, leak, escape
     or leach, or be pumped, poured, emitted, emptied, discharged, released,
     injected, dumped, transferred or otherwise disposed of or dealt with,
     Hazardous Materials (as hereinafter defined) on, to, above under, in, into
     or from the Communities, except as disclosed in the environmental reports
     previously delivered to the Agents or referred to in the Prospectus, or
     such as would not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse
     effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Neither the
     Company nor its subsidiaries intends to use the Communities or any
     subsequently acquired properties described in the Prospectus for the
     purpose of handling, burying, storing, retaining, refining, transporting,
     processing, manufacturing, generating, producing, spilling, seeping,
     leaking, escaping, leaching, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying,
     discharging, releasing, injecting, dumping, transferring or otherwise
     disposing of or dealing with Hazardous Materials, except for the use,
     storage and transportation of small quantities of substances that are
     regularly used as office supplies, household cleaning supplies, gardening
     supplies, or pool maintenance supplies in compliance with applicable
     Environmental Laws and in accordance with prudent business practices and
     good hazardous materials storage and handling practices.

                   (ii) None of the Company or the Partnerships, to the best 
     knowledge of the Company after due inquiry and investigation, knows of any
     seepage, leak, escape, leach, discharge, injection, release, emission,
     spill, pumping, pouring, emptying or dumping of Hazardous Materials into
     waters on, under or adjacent to the Communities or onto lands from which
     such hazardous or toxic waste or substances might seep, flow or drain into
     such waters, except as disclosed in the environmental reports previously
     delivered to the Agents or referred to in the Prospectus or such as would
     not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the
     Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                   (iii)  None of the Company or the Partnerships to the best 
     knowledge of the Company after due inquiry and investigation, has received
     notice of, or has knowledge of any occurrence or circumstance which, with
     notice or passage of time or both, would give rise to, any claim under or
     pursuant to any Environmental Law pertaining to Hazardous Materials,
     hazardous or toxic waste or substances on or originating from the
     Communities arising out of the conduct of any such party, including,
     without limitation, pursuant to any Environmental Law, except as disclosed
     in the environmental reports previously delivered to the Agents or referred
     to in the Prospectus or such as would not individually or in the aggregate
     have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
     as a whole.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
               As used herein, "Hazardous Material" shall include, without
     limitation, any flammable materials or explosives, petroleum or petroleum-
     based products, radioactive materials, hazardous materials, hazardous
     wastes, hazardous or toxic substances, or related materials, asbestos or
     any material as defined by any Federal, state or local environmental law,
     ordinance, rule, or regulation including, without limitation, Environmental
     Laws, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
     Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq.) ("CERCLA"), the
                                                      -- ---                  
     Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended (49 U.S.C. Section 1801,
                                                                                
     et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.
     -- ---                                                                     
     Section 9601, et seq.), and in the regulations adopted and publications
                   -- ---                                                   
     promulgated pursuant to each of the foregoing or by any Federal, state or
     local governmental authority having or claiming jurisdiction over the
     Communities as described in the Prospectus.

               (aa) Periodic Review of Costs of Environmental Compliance.  In 
     the ordinary course of its business, each of the Company and the
     Partnerships conducts a periodic review of the effect of Environmental Laws
     on its business, operations and properties in the course of which it
     identifies and evaluates associated costs and liabilities (including,
     without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for
     investigation, clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with
     Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related
     constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third
     parties). On the basis of such review and on the basis of the reviews
     conducted by the Company in connection with the Communities, the Company
     has reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would
     not individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
     Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

               (bb) Property and Casualty Insurance.  The Company and its 
     subsidiaries maintain property and casualty insurance (other than
     earthquake insurance) in favor of the Company and its subsidiaries with
     respect to each of the Communities, in an amount and on such terms as is
     reasonable for businesses of the type proposed to be conducted by the
     Company and its subsidiaries. The Company maintains earthquake insurance on
     the Communities to the extent described in the Form 8-K filed with the
     Commission on the date hereof. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary has
     received from any insurance company notice of any material defects or
     deficiencies affecting the insurability of any of the Communities (other
     than with respect to seismic activities).

               (cc) REIT Status.  The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT
     under the Code and will use its best efforts to continue to be organized
     and will continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify as a "real estate
     investment trust" ("REIT") under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal
     Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), unless the Board of
     Directors determines that it is no longer in the best interest of the
     Company to continue to be so qualified.

               (dd) No Plan Assets.  Neither the assets of the Company nor its 
     subsidiaries constitute, nor will such assets, as of the Closing Date,
     constitute, "plan assets" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
     of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
               (ee) Distribution of Offering Materials.  The Company has not 
     distributed and, prior to the later to occur of (i) the Closing Date and
     (ii) completion of the distribution of the Notes, will not distribute any
     offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Notes
     other than the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or other materials,
     if any, permitted by the Securities Act.

               (ff) Form S-3 Eligibility.  The Company satisfies all conditions
     and requirements for the use of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 under
     the Securities Act and the Securities Act Rules and Regulations.

          4.  PURCHASES AS PRINCIPAL; SOLICITATIONS AS AGENT.

               (a)  Purchases as Principal.  If so agreed by one or more of the
     Agents and the Company in each instance, Notes may be purchased by such
     Agent or Agents as principal. An Agent's commitment to purchase Notes as
     principal shall be deemed to have been made on the basis of the
     representations and warranties of the Company herein contained and shall be
     subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth. In addition, in
     connection with each such sale, the Company and such Agent or Agents will
     enter into a supplemental agreement (a "Terms Agreement") that will provide
     for the terms of the sale of such Notes to, and the purchase thereof by,
     such Agent or Agents (which terms, unless otherwise agreed, shall, to the
     extent applicable, include those terms specified in Exhibit A hereto). Each
     Terms Agreement shall take the form of either (i) an oral agreement between
     such Agent or Agents and the Company, with written confirmation prepared by
     such Agent or Agents and mailed to the Company, or (ii) a written agreement
     between such Agent or Agents and the Company (a "Written Terms Agreement").
     Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to this
     "Distribution Agreement" shall include the applicable Terms Agreement of
     one or more Agents to purchase Notes from the Company as principal. Each
     purchase of Notes, unless otherwise agreed, shall be at a discount from the
     principal amount of each such Note equivalent to the applicable commission
     set forth in Schedule III hereto. The Agents may engage the services of any
     other broker or dealer in connection with the resale of the Notes purchased
     by them as principal and may allow any portion of the discount received in
     connection with such purchases from the Company to such brokers and
     dealers. At the time of each purchase of Notes by one or more Agents as
     principal, the Company and such Agent or Agents shall agree in the Terms
     Agreement whether any stand-off provision (as referred to in Section 5(r)
     hereof) or any officers' certificate, opinion of counsel or comfort letter
     (as referred to in Sections 8(b), 8(c) and 8(e) hereof) will be required.
     If the Company and two or more Agents enter into an agreement pursuant to
     which such Agents agree to purchase Notes from the Company as principal and
     one or more of such Agents shall fail at the Settlement Date to purchase
     the Notes which it or they are obligated to purchase (the "Defaulted
     Notes"), then the nondefaulting Agents shall have the right, within 24
     hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one of them or one or more other
     Agents or underwriters to purchase all, but not less than all, of the
     Defaulted Notes in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms
     herein set forth; provided, however, that if such arrangements shall not
     have been completed within such 24-hour period, then:

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
               (i)  if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Notes does 
          not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be so
          purchased by all of such Agents on the Settlement Date, the
          nondefaulting Agents shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to
          purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their
          respective initial underwriting obligations bear to the underwriting
          obligations of all nondefaulting Agents; or

               (ii) if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Notes exceeds
          10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be so purchased by
          all of such Agents on the Settlement Date, such agreement shall
          terminate without liability on the part of any nondefaulting Agent.

               No action taken pursuant to this paragraph shall relieve any
     defaulting Agent from liability in respect of its default.  In the event of
     any such default which does not result in a termination of such agreement,
     either the nondefaulting Agents or the Company shall have the right to
     postpone the Settlement Date for a period not exceeding seven days in order
     to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements.

               Unless otherwise specified in a Terms Agreement, if an Agent or
     Agents are purchasing Notes as principal, it or they, as the case may be,
     may resell such Notes to other dealers.  Any such sales may be at a
     discount, which shall not exceed the amount set forth in the Prospectus
     Supplement relating to such Notes.

               (b)  Solicitations as Agent.  On the basis of the 
     representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms
     and conditions herein set forth, when agreed by the Company and an Agent,
     such Agent, as an agent of the Company, will use its reasonable efforts to
     solicit offers to purchase the Notes upon the terms and conditions set
     forth herein and in the Prospectus. The Agents are not authorized to
     appoint sub-agents with respect to Notes sold through them as agents. All
     Notes sold through an Agent as agent will be sold at 100% of their
     principal amount unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and such Agent.

               The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to
     suspend solicitation of offers for the purchase of Notes through an Agent,
     as agent, commencing at any time for any period of time or permanently.  As
     soon as practicable, but not later than one business day, after receipt of
     instructions from the Company, such Agent will suspend solicitation of
     offers for the purchase of Notes from the Company until such time as the
     Company has advised such Agent that such solicitation may be resumed.
     During the period of time that such solicitation is suspended, the Company
     shall not be required to deliver, or cause to be delivered, any opinions,
     letters, or certificates in accordance with Section 8 hereof; provided that
     if the Registration Statement or Prospectus is amended or supplemented
     during the period of suspension (other than by an amendment or supplement
     providing solely for a change in the interest rates, redemption provisions,
     amortization schedules or maturities offered for the Notes or for a change
     that the Agents deem to be immaterial), no Agent shall be required to
     resume soliciting offers to purchase Notes until the Company have
     delivered, or cause to be

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
     delivered, such opinions, letters and certificates in accordance with
     Section 8 hereof or as such Agent may reasonably request.

               Upon settlement, the Company agrees to pay to each Agent, as
     consideration for the sale of each Note resulting from a solicitation made
     or an offer to purchase received by such Agent, a commission, in the form
     of a discount from the purchase price of such Note equal to the applicable
     percentage of the principal amount of such Note as set forth in Schedule
     III hereto.
     
               (c)  Administrative Procedures.  The purchase price, interest 
     rate or formula, maturity date and other terms of the Notes (as applicable)
     specified in Exhibit A hereto shall be agreed upon by the Company and the
     applicable Agent or Agents and specified in a Pricing Supplement to the
     Prospectus to be prepared by the Company in connection with each sale of
     Notes. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
     the Notes will be issued in denominations of U.S. $1,000 or any larger
     amount that is an integral multiple of U.S. $1,000. Administrative
     procedures with respect to the issuance and sale of Notes shall be agreed
     upon from time to time by the Company, the Agents and the Trustee (the
     "Procedures"), and initially such Procedures shall be as set forth in
     Exhibit B hereto. The Agents and the Company agree to perform, and the
     Company agrees to cause the Trustee to agree to perform, their respective
     duties and obligations specifically provided to be performed by them in the
     Procedures.

               (d)  Agents' Obligations Several and Not Joint.  The Company 
     acknowledges that the obligations of the Agents under this Agreement are
     several and not joint.

          5.  COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  The Company covenants and agrees with 
the Agents as follows: 

               (a)  Amendments and Supplements.  During the period in which a 
     prospectus relating to the Notes is required to be delivered under the
     Securities Act, the Company shall (i) notify the Agents promptly of the
     time when any subsequent amendment to the Registration Statement has become
     effective or any supplement to the Prospectus has been filed and of any
     request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information, (ii)
     prepare and file with the Commission, promptly upon your request, any
     amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or Prospectus that,
     in your opinion, may be necessary or advisable in connection with your
     distribution of the Notes, and (iii) file no amendment or supplement to the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus (other than any document required to
     be filed under the Exchange Act that upon filing is deemed to be
     incorporated by reference therein) to which the Agents or your counsel
     shall reasonably object by notice to the Company after having been
     furnished a copy a reasonable time prior to the filing.

               (b)  Notification Upon Certain Events.  The Company shall advise
     you, promptly after it receives notice or otherwise learns, (i) of the
     issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness
     of the Registration

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
     Statement, (ii) of the suspension of the qualification or registration of
     the Notes for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, (iii) of the initiation
     or threatening (in writing) of any proceeding for any such purpose or (iv)
     of any change in the rating assigned by the Rating Agencies or any other
     "nationally recognized statistical rating organization," as such term is
     defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act, to any
     debt securities (including the Notes) of the Company, or the public
     announcement by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization
     that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative
     implications, its rating of any such debt securities, or the withdrawal by
     any nationally recognized statistical rating organization of its rating of
     such debt securities; and the Company will promptly use its best efforts to
     prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such
     a stop order should be issued.

               (c)  Compliance With Securities Laws.  The Company shall comply 
     with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, the Securities
     Act Rules and Regulations, the Exchange Act, the Exchange Act Rules and
     Regulations and the TIA as from time to time in force, so far as is
     necessary to permit the continuance of sales of, or dealings in, the Notes
     as contemplated by the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If during such
     period any event occurs as a result of which, in the opinion of counsel to
     the Agents, the Registration Statement contains an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or the
     Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
     make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then
     existing, not misleading, or if during such period it is necessary to amend
     or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus to comply with the
     Securities Act, the Company will promptly notify the Agents and will amend
     or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus (at the expense of
     the Company) so as to correct such statement or omission or effect such
     compliance.

               (d)  Copies of Offering Documents.  The Company shall furnish to
     the Agents copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (including
     all documents incorporated by reference therein) and all amendments and
     supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that are filed
     with the Commission during the period in which a prospectus relating to the
     Notes is required to be delivered under the Securities Act (including all
     documents filed with the Commission during such period that are deemed to
     be incorporated by reference therein), in each case as soon as available
     and in such quantities as the Agents may from time to time reasonably
     request.

               (e)  Copies of Securities Filings and Distributions.  The 
     Company shall furnish the Agents with copies of filings of the Company
     under the Securities Act and Exchange Act and with all other financial
     statements and reports it distributes generally to the holders of any class
     of its capital stock during the period of five years commencing on the date
     upon which the Prospectus Supplement is filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of
     the Securities Act Rules and Regulations.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
               (f)  Earnings Statements.  The Company shall make generally 
     available to its security holders and to the Agents as soon as practicable
     after each sale of Notes, earning statements (which need not be audited)
     that satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the
     Securities Act Rules and Regulations (including, without limitation, Rule
     158 of the Securities Act Rules and Regulations) with respect to each sale
     of Notes.

               (g)  Payment of Expenses.  The Company shall pay, or reimburse 
     if paid by you, whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
     Distribution Agreement are consummated or this Distribution Agreement is
     terminated, all costs and expenses incident to the performance of the
     obligations of the Company under this Distribution Agreement, including but
     not limited to costs and expenses of or relating to (i) the preparation,
     printing and filing of the Registration Statement and exhibits thereto, the
     Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus, (ii) the word processing and reproduction of the Indenture
     and the Notes and the delivery of the Notes, (iii) the costs incurred by
     the Company in furnishing (including costs of shipping, mailing and
     courier) such copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and all
     amendments and supplements thereto, as may be requested for use in
     connection with the offering and sale of the Notes by the Agents or by
     dealers to whom Notes may be sold, (iv) the filing fees and the fees and
     expenses of counsel to the Agents in connection with any filings required
     to be made with the National Association of Securities Dealers or its
     subsidiary NASD Regulation Inc., (iv) any registration or qualification of
     the Notes for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such
     jurisdictions designated by you, including the reasonable fees,
     disbursements and other charges of your counsel in connection therewith,
     and the preparation of any blue sky or legal investment memoranda, (iv) the
     fees charged by each of the Rating Agencies for the rating of the Notes at
     the request of the Company, (v) counsel (including local and special
     counsel) to the Company and any surveyors, engineers, appraisers,
     photographers, accountants and other professionals engaged by the Company,
     (vi) the transfer agent for the Notes, (vii) the costs and expenses of the
     Trustee under the Indenture, (viii) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or such
     other nationally-recognized accountants as may be engaged by the Company in
     connection with the offering of the Notes (the "Accountants") and (ix) the 
     reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to Agents incurred in
     connection with the establishment of the program relating to the Notes and
     incurred from time to time in connection with the transactions contemplated
     hereby.

               (h)  Blue Sky Qualification.  The Company shall qualify the 
     notes for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws and real
     estate syndication laws of such states and other jurisdictions of the
     United States or Canada as the Agents may designate, and will maintain such
     qualifications in effect for as long as may be required for the
     distribution of the Notes; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
     obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify
     as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so
     qualified. The Company will file such statements and reports as may be
     required by the laws of each jurisdiction in which the Notes have been
     qualified as above provided. The Company will promptly advise the Agents of
     the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the
     suspension of the qualification of the Notes for sale in any such state or
     jurisdiction or the initiating or threatening of any proceeding for such
     purpose.

               (i)  No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.  The Company shall
     not take, at any time, directly or indirectly, other than in connection
     with this Distribution Agreement, any action designed to stabilize, or
     which might reasonably be expected to

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
     cause or result in, or which has constituted or which might reasonably be
     expected to constitute the stabilization of, the price of the Notes.

               (j)  Rating Agency Matters.  The Company shall take all 
     reasonable action necessary to enable the Rating Agencies to provide their
     respective credit ratings of the Notes.

               (k)  Establishing Terms of Notes.  The Company shall execute and
     deliver a Supplemental Indenture or officer's certificate, as applicable,
     designating the Notes as the debt securities to be offered, and
     establishing the applicable terms and provisions of each Note in accordance
     with the provisions of the Indenture and any applicable Terms Agreement.

               (l)  Use of Proceeds.  The Company shall apply the net proceeds 
     to the Company from the sale of the Notes by the Company as set forth under
     the caption "Use of Proceeds" in the Prospectus.

               (m)  Preparation of Pricing Supplements.  The Company shall 
     prepare, with respect to any Notes to be sold to or through an Agent or
     Agents pursuant to this Distribution Agreement, a Pricing Supplement with
     respect to such Notes in a form previously approved by such Agent or
     Agents. The Company will deliver such Pricing Supplement no later than
     11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day following the date of
     the Company's acceptance of the offer for the purchase of such Notes and
     will file such Pricing Supplement pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the
     Securities Act not later than the close of business of the Commission on
     the fifth business day after the date on which such Pricing Supplement is
     first used.

               (n)  Unaudited Financial Information.  The Company shall furnish
     to the Agents, within two business days following the date on which such
     information is first released to the general public, interim financial
     statement information related to the Company with respect to each of the
     first three quarters of any fiscal year and preliminary financial statement
     information with respect to any fiscal year; and the Company shall cause
     the Prospectus to be amended or supplemented to include or incorporate by
     reference financial information with respect thereto and corresponding
     information for the comparable period of the preceding fiscal year, as well
     as such other information and explanations as shall be necessary for an
     understanding thereof and as shall be required by the Securities Act or the
     Securities Act Rules and Regulations.

               (o)  Audited Financial Information.  The Company shall furnish 
     to the Agents, within two business days following the date on which such
     information is first released to the general public, financial information
     included in or derived from the audited financial statements of the Company
     for the preceding fiscal year; and the Company shall cause the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus to be amended, whether by the filing of
     documents pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities Act or otherwise,
     to include or incorporate by reference such audited financial statements
     and the report or reports, and consent or consents to such inclusion or
     incorporation by reference, of the independent accountants with respect
     thereto, as well as such other information and explanations as shall be
     necessary for an understanding of such financial statements and as shall be
     required by the Securities Act or the Securities Act Rules and Regulations.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
               (p)  REIT Status.  Unless the Board of Directors of the Company
     determines in its reasonable business judgment and pursuant the Charter
     that continued qualification as a "real estate investment trust" under the
     Code is not in the Company's best interest, the Company will use its best
     efforts to, and will continue to meet the requirements to, qualify as a
     "real estate investment trust" under the Code.

               (q)  Market Stand-Off Pending Settlement.  Between the date of 
     any Terms Agreement and the Settlement Date with respect to such Terms
     Agreement, the Company will not, without such Agent's prior consent, offer,
     sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of the
     Company substantially similar to such Notes (other than (i) the Notes that
     are to be sold pursuant to such Terms Agreement, (ii) Notes previously
     agreed to be sold by the Company, and (iii) commercial paper and short-term
     bank loans issued in the ordinary course of business (collectively, the
     "Market Stand-Off Exceptions")), except as may otherwise be provided in
     such Terms Agreement.

               (r)  Market Stand-Off Generally.  If requested by any Agent in 
     connection with a purchase by it of Notes as principal in accordance with
     Section 4(a) hereof, the Company shall cause such transaction to be subject
     to the terms of such market stand-off provision as shall be agreed upon by
     the Company and such Agent at the time of such agreement to purchase Notes
     as principal.

          6.  CONDITIONS OF AGENTS' OBLIGATIONS AT THE CLOSING.  The 
obligations of the Agents to purchase Notes as principal and to solicit offers
for the purchase of Notes as agent of the Company, and the obligations of any
purchasers of the Notes sold through an Agent as agent, shall be subject to the
accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein, to the
accuracy of the statements of the officers of the Company made in any
certificate furnished pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance and
observance by the Company of all of its covenants and agreements contained
herein and to the following additional conditions precedent:

               (a)  Opinion of Company Counsel.  On the Commencement Date and,
     if called for by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement Date,
     the relevant Agents shall have received the opinion of Goodwin, Procter &
     Hoar llp, counsel for the Company, dated the date of its delivery, to the
     effect set forth in Exhibit C.
                         ---------
  
               (b)  Opinion of Company Tax Counsel.  On the Commencement Date 
     and, if called for by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement
     Date, the relevant Agents shall have received the opinion of Goodwin,
     Procter & Hoar llp, tax counsel to the Company, dated the date of its
     delivery, to the effect that, subject to the assumptions and qualifications
     historically included by such counsel in opinions rendered in recent public
     offerings by AvalonBay Communities, Inc., commencing with the taxable year
     ending December 31, 1994, the form of organization of the Company and its
     operations are such as to enable the Company to qualify as a "real estate
     investment trust" under the applicable provisions of the Code.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
               (c)  Letter of Company Special Counsel Regarding Tax Exempt 
     Financings and Other Matters. On the Commencement Date and, if called for
     by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement Date, the relevant
     Agents shall have received a statement of Cox, Castle & Nicholson llp,
     counsel for the Company, dated the date of its delivery, to the effect that
     to the best of their knowledge statements relating to the Current
     Communities, the Development Communities, the Redevelopment Communities and
     the Development Rights (each as defined in the Prospectus) and tax-exempt
     bond financing in the Prospectus (but excluding the statistical and
     financial data, physical condition and construction status of such
     communities included therein) which involved transactions in which they
     represented the Company are materially fair and accurate.

               (d)  Letter of Company Special Counsel Regarding Certain Real 
     Estate Operations. On the Commencement Date and, if called for by any Terms
     Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement Date, the relevant Agents shall
     have received a statement of Goulston & Storrs, P.C., special counsel to
     the Company, dated the date of its delivery, to the effect that to the best
     of their knowledge certain statements regarding certain of the Company's
     real estate operations in the Prospectus are materially fair and accurate.

               (e)  Opinion of Counsel to the Agents.  On the Commencement Date
     and, if called for by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement
     Date, the relevant Agents shall have received from O'Melveny & Myers llp,
     counsel to the Agents, such opinion or opinions, dated the date of its
     delivery, with respect to the organization of each of the Company, the
     validity of the Indenture, the Notes, the Registration Statement, the
     Prospectus and other related matters as the Agents reasonably may request,
     and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they
     request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

               (f)  Comfort Letter.  On the Commencement Date and, if called 
     for by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement Date, the
     relevant Agents shall have received a letter from the Accountants, dated
     the date of its delivery, containing information of the type ordinarily
     included in accountants' "comfort letters" delivered according to Statement
     of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin) published by the
     American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, including, without
     limitation, statements to the effect that:

                   (i)  They are independent public accountants with respect 
          to the Company and the Subsidiaries within the meaning of the
          Securities Act and the Securities Act Rules and Regulations, and no
          information concerning their relationship with or interest in either
          of the Company is required by Item 10 of the Registration Statement.

                   (ii) In their opinion, the financial statements and 
          supporting schedules examined by them and included or incorporated by
          reference in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and audited by
          them and covered by their opinions therein comply as to form in all
          material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
          Securities

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
          Act and the Securities Act Rules and Regulations with respect to
          registration statements on Form S-3 and the Exchange Act and the
          Exchange Act Rules and Regulations.

                   (iii)  They have performed limited procedures, not 
          constituting an audit, including a reading of the latest available
          unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company, a
          reading of the minute books of the Company, inquiries of certain
          officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and
          accounting matters and such other inquiries and procedures as may be
          specified in such letter, and on the basis of such limited review and
          procedures nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe
          that:

                         (A)  the unaudited financial statements of the Company
               included in the Registration Statement, or incorporated by
               reference therein, do not comply as to form in all material
               respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
               Securities Act and the Securities Act Rules and Regulations and
               the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Rules and Regulations, or
               material modifications are required for them to be presented in
               conformity with generally accepted accounting principles;

                         (B)  the operating data and balance sheet data 
               included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus were not
               determined on a basis substantially consistent with that used in
               determining the corresponding amounts in the audited financial
               statements included or incorporated by reference in the
               Registration Statement;

                         (C)  the pro forma financial information included or 
               incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement was not
               determined on a basis substantially consistent with that of the
               audited financial statements included or incorporated by
               reference in the Registration Statement; or

                         (D)  at a specified date not more than five days prior
               to the date hereof, there had been any change in the capital
               stock of the Company or the Subsidiaries, or any increase in the
               debt of the Company or the Subsidiaries or any decrease in the
               net assets of the Company or their Subsidiaries, as compared with
               the amounts shown in the most recent consolidated balance sheet
               of the Company and the Subsidiaries, included in the Registration
               Statement or incorporated by reference therein, or, during the
               period from the date of the most recent consolidated statement of
               operations included in the Registration Statement or incorporated
               by reference therein to a specified date not more than five days
               prior to the date hereof, there were any decreases, as compared
               with the corresponding period in the preceding year, in revenues,
               net income or funds from operations of the Company and the
               Subsidiaries, except in all instances for changes, increases or
               decreases which the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
               disclose have occurred or may occur.

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
                   (iv) In addition to the examination referred to in their 
          report included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and
          the limited procedures referred to in clause (iii) above, they have
          carried out certain other specified procedures, not constituting an
          audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial
          information which are included in the Registration Statement and the
          Prospectus and which are specified by the Agents, and have found such
          amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with
          the relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company
          and their Subsidiaries identified in such letter.

               (g) Officers' Certificate. On the Commencement Date and, if
     called for by any Terms Agreement, on the corresponding Settlement Date,
     the Agents shall have received from the Company a certificate, dated the
     date of its delivery, signed by each of the Chief Executive Officer and the
     Chief Financial Officer of the Company, in form and substance satisfactory
     to the Agents, to the effect that:

                   (i)  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the 
          Registration Statement has been issued and, to the best of such
          officers' information and belief, no proceeding for that purpose is
          pending or threatened by the Commission;

                   (ii) No order suspending the effectiveness of the 
          Registration Statement or the qualification or registration of the
          Notes under the securities or Blue Sky laws of any jurisdiction is in
          effect and, to the best of such officers' information and belief, no
          proceeding for such purpose is pending before or threatened or
          contemplated by the Commission or the authorities of any such
          jurisdiction;

                   (iii)  Any request for additional information on the part 
          of the staff of the Commission or any such authorities has been
          complied with to the satisfaction of the staff of the Commission or
          such authorities;

                   (iv) Each signer of such certificate has carefully examined
          the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (including any documents
          filed under the Exchange Act and deemed to be incorporated by
          reference into the Prospectus) and (A) as of the date of such
          certificate, such documents, taken together, are true and correct in
          all material respects and do not omit to state a material fact
          required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
          statements therein not untrue or misleading and (B) no event has
          occurred as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement
          the Prospectus in order (1) to make the statements therein not untrue
          or misleading in any material respect or (2) to otherwise comply with
          the disclosure requirements of Form S-3. There has been no document
          required to

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
          be filed under the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Rules and
          Regulations that upon such filing would be deemed to be incorporated
          by reference into the Prospectus that has not been so filed;

                   (v)  Each of the representations and warranties of the 
          Company contained in this Distribution Agreement was, when originally
          made, and is, at the time such certificate is delivered, true and
          correct in all material respects;

                   (vi) Each of the covenants required to be performed by the 
          Company herein on or prior to the delivery of such certificate has
          been duly, timely and fully performed in all material respects, and
          each condition herein required to be complied with by the Company on
          or prior to the date of such certificate has been duly, timely and
          fully complied with, in all material respects; and

                   (vii)  Subsequent to the latter of the execution and 
          delivery of the Distribution Agreement and the date of the most recent
          Terms Agreement through the date of such certificate, there has not
          occurred any downgrading in the rating accorded the Notes or any other
          debt securities of the Company by any Rating Agency nor has any notice
          been given to the Company of (A) any intended or potential downgrading
          by any Rating Agency in such securities, or (B) any review or possible
          change by any Rating Agency that does not indicate a stable, positive
          or improving rating accorded such securities.

               (h)  No Stop Orders or Unmet Commission Requests.  (i) No stop 
     order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have
     been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall be pending or
     threatened by the Commission, (ii) no order suspending the effectiveness of
     the Registration Statement or the qualification or registration of the
     Notes under the securities or Blue Sky laws of any jurisdiction shall be in
     effect and no proceeding for such purpose shall be pending before or
     threatened or contemplated by the Commission or the authorities of any such
     jurisdiction, (iii) any request for additional information on the part of
     the staff of the Commission or any such authorities shall have been
     complied with to the satisfaction of the staff of the Commission or such
     authorities, and (iv) after the date hereof no amendment or supplement to
     the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (other than any document
     required to be filed under the Exchange Act that upon filing is deemed to
     be incorporated by reference therein) shall have been filed unless a copy
     thereof was first submitted to the Agents and the Agents did not object
     thereto in good faith.

               (i)  No Material Adverse Change.  Since the respective dates as
     of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, (i) there shall not have been a material adverse change in the
     general affairs, business, business prospects, properties, management,
     condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company
     and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from
     transactions in the ordinary course of business, in each case other than as
     set forth in or contemplated by the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, (ii) there shall not

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
     have been any material change on a consolidated basis, in the equity
     capitalization or long-term debt of the Company, or any adverse change in
     the rating assigned to any securities of the Company, in each case other
     than as set forth in or contemplated by the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall
     have sustained any material loss or interference with its business or
     properties from fire, explosion, flood or other casualty, whether or not
     covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or any court or legislative
     or other governmental action, order or decree, which is not set forth in
     the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, if in the judgment of the
     Agents any such development makes it impracticable or inadvisable to offer
     or deliver the Notes on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the
     Prospectus.

               (j)  No Material Litigation Commenced.  Since the respective 
     dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus, there shall have been no litigation or other proceeding
     instituted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
     respective officers or directors in their capacities as such, before or by
     any Federal, state or local court, commission, regulatory body,
     administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic or foreign, in
     which litigation or proceeding an unfavorable ruling, decision or finding
     would materially and adversely affect the business, properties, business
     prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of
     the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

               (k)  Accuracy of Representations and Warranties; Observance of 
     Covenants. At each Delivery Date, each of the representations and
     warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct in all
     material respects, as if made at such Delivery Date, and all covenants and
     agreements contained herein to be performed on the part of the Company and
     all conditions contained herein to be fulfilled or complied with by the
     Company at or prior to such Delivery Date, shall have been duly performed,
     fulfilled or complied with.

               (l)  Blue Sky Qualification.  The Notes shall be qualified for 
     sale in the jurisdictions designated pursuant to Section 5(h), each such
     qualification shall be in effect and not subject to any stop order or other
     proceeding.

               (m)  Other Documents.  On the Commencement Date and on each 
     Delivery Date, counsel to the Agents shall have been furnished with such
     other documents and opinions as such counsel may reasonably require for the
     purpose of enabling such counsel to pass upon the issuance and sale of
     Notes as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to
     evidence the accuracy and completeness of any of the representations and
     warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained;
     and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance
     and sale of Notes as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and
     substance to the Agents and to counsel to the Agents.

               (n)  Special Conditions for Agents' Purchases as Principal.  The 
     obligations of the Agents to purchase Notes as principal will be subject to
     the following further conditions: (i) the rating assigned by each of the
     Rating Agencies, or any other nationally recognized securities rating
     agency, to any debt securities of the Company as

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
     of the date of the agreement to purchase Notes as principal shall not have
     been lowered and no such rating agency shall have publicly announced that
     it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications,
     its ratings of any debt securities of the Company since that date and (ii)
     there shall not have come to the attention of any Agent any facts that
     would cause such Agent to believe that the Prospectus, at the time it was
     required to be delivered to a purchaser of the Notes, contained an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary
     in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     existing at such time, not misleading.

          The documents required to be delivered by this Section 6 as a
condition precedent to each Agent's obligation to begin soliciting offers to
purchase Notes as an agent of the Company shall be delivered to the Agents at
the San Francisco office of O'Melveny & Myers llp, counsel for the Agents, not
later than 3:00 p.m., San Francisco time, on the date hereof, or at such other
time and/or place as the Agents and the Company may agree, but in no event later
than the day prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which the Agents begin
soliciting offers to purchase Notes and (ii) the first date on which the Company
accepts any offer by an Agent to purchase Notes pursuant to a Terms Agreement.
The date of delivery of such documents is referred to herein as the
"Commencement Date."

          All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be
in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably
satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents and their counsel. The Company
will furnish the Agents with such conformed copies of such opinions,
certificates, letters and other documents as the Agents shall reasonably
request.

          If any condition specified in this Section 6 shall not have been
fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Distribution Agreement may
be terminated by the Agents by notice to the Company at any time and any such
termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party, except
that the covenant regarding provision of an earnings statement set forth in
Section 5(f) hereof, the indemnity and contribution agreements set forth in
Section 9 hereof, the provisions concerning payment of expenses under Section 10
hereof, the provisions concerning the representations, warranties and agreements
to survive delivery of Section 11 hereof, the provisions relating to parties set
forth in Section 15 and the provisions relating to governing law set forth in
Section 16 hereof shall remain in effect.

          7.  DELIVERY OF AND PAYMENT FOR NOTES SOLD THROUGH THE AGENTS.  
Delivery of Notes sold through any Agent as agent shall be made by the Company
to such Agent for the account of any purchaser only against payment therefor in
immediately available funds. In the event that a purchaser shall fail either to
accept delivery of or to make payment for a Note on the date fixed for
settlement, such Agent shall promptly notify the Company and deliver such Note
to the Company and, if such Agent has theretofore paid the Company for such
Note, the Company will promptly return such funds to such Agent unless the
failure arose from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent or
from a default by such Agent in the performance of its obligations hereunder. If
such failure occurred for any reason other than the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of such Agent or from a default by such Agent in the performance of
its obligations hereunder, the Company will reimburse such Agent on an equitable
basis for its loss of the use of the funds for the period such funds were
credited to the Company's account.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
          8.  ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  The Company covenants and 
agrees with the Agents that:

               (a)  Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties.  Each 
     acceptance by the Company of an offer for the purchase of Notes (whether to
     an Agent as principal or through an Agent as agent), and each delivery of
     Notes (whether to an Agent as principal or through an Agent as agent),
     shall be deemed to be an affirmation that the representations and
     warranties of the Company contained in this Distribution Agreement and in
     the most recent certificate (for each type of certificate) theretofore
     delivered to any Agent pursuant hereto (and if the applicable Agent has not
     received a copy of such certificate, one shall be supplied) are true and
     correct in all material respects at the time of such acceptance or sale, as
     the case may be, and an undertaking that such representations and
     warranties will be true and correct at the time of delivery to such Agent
     or to the purchaser, as the case may be, of the Note or Notes relating to
     such acceptance or sale, as the case may be, as though made at and as of
     each such time (and it is understood that such representations and
     warranties shall relate to the Registration Statement and Prospectus as
     amended and supplemented to each such time).

               (b)  Subsequent Delivery of Certificates.  Each time that there
     is filed with the Commission any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual
     Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, and
     otherwise only (i) as may be required in connection with a sale pursuant to
     Section 4(a) or (ii) at such times as may be reasonably requested by an
     Agent following the occurrence of any event that such Agent reasonably
     considers to be a material adverse change to the business, prospects,
     properties, financial position or results of operations of the Company and
     its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company shall furnish or cause to
     be furnished to the Agents forthwith a certificate, dated the date of
     filing with the Commission of such document, the date of such sale or the
     date requested by such Agent, as applicable, in form reasonably
     satisfactory to such Agent, to the effect that the statements contained in
     the certificate referred to in Section 6(g) hereof which were last
     furnished to the Agents are true and correct at the time of such filing, as
     though made at and as of such time (except that such statements shall be
     deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as
     amended and supplemented to such time) or, in lieu of such certificate, a
     certificate substantially similar to the certificate referred to in Section
     6(g) hereof, modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement
     and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of
     such certificate.

               (c)  Subsequent Delivery of Legal Opinions.  Each time that 
     there is filed with the Commission any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or
     Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference into the Prospectus,
     and otherwise only (i) as may be required in connection with a sale
     pursuant to Section 4(a) or (ii) at such times as may be reasonably
     requested by an Agent following the occurrence of any event that such Agent
     reasonably considers to be material adverse change to the business,
     prospects, properties, financial position or results of operations of the
     Company taken as a whole, the Company shall furnish or cause to be
     furnished forthwith, and in any case promptly upon request, to the Agents
     and to counsel to the Agents the written opinions of counsel to the
     Company, dated the date of filing with the Commission of such document, the
     date of such sale or the date requested by such Agent, as applicable, to
     the effect of the

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
     opinions and statements referred to in Sections 6(a)and 6(b) and in form
     and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, which opinions may
     include such reductions or limitations as shall be reasonably satisfactory
     to the Agents, and shall be modified, as necessary, to relate to the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to
     the time of delivery of such opinion or, in lieu of such opinion, counsel
     last furnishing such opinion to the Agents may furnish the Agents with a
     letter substantially to the effect that the Agents may rely on such last
     opinion to the same extent as though it were dated the date of such letter
     authorizing reliance (except that statements in such last opinion shall be
     deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as
     amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of such letter authorizing
     reliance).

               (d)  Subsequent Delivery of Letters of Special Counsel.  Each 
     time that there is filed with the Commission any Annual Report on Form 10-K
     incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, and otherwise only (i) as
     may be required in connection with a sale pursuant to Section 4(a) or (ii)
     at such times as may be reasonably requested by an Agent following the
     occurrence of any event that such Agent reasonably considers to be material
     adverse change to the business, prospects, properties, financial position
     or results of operations of the Company taken as a whole, the Company shall
     furnish or cause to be furnished forthwith, and in any case promptly upon
     request, to the Agents and to counsel to the Agents letters from special
     counsel to the Company, dated the date of filing with the Commission of
     such document, the date of such sale or the date requested by such Agent,
     as applicable, to the effect of the statements referred to in Sections 6(c)
     and 6(d) and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents,
     which opinions may include such reductions or limitations as shall be
     reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, and shall be modified, as necessary,
     to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and
     supplemented to the time of delivery of such opinion or, in lieu of such
     opinion, counsel last furnishing such opinion to the Agents may furnish the
     Agents with a letter substantially to the effect that the Agents may rely
     on such last opinion to the same extent as though it were dated the date of
     such letter authorizing reliance (except that statements in such last
     opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of such
     letter authorizing reliance).

               (e)  Subsequent Delivery of Comfort Letters.  Each time that 
     there is filed with the Commission any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or
     Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference into the Prospectus,
     and otherwise only (i) as may be required in connection with a sale
     pursuant to Section 4(a) or (ii) at such times as may be reasonably
     requested by an Agent following the occurrence of any event that such Agent
     reasonably believes may have caused a material adverse change to the
     financial position or results of operations of the Company and its
     consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company shall cause the
     Accountants forthwith to furnish the Agents a letter, dated the date of the
     filing of such document with the Commission, the date of such sale or the
     date requested by such Agent, as applicable, in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, substantially similar to the
     portions of the letter referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 6(f)
     hereof (but modified to relate to the Registration Statement and Prospectus
     as amended and supplemented to the date of such

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
     letter) and substantially similar to the portions of the letter referred to
     in clauses (iii) and (iv) of said Section 6(f) with such changes as may be
     necessary to reflect changes in the financial statements and other
     information derived from the accounting records of the Company.

          9.  INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.

               (a)  Indemnification of the Agents by the Company.  The Company
     will indemnify and hold harmless the Agents and their directors, officers,
     employees and agents and each person, if any, who controls any Agent within
     the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
     Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities,
     expenses and damages (including, but not limited to, any and all
     investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection
     with, and any and all amounts paid in settlement of, any action, suit or
     proceeding between any of the indemnified parties and any indemnifying
     parties or between any indemnified party and any third party, or otherwise,
     or any claim asserted), as and when incurred, to which an Agent, or any
     such person, may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act
     or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or
     otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, liabilities, expenses or damages
     arise out of or are based on (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue
     statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to
     the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any documents filed
     under the Exchange Act and deemed to be incorporated by reference into the
     Prospectus, or in any application or other document executed by or on
     behalf of the Company or based on written information furnished by or on
     behalf of the Company filed in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the
     Notes under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission, (ii)
     the omission or alleged omission to state in such document a material fact
     required to be stated in it or necessary to make the statements in it not
     misleading or (iii) any act or failure to act or any alleged act or failure
     to act by an Agent in connection with, or relating in any manner to, the
     Notes or the offering contemplated hereby, and which is included as part of
     or referred to in any loss, claim, liability, expense or damage arising out
     of or based upon matters covered by clause (i) or (ii) above (provided that
     the Company shall not be liable under this clause (iii) to the extent it is
     finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that
     such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage resulted directly from any
     such acts or failures to act undertaken or omitted to be taken by an Agent
     through gross negligence or willful misconduct); provided that the Company
     will not be liable to the extent that such loss, claim, liability, expense
     or damage arises from the sale of the Notes to any person by an Agent and
     is based on an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
     omission made in reliance on and in conformity with information relating to
     an Agent furnished in writing to the Company by such Agent expressly for
     inclusion in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the
     Prospectus.

               (b)  Indemnification of the Company and its Directors, Certain 
     Officers and Control Persons by the Agents. The Agents will indemnify and
     hold harmless the Company and each person, if any, who controls the Company
     within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
     Exchange Act, each director of the Company and each officer of the Company
     who signs the Registration

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
     Statement to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to
     the each Agent, but only insofar as losses, claims, liabilities, expenses
     or damages arise out of or are based on any untrue statement or omission or
     alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance on and in conformity
     with information relating to an Agent furnished in writing to the Company
     by such Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any
     preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus. This indemnity will be in
     addition to any liability that an Agent might otherwise have; provided,
     however, that in no case shall an Agent be liable or responsible for any
     amount in excess of the total discount or commission received by such Agent
     in connection with the offering of the Notes that were the subject of the
     claim for indemnification.

               (c)  Procedures.  Any party that proposes to assert the right to
     be indemnified under this Section 9 will, promptly after receipt of notice
     of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a
     claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this
     Section 9, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such
     action, enclosing a copy of all papers served, but the omission so to
     notify such indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability that
     it may have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provisions of this
     Section 9 unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the
     forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If
     any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies
     the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will be
     entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it elects by delivering
     written notice to the indemnified party promptly after receiving notice of
     the commencement of the action from the indemnified party, jointly with any
     other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of the
     action, with counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after
     notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election
     to assume the defense, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the
     indemnified party for any legal or other expenses except as provided below
     and except for the reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred
     by the indemnified party in connection with the defense. The indemnified
     party will have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but
     the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel will be at the expense
     of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment of counsel by the
     indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party,
     (ii) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of
     counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other
     indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those
     available to the indemnifying party, (iii) a conflict or potential conflict
     exists (based on advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the
     indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the
     indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such
     action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (iv) the indemnifying party
     has not in fact employed counsel to assume the defense of such action
     within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the
     action, in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other
     charges of counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or
     parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not,
     in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same
     jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other
     charges of more than one separate firm admitted to practice in such
     jurisdiction at any time for all such indemnified party or

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     parties. All such fees, disbursements and other charges will be reimbursed
     by the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying
     party will not be liable for any settlement of any action or claim effected
     without its written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably
     withheld). No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent
     of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of
     any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding
     relating to the matters contemplated by this Section 9 (whether or not any
     indemnified party is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise
     or consent includes a unconditional release of each indemnified party from
     all liability arising or that may arise out of such claim, action or
     proceeding.

               (d)  Contribution.  In order to provide for just and equitable
     contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in
     the foregoing paragraphs of this Section 9 is applicable in accordance with
     its terms but for any reason is held to be unavailable from the Company or
     the Agents, the Company and any applicable Agent will contribute to the
     total losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any
     investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection
     with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding
     or any claim asserted, but after deducting any contribution received by the
     Company from persons other than an Agent, such as persons who control the
     Company within the meaning of the Securities Act and officers of the
     Company who signed the Registration Statement, who also may be liable for
     contribution) to which the Company and any applicable Agent may be subject
     in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
     received by the Company on the one hand and any applicable Agent on the
     other. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and
     any applicable Agent on the other shall be deemed to be in the same
     proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering of any Notes (before
     deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total commissions
     received by applicable Agent or Agents. If, but only if, the allocation
     provided by the foregoing sentence is not permitted by applicable law, the
     allocation of contribution shall be made in such proportion as is
     appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in the
     foregoing sentence but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one
     hand, and any applicable Agent, on the other, with respect to the
     statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, liability,
     expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other
     relevant equitable considerations with respect to such offering. Such
     relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or
     alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission
     to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or
     an Agent, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to
     information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
     omission. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of
     the loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect
     thereof, referred to above in this Section 9(d) shall be deemed to include,
     for purpose of this Section 9(d), any legal or other expenses reasonably
     incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or
     defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
     Section 9(d), no Agent shall be required to contribute any amount in excess
     of the commissions and other compensation received by such Agent and no
     person found guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
     Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
     entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
     fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 9(d), any person
     who controls a party to this Distribution Agreement within the meaning of
     the Securities Act will have the same rights to contribution as that party,
     and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement will
     have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case
     to the provisions hereof. Any party entitled to contribution, promptly
     after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in
     respect of which a claim for contribution may be made under this Section
     9(d), will notify any such party or parties from whom contribution may be
     sought but the omission so to notify will not relieve the party or parties
     from whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it or they
     may have under this Section 9(d). No party will be liable for contribution
     with respect to any action or claim settled without its written consent
     (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld).

               (e)  Survival of Indemnity and Contribution Provisions.  The 
     indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 9 and the
     representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
     Distribution Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect
     regardless of (i) any investigation made by an Agent or on its behalf, (ii)
     acceptance of any of the Notes and payment therefore or (iii) any
     termination of this Distribution Agreement.

          10.  REIMBURSEMENT OF AGENTS' EXPENSES.  If the Company shall fail 
to perform any agreement on its part to be performed hereunder, or if any
condition of the Agents' obligations hereunder required to be fulfilled by the
Company is not fulfilled, the Company will reimburse any applicable Agent for
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including fees and disbursements of
counsel) incurred by such Agent in connection with this Distribution Agreement,
and upon demand the Company shall pay the full amount thereof to such Agent. If
this Distribution Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13 by reason of
the default of any Agent, the Company shall not be obligated to reimburse such
Agent on account of those expenses.

          11.  REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY.  All 
representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Distribution
Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company submitted pursuant
hereto shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Agent or any con-trolling person of
such Agent, or by or on behalf of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries, and
shall survive each delivery of and payment for any of the Notes.

          12.  ROLE OF AGENTS.  In acting under this Agreement and in 
connection with the sale of any Notes by the Company (other than Notes sold to
an Agent as principal), each Agent is acting solely as agent of the Company and
does not assume any obligation towards or relationship of agency or trust with
any purchaser of Notes. An Agent shall make reasonable efforts to assist the
Company in obtaining performance by each purchaser whose offer to purchase Notes
has been solicited by such Agent and accepted by the Company, but such Agent
shall not have any liability to the Company in the event any such purchase is
not consummated for any reason. If the Company shall default in its obligations
to deliver Notes to a purchaser whose offer it has accepted, the Company shall
hold the relevant Agent harmless against any loss, claim, damage or liability
arising from or as a result of such default and shall, in

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
particular, pay to such Agent the commission it would have received had such
sale been consummated.

          13.  TERMINATION.  The Company shall have the right to terminate this
Distribution Agreement with respect to any or all of the Agents at any time by
giving notice hereunder to the Agents as hereinafter specified.  The Agents
shall have the right by giving notice as hereinafter specified at any time to
terminate this Distribution Agreement if (i) the Company shall have failed,
refused or been unable, at any time, to perform any agreement on its part to be
performed hereunder, (ii) any other condition of the Agents' obligations
hereunder is not fulfilled when due, (iii) the rating assigned by either of the
Rating Agencies to the Company or the Notes as of or subsequent to the date of
this Distribution Agreement shall have been lowered since that date or if either
of the Rating Agencies shall have publicly announced that it has under
surveillance or review for the purpose of considering lowering such rating, its
rating of the Company or the Notes, (iv) trading in any of the equity securities
of the Company shall have been suspended by the Commission, the NASD, by an
exchange that lists such equity securities or by the Nasdaq Stock Market, (v)
trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq
Stock Market shall have been suspended or limited or minimum or maximum prices
shall have been generally established on such exchange or over the counter
market, or additional material governmental restrictions, not in force on the
date of this Agreement, shall have been imposed upon trading in securities
generally by such exchange or by order of the Commission or the NASD or any
court or other governmental authority, (vi) a general banking moratorium shall
have been declared by either Federal or New York State authorities, (vii) any
material adverse change in the financial or securities markets in the United
States or in political, financial or economic conditions in the United States or
any outbreak or material escalation of hostilities or declaration by the United
States of a national emergency or war or other calamity or crisis shall have
occurred the effect of any of which is such as to make it, in the sole judgment
of the Agents, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares on the terms
and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus, or (viii) if there shall have
come to the attention of the Agents any facts that would cause them to believe
that the Prospectus, at the time it was required to be delivered to a purchaser
of Notes, included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances existing at the time of such delivery, not misleading.  As used in
this Section 13, the term "Prospectus" means the Prospectus in the form first
provided to the Agents for use in confirming sales of the related Notes.  In the
event of any such termination, neither party will have any liability to the
other party hereto, except that (i) an Agent shall be entitled to any commission
earned in accordance with the third paragraph of Section 4(b) hereof, (ii) if at
the time of termination (a) such Agent shall own any Notes purchased by it as
principal with the intention of reselling them or (b) an offer to purchase any
of the Notes has been accepted by the Company but the time of delivery to the
purchaser or his agent of the Note or Notes relating thereto has not occurred,
the covenants set forth in Sections 5 and 8 hereof shall remain in effect until
such Notes are so resold or delivered, as the case may be, and (iii) the
covenant set forth in Section 5(f) hereof, the provisions of Section 10 hereof,
the indemnity and contribution agreements set forth in Section 9 hereof, and the
provisions of Sections 11, 15 and 16 hereof shall remain in effect.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
          14.  NOTICES.  All notices or communications hereunder shall be in 
writing and shall be mailed, delivered or telecopied and confirmed (a) if to the
Company, to:

               AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
               2900 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 300
               Alexandria, Virginia 22314
               Attention: Thomas J. Sargeant
               Telephone:  703-317-4635
               Telecopy:  703-329-0060


with a copy to:

               Goodwin, Procter & Hoar llp
               Exchange Place
               53 State Street
               Boston, Massachusetts  02109-2881
               Attention: David W. Watson, P.C.
               Telephone:  617-570-1888
               Telecopy:  617-523-1231


(b) and if to the Agents to:

               PaineWebber Incorporated
               1285 Avenue of the Americas
               New York, New York  10019
               Attention:  Corporate Real Estate Department
               Telephone:  212-713-7911
               Telecopy:  212-713-7949


               with a copy to:

               O'Melveny & Myers llp
               275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
               San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
               Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
               Telephone:  (415) 984-8833
               Telecopy:  (415) 984-8701

               First Union Capital Markets
               One First Union Center
               300 So. College Street/TW6
               Charlotte, North Carolina  28288
               Attention:  James T. Williams, Jr.
               Telephone:  (704) 383-8766
               Telecopy:  (704) 383-9527

               J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
               60 Wall Street, 13th Floor
               New York, NY  10260
               Attention:  Transaction Execution Group
               Telephone:  (212) 648-9080
               Telecopy:  (212) 648-5151

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
               NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
               100 N. Tryon Street, 7th Floor
               Charlotte, NC  28255
               Attention: Debt Finance Group
               Telephone:  704-386-7800
               Telecopy:  704-388-9939

               Warburg Dillon Read LLC
               677 Washington Boulevard
               Stamford, Connecticut  06901
               Attention:  Christopher Forshner
               Telephone:  (203) 719-8244
               Telecopy:  (203) 719-7139


          Any party to this Distribution Agreement may change such address for
notices by sending to the other parties to this Distribution Agreement written
notice of a new address for such purpose.

          15.  PARTIES.  This Distribution Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the Agents and the Company and their respective
successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Distribution Agreement is
intended, or shall be construed, to give any person, firm or corporation, other
than the parties hereto and their respective successors and the controlling
persons and officers and directors referred to in Section 9 hereof and their
heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim
under or in respect of this Distribution Agreement or any provision herein
contained. This Distribution Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof
are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and
respective successors and said controlling persons and officers and directors
and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other
person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Notes shall be deemed to be a
successor by reason merely of such purchase.

          16.  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED 
BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT
REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE.

          17.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Distribution Agreement may be executed in 
one or more counterparts, signature pages may be detached from such separately
executed counterparts and reattached to other counterparts and, in each such
case, the executed counterparts hereof shall constitute a single instrument.
Signature pages may be delivered by telecopy.

          18.  ENFORCEABILITY.  In case any provision of this Distribution 
Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
          19.  WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY.  The Company and the Agents 
each hereby irrevocably waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in
respect of any claim based upon or arising out of this Distribution Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby.

          20.  AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS.  This Distribution Agreement may 
not be amended or otherwise modified or any provision hereof waived except by an
instrument in writing signed by the Agents and the Company.

                           [Signature page follows.]

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
          If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the
Company and the several Agents, please so indicate in the space provided below
for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement
between the Company and the several Agents.

                                         AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

                                         By:
                                              ----------------------------
                                              Thomas J. Sargeant
                                              Chief Financial Officer

ACCEPTED as of the date first above written:

PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

By:
     ----------------------------
     Frederick T. Caven, Jr.
     Managing Director


FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS

By:
     ----------------------------
Name:

Title:


J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.

By:
     ----------------------------
Name:

Title:


NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC

By:
     ----------------------------
Name:
     Managing Director

                                      S-38
<PAGE>
 
WARBURG DILLON READ LLC

By:
     ----------------------------
Name:

Title:

                                      S-39
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                                 Terms of Notes
                                 --------------
                                        
          The following terms, if applicable, shall be agreed to by an Agent or
Agents and the Company in connection with each sale of Notes:

[ ]  Book Entry
[ ]  Certificated

Principal Amount: $    
     (or principal amount of foreign currency or composite currency)

Interest Payment Dates:
                        ---------------------------------
Interest Rate:
               -----------------
     [ ]  Fixed
     [ ]  Floating
If Floating Rate Note:
     Interest Rate Basis(es): 
                               -----------------
     If LIBOR:
          [ ]  LIBOR Reuters Page:  
                                   ------------
          [ ]  LIBOR Telerate Page:
                                   ------------
          Designated LIBOR Currency: 
                                     ------------
     IF CMT Rate:
          Designated CMT Telerate Page: 
                                        ------------
          If Telerate Page 7052:
               [ ]  Weekly Average
               [ ]  Monthly Average
          Designated CMT Maturity Index:  
                                         ------------
     Index Maturity:
                    
     Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any: 
                                              ------------
     Initial Interest Rate, if any:  
                                    ------------
     Initial Interest Reset Date: 
                                  ------------
     Interest Reset Dates:
                           ------------
     Interest Payment Dates: 
                             ------------
     Maximum Interest Rate, if any: 
                                    ------------
     Minimum Interest Rate, if any: 
                                    ------------
     Fixed Rate Commencement Date, if any: 
                                           ------------
     Fixed Interest Rate, if any: 
                                  ------------
     Day Count Convention: 
                           ------------
     Calculation Agent: 
                        ------------

Redemption Provisions:
     Initial Redemption Date:
                              ------------
     Initial Redemption Percentage: 
                                    ------------
     Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any: 
                                                     ------------

                                      S-40
<PAGE>
 
Repayment Provisions:
     Optional Repayment Date(s): 
                                 ------------

Original Issue Date: 
                     ------------
Stated Maturity Date: 
                      ------------
Specified Currency: 
                    ------------
Exchange Rate Agent: 
                     ------------
Authorized Denomination: 
                         ------------
Purchase Price:       %, plus accrued interest, if any, from
                ------
Price to Public:      %, plus accrued interest, if any, from
                ------
Issue Price:
             ------------ 
Settlement Date and Time:
                          ------------
Additional/Other Terms:
 


          Also, in connection with the purchase of Notes by an Agent as
principal, agreement as to whether the following will be required:

     [ ]  Officers' Certificate pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Distribution
          Agreement.
     [ ]  Legal Opinions of Company Counsel pursuant to Section 8(c) of the
          Distribution Agreement.
     [ ]  Legal Opinions of Special Counsel (regarding tax exempt financings and
          certain property matters) pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Distribution
          Agreement.
     [ ]  Comfort Letter pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Distribution Agreement.
     [ ]  Stand-off Agreement pursuant to Section 5(r) of the Distribution
          Agreement.

                              Exhibit A--Page 41
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                        
                      ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AGREEMENT
                      -----------------------------------
                                        

                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                            MEDIUM-TERM NOTE PROGRAM

                           ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES



          The Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More from Date of Issue (the
"Notes") are to be offered on a continuous basis by AvalonBay Communities, Inc.,
a Maryland corporation (the "Issuer").  PaineWebber Incorporated, First Union
Capital Markets, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities
LLC, and Warburg Dillon Read LLC, as agents (the "Agents"), have each agreed to
use their best efforts to solicit purchases of the Notes.  The Issuer reserves
the right to sell Notes directly or indirectly on its own behalf to investors
(other than broker-dealers).  The Agents will not be obligated to, but may from
time to time, purchase Notes as principal for their own account.  The Notes are
being sold pursuant to a Distribution Agreement dated December 21, 1998 (the
"Agency Agreement"), among the Issuer, and the Agents, and will be issued
pursuant to an indenture dated as of January 16, 1998 and all indentures
supplemental thereto, including that certain First Supplemental Indenture, dated
as of January 20, 1998, that certain Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
July 7, 1998, and that certain Third Supplemental Indenture, dated the date of
the Agency Agreement (collectively, the "Indenture"), between the Issuer and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Trustee").  Capitalized
terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
such terms in the Agency Agreement.  The Notes have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").

          Each Note will be represented by either a Global Security (as defined
in the Indenture), such Global Security, for purposes hereof either a global
note (a "Global Note") or a master note (a "Master Note"), registered in the
name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, as Depositary ("DTC") (a
"Book-Entry Note"), or a certificate issued in definitive form (a "Certificated
Note").  It is currently contemplated that both Notes that bear interest at a
fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate Note") and Notes that bear interest at a variable rate
(a "Floating Rate Note") and that are denominated and payable in U.S. dollars
may be issued as Book-Entry Notes.

          Administrative procedures and specific terms of the offering are
explained below.  The Issuer will advise the Agents in writing of those persons
handling administrative responsibilities with whom the Agents are to communicate
regarding offers to purchase Notes and the details of their delivery.
Administrative procedures may be modified from time to time as reflected in the
applicable Pricing Supplement (as defined below) or elsewhere.

                                      S-42
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

                ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES
               AND GENERALLY APPLICABLE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES


Issue/Authentication Date:  Each Note shall be dated as of the date of its
- -------------------------   authentication by the Trustee or an agent 
                            designated by the Issuer for such purpose (the
                            "Designated Agent"). Each Note will also bear an
                            original issue date (the "Issue Date") which, with
                            respect to any Note (or portion thereof), shall mean
                            the date of its original issuance (i.e., the
                            settlement date) and shall be specified therein. The
                            issue date will remain the same for all Notes
                            subsequently issued upon transfer, exchange or
                            substitution of an original Note regardless of their
                            dates of authentication.

Maturities:                 Each Note shall mature on a Business Day, selected 
- ----------                  by the purchaser and agreed to by the Issuer, 
                            which shall be nine months or more from the date 
                            of issue.

Price to Public:            Each Note shall be issued at 100% of principal 
- ---------------             amount unless otherwise specified in a supplement 
                            to the Prospectus (a "Pricing Supplement").

Denominations:              The denominations of the Notes shall be $1,000 and 
- -------------               integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.  
                            (Any Notes denominated other than in U.S. dollars 
                            will be issuable in denominations as set forth in 
                            such Notes.)

Registration:               Notes shall be issued only in fully registered form.
- ------------                                                            

Minimum Purchase:           The minimum aggregate amount of Notes denominated 
- ----------------            and payable in U.S. dollars which may be offered 
                            to any purchaser will be $1,000.

Interest:                   General.  Each Note shall bear interest in 
- --------                    accordance with its terms, as described in the 
                            Prospectus Supplement (as defined in the Agency
                            Agreement), as supplemented by the applicable
                            Pricing Supplement.

Calculation of Interest:    Interest on Fixed Rate Notes and interest rates on
- -----------------------     Floating Rate Notes will be determined as set forth
                            in the form of Notes. With respect to Floating Rate
                            Notes, the Calculation Agent shall determine the
                            interest rate for each Interest Reset Date and
                            communicate such interest rate to the Issuer, and
                            the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee, or the
                            Designated Agent, and the Paying Agent of each such
                            determination.

                                      S-43
<PAGE>
 
Payments of Interest
- --------------------
and Principal:              All interest payments (excluding interest payments 
- -------------               made at maturity) will be made by check mailed to 
                            the person entitled thereto; provided, however, that
                            if a holder of one or more Notes of like tenor and
                            terms with an aggregate principal amount equal to or
                            greater than U.S. $10,000,000 (or the equivalent
                            thereof in foreign currencies or currency units)
                            shall designate in writing to the Paying Agent at
                            its corporate trust office in The City of New York
                            on or prior to the Regular Record Date relating to
                            the Interest Payment Date an appropriate account
                            with a bank, the Paying Agent will, subject to
                            applicable laws and regulations and until it
                            receives notice to the contrary, make such payment
                            and all succeeding payments to such person by wire
                            transfer to the designated account. If a payment
                            cannot be made by wire transfer because the
                            information received by the Paying Agent is
                            incomplete, a notice will be mailed to the holder at
                            its registered address requesting such information.
                            Upon presentation of the relevant Note, the Trustee,
                            or the Designated Agent, (or any duly appointed
                            Paying Agent) will pay in immediately available
                            funds the principal amount of such Note at maturity
                            and accrued interest, if any, due at maturity;
                            provided that the Note is presented to the Trustee,
                            or the Designated Agent, (or any such Paying Agent)
                            to make payments in accordance with its normal
                            procedures. The Issuer will provide the Trustee, or
                            the Designated Agent, (and any such Paying Agent)
                            with funds available for such purpose. Notes
                            presented to the Trustee, or the Designated Agent,
                            at maturity for payment will be canceled and
                            destroyed by the Trustee, or the Designated Agent,
                            and a certificate of destruction will be delivered
                            to the Issuer. On the fifth Business Day (as defined
                            below) immediately preceding each interest payment
                            date, the Trustee, or the Designated Agent, will
                            furnish to the Issuer a statement showing the total
                            amount of the interest payments to be made on such
                            interest payment date. The Trustee, or the
                            Designated Agent, will provide monthly to the Issuer
                            a list of the principal and interest to be paid on
                            Notes maturing in the next succeeding six months.
                            The Trustee, or the Designated Agent, will assume
                            responsibility for withholding taxes on interest
                            paid as required by law.

Acceptance of Offers:       The Agents will promptly advise the Issuer of each
- --------------------        reasonable offer to purchase Notes received by it,
                            other than those rejected by the Agents. The Agents
                            may, in their discretion reasonably exercised,
                            without notice to the Issuer, reject any offer
                            received by it, in whole or in part. The Issuer will
                            have the right to withdraw, cancel or modify such
                            offer without notice and will have the sole right to
                            accept offers to purchase Notes and may reject any
                            such offer, in whole or in part. If the Issuer
                            rejects an offer, the Issuer will promptly notify
                            the Agents.

                               Exhibit B--Page 44
<PAGE>
 
Settlement:                 All offers accepted by the Issuer will be settled 
- ----------                  on the third Business Day next succeeding the date 
                            of acceptance unless otherwise agreed by any
                            purchaser, the Agents and the Issuer. The settlement
                            date shall be specified upon receipt of an offer.
                            Prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
                            business day prior to the settlement date, the
                            Issuer will instruct the Trustee, or the Designated
                            Agent, to authenticate and deliver the Notes
                            pursuant to the terms communicated by the Presenting
                            Agent (as defined below) pursuant to the next
                            succeeding section no later than 2:15 p.m., New York
                            City time, on that day.

Details for Settlement:     For each offer accepted by the Issuer, the Agent who
- ----------------------      presented the offer (the "Presenting Agent") shall
                            communicate to the Issuer, Attention: Thomas J.
                            Sargeant, CFO (Fax No.: (703) 329-0060) who will
                            provide a copy to the Trustee, Attention: Robert J.
                            Dunn (Fax No.: (617) 664-5151) and the Designated
                            Agent, if any, by facsimile transmission or other
                            acceptable means the following information (the
                            "Purchase Information"):

       *                           Exact name in which the Note or Notes are 
to be registered ("registered owner").

       *                           Exact address of registered owner.

       *                           Taxpayer identification number of registered
owner.

       *                           Principal amount of each Note to be 
delivered to the registered owner.

       *                           Specified Currency and, if other than U.S. 
dollar, denominations.

       *                           In the case of a Fixed Rate Note, the 
interest rate or, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, the interest rate
formula, the Initial Interest Rate (if known at such time), Index Maturity,
Interest Reset Period, Interest Reset Dates, Spread or Spread Multiplier (if
any), minimum interest rate (if any) and maximum interest rate (if any).

       *                           Interest Payment Period and Interest 
Payment Dates.

       *                           Maturity Date of Notes.

       *                           Issue Price of Notes.

       *                           Settlement date for Notes.

                               Exhibit B--Page 45
<PAGE>
 
       *                           Presenting Agent's commission (to be paid 
in the form of a discount from the proceeds remitted to the Issuer 
upon settlement).

       *                           Redemption provisions, if any.

       *                           Repayment provisions, if any.

       *                           Original issue discount provisions, if any.

       *                           In the case of Currency Indexed Notes, the 
above-listed information, as applicable and the Base Exchange Rate(s), Base 
Interest Rate and Indexed Currencies.

       *                           In the case of Dual Currency Notes, the 
above listed information, as applicable, and the Optional Payment Currency,
Designated Exchange Rate and Option Election Dates.

       *                           The issue date of, and the settlement date 
for, Notes will be the same. Before accepting any offer to purchase Notes to be
settled in less than three days, the Issuer shall verify that the Trustee, or
the Designated Agent, will have adequate time to prepare and authenticate the
Notes. Prior to preparing the Notes for delivery, the Trustee, or the Designated
Agent, will confirm the Purchase Information by telephone with the Presenting
Agent and the Issuer.


Confirmation:               For each accepted offer, the Presenting Agent will 
- ------------                issue a confirmation, in writing, telephonically 
or through any other commonly used method of communication to the purchaser
and a confirmation to the Issuer, Attention: Thomas J. Sargeant, CFO 
(Fax No.: (703) 329-0060).


Note Deliveries
- ---------------
and Cash Payment:           Upon the receipt of appropriate documentation and
- ----------------            instructions from the Issuer and verification 
                            thereof, the Trustee, or the Designated Agent, will
                            cause the Notes to be prepared and authenticated and
                            hold the Notes for delivery against payment.

                            The Trustee, or the Designated Agent, will deliver
                            the Notes, in accordance with instructions from the
                            Issuer, to the Presenting Agent, as the Issuer's
                            agent, for the benefit of the purchaser only against
                            payment in immediately available funds in an amount
                            equal to the face amount of the Notes less the
                            Presenting Agent's commission plus any premium or
                            less any discount; provided, however, that the
                            Trustee, or the Designated Agent, may deliver Notes
                            to the Presenting Agent against receipt therefor
                            and, later the same day, receipt of such funds in
                            such amount. Upon receipt of such payment, the
                            Trustee, or the Designated Agent, shall pay promptly
                            an amount equal thereto 

                               Exhibit B--Page 46
<PAGE>
 
                            to the Issuer in immediately available funds by wire
                            transfer to the following account of the Issuer:


                                  Bank:             Fleet National Bank
                                  ABA Number:       011 900 571
                                  Account Number:   1510350-03121
                                  For Credit To:    Fleet National Bank Loan 
                                                    Clearance Account
                                  Reference:        AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
                                  Attn:             Kim Lewis  (860) 986-5982

                            The Presenting Agent, as the Issuer's agent, will
                            deliver the Notes (with the written confirmation
                            provided for above) to the purchaser thereof against
                            payment by such purchaser in immediately available
                            funds. Delivery of any confirmation or Note will be
                            made in compliance with "Delivery of Prospectus"
                            below.

Failure of Purchaser:       In the event that a purchaser shall fail to accept
- --------------------        delivery of and make payment for a Note on the 
                            settlement date, the Presenting Agent will notify
                            the Trustee or the Designated Agent and the Issuer,
                            by telephone, confirmed in writing. If the Note has
                            been delivered to the Presenting Agent, as the
                            Issuer's agent, the Presenting Agent shall return
                            such Note to the Trustee, or the Designated Agent.
                            If funds have been advanced for the purchase of such
                            Note, the Trustee, or the Designated Agent, will,
                            immediately upon receipt of such Note contact the
                            Issuer to the attention of Thomas J. Sargeant, CFO
                            (Fax No.: (703) 329-0060) advising the Issuer of
                            such failure. At such time, the Issuer will refund
                            the payment previously made by the Presenting Agent
                            in immediately available funds. Such payments will
                            be made on the settlement date, if possible, and in
                            any event not later than the business day following
                            the settlement date. If such failure shall have
                            occurred for any reason other than the failure of
                            the Presenting Agent to provide the Purchase
                            Information to the Issuer or to provide a
                            confirmation to the purchaser, the Issuer will
                            reimburse the Presenting Agent on an equitable basis
                            for its loss of the use of funds during the period
                            when they were credited to the account of the
                            Issuer.

                            Immediately upon receipt of the Note in respect of
                            which the failure occurred, the Trustee, or the
                            Designated Agent, will cause the Security Registrar
                            to make appropriate entries to reflect the fact that
                            the Note was never issued and will destroy the Note.

                               Exhibit B--Page 47
<PAGE>
 
Procedure for Rate Changes: The Issuer and the Agents will discuss from time to
- --------------------------  time the price of, and the rates to be borne by, 
                            the Notes that may be sold as a result of the
                            solicitation of offers by the Agent. Once an Agent
                            has recorded any indication of interest in Notes
                            upon certain terms, and communicated with the
                            Issuer, if the Issuer plans to accept an offer to
                            purchase Notes upon such terms, it will prepare a
                            Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus, as then
                            amended or supplemented, reflecting the terms of
                            such Notes and will arrange to transmit such Pricing
                            Supplement to the Commission for filing in
                            accordance with and within the time prescribed by
                            the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) under the
                            Act. The Issuer will supply at least two copies of
                            the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented, and
                            bearing such Pricing Supplement, to the Presenting
                            Agent. The Issuer shall use its reasonable best
                            efforts to send such Pricing Supplement by telecopy
                            or overnight express (for delivery by the close of
                            business on the applicable trade date, but in no
                            event later than 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on
                            the Business Day following the applicable trade
                            date) to the Presenting Agent and the Trustee at the
                            following applicable address:

                                if to:  PaineWebber Incorporated
                                   to:  Fixed Income Division
                                        Attention:  Mike Sabatino
                                        1285 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
                                        New York, NY  10019
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 713-2233
                                        Phone Number: (212) 713-4814

                                if to:  First Union Capital Markets
                                   to:  Attn:  Mark Adamson
                                        301 South College Street, TW8
                                        Charlotte, NC  28288
                                        Telecopy Number:  (704) 383-7727

                                if to:  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                   to:  Attn:  MTN Trading Desk
                                        60 Wall Street, 3rd Floor
                                        New York, NY  10260
                                        Telephone Number: (212) 648-0591
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 648-5909/1/


- ------------------
/1/   Please send by telecopy with original to follow by mail.

                               Exhibit B--Page 48
<PAGE>
 
                                if to:  NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
                              to both:    Continuously Offered Products
                                          100 North Tryon Street
                                          Charlotte, NC  28255
                                          Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                          Telecopy Number:  (704) 388-9939/2/

                                          and

                                          Syndicate Operations
                                          100 North Tryon Street
                                          Charlotte, NC  28255
                                          Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                          Telecopy Number: (704) 388-9212/3/

                                if to:  Warburg Dillon Read LLC
                                   to:  Attention:  Jeff London
                                        677 Washington Blvd.
                                        Stamford, CT  06901
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 719-7139

                                if to:  State Street Bank and Trust 
                                        (the Trustee)
                                   to:  Attention:  Robert J. Dunn
                                        2 International Place, 4th Floor
                                        Boston, MA  02110
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 664-5151
                               and to:  the Designated Agent, if any.

                            For record keeping purposes, one copy of such 
                            Pricing Supplement shall also be mailed to:

                                        O'Melveny & Myers LLP
                                        275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
                                        San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
                                        Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number: (415) 984-8701

                            and to:

                                        Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                        Exchange Place
                                        53 State Street
                                        Boston, MA  02109-2281
                                        Attention:  John O. Newell, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 523-1231


- ---------------------
/2/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.
/3/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.

                               Exhibit B--Page 49
<PAGE>
 
                            In each instance that a Pricing Supplement is
                            prepared, the Presenting Agent will provide a copy
                            of such Pricing Supplement to each investor or
                            purchaser of the relevant Notes or its agent.
                            Pursuant to Rule 434 of the Securities Act of 1933,
                            as amended, the Pricing Supplement may be delivered
                            separately from the Prospectus. No settlements with
                            respect to Notes upon such terms may occur prior to
                            such transmitting and such Agent will not, prior to
                            such transmitting, mail confirmations to customers
                            who have offered to purchase Notes upon such terms.
                            After such transmitting, sales, mailing of
                            confirmations and settlements may occur with respect
                            to Notes upon such terms, subject to the provisions
                            of "Delivery of Prospectus" below..

                                 Outdated Pricing Supplements and copies of the
                            Prospectus to which they are attached (other than
                            those retained for files), will be destroyed.

Suspension of Solicitation;
- ---------------------------
Amendment or Supplement:    As provided in the Agency Agreement, the Issuer may
- -----------------------     suspend solicitation of purchases at any time and,
                            upon receipt of notice from the Issuer, the Agents
                            will, as promptly as practicable, but in no event
                            later than one business day following such notice,
                            suspend solicitation until such time as the Issuer
                            has advised them that solicitation of purchases may
                            be resumed. If the Agents receive the notice from
                            the Issuer contemplated by Section 4(b) of the
                            Agency Agreement, they will promptly suspend
                            solicitation and will only resume solicitation as
                            provided in the Agency Agreement. If the Issuer
                            decides to amend or supplement the Registration
                            Statement or the Prospectus relating to the Notes,
                            it will promptly advise the Agents and will furnish
                            the Agents with the proposed amendment or supplement
                            in accordance with the terms of the Agency
                            Agreement. The Issuer will promptly file or mail to
                            the Commission for filing such amendment or
                            supplement, provide the Agents with copies of any
                            such amendment or supplement, confirm to the Agents
                            that such amendment or supplement has been filed
                            with the Commission and advise the Agents that
                            solicitation may be resumed. Any such suspension
                            shall not affect the Issuer's obligations under the
                            Agency Agreement; and in the event that at the time
                            the Issuer suspends solicitation of purchases there
                            shall be any offers already accepted by the Issuer
                            outstanding for settlement, the Issuer will have the
                            sole responsibility for fulfilling such obligations;
                            the Agents will make reasonable efforts to assist
                            the Issuer to fulfill such obligations, but the
                            Agents will not be obligated to fulfill such
                            obligations. The Issuer will in addition promptly
                            advise the Agents and the Trustee, or the Designated
                            Agent, if such offers

                               Exhibit B--Page 50
<PAGE>
 
                            are not to be settled and if copies of the
                            Prospectus as in effect at the time of the
                            suspension may not be delivered in connection with
                            the settlement of such offers.

Delivery of Prospectus:     A copy of the Prospectus, as most recently amended
- ----------------------      or supplemented on the date of delivery thereof 
                            (except as provided below), must be delivered to a
                            purchaser prior to or together with the earlier of
                            delivery of (i) the written confirmation provided
                            for above, and (ii) any Note purchased by such
                            purchaser at the following address:

                                if to:  PaineWebber Incorporated
                                   to:  Fixed Income Division
                                        Attention:  Mike Sabatino
                                        1285 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
                                        New York, NY  10019
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 713-2233
                                        Phone Number: (212) 713-4814

                                if to:  First Union Capital Markets
                                   to:  Attn:  Mark Adamson
                                        301 South College Street, TW8
                                        Charlotte, NC  28288
                                        Telecopy Number:  (704) 383-7727

                                if to:  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                   to:  Attn:  MTN Trading Desk
                                        60 Wall Street, 3rd Floor
                                        New York, NY  10260
                                        Telephone Number: (212) 648-0591
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 648-5909/4/

                                if to:  NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
                              to both:    Continuously Offered Products
                                          100 North Tryon Street
                                          Charlotte, NC  28255
                                          Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                          Telecopy Number:  (704) 388-9939/5/

                                          and

                                          Syndicate Operations
                                          100 North Tryon Street
                                          Charlotte, NC  28255
                                          Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                          Telecopy Number: (704) 388-9212/6/
- -------------------------
/4/ Please send by telecopy with original to follow by mail.
/5/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.
/6/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail

                               Exhibit B--Page 51
<PAGE>
 
                                if to:  Warburg Dillon Read LLC
                                   to:  Attention:  Jeff London
                                        677 Washington Blvd.
                                        Stamford, CT  06901
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 719-7139

                                if to:  State Street Bank and Trust 
                                        (the Trustee)
                                   to:  Attention:  Robert J. Dunn
                                        2 International Place, 4th Floor
                                        Boston, MA  02110
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 664-5151
                               and to:  the Designated Agent, if any.

                            For record keeping purposes, one copy of such
                            Prospectus shall also be mailed to:

                                        O'Melveny & Myers LLP
                                        275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
                                        San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
                                        Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number: (415) 984-8701

                               and to:

                                        Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                        Exchange Place
                                        53 State Street
                                        Boston, MA  02109-2281
                                        Attention:  John O. Newell, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 523-1231

                            The Issuer shall ensure that the Presenting Agent
                            receives copies of the Prospectus and each amendment
                            or supplement thereto (including appropriate Pricing
                            Supplements) in such quantities and within such time
                            limits as will enable the Presenting Agent to
                            deliver such confirmation or Note to a purchaser as
                            contemplated by these procedures and in compliance
                            with the preceding sentence. If, since the date of
                            acceptance of a purchaser's offer, the Prospectus
                            shall have been supplemented solely to reflect any
                            sale of Notes on terms different from those agreed
                            to between the Issuer and such purchaser or a change
                            in posted rates not applicable to such purchaser,
                            such purchaser

                               Exhibit B--Page 52
<PAGE>
 
                            shall not receive the Prospectus as supplemented by
                            such new supplement, but shall receive the
                            Prospectus as supplemented to reflect the terms of
                            the Notes being purchased by such purchaser and
                            otherwise as most recently amended or supplemented
                            on the date of delivery of the Prospectus.

Authenticity of Signatures: The Issuer will cause the Trustee, or the
- --------------------------  Designated Agent, to furnish the Agent from time 
                            to time with the specimen signatures of each of the
                            officers, employees or agents of the Trustee, or the
                            Designated Agent, who have been authorized by the
                            Trustee, or the Designated Agent, respectively, to
                            authenticate Notes, but the Agent will have no
                            obligation or liability to the Issuer or the
                            Trustee, or the Designated Agent, in respect of the
                            authenticity of the signature of any officer,
                            employee or agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, or
                            the Designated Agent, on any Note.

Advertising Cost:           The Issuer and the Company will determine with the
- ----------------            Agent the amount of advertising that may be 
                            appropriate in offering the Notes.

Business Day:               "Business Day" means any day (other than a 
- ------------                Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday) on which 
                            banking institutions in The City of New York are
                            open for business (and, (i) with respect to LIBOR
                            Notes which is also a day on which dealings in
                            deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the
                            London interbank market, and (ii) with respect to
                            Notes denominated in a Specified Currency other than
                            U.S. dollars, on which banking institutions in the
                            principal financial center of the country of the
                            Specified Currency are open for business).

                               Exhibit B--Page 53
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR GLOBAL NOTE METHOD
                              OF BOOK-ENTRY NOTES


          The following explains the administrative procedures for the Global
Note method of the DTC book-entry system.  Any reference to "Book-Entry Notes"
in this Part II refers to the Global Note method (for a discussion of the Master
Note method of the DTC book-entry system, see Part III below).  Certain
generally applicable administrative procedures are set forth in Part I above
(See "Issue/Authentication Date," "Price to Public," "Minimum Purchase,"
"Authenticity of Signatures," "Advertising Cost," and "Business Day").  In
connection with the qualification of the Book-Entry Notes for eligibility in the
book-entry system maintained by DTC, the Trustee will perform the custodial,
document control and administrative functions described below, in accordance
with its respective obligations under a Letter of Representations (the "Letter")
from the Issuer and the Trustee to DTC dated on or around the date hereof, and a
Medium-Term Note Certificate Agreement between the Trustee and DTC and its
obligations as a participant in DTC, including DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System ("SDFS").  Both Fixed and Floating Rate Notes denominated and payable in
U.S. dollars may be issued in book-entry form.  Single and Multi-Indexed Notes
may also be issued in book-entry form.


Issuance:                   On any date of settlement (as defined under 
- --------                    "Settlement" below) for one or more Book-Entry 
                            Notes, the Issuer will issue a single global
                            security in fully registered form without coupons (a
                            "Global Note") representing up to $150,000,000
                            principal amount of all such Notes that have the
                            same Stated Maturity, redemption provisions, if any,
                            repayment provisions, if any, Interest Payment
                            Dates, Original Issue Date, original issue discount
                            provisions, if any, and, in the case of Fixed Rate
                            Notes, interest rate, or in the case of Floating
                            Rate Notes, interest rate formula, initial interest
                            rate, Index Maturity, Interest Reset Period,
                            Interest Reset Dates, Spread or Spread Multiplier
                            (if any), minimum interest rate (if any) and maximum
                            interest rate (if any) and, in the case of Fixed
                            Rate Notes or Floating Rate Notes that are also
                            Currency Indexed Notes, Specified Currency, Indexed
                            Currency, Face Amount and Base Exchange Rate and the
                            Base Interest Rate, if any, or that are also other
                            Indexed Notes, the same terms (all of the foregoing
                            are collectively referred to as the "Terms"). Each
                            Global Note will be dated and issued as of the date
                            of its settlement date, which will be (i) with
                            respect to an original Global Note (or any portion
                            thereof), its original issue date, and (ii)
                            following a consolidation of Global Notes, the most
                            recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has
                            been paid or duly provided for on the predecessor
                            Global Notes, regardless of the date of
                            authentication of such subsequently issued Global
                            Note. Each Book-Entry Note will be deemed to have
                            been dated and issued as of the settlement date,
                            which date shall be the Original Issue Date. No
                            Global Note will represent any Certificated Note.

                               Exhibit B--Page 54
<PAGE>
 
Identification Numbers:     The Issuer has arranged with the CUSIP Service 
- ----------------------      Bureau of Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (the 
                            "CUSIP Service Bureau") for the reservation of a
                            series of CUSIP numbers consisting of approximately
                            900 CUSIP numbers relating to Book-Entry Notes. The
                            Trustee, the Issuer and DTC have obtained from the
                            CUSIP Service Bureau a written list of such reserved
                            CUSIP numbers. The Trustee will assign CUSIP numbers
                            to Global Notes as described below under Settlement
                            Procedure "B". DTC will notify the CUSIP Service
                            Bureau periodically of the CUSIP numbers that the
                            Trustee has assigned to Global Notes. The Trustee
                            will notify the Issuer at any time when fewer than
                            100 of the reserved CUSIP numbers remain unassigned
                            to Global Notes, and, if it deems necessary, the
                            Issuer will reserve additional CUSIP numbers for
                            assignment to Global Notes representing Book Entry
                            Notes. Upon obtaining such additional CUSIP numbers,
                            the Issuer shall deliver a list of such additional
                            CUSIP numbers to the Trustee and DTC.

Registration:               Each Global Note will be issued only in fully 
- ------------                registered form without coupons.  Each Global Note
                            will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
                            nominee for DTC, on the Securities Register
                            maintained under the Indenture. The beneficial owner
                            of a Book-Entry Note (or one or more indirect
                            participants in DTC designated by such owner) will
                            designate one or more participants in DTC (with
                            respect to such Note, the "Participants") to act as
                            agent or agents for such owner in connection with
                            the book-entry system maintained by DTC, and DTC
                            will record in book-entry form, in accordance with
                            instructions provided by such Participants, a credit
                            balance with respect to such Note in the account of
                            such Participants. The ownership interest of such
                            beneficial owner in such Note will be recorded
                            through the records of such Participants or through
                            the separate records of such Participants and one or
                            more indirect participants in DTC.

Transfers:                  Transfers of a Book-Entry Note will be accomplished
- ---------                   by book entries made by DTC and, in turn, by 
                            Participants (and, in certain cases, one or more
                            indirect participants in DTC acting on behalf of
                            beneficial transferors and transferees of such
                            Note).

Exchanges:                  The Trustee may deliver to DTC and the CUSIP 
- ---------                   Service Bureau at any time a written notice of 
                            consolidation (a copy of which shall be attached to
                            the Global Note resulting from such consolidation)
                            specifying (i) the CUSIP numbers set forth on two or
                            more outstanding Global Notes that represent Book-
                            Entry Notes having the same Terms and for which
                            interest has been paid to the same date, (ii) a
                            date, occurring at least thirty days after such
                            written notice is delivered and at least thirty days
                            before the next

                               Exhibit B--Page 55
<PAGE>
 
                            Interest Payment Date for such Book-Entry Notes, on
                            which such Global Notes shall be exchanged for a
                            single replacement Global Note and (iii) a new CUSIP
                            number to be assigned to such replacement Global
                            Note. Upon receipt of such a notice, DTC will send
                            to its Participants (including the Trustee) a
                            written reorganization notice to the effect that
                            such exchange will occur on such date. Prior to the
                            specified exchange date, the Trustee will deliver to
                            the CUSIP Service Bureau a written notice setting
                            forth such exchange date and the new CUSIP number
                            and stating that, as of such exchange date, the
                            CUSIP numbers of the Global Notes to be exchanged
                            will no longer be valid. On the specified exchange
                            date, the Trustee will exchange such Global Notes
                            for a single Global Note bearing the new CUSIP
                            number and a new Original Issue Date and the CUSIP
                            numbers of the exchanged Global Notes will, in
                            accordance with CUSIP Service Bureau procedures, be
                            canceled and not immediately reassigned.
                            Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Global Notes
                            to be exchanged exceed $150,000,000 in aggregate
                            principal amount, one Global Note will be
                            authenticated and issued to represent each
                            $150,000,000 of principal amount of the exchanged
                            Global Notes and an additional Global Note will be
                            authenticated and issued to represent any remaining
                            principal amount of such Global Notes (see
                            "Denominations" below).

Maturities:                 Each Book-Entry Note will mature on a Business Day
- ----------                  nine months or more from the settlement date 
                            for such Note.


Notice of Repayment Terms:  With respect to each Book-Entry Note that is
- -------------------------   repayable at the option of the Holder, the Trustee
                            will furnish DTC on the settlement date pertaining
                            to such Book-Entry Note a notice setting forth the
                            terms of such repayment option. Such terms shall
                            include the start date and end dates of the first
                            exercise period, the purchase date following such
                            exercise period, the frequency that such exercise
                            periods occur (e.g., quarterly, semiannually,
                            annually, etc.) and if the repayment option expires
                            before maturity, the same information (except
                            frequency) concerning the last exercise period. It
                            is understood that the exercise period shall be at
                            least 15 calendar days long and that the purchase
                            date shall be at least seven calendar days after the
                            last day of the exercise period.

Redemption and Repayment:   The Trustee will comply with the terms of the Letter
- ------------------------    with regard to redemptions and repayments of the 
                            Notes. If a Global Note is to be redeemed or repaid
                            in part, the Trustee will exchange such Global Note
                            for two Global Notes, one of which shall represent
                            the portion of the Global Note being redeemed or
                            repaid and

                               Exhibit B--Page 56
<PAGE>
 
                            shall be canceled immediately after issuance and the
                            other of which shall represent the remaining portion
                            of such Global Note and shall bear the CUSIP number
                            of the surrendered Global Note.


Denominations:              Book Entry Notes will be issued in principal 
- -------------               amounts of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof 
                            that is an integral multiple of $1,000. Global Notes
                            will be denominated in principal amounts not in
                            excess of $150,000,000. If one or more Book Entry
                            Notes having an aggregate principal amount in excess
                            of $150,000,000 would, but for the preceding
                            sentence, be represented by a single Global Note,
                            then one Global Note will be issued to represent
                            each $150,000,000 principal amount of such Book-
                            Entry Note or Notes and an additional Global Note
                            will be issued to represent any remaining principal
                            amount of such Book-Entry Note or Notes. In such a
                            case, each of the Global Notes representing such
                            Book-Entry Note or Notes shall be assigned the same
                            CUSIP number.

Interest:                   General.  Interest on each Book-Entry Note will 
- --------                    begin to accrue from the Original Issue Date of 
                            the Global Note representing such Note or from the
                            most recent date to which interest has been paid, as
                            the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the
                            Note, as described in the Prospectus Supplement (as
                            defined in the Agency Agreement), as supplemented by
                            the applicable Pricing Supplement. Standard & Poor's
                            Ratings Services will use the information received
                            in the pending deposit message described under the
                            Settlement Procedure "C" below in order to include
                            the amount of any interest payable and certain other
                            information regarding the related Global Note in the
                            appropriate weekly bond report published by Standard
                            & Poor's Ratings Services.

Notice of Interest Payment
- --------------------------
and Regular Record Dates:   On the first Business Day of January, April, July 
- ------------------------    and October of each year, the Trustee will deliver
                            to the Issuer and DTC a written list of Regular 
                            Record Dates and Interest Payment Dates that will
                            occur with respect to Book-Entry Notes during the
                            six-month period beginning on such first Business
                            Day. Promptly after each Interest Determination Date
                            or Calculation Date, as applicable (as defined in or
                            pursuant to the applicable Note) for Floating Rate
                            Notes, the Issuer, upon receiving notice thereof,
                            will notify Standard & Poor's Ratings Services of
                            the interest rate determined on such Interest
                            Determination Date or Calculation Date, as
                            applicable.

                               Exhibit B--Page 57
<PAGE>
 
Calculation of Interest:    Interest on Fixed Rate Book-Entry Notes (including
- -----------------------     interest for partial periods) and interest rates 
                            on Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes will be determined
                            as set forth in the form of Notes. With respect to
                            Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes, the Calculation
                            Agent shall determine the interest for each Interest
                            Reset Date and communicate such interest rate to the
                            Issuer and the Issuer will promptly notify the
                            Trustee and the Paying Agent of each such
                            determination.

Payments of Principal
- ---------------------
and Interest:               Promptly after each Regular Record Date, the 
- ------------                Trustee will deliver to the Issuer and DTC a 
                            written notice specifying by CUSIP number the amount
                            of interest to be paid on each Global Note on the
                            following Interest Payment Date (other than an
                            Interest Payment Date coinciding with maturity) and
                            the total of such amounts. The Issuer will confirm
                            with the Trustee the amount payable on each Global
                            Note on such Interest Payment Date. DTC will confirm
                            the amount payable on each Global Note on such
                            Interest Payment Date by reference to the daily or
                            weekly bond reports published by Standard & Poor's
                            Ratings Services. The Issuer will pay to the
                            Trustee, as paying agent, the total amount of
                            interest due on such Interest Payment Date (other
                            than at maturity), and the Trustee will pay such
                            amount to DTC at the times and in the manner set
                            forth below under "Manner of Payment".

Payments at Maturity:       On or about the first Business Day of each month, 
- --------------------        the Trustee will deliver to the Issuer and DTC a 
                            written list of principal and interest to be paid on
                            each Global Note maturing either at Stated Maturity
                            or on a Redemption or Repayment Date in the
                            following month. The Issuer, the Trustee and DTC
                            will confirm the amounts of such principal and
                            interest payments with respect to each such Global
                            Note on or about the fifth Business Day preceding
                            the maturity of such Global Note. The Issuer will
                            pay to the Trustee, as paying agent, the principal
                            amount of such Global Note, together with interest
                            due at such maturity. The Trustee will pay such
                            amounts to DTC at the times and in the manner set
                            forth below under "Manner of Payment." Promptly
                            after payment to DTC of the principal and interest
                            due at the maturity of such Global Note, the Trustee
                            will cancel and destroy such Global Note in
                            accordance with the terms of the Indenture and
                            deliver a certificate of destruction to the Issuer.


Manner of Payment:          The total amount of any principal and interest due 
- -----------------           on Global Notes on any Interest Payment Date or at
                            maturity shall be paid by the Issuer to the Trustee
                            in funds available for use by the Trustee as of 9:30
                            A.M. (New York City time), or as soon as practicable
                            thereafter on such date. The Issuer will confirm
                            instructions regarding payment in writing to the
                            Trustee. Prior

                               Exhibit B--Page 58
<PAGE>
 
                            to 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on each Maturity
                            Date or as soon as possible thereafter, following
                            receipt of such funds from the Issuer, the Trustee
                            will pay by separate wire transfer (using Fedwire
                            message entry instructions in a form previously
                            specified by DTC) to an account at the Federal
                            Reserve Bank of New York previously specified by
                            DTC, in funds available for immediate use by DTC,
                            each payment of principal (together with interest
                            thereon) due on Global Notes on any Maturity Date.
                            On each Interest Payment Date, interest payments
                            shall be made to DTC in same-day funds in accordance
                            with existing arrangements between the Trustee and
                            DTC. Thereafter, on each such date, DTC will pay, in
                            accordance with its SDFS operating procedures then
                            in effect, such amounts in funds available for
                            immediate use to the respective Participants in
                            whose names the Book-Entry Notes represented by such
                            Global Notes are recorded in the book-entry system
                            maintained by DTC. Neither the Issuer nor the
                            Trustee shall have any direct responsibility or
                            liability for the payment by DTC to such
                            Participants of the principal of and interest on the
                            Book-Entry Notes.

Withholding Taxes:          The amount of any taxes required under applicable 
- -----------------           law to be withheld from any interest payment on a 
                            Book-Entry Note will be determined and withheld by
                            the Participant, indirect participant in DTC or
                            other Person responsible for forwarding payments and
                            materials directly to the beneficial owner of such
                            Note.

Acceptance of Offers:       Each Agent will promptly advise the Issuer of each
- --------------------        reasonable offer to purchase Notes received by it,
                            other than those rejected by such Agent. Each Agent
                            may, in its discretion reasonably exercised, without
                            notice to the Issuer, reject any offer received by
                            it, in whole or in part. The Issuer will have the
                            right to withdraw, cancel or modify such offer
                            without notice and will have the sole right to
                            accept offers to purchase Notes and may reject any
                            such offer, in whole or in part. If the Issuer
                            rejects an offer, the Issuer will promptly notify
                            such Agent.

Settlement:                 The receipt by the Issuer of immediately available 
- ----------                  funds in payment for a Book-Entry Note and the 
                            authentication and issuance of the Global Note or
                            Global Notes representing such Note shall constitute
                            "settlement" with respect to such Note. All orders
                            accepted by the Issuer will be settled on the third
                            Business Day from the date of the sale pursuant to
                            the timetable for settlement set forth below unless
                            the Issuer and the purchaser agree to settlement on
                            another day which shall be no earlier than the next
                            Business Day.

                               Exhibit B--Page 59
<PAGE>
 
Settlement Procedures:      Settlement Procedures with regard to each Book-Entry
- ---------------------       Note sold by the For Issuer through an Agent as 
                            agent, shall be as follows:

                            For each offer accepted by the Issuer, the 
                            Presenting Agent shall communicate to the Issuer,
                            Attention: Thomas J. Sargeant, CFO (Fax No.: (703)
                            329-0060), who will provide a copy to the Trustee,
                            Attention: Robert J. Dunn (Fax No.: (617) 664-5151
                            and the Designated Agent, if any, by facsimile
                            transmission or other acceptable means, the
                            information set forth below:


        *                              Principal amount.

        *                              Maturity Date of Notes.

        *                              In the case of a Fixed Rate Book-Entry 
Note, the interest rate or, in the case of a Floating Rate Book-Entry Note, the
Interest Rate Formula, the Initial Interest Rate (if known at such time), Index
Maturity, Interest Reset Period, Interest Reset Dates, Spread or Spread
Multiplier (if any), Minimum Interest Rate (if any) and Maximum Interest Rate
(if any).

        *                              Interest Payment Period and Interest 
Payment Dates.

        *                              Redemption provisions, if any.

        *                              Repayment provisions, if any.

        *                              Settlement date (Original Issue Date).

        *                              Price to public of the Note (expressed 
as a percentage).

        *                              Agent's commission (to be paid in the 
form of a discount from the proceeds remitted to the Issuer upon settlement).

        *                              Original issue discount provisions
if any.

        *                              In the case of Currency Indexed Notes, 
the above-listed information, as applicable, and the Base Exchange Rate(s),
Base Interest Rate and Indexed Currencies.

        *                              In the case of Dual Currency Notes, the
above-listed information, as applicable, and the Optional Payment Currency,
Designated Exchange Rate and Optional Election Dates.

        *                              Net proceeds to the Issuer.

                               Exhibit B--Page 60
<PAGE>
 
                            The Trustee will confirm the information set forth
                            in Settlement Procedure "A" above by telephone with
                            such Agent and the Issuer.

               The Trustee will assign a CUSIP number to the Global Note 
                            representing such Note and will telephone the Issuer
                            and advise the Issuer of such CUSIP number. The
                            Trustee will enter a pending deposit message through
                            DTC's Participant Terminal System, providing the
                            following settlement information to DTC (which shall
                            route such information to Standard & Poor's Ratings
                            Services) and the Presenting Agent:

        *                              The applicable information set forth in
Settlement Procedure "A".

        *                              Identification as a Fixed Rate 
Book-Entry Note or a Floating Rate Book-Entry Note.

        *                              Initial Interest Payment Date for such 
Note, number of days by which such date succeeds the related DTC Record Date
(which, in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset daily or weekly shall be
the date five calendar days immediately preceding the applicable Interest
Payment Date and in the case of all other Notes shall be the Regular Record Date
as defined in the Note), the amount of interest payable on such Interest Payment
Date per $1,000 principal amount of Notes at Maturity, and amount of interest
payable per $1,000 principal amount of Notes in the case of Fixed Rate Notes.

        *                               CUSIP number of the Global Note 
representing such Note.

        *                               Whether such Global Note will 
represent any other Book-Entry Note (to the extent known at such time).


               To the extent the Issuer has not already done so, the
                            Issuer will deliver to the Trustee a Pricing
                            Supplement in a form that has been approved by the
                            Issuer and the Agents. The Issuer will also deliver
                            to the Trustee a Global Note representing such Note.

               The Trustee will complete and authenticate the Global Note 
                            representing such Note.

               DTC will credit such Note to the Trustee's participant account 
                             at DTC.

               The Trustee will enter an SDFS deliver order through DTC's 
                            Participant Terminal System instructing DTC to (i)
                            debit such Note to the Trustee's participant account
                            and credit such Note to such Agent's participant
                            account and (ii) debit such Agent's settlement
                            account and credit the Trustee's settlement account
                            for an amount equal to the price of such Note less
                            such Agent's commission. The entry of such a deliver
                            order shall constitute a

                               Exhibit B--Page 61
<PAGE>
 
                            representation and warranty by the Trustee to DTC
                            that (i) the Global Note representing such Book-
                            Entry Note has been executed, delivered and
                            authenticated and (ii) the Trustee is holding such
                            Global Note pursuant to the relevant Medium-Term
                            Note Certificate Agreement between the Trustee and
                            DTC.

               An Agent will enter an SDFS deliver order through DTC's
                            Participant Terminal System instructing DTC (i) to
                            debit such Note to such Agent's participant account
                            and credit such Note to the participant accounts of
                            the Participants with respect to such Note and (ii)
                            to debit the settlement accounts of such
                            Participants and credit the settlement account of
                            such Agent for an amount equal to the price of such
                            Note.

               Transfers of funds in accordance with SDFS deliver orders 
                            described in Settlement Procedures "G" and "H" will
                            be settled in accordance with SDFS operating
                            procedures in effect on the settlement date.

                            The Trustee, upon confirming receipt of such funds
                            in accordance with Settlement Procedure "G," will
                            wire transfer to the following account of the
                            Issuer:

                                  Bank:            Fleet National Bank
                                  ABA Number:      011 900 571
                                  Account Number:  1510350-03121
                                  For Credit To:   Fleet National Bank Loan 
                                                   Clearance Account
                                  Reference:       AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
                                  Attn:            Kim Lewis  (860) 986-5982

               in funds available for immediate use, the amount transferred to
                             the Trustee in accordance with Settlement 
                             Procedure "G."

               An Agent will confirm the purchase of such Note to the purchaser 
                            either by transmitting to the Participants with
                            respect to such Note a confirmation order or orders
                            through DTC's institutional delivery system or by
                            mailing a written confirmation to such purchaser.


Settlement
- -----------
Procedure Timetable:        For orders of Book-Entry Notes solicited by the 
- -------------------         Agent, as agent, and accepted by the Issuer for 
                            settlement on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date, Settlement Procedures "A" through "K" set
                            forth above shall be completed as soon as possible
                            but not later than the respective times (New York
                            City time) set forth below:


                            Settlement Procedure    Time
                            --------------------    ----
                                      A             11:00 a.m. on the sale date
                                      B             12:00 noon on the sale date
                                      C             2:00 p.m. on the sale date
                                      D             3:00 p.m. on the day 
                                                    before settlement
                                      E             9:00 a.m. on settlement date
                                      F             10:00 a.m. on settlement 
                                                    date
                                     G-H            2:00 p.m. on settlement date
                                      I             4:45 p.m. on settlement date
                                     J-K            5:00 p.m. on settlement date

                               Exhibit B--Page 62
<PAGE>
 
               If a sale is to be settled two Business Days after the sale date,
                            Settlement Procedures "A," "B" and "C" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but not later than
                            11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., as the case
                            may be, on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date.

               If a sale is to be settled more than two Business Days after the
                            sale date, Settlement Procedure "A" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but no later than
                            11:00 a.m. on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date and Settlement Procedures "B" and "C" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but no later than
                            12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., as the case may be, on the
                            second Business Day before the settlement date. If
                            the initial interest rate for a Floating Rate Book-
                            Entry Note has not been determined at the time that
                            Settlement Procedure "A" is completed, Settlement
                            Procedures "B" and "C" shall be completed as soon as
                            such rate has been determined but not later than
                            12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., respectively, on the
                            Business Day before the settlement date. Settlement
                            Procedure "I" is subject to extension in accordance
                            with any extension of Fedwire closing deadlines and
                            in the other events specified in the SDFS operating
                            procedures in effect on the settlement date.

               If settlement of a Book-Entry Note is rescheduled or canceled,
                            the Trustee, upon receipt of notice from the Issuer,
                            will deliver to DTC, through DTC's Participant
                            Terminal System, a cancellation message to such
                            effect by no later than 2:00 p.m. on the Business
                            Day immediately preceding the scheduled settlement
                            date.

Failure to Settle:          If an Agent or Trustee fails to enter an SDFS 
- -----------------           deliver order with respect to a Book-Entry Note 
                            pursuant to Settlement Procedure "G," the Trustee
                            may deliver to DTC, through DTC's Participant
                            Terminal System, as soon as practicable, a
                            withdrawal message instructing DTC to debit such
                            Note to the Trustee's participant account. DTC will
                            process the withdrawal message, provided that the
                            Trustee's participant account contains a principal
                            amount of the Global Note representing such Note
                            that is at least equal to the principal amount to be
                            debited. If a withdrawal message is processed with
                            respect to all the Book-Entry Notes represented by a
                            Global Note, the Trustee will mark such Global

                               Exhibit B--Page 63
<PAGE>
 
                            Note "canceled", make appropriate entries in its
                            records and send such canceled Global Note to the
                            Issuer. The CUSIP number assigned to such Global
                            Note shall, in accordance with CUSIP Service Bureau
                            procedures, be canceled and not immediately
                            reassigned. If a withdrawal message is processed
                            with respect to one or more, but not all, of the
                            Book-Entry Notes represented by a Global Note, the
                            Trustee will exchange such Global Note for two
                            Global Notes, one of which shall represent such 
                            Book-Entry Note or Notes and shall be canceled
                            immediately after issuance and the other of which
                            shall represent the remaining Book-Entry Notes
                            previously represented by the surrendered Global
                            Note and shall bear the CUSIP number of the
                            surrendered Global Note.

               If the purchase price for any Book-Entry Note is not timely paid
                            to the Participants with respect to such Note by 
                            the beneficial purchaser thereof (or a person,
                            including an indirect participant in DTC, acting on
                            behalf of such purchaser), such Participants and, in
                            turn, the Presenting Agent may enter SDFS deliver
                            orders through DTC's Participant Terminal system
                            reversing the orders entered pursuant to Settlement
                            Procedures "G" and "H," respectively. Thereafter,
                            the Trustee will deliver the withdrawal message and
                            take the applicable related actions described in the
                            preceding paragraph. If such failure shall have
                            occurred for any reason other than the failure of
                            the Presenting Agent to provide the Purchase
                            Information to the Issuer or to provide a
                            confirmation to the purchaser, the Issuer will
                            reimburse the Presenting Agent on an equitable basis
                            for its loss of the use of funds during the period
                            when they were credited to the account of the
                            Issuer.

               Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any failure to settle with
                            respect to a Book-Entry Note, DTC may take any
                            actions in accordance with its SDFS operating
                            procedures then in effect. In the event of a failure
                            to settle with respect to one or more, but not all,
                            of the Book-Entry Notes to have been represented by
                            a Global Note, the Trustee will provide, in
                            accordance with Settlement Procedures "D" and "E,"
                            for the authentication and issuance of a Global Note
                            representing the other Book-Entry Notes to have been
                            represented by such Global Note and will make
                            appropriate entries in its records.

Procedure for Rate Changes: The Issuer and each Agent will discuss from time to
- --------------------------  time the price of, and the rates to be borne by, 
                            the Notes that may be sold as a result of the
                            solicitation of offers by any Agent. Once an Agent
                            has recorded any indication of interest in Notes
                            upon certain terms, and communicated with the
                            Issuer, if the Issuer plans to accept an offer to
                            purchase Notes upon such terms, it

                               Exhibit B--Page 64
<PAGE>
 
                            will prepare a Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus,
                            as then amended or supplemented, reflecting the
                            terms of such Notes and will arrange to transmit
                            such Pricing Supplement to the Commission for filing
                            in accordance with and within the time prescribed by
                            the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) under the
                            Act. The Issuer will supply at least two copies of
                            the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented, and
                            bearing such Pricing Supplement, to the Presenting
                            Agent. The Issuer shall use its reasonable best
                            efforts to send such Pricing Supplement by telecopy
                            or overnight express (for delivery by the close of
                            business on the applicable trade date, but in no
                            event later than 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on
                            the Business Day following the applicable trade
                            date) to the Presenting Agent and the Trustee at the
                            following applicable address:

                                 if to:  PaineWebber Incorporated
                                    to:  Fixed Income Division
                                         Attention:  Mike Sabatino
                                         1285 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
                                         New York, NY  10019
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 713-2233
                                         Phone Number: (212) 713-4814

                                 if to:  First Union Capital Markets
                                    to:  Attn:  Mark Adamson
                                         301 South College Street, TW8
                                         Charlotte, NC  28288
                                         Telecopy Number:  (704) 383-7727

                                 if to:  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                    to:  Attn: MTN Trading Desk
                                         60 Wall Street, 3rd Floor
                                         New York, NY  10260
                                         Telephone Number: (212) 648-0591
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 648-5909/7/

                                 if to:  NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
                               to both:    Continuously Offered Products
                                           100 North Tryon Street
                                           Charlotte, NC  28255
                                           Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                           Telecopy Number:  (704) 388-9939/8/

                                           and


- ----------------------------
/7/ Please send by telecopy with original to follow by mail.
/8/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.

                               Exhibit B--Page 65
<PAGE>
 
                                           Syndicate Operations
                                           100 North Tryon Street
                                           Charlotte, NC  28255
                                           Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                           Telecopy Number: (704) 388-9212/9/

                                 if to:  Warburg Dillon Read LLC
                                    to:  Attention:  Jeff London
                                         677 Washington Blvd.
                                         Stamford, CT  06901
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 719-7139

                                 if to:  State Street Bank and Trust (the 
                                         Trustee)
                                    to:  Attention:  Robert J. Dunn
                                         2 International Place, 4th Floor
                                         Boston, MA  02110
                                         Telecopy Number:  (617) 664-5151
                                and to:  the Designated Agent, if any.

                            For record keeping purposes, one copy of such
                            Pricing Supplement shall also be mailed to:

                                         O'Melveny & Myers LLP  
                                         275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
                                         San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
                                         Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
                                         Telecopy Number: (415) 984-8701
                             and to:

                                         Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                         Exchange Place
                                         53 State Street
                                         Boston, MA  02109-2281
                                         Attention:  John O. Newell, Esq.
                                         Telecopy Number:  (617) 523-1231

                            In each instance that a Pricing Supplement is
                            prepared, the Presenting Agent will provide a copy
                            of such Pricing Supplement to each investor or
                            purchaser of the relevant Notes or its agent.
                            Pursuant to Rule 434 of the Securities Act of 1933,
                            as amended, the Pricing Supplement may be delivered
                            separately from the Prospectus. No settlements with
                            respect to Notes upon such terms may occur prior to
                            such transmitting and
- ---------------------
/9/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail

                               Exhibit B--Page 66
<PAGE>
 
                            such Agent will not, prior to such transmitting,
                            mail confirmations to customers who have offered to
                            purchase Notes upon such terms. After such
                            transmitting, sales, mailing of confirmations and
                            settlements may occur with respect to Notes upon
                            such terms, subject to the provisions of "Delivery
                            of Prospectus" below. Outdated Stickers, and copies
                            of the Prospectus to which they are attached (other
                            than those retained for files), will be destroyed.


Suspension of Solicitation;
- ---------------------------
Amendment or Supplement:    As provided in the Agency Agreement, the Issuer may
- -----------------------     suspend solicitation of purchase at any time, and,
                            upon receipt of notice from the Issuer, the Agents
                            will as promptly as practicable, but in no event
                            later than one Business Day following such notice,
                            suspend solicitation until such time as the Issuer
                            has advised them that solicitation of purchases may
                            be resumed.


               If the Agents receive the notice from the Issuer contemplated by
                            Section 4(b) of the Agency Agreement, they will
                            promptly suspend solicitation and will only resume
                            solicitation as provided in the Agency Agreement. If
                            the Issuer decides to amend or supplement the
                            Registration Statement or the Prospectus relating to
                            the Notes, it will promptly advise the Agents and
                            will furnish the Agents with the proposed amendment
                            or supplement in accordance with the terms of the
                            Agency Agreement. The Issuer will promptly file or
                            mail to the Commission for filing such amendment or
                            supplement, provide the Agents with copies of any
                            such amendment or supplement, confirm to the Agents
                            that such amendment or supplement has been filed
                            with the Commission and advise the Agents that
                            solicitation may be resumed. Any such suspension
                            shall not affect the Issuer's obligations under the
                            Agency Agreement; and in the event that at the time
                            the Issuer suspends solicitation of purchases there
                            shall be any offers already accepted by the Issuer
                            outstanding for settlement, the Issuer will have the
                            sole responsibility for fulfilling such obligations;
                            the Agents will make reasonable efforts to assist
                            the Issuer to fulfill such obligations, but the
                            Agents will not be obligated to fulfill such
                            obligations. The Issuer will in addition promptly
                            advise the Agents and the Trustee if such offers are
                            not to be settled and if copies of the Prospectus as
                            in effect at the time of the suspension may not be
                            delivered in connection with the settlement of such
                            offers.

Delivery of Prospectus:     A copy of the Prospectus, as most recently amended
- ----------------------      or supplemented on the date of delivery thereof 
                            (except as provided below), must be delivered to a
                            purchaser prior to or together with the earlier of
                            delivery of (i) the written confirmation 

                               Exhibit B--Page 67
<PAGE>
 
                            provided for above, and (ii) any Note purchased by
                            such purchaser at the following address:

                                 if to:  PaineWebber Incorporated
                                    to:  Fixed Income Division
                                         Attention:  Mike Sabatino
                                         1285 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
                                         New York, NY  10019
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 713-2233
                                         Phone Number: (212) 713-4814

                                 if to:  First Union Capital Markets
                                    to:  Attn:  Mark Adamson
                                         301 South College Street, TW8
                                         Charlotte, NC  28288
                                         Telecopy Number:  (704) 383-7727

                                 if to:  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                    to:  Attn:  MTN Trading Desk
                                         60 Wall Street, 3rd Floor
                                         New York, NY  10260
                                         Telephone Number: (212) 648-0591
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 648-5909/10/

                                 if to:  NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
                                 to both:     Continuously Offered Products
                                              100 North Tryon Street
                                              Charlotte, NC  28255
                                              Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                              Telecopy Number:
                                              (704) 388-9939/11/

                                              and

                                              Syndicate Operations
                                              100 North Tryon Street
                                              Charlotte, NC  28255
                                              Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                              Telecopy Number: 
                                              (704) 388-9212/12/

                                 if to:  Warburg Dillon Read LLC
                                    to:  Attention:  Jeff London
                                         677 Washington Blvd.
                                         Stamford, CT  06901
                                         Telecopy Number:  (212) 719-7139


- ---------------------
/10/ Please send by telecopy with original to follow by mail.
/11/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.
/12/ Please send by telecopy rather than mail.

                               Exhibit B--Page 68
<PAGE>
 
                               if to:  State Street Bank and Trust (the Trustee)
                                  to:  Attention:  Robert J. Dunn
                                       2 International Place, 4th Floor
                                       Boston, MA  02110
                                       Telecopy Number:  (617) 664-5151
                              and to:  the Designated Agent, if any.

                            For record keeping purposes, one copy of such
                            Prospectus shall also be mailed to:

                                        O'Melveny & Myers LLP
                                        275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
                                        San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
                                        Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number: (415) 984-8701

                               and to:
  
                                        Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                        Exchange Place
                                        53 State Street
                                        Boston, MA  02109-2281
                                        Attention:  John O. Newell, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 523-1231

               The Issuer shall ensure that the Presenting Agent receives 
                            copies of the Prospectus and each amendment or
                            supplement thereto (including appropriate Pricing
                            Supplements) in such quantities and within such time
                            limits as will enable the Presenting Agent to
                            deliver such confirmation or Note to a purchaser as
                            contemplated by these procedures and in compliance
                            with the preceding sentence. If, since the date of
                            acceptance of a purchaser's offer, the Prospectus
                            shall have been supplemented solely to reflect any
                            sale of Notes on terms different from those agreed
                            to between the Issuer and such purchaser or a change
                            in posted rates not applicable to such purchaser,
                            such purchaser shall not receive the Prospectus as
                            supplemented by such new supplement, but shall
                            receive the Prospectus as supplemented to reflect
                            the terms of the Notes being purchased by such
                            purchaser and otherwise as most recently amended or
                            supplemented on the date of delivery of the
                            Prospectus.

                               Exhibit B--Page 69
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART III
                                        
                   ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR MASTER NOTE
                           METHOD OF BOOK-ENTRY NOTES
                                        
          The following explains the administrative procedures for the Master
Note method of the DTC book-entry system.  Any reference to "Book-Entry Notes"
in this Part III refers to the Master Note method (for a discussion of the
Global Note method of the book-entry system, see Part II above).  (Certain
generally applicable administrative procedures are set forth in Part I above.
See "Issue/Authentication Date," "Price to Public," "Minimum Purchase,"
"Authenticity of Signatures," "Advertising Cost," and "Business Day").  In
connection with the qualification of the Book-Entry Notes for eligibility in the
book-entry system maintained by DTC, the Trustee will perform the custodial,
document control and administrative functions described below, in accordance
with its respective obligations under a Letter of Representations (the "Letter")
from the Issuer and the Trustee to DTC dated as of the date hereof, and a
Medium-Term Note Certificate Agreement between the Trustee and DTC and its
obligations as a participant in DTC, including DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System ("SDFS").  Both Fixed and Floating Rate Notes denominated and payable in
U.S. dollars may be issued in book-entry form.  Single and Multi-Indexed Notes
may also be issued in book-entry form.

Issuance:                   On or before any date of settlement (as defined 
- --------                    under "Settlement" below) for one or more 
                            Book-Entry Notes represented by one or more Master
                            Notes, the Issuer will deliver one or more Pricing
                            Supplements (with a Prospectus and a Prospectus
                            Supplement attached thereto unless previously
                            delivered to the Trustee) to the Trustee identifying
                            each issue of Book-Entry Notes that have the same
                            Stated Maturity, redemption provisions, if any,
                            Interest Payment Dates, Original Issue Date,
                            original issue discount provisions, if any, and, in
                            the case of Fixed Rate Notes, interest rate, or, in
                            case of Floating Rate Notes, interest rate formula,
                            initial interest rate, Index Maturity, Interest
                            Reset Period, Interest Reset Dates, Spread or Spread
                            Multiplier (if any), minimum interest rate (if any)
                            and maximum interest rate (if any) and, in the case
                            of Fixed Rate Notes or Floating Rate Notes that are
                            also Currency Indexed Notes, Specified Currency,
                            Indexed Currency, Face Amount and Base Exchange Rate
                            and the Base Interest Rate, if any, or that are also
                            Other Indexed Notes, the same terms (all of the
                            foregoing are collectively referred to as the
                            "Terms"). Each Pricing Supplement shall be
                            accompanied by a letter from the Issuer (i) advising
                            the Trustee that as of the date of such letter, the
                            Issuer has issued Notes pursuant to the Indenture
                            having the Terms specified in such Pricing
                            Supplement, (ii) confirming that such Notes are debt
                            obligations of the Issuer referred to and evidenced
                            by the Master Note registered in the name of Cede &
                            Co., as nominee for DTC and (iii) requesting the
                            Trustee to make an appropriate entry identifying
                            such debt obligations on the records of the Issuer

                                      S-70
<PAGE>
 
                            maintained by the Trustee. Each Book-Entry Note will
                            be deemed to have been dated and issued as of the
                            settlement date, which date shall be the Original
                            Issue Date. No Master Note will represent any
                            Certificated Note.

Identification Numbers:     The Issuer has arranged with the CUSIP Service 
- ----------------------      Bureau of Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (the
                            "CUSIP Service Bureau") for the reservation of a
                            series of CUSIP numbers, consisting of approximately
                            900 CUSIP numbers relating to Book-Entry Notes. The
                            Trustee, the Issuer and DTC have obtained from the
                            CUSIP Service Bureau a written list of such reserved
                            CUSIP numbers. The Trustee will assign CUSIP numbers
                            to each issue of Book-Entry Notes identified by a
                            Pricing Supplement as described below under
                            Settlement Procedure "B." DTC will notify the CUSIP
                            Service Bureau periodically of the CUSIP numbers
                            that the Trustee has assigned to each issue of Book-
                            Entry Notes. The Trustee will notify the Issuer at
                            any time when fewer than 100 of the reserved CUSIP
                            numbers remain unassigned to issue of Book-Entry
                            Notes, and, if it deems necessary, the Issuer will
                            reserve additional CUSIP numbers for assignment to
                            issues of Book-Entry Notes. Upon obtaining such
                            additional CUSIP numbers, the Issuer shall deliver a
                            list of such additional CUSIP numbers to the Trustee
                            and DTC.

Registration:               The Master Note representing the Book-Entry Notes 
- ------------                will be issued only in fully registered form 
                            without coupons. The Master Note will be registered
                            in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, on
                            the Securities Register maintained under the
                            Indenture. The beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Note
                            (or one or more indirect participants in DTC
                            designated by such owner) will designate one or more
                            direct participants in DTC (with respect to such
                            Book-Entry Note, the "Participants") to act as agent
                            or agents for such owner in connection with the 
                            book-entry system maintained by DTC, and DTC will
                            record in book-entry form, in accordance with
                            instructions provided by such Participants, a credit
                            balance with respect to such Note in the account of
                            such Participants. The ownership interest of such
                            beneficial owner in such Book-Entry Note will be
                            recorded through the records of such Participants or
                            through the separate records of such Participants
                            and one or more indirect participants in DTC.

Transfers:                  Transfers of a Book-Entry Note will be accomplished
- ---------                   by book entries made by DTC and, in turn, by 
                            Participants (and, in certain cases, one or more
                            indirect participants in DTC) acting on behalf of
                            beneficial transferors and transferees of such Note.

                               Exhibit B--Page 71
<PAGE>
 
Exchanges:                  The Trustee may deliver to DTC and the CUSIP Service
- ---------                   Bureau at any time a written notice of consolidation
                            specifying (i) the CUSIP numbers set forth on two or
                            more Pricing Supplements that identify issues of
                            Book-Entry Notes having the same Terms and for which
                            interest has been paid to the same date, (ii) a
                            date, occurring at least thirty days after such
                            written notice is delivered and at least thirty days
                            before the next Interest Payment Date for such
                            issues of Book-Entry Notes, and (iii) a new CUSIP
                            number to be assigned to such issues of Book-Entry
                            Notes having the same terms. Upon receipt of such a
                            notice, DTC will send to its Participants (including
                            the Trustee) a written reorganization notice to the
                            effect that such exchange will occur on such date.
                            Prior to the specified exchange date, the Trustee
                            will deliver to the CUSIP Service Bureau a written
                            notice setting forth such exchange date and the new
                            CUSIP number and stating that, as of such exchange
                            date, the CUSIP numbers of the relevant issues of
                            Book-Entry Notes will no longer be valid. On the
                            specified exchange date, the CUSIP numbers of the
                            relevant issues of Book-Entry Notes will, in
                            accordance with CUSIP Service Bureau procedures, be
                            canceled and not immediately reassigned.

Maturities:                 Each Issue of Book-Entry Notes will mature on a
- ----------                  Business Day nine months or more from the 
                            settlement date for such issue of Book-Entry Notes.

Notice of Repayment:        With respect to each Book-Entry Note that is 
- -------------------         repayable at the option of the Holder the Trustee 
                            will furnish DTC on the settlement date pertaining
                            to such Book-Entry Note a notice setting forth the
                            terms of such repayment option. Such terms shall
                            include the start date and end dates of the first
                            exercise period, the purchase date following such
                            exercise period, the frequency that such exercise
                            periods occur (e.g.., quarterly, semiannually,
                            annually, etc.) and if the repayment option expires
                            before maturity, the same information (except
                            frequency) concerning the last exercise period. It
                            is understood that the exercise period shall be at
                            least 15 calendar days long and that the purchase
                            date shall be at least seven calendar days after the
                            last day of the exercise period.

Redemption and Repayment:   The Trustee will comply with the terms of the Letter
- ------------------------    with regard to redemptions and repayments of the 
                            Notes. If an issue of Book-Entry Notes is to be
                            redeemed or repaid in part, the Trustee will make
                            appropriate entries in its records to reflect the
                            remaining portion of such issue of Book Entry Notes,
                            which portion shall bear the same CUSIP number as
                            prior to the redemption or repayment, as the case
                            may be.

                               Exhibit B--Page 72
<PAGE>
 
Denominations:              Book-Entry Notes will be issued in principal 
- -------------               amounts of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof
                            that is an integral multiple of $1,000.

Interest:                   General.  Interest on each Book-Entry Note will 
- --------                    begin to accrue from the Original Issue Date of an
                            issue of Book-Entry Notes or from the most recent
                            date to which interest has been paid, as the case
                            may be, and will be calculated and paid in the
                            manner described in the Prospectus Supplement (as
                            defined in the Agency Agreement), as supplemented by
                            the applicable Pricing Supplement. Standard & Poor's
                            Ratings Services will use the information received
                            in the pending deposit message described under the
                            Settlement Procedure "C" below in order to include
                            the amount of any interest payable and certain other
                            information regarding the related issue of Book-
                            Entry Notes in the appropriate weekly bond report
                            published by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.

Notice of Interest Payment
- --------------------------
and Regular Record Dates:   On the first Business Day of January, April, July 
- ------------------------    and October of each year, the Trustee will deliver
                            to the Issuer and DTC a written list of Regular
                            Record Dates and Interest Payment Dates that will
                            occur with respect to Book-Entry Notes during the
                            six-month period beginning on such first Business
                            Day. Promptly after each Interest Determination Date
                            or Calculation Date, as applicable (as set forth in
                            the Prospectus Supplement, as supplemented by the
                            applicable Pricing Supplement and pursuant to the
                            applicable Note) for Floating Rate Notes, the
                            Issuer, upon receiving notice thereof, will notify
                            Standard & Poor's Ratings Services of the interest
                            rate determined on such Interest Determination Date
                            or Calculation Date, as applicable.

Calculation of Interest:    Interest on Fixed Rate Book-Entry Notes (including
- -----------------------     interest for partial periods) and interest rates 
                            on Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes will be determined
                            as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, as
                            supplemented by the applicable Pricing Supplement,
                            and pursuant to the applicable form of Notes. With
                            respect to Floating Rate Book-Entry Notes, the
                            Calculation Agent shall determine the interest for
                            each Interest Reset Date and communicate such
                            interest rate to the Issuer and the Issuer will
                            promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of
                            each such determination.

Payments of Principal
- ---------------------
and Payment of
- --------------
Interest Only Interest:     Promptly after each Regular Record Date, the Trustee
- ----------------------      will deliver to the Issuer and DTC a written notice
                            specifying by CUSIP number the amount of interest 
                            to be paid on each issue of Book-entry 

                               Exhibit B--Page 73
<PAGE>
 
                            Notes on the following Interest Payment Date (other
                            than an Interest Payment Date coinciding with
                            maturity) and the total of such amounts. The Issuer
                            will confirm with the Trustee the amount payable on
                            each issue of Book-Entry Notes on such Interest
                            Payment Date. DTC will confirm the amount payable on
                            each issue of Book-Entry Notes on such Interest
                            Payment Date by reference to the daily or weekly
                            bond reports published by Standard & Poor's Ratings
                            Services. The Issuer will pay to the Trustee, as
                            paying agent, the total amount of interest due on
                            such Interest Payment Date (other than the
                            maturity), and the Trustee will pay such amount to
                            DTC at the times and in the manner set forth below
                            under "Manner of Payment."

Payments at Maturity.       On or about the first Business Day of each month,
- --------------------        the Trustee will deliver to the Issuer and DTC a
                            written list of principal and interest to be paid on
                            each issue of Book-Entry Notes represented by a
                            single CUSIP number maturing either at Stated
                            Maturity or on a Redemption or Repayment Date in the
                            following month. The Issuer, the Trustee and DTC
                            will confirm the amounts of such principal and
                            interest payments with respect to each such issue of
                            Book-Entry Notes on or about the fifth Business Day
                            preceding the maturity of such issue of Book-Entry
                            Notes. The Issuer will pay to the Trustee, as paying
                            agent, the principal amount of each issue of Book-
                            Entry Notes identified by a single CUSIP number,
                            together with interest due at such maturity. The
                            Trustee will pay such amounts to DTC at the times
                            and in the manner set forth below under "Manner of
                            Payment". Promptly after payment to DTC of the
                            principal and interest due at the maturity of each
                            issue of Book-Entry Notes, the Trustee will reduce
                            the principal amount of the Master Note representing
                            the issue of Book-Entry Notes and so advise the
                            Issuer.


Manner of Payment           The total amount of any principal and interest due
- -----------------           on each issue of Book-Entry Notes identified by a
                            single CUSIP number on any Interest Payment Date or
                            at maturity shall be paid by the Issuer to the
                            Trustee in funds available for use by the Trustee as
                            of 9:30 A.M. (New York City time), or as soon as
                            practicable thereafter on such date. The Issuer will
                            confirm instructions regarding payment in writing to
                            the Trustee. Prior to 10:00 A.M. (New York City
                            time) on each Maturity Date or as soon as possible
                            thereafter, following receipt of such funds from the
                            Issuer, the Trustee will pay by separate wire
                            transfer (using Fedwire message entry instructions
                            in a form previously specified by DTC) to an account
                            at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York previously
                            specified by DTC, in funds available for immediate
                            use by DTC, each payment of principal (together 

                               Exhibit B--Page 74
<PAGE>
 
                            with interest thereon) due on each issue of Book-
                            Entry Notes on any Maturity Date. On each Interest
                            Payment Date, interest payments shall be made to DTC
                            in same-day funds in accordance with existing
                            arrangements between the Trustee and DTC.
                            Thereafter, on each such date, DTC will pay, in
                            accordance with its SDFS operating procedures then
                            in effect, such amounts in funds available for
                            immediate use to the respective Participants in
                            whose names the Book-Entry represented by the Master
                            Note are recorded in the book-entry system
                            maintained by DTC. Neither the Issuer nor the
                            Trustee shall have any direct responsibility or
                            liability for the payment by DTC to such
                            Participants of the principal of and interest on the
                            Book-Entry Notes.

Withholding Taxes           The amount of any taxes required under applicable
- -----------------           law to be withheld from any interest payment on a
                            Book-Entry Note will be determined and withheld by
                            the Participant, indirect participant in DTC or
                            other Person responsible for forwarding payments and
                            materials directly to the beneficial owner of such
                            Note.

Acceptance of Offers:       Each Agent will promptly advise the Issuer of each
                            reasonable offer to purchase Notes received by it,
                            other than those rejected by the Agent. Such Agent
                            may, in its discretion reasonably exercised, without
                            notice to the Issuer, reject any offer received by
                            it, in whole or in part. The Issuer will have the
                            sole right to accept offers to purchase Notes and
                            may reject any such offer, in whole or in part. If
                            the Issuer rejects an offer, the Issuer will
                            promptly notify such Agent.


Settlement:                 The receipt by the Issuer of immediately available
- -----------                 funds in payment for a Book-Entry Note and receipt
                            by the Trustee of a property completed by the
                            Trustee of a properly completed Pricing Supplement
                            shall constitute "settlement" with respect to such
                            Book-Entry Note. All orders accepted by the Issuer
                            will be settled on the third Business Day from the
                            date of the sale pursuant to the timetable for
                            settlement set forth below unless the Issuer and the
                            purchaser agree to settlement on another day which
                            shall be no earlier than the next Business Day.

Settlement Procedures:      Settlement Procedures with regard to each Book-Entry
- ----------------------      Note sold by the Issuer through an Agent as agent,
                            shall be as follows:


                            For each offer accepted by the Issuer, the
                            Presenting Agent shall communicate to the Issuer,
                            Attention: Thomas J. Sargeant, CFO (Fax No.: (703)
                            329-0060) who will provide a copy to the Trustee,
                            Attention: Robert J. Dunn (Fax No.: (617) 664-5151),
                            and the Designated Agent, if any, by facsimile
                            transmission or other acceptable 

                               Exhibit B--Page 75
<PAGE>
 
                            means, the information set forth below:

       *                    Principal amount.

       *                    Maturity Date of Notes.

       *                    In the case of a Fixed Rate Book-Entry Note, the
interest rate or, in the case of a Floating Rate Book-Entry Note, the interest
rate formula, the Initial Interest Rate (if known at such time), Index Maturity,
Interest Reset Period, Interest Reset Dates, Spread or Spread Multiplier (if
any), minimum interest rate (if any) and maximum interest rate (if any).

       *                    Interest Payment Period and Interest Payment Dates.

       *                    Redemption provisions, if any.

       *                    Repayment provisions, if any.

       *                    Settlement date (Original Issue Date).

       *                    Price to public of the Note (expressed as a
                            percentage).

       *                    Agent's commission (to be paid in the form of a
discount from the proceeds remitted to the Issuer upon settlement).

       *                    Original issue discount provisions if any.

       *                    In the case of Currency Indexed Notes, the above-
listed information, as applicable, and the Base Exchange Rate(s), Base Interest
Rate and Indexed Currencies.

       *                    In the case of Dual Currency Notes, the above-listed
information, as applicable, and the Optional Payment Currency, Designated
Exchange Rate and Optional Election Dates.

       *                    Net proceeds to the Issuer.


                            The Trustee will confirm the information set forth
                            in Settlement Procedure "A" above by telephone with
                            such Agent and the Issuer.

               The Trustee will assign a CUSIP number to the issue of Book-Entry
                            Notes and will telephone the Issuer and notify the
                            Issuer of such CUSIP number. The Trustee will enter
                            a pending deposit message through DTC's Participant
                            Terminal System, providing the 

                               Exhibit B--Page 76
<PAGE>
 
                            following settlement information to DTC (which shall
                            route such information to Standard & Poor's Ratings
                            Services) and the Presenting Agent:

       *                    The applicable information set forth in Settlement
Procedure "A."

       *                    Identification as a Fixed Rate Book-Entry Note or a
Floating Rate Book-Entry Note.

       *                    Initial Interest Payment Date for each issue of 
Book-Entry Notes of days by which such date succeeds the related DTC Record Date
(which, in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset daily or weekly shall be
the date five calendar days immediately preceding the applicable Interest
Payment Date and in the case of all other Notes shall be the Regular Record Date
as defined in the Prospectus Supplement), the amount of interest payable on such
Interest Payment Date per $1,000 principal amount of Notes at Maturity, and
amount of interest payable per $1,000 principal amount of Notes in the case of
Fixed Rate Notes.

       *                    CUSIP number of the such issue of Book-Entry Notes.

       *                    Whether such CUSIP number will identify any other
issue of Book-Entry Notes (to the extent known at such time).


               To the extent the Issuer has not already done so, the Issuer will
                            deliver to the Trustee a Pricing Supplement in a
                            form that has been approved by the Issuer and the
                            Agents and a letter advising of the relevant
                            Issuance.

               DTC will credit such Book-Entry Notes to the Trustee's
                            participant account at DTC.

               The Trustee will enter an SDFS deliver order through DTC's
                            Participant Terminal System instructing DTC to (i)
                            debit such Book-Entry Notes to the Trustee's
                            participant account and credit such Book-Entry Notes
                            to such Agent's participant account and (ii) debit
                            such Agent's settlement account and credit the
                            Trustee's settlement account for an amount equal to
                            the price of such Book-Entry Notes less such Agent's
                            commission. The entry of such a deliver order shall
                            constitute a representation and warranty by the
                            Trustee to DTC that (i) such Book-Entry Notes have
                            been executed, delivered and authenticated and 
                            (ii) the Trustee is holding the Master Note
                            representing such Book-Entry Notes pursuant to the
                            relevant Medium-Term Note Certificate Agreement
                            between the Trustee and DTC.

               An Agent will enter an SDFS deliver order through DTC's
                            Participant Terminal System instructing DTC (i) to
                            debit such Note to such Agent's 

                               Exhibit B--Page 77
<PAGE>
 
                            participant account and credit such Note to the
                            participant accounts of the Participants with
                            respect to such Note and (ii) to debit the
                            settlement accounts of such Participants and credit
                            the settlement account of such Agent for an amount
                            equal to the price of such Note.

               Transfers of funds in accordance with SDFS deliver orders
                            described in Settlement Procedures "F" and "G" will
                            be settled in accordance with SDFS operating
                            procedures in effect on the settlement date.

                            The Trustee, upon confirming receipt of such funds
                            in accordance with Settlement Procedure "F," will
                            wire transfer to the following account of the
                            Issuer:

                            Bank:             Fleet National Bank
                            ABA Number:       011 900 571
                            Account Number:   1510350-03121
                            For Credit To:    Fleet National Bank Loan 
                                              Clearance Account
                            Reference:        AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
                            Attn:             Kim Lewis  (860) 986-5982

               in funds available for immediate use, the amount transferred to
                            the Trustee in accordance with Settlement Procedure
                            "F."

               An Agent will confirm the purchase of such Note to the purchaser
                            either by transmitting to the Participants with
                            respect to such Note a confirmation order or orders
                            through DTC's institutional delivery system or by
                            mailing a written confirmation to such purchaser.

Settlement Procedures
- ---------------------
Timetable:                  For orders of Book-Entry Notes solicited by an
- ---------                   Agent, as agent, and accepted by the Issuer for
                            settlement on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date, Settlement Procedures "A" through "J" set
                            forth above shall be completed as soon as possible
                            but not later than the respective times (New York
                            City time) set forth below:

                            Settlement Procedure              Time
                            --------------------              ----
                                 A                11:00 a.m. on the sale date
                                 B                12:00 noon on the sale date
                                 C                2:00 p.m. on the sale date
                                 D                3:00 p.m. on the day before 
                                                  settlement
                                 E                9:00 a.m. on settlement date
                                 F-G              2:00 p.m. on settlement date
                                 H                4:45 p.m. on settlement date
                                 I-J              5:00 p.m. on settlement date

                               Exhibit B--Page 78
<PAGE>
 
               If a sale is to be settled two Business Days after the sale date,
                            Settlement Procedure "A," "B" and "C" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but not later than
                            11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., as the case
                            may be, on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date.

               If a sale is to be settled more than two Business Days after the
                            sale date, Settlement Procedure "A" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but no later than
                            11:00 a.m. on the first Business Day after the sale
                            date and Settlement Procedures "B" and "C" shall be
                            completed as soon as practicable but no later than
                            12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., as the case may be, on the
                            second Business Day before the settlement date. If
                            the initial interest rate for a Floating Rate Book-
                            Entry Note has not been determined at the time that
                            Settlement Procedure "A" is completed, Settlement
                            Procedures "B" and "C" shall be completed as soon as
                            such rate has been determined but not later than
                            12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m., respectively, on the
                            Business Day before the settlement date. Settlement
                            Procedure "H" is subject to extension in accordance
                            with any extension of Fedwire closing deadlines and
                            in the other events specified in the SDFS operating
                            procedures in effect on the settlement date.

               If settlement of a Book-Entry Note is rescheduled or canceled,
                            the Trustee, upon receipt of notice from the Issuer,
                            will deliver to DTC, through DTC's Participant
                            Terminal System, a cancellation message to such
                            effect by no later than 2:00 p.m. on the Business
                            Day immediately preceding the scheduled settlement
                            date.

Failure to Settle:          If an Agent or Trustee fails to enter an SDFS
- -----------------           deliver order with respect to a Book-Entry Note
                            pursuant to Settlement Procedure "F," the Trustee
                            may deliver to DTC, through DTC's Participant
                            Terminal System, as soon as practicable, a
                            withdrawal message instructing DTC to debit such
                            note to the Trustee's participant account. DTC will
                            process the withdrawal message, provided that the
                            Trustee's participant account contains a principal
                            amount of Book-Entry Notes represented by the Master
                            Note that is at least equal to the principal amount
                            to be debited. If a withdrawal message is processed
                            with respect to all the Book-Entry Notes identified
                            by a single CUSIP number, the Trustee will advise
                            the Issuer and will make appropriate entries in its
                            records. The CUSIP number assigned to such issue of
                            Book-Entry Notes shall, in accordance with CUSIP
                            Service Bureau procedures, be canceled and not
                            immediately reassigned. If a withdrawal message is
                            processed with respect to one or more, but not all,
                            of the issue of Book-Entry Notes identified by a
                            single CUSIP number, the Trustee will advise the
                            Issuer and will make appropriate entries in its
                            records.

                               Exhibit B--Page 79
<PAGE>
 
               If the purchase price for any Book-Entry Note is not timely paid
                            to the Participants with respect to such Note by the
                            beneficial purchaser thereof (or a person, including
                            an indirect participant in DTC, acting on behalf of
                            such purchaser), such Participants and, in turn, the
                            Presenting Agent may enter SDFS deliver orders
                            through DTC's Participant Terminal system reversing
                            the orders entered pursuant to Settlement Procedures
                            "F" and "G," respectively. Thereafter, the Trustee
                            will deliver the withdrawal message and take the
                            applicable related actions described in the
                            preceding paragraph. If such failure shall have
                            occurred for any reason other than the failure by
                            the Presenting Agent to provide the Purchase
                            Information to the Issuer or to provide a
                            confirmation to the purchaser, the Issuer will
                            reimburse the Presenting Agent on an equitable basis
                            for its loss of the use of the funds during the
                            period when they were credited to the account of the
                            Issuer.

               Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any failure to settle with
                            respect to a Book-Entry Note, DTC may take any
                            actions in accordance with its SDFS operating
                            procedures then in effect.

Periodic Statements
- -------------------
from the Trustee:           Periodically, the Trustee will send to the Issuer a
- ----------------            statement setting forth the principal amount of 
                            Book-Entry Notes outstanding as of that date and
                            setting forth a brief description of any sales of
                            Book-Entry Notes of which the Issuer has advised the
                            Trustee but which have not yet been settled.

Procedure for Rate Changes: The Issuer and each Agent will discuss from time to
- --------------------------  time the price of, and the rates to be borne by, the
                            Notes that may be sold as a result of the
                            solicitation of offers by any Agent. Once an Agent
                            has recorded any indication of interest in Notes
                            upon certain terms, and communicated with the
                            Issuer, if the Issuer plans to accept an offer to
                            purchase Notes upon such terms, it will prepare a
                            Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus, as then
                            amended or supplemented, reflecting the terms of
                            such Notes and will arrange to transmit such Pricing
                            Supplement to the Commission for filing in
                            accordance with and within the time prescribed by
                            the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) under the
                            Act. The Issuer will supply at least two copies of
                            the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented, and
                            bearing such Pricing Supplement, to the Presenting
                            Agent. No settlements with respect to Notes upon
                            such terms may occur prior to such transmitting and
                            such Agent will not, prior to such transmitting,
                            mail confirmations to customers who have offered to
                            purchase Notes upon such terms. After such
                            transmitting, sales and mailing of confirmations and
                            settlements may occur with respect to Notes upon
                            such terms, subject to the provisions of "Delivery
                            of Prospectus" below.

                               Exhibit B--Page 80
<PAGE>
 
               Outdated Stickers, and copies of the Prospectus to which they are
                            attached (other than those retained for files), will
                            be destroyed.


Suspension of Solicitation;
- ---------------------------
Amendment or Supplement:    As provided in the Agency Agreement, the Issuer may
- -----------------------     suspend solicitation of purchase at any time, and,
                            upon receipt of notice from the Issuer, the Agents
                            will as promptly as practicable, but in no event
                            later than one Business Day following such notice,
                            suspend solicitation until such time as the Issuer
                            has advised them that solicitation of purchases may
                            be resumed.


               If the Agents receive the notice from the Issuer contemplated by
                            Section 4(b) of the Agency Agreement, they will
                            promptly suspend solicitation and will only resume
                            solicitation as provided in the Agency Agreement. If
                            the Issuer decides to amend or supplement the
                            Registration Statement or the Prospectus relating to
                            the Notes, it will promptly advise the Agents and
                            will furnish the Agents with the proposed amendment
                            or supplement in accordance with the terms of the
                            Agency Agreement. The Issuer will promptly file or
                            mail to the Commission for filing such amendment or
                            supplement, provide the Agents with copies of any
                            such amendment or supplement, confirm to the Agents
                            that such amendment or supplement has been filed
                            with the Commission and advise the Agents that
                            solicitation may be resumed. Any such suspension
                            shall not affect the Issuer's obligations under the
                            Agency Agreement; and in the event that at the time
                            the Issuer suspends solicitation of purchases there
                            shall be any offers already accepted by the Issuer
                            outstanding for settlement, the Issuer will have the
                            sole responsibility for fulfilling such obligations;
                            the Agents will make reasonable efforts to assist
                            the Issuer to fulfill such obligations, but the
                            Agents will not be obligated to fulfill such
                            obligations. The Issuer will in addition promptly
                            advise the Agents and the Trustee if such offers are
                            not to be settled and if copies of the Prospectus as
                            in effect at the time of the suspension may not be
                            delivered in connection with the settlement of such
                            offers.

Delivery of Prospectus:     A copy of the Prospectus, as most recently amended
- ----------------------      or supplemented on the date of delivery thereof
                            (except as provided below), must be delivered to a
                            purchaser prior to or together with the earlier of
                            delivery of (i) the written confirmation provided
                            for above, and (ii) any Note purchased by such
                            purchaser at the following address:

                              if to:    PaineWebber Incorporated
                              to:       Fixed Income Division
                                        Attention:  Mike Sabatino
                                        1285 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor
                                        New York, NY  10019
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 713-2233
                                        Phone Number: (212) 713-4814

                               Exhibit B--Page 81
<PAGE>
 
                              if to:    First Union Capital Markets
                              to:       Attn:  Mark Adamson
                                        301 South College Street, TW8
                                        Charlotte, NC  28288
                                        Telecopy Number:  (704) 383-7727
                             
                              if to:    J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                              to:       Attn:  MTN Trading Desk
                                        60 Wall Street, 3rd Floor
                                        New York, NY  10260
                                        Telephone Number: (212) 648-0591
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 648-5909/13/

                              if to:    NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC
                              to both:     Continuously Offered Products
                                           100 North Tryon Street
                                           Charlotte, NC  28255
                                           Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                           Telecopy Number:  (704) 388-9939/14/

                                           and

                                           Syndicate Operations
                                           100 North Tryon Street
                                           Charlotte, NC  28255
                                           Mail Code: NC 1007-07-01
                                           Telecopy Number: (704) 388-9212/15/

                              if to:    Warburg Dillon Read LLC
                              to:       Attention:  Jeff London
                                        677 Washington Blvd.
                                        Stamford, CT  06901
                                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 719-7139

- -------------------
/13/  Please send by telecopy with original to follow by mail.
/14/  Please send by telecopy rather than mail.
/15/  Please send by telecopy rather than mail

                               Exhibit B--Page 82
<PAGE>
 
                              if to:    State Street Bank and Trust 
                                        (the Trustee)
                              to:       Attention:  Robert J. Dunn
                                        2 International Place, 4th Floor
                                        Boston, MA  02110
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 664-5151
                              and to:   the Designated Agent, if any.

                            For record keeping purposes, one copy of such
                            Prospectus shall also be mailed to:

                                        O'Melveny & Myers LLP
                                        275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
                                        San Francisco, CA  94111-3305
                                        Attention:  Peter T. Healy, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number: (415) 984-8701
                         
                              and to:
                         
                                        Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                        Exchange Place
                                        53 State Street
                                        Boston, MA  02109-2281
                                        Attention:  John O. Newell, Esq.
                                        Telecopy Number:  (617) 523-1231

               The Issuer shall ensure that the Presenting Agent receives copies
                            of the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement
                            thereto (including appropriate Pricing Supplements)
                            in such quantities and within such time limits as
                            will enable the Presenting Agent to deliver such
                            confirmation or Note to a purchaser as contemplated
                            by these procedures and in compliance with the
                            preceding sentence. If, since the date of acceptance
                            of a purchaser's offer, the Prospectus shall have
                            been supplemented solely to reflect any sale of
                            Notes on terms different from those agreed to
                            between the Issuer and such purchaser or a change in
                            posted rates not applicable to such purchaser, such
                            purchaser shall not receive the Prospectus as
                            supplemented by such new supplement, but shall
                            receive the Prospectus as supplemented to reflect
                            the terms of the Notes being purchased by such
                            purchaser and otherwise as most recently amended or
                            supplemented on the date of delivery of the
                            Prospectus.

                               Exhibit B--Page 83
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT C

                               Form of Opinion of
                             Counsel to the Company
                             ----------------------


          In rendering the following opinion, counsel may rely, to the extent
they deem such reliance proper, on the opinions (in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Agents) of other counsel reasonably
acceptable to counsel to the Agents as to matters governed by the laws of
jurisdictions other than the United States, and as to matters of fact, upon
certificates of officers of the Company and of government officials; provided
that counsel to the Company shall state that the opinion of any such other
counsel is in form satisfactory to counsel to the Company and, in the opinion of
counsel to the company, counsel to the Company and the Agents are justified in
relying on such opinions of other counsel.  Copies of all such opinions and
certificates shall be furnished to counsel to the Agents.

                              *     *     *     *

          1.  The Registration Statement has been declared effective under the
Securities Act. The Prospectus has been filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act. To the best of our knowledge (based solely on an
oral confirmation of a member of the Commission's staff), no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under
the 1933 Act and no proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or
threatened by the Commission.

          2.  Each part of the Registration Statement, when such part became
effective, and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, on the
date of filing thereof with the Commission and as of the date hereof, complied
as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder (other than (i) the financial statements
and supporting schedules and other financial and statistical information and
data included therein or omitted therefrom, and (ii) any documents incorporated
by reference into the Registration Statement, as to which we express no opinion)
it being understood that, in passing upon compliance as to the form of the
Registration Statement, we assume that the statements made therein are correct
and complete.

          3.  The descriptions in the Registration Statement (other than the
documents incorporated by reference) and the Prospectus of statutes are accurate
in all material respects and fairly present the information required to be
disclosed therein. We do not know of any statutes or legal or governmental
proceedings required to be described in the Prospectus that are not described as
required, or of any contracts or documents of a character required to be
described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement that are not so described or filed.

          4.  The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and
sale of the Notes and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in
the Prospectus, will not be an "investment company" as such term is defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                                      S-84
<PAGE>
 
          5.  The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Maryland. The Company is qualified to
transact intrastate business in the States of California, Connecticut, New
Jersey, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode
Island and Washington, the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Virginia, and the
District of Columbia as a foreign corporation and has full power and authority
to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus.

          6.  Each of the Subsidiaries that owns a Current Community, a
Development Community or a Redevelopment Community is a corporation, limited
partnership, or limited liability company, as the case may be, that is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and
has corporate or other power under its organizational documents and the
applicable statutory law necessary to conduct its business as described in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

          7.  We have obtained certificates of governmental agencies or
officials in a list of specified jurisdictions stating that each Subsidiary is
duly qualified or registered as a foreign corporation, limited liability company
or limited partnership, as the case may be, to transact business, and is in good
standing, in each jurisdiction listed in Exhibit A hereto opposite such
Subsidiary's name (it being understood that Exhibit A will list for each
Subsidiary the jurisdictions in which such Subsidiary's conduct of business or
ownership or lease of property requires such qualification).

          8.  Subject to the completion of the exchange of the common stock, the
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and the Series B Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Avalon Properties, Inc. for the Common Stock,
Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and Series G Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock, respectively, of the Company, as of the date of such
opinion, all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of
the Company identified in the Prospectus have been duly authorized and are
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and conform to the description
thereof in the Prospectus; and the shareholders of the Company have no
preemptive or similar rights with respect to the Shares pursuant to the
Company's Charter, the MGCL or the Contracts.

          9.  (A) The Notes have been duly authorized by the Company and, when
duly executed by the Company and duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Indenture by the Trustee), and issued and sold
pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and applicable resolutions of the Pricing
Committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Comapny, such Notes will be
valid and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits
provided by the Indenture and enforceable against the Company in accordance with
their terms, subject, as to enforcement, to the Enforceability Limitations.

              (B) The Company has full corporate power and authority to enter
into the Indenture. The Indenture has been duly and validly authorized, executed
and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding
agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its
terms, subject to the Enforceability Limitations.

                               Exhibit C--Page 85
<PAGE>
 
              (C) The Indenture has been duly qualified under the TIA.

              (D) The Indenture and the Notes conform in all material respects
to the descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

          10.  The Company has full corporate power and authority to enter into
the Distribution Agreement and each Terms Agreement. The Distribution Agreement
has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company. The
due authorization, execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture and the
issuance and sale of the Notes on the terms contemplated in the Distribution
Agreement will not (A) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge
or encumbrance upon any of the assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries,
pursuant to the terms or provisions of any Contract (i) which we have prepared
or negotiated on behalf of the Company and (ii) to which the Company or any of
the Subsidiaries is a party or by or pursuant to which any of them or their
respective properties is bound, affected or financed or (B) result in a breach
or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default or
result in the acceleration of any obligation under, (i) the articles of
incorporation or by-laws of the Company, (ii) the articles or certificate of
incorporation, by-laws, limited partnership agreements or other organizational
documents of any of the Subsidiaries, (iii) any Contract to which the Company or
any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by or pursuant to which any of them or
their respective properties is bound, affected or financed or (iv) any statute,
rule or regulation or judgment, ruling, decree or order, known to us, of any
court or other governmental agency or body applicable to the business or
properties of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (except that we express no
opinion as to the securities or Blue Sky laws of any jurisdiction other than the
United States), in each case where such violation or default, individually or in
the aggregate, might have a material adverse effect on the business, properties,
business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations
of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

          11.  Upon payment of the purchase price and delivery of the Notes in
accordance with this Distribution Agreement and the applicable Terms Agreement,
each of the purchasers thereof will receive good, valid and marketable title to
such Notes, free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances.

          12.  To our knowledge, no consent, approval, authorization or order
of, or filing with, any court or governmental agency or body is required in
connection with the issuance or sale of the Notes by the Company, except (i)
such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, or (ii) such as may be required under state securities laws or
the by-laws or rules of the NASD in connection with the purchase or distribution
of the Notes by the Agents.

          13.  To our knowledge, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries
is in violation of its respective articles or certificate of incorporation, by-
laws, limited partnership agreements, or other organizational documents, as
applicable, or in default (nor has an event occurred which with notice or lapse
of time or both would constitute a default or acceleration) in the performance
of any obligation, agreement or condition contained in any Contract known to us
to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party, or by or pursuant to
which any of them or their respective properties is bound, affected or financed,
where such violation or 

                               Exhibit C--Page 86
<PAGE>
 
default, individually or in the aggregate, might have a material adverse effect
on the business, properties, business prospects, condition (financial or
otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as
a whole.

          The limitations inherent in the independent verification of factual
matters and the character of determinations involved in the registration process
are such that we are not passing upon and do not assume any responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in or
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and
we make no representation that we have independently verified the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of such statements.  Without limiting the foregoing, we
assume no responsibility for, and have not independently verified, the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of the financial statements or notes thereto, financial
schedules and other financial and statistical data contained in or incorporated
by reference into the Registration Statement, and we have not examined the
accounting, financial or statistical records from which such statements and
notes, schedules and data are derived.  However, in the course of our acting as
counsel to the Company in connection with the preparation of the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus and the public offering of the Notes, we have
conferred with representatives of the Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants for the Company, your representatives and
representatives of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, your counsel, during which conferences
and conversations the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
and related matters were discussed.  In addition, we reviewed certain documents
made available to us by the Company or otherwise in our possession.

          Based on our participation in the above-mentioned conferences and
conversations, our review of the documents described above and our understanding
of applicable law, we advise you that:

          (a) No facts have come to our attention which cause us to believe that
     the Registration Statement (excluding the financial statements and notes
     thereto, financial schedules and other financial or statistical information
     and data included therein or omitted therefrom and excluding that part of
     the Registration Statement that constitutes the Form T-1 (the "Form T-1"),
     as to each of which we express no opinion), at the time it became
     effective, (or, if an amendment to the Registration Statement or an annual
     report of Form 10-K has been filed by the Company with the Commission
     subsequent to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, then at the
     time such amendment became effective or at the time of the most recent such
     filing, as the case may be) or as of the date hereof contained an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading.

          (b) No facts have come to our attention which cause us to believe that
     the Prospectus (excluding the financial statements and notes thereto,
     financial schedules and other financial or statistical information and data
     included therein or omitted therefrom and the Form T-1, as to which we
     express no opinion), as of its date or the date hereof, contained or
     contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to
     state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
     light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                               Exhibit C--Page 87
<PAGE>
 
          Such opinion shall also state that it is being rendered to the agents
at the request of the Company and shall authorize the reliance of O'Melveny &
Myers LLP with respect to matters governed by the MGCL for the sole purpose of
rendering their opinion to the Agents under the Distribution Agreement.

                               Exhibit C--Page 88
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE I

                         INFORMATION IN THE PROSPECTUS
                            FURNISHED BY ANY AGENT
                            ----------------------


          The following information appearing in the preliminary prospectus, if
any, and the Prospectus has been furnished by the Agents in writing specifically
for use in the preparation of such preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus:

          1.  The names of the Agents on the front and back covers.

          2.  The legend regarding stabilization on the inside front cover.

          3.  The following information under the caption "Supplemental Plan of
              Distribution:"

              a.  the names of the Agents in the first paragraph
                  
              b.  the information in the eighth full paragraph (regarding
                  transactions among the Company and affiliates of certain
                  Agents, among other matters) as to which each Agent supplied
                  only the information relating to such Agent and its
                  affiliates.

                                      S-89
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE II

                             List of Subsidiaries
                             --------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Transfer of
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP/LIMITED LIABILITY                        AVB Ownership     Interests or                     Foreign
COMPANY/JOINT VENTURE INTEREST                                  Interest         Formation       State       Qualification
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>        <C>
 
Falkland Partners, a MD general partnership*..............               50%           7/1/85  MD
4100 Massachusetts Avenue Associates L.P..................              100%          6/21/94  DOC
Town Run Associates, a NJ general Partnership*............
                                                                         49%          11/3/94  NJ
Town Grove Limited Liability Company......................               49%         12/27/94  CT
Town Close Associates L.P.................................             86.5%          4/10/92  CT
Avalon Lake Arbor Associates L.P..........................              100%           8/4/95  MD
Avalon Decoverly Associates L.P...........................              100%          8/11/95  VA
Smithtown Galleria Associates L.P.........................              100%          7/25/91  CT         NY
Avalon Fairway Hills I Associates (General Partnership),
 a MD general partnership*................................              100%           8/8/96  MD
 
Avalon Fairway Hills II Associates (General Partnership),
 a MD general partnership*................................              100%           8/8/96  MD
 
Bronxville West Limited Liability Company.................               60%          10/8/96  CT         NY
Avalon Ballston II Limited Partnership....................               99%          1/13/97  DE         VA
Avalon DownREIT V Limited Partnership.....................               99%          11/7/97  DE         IL, IN, MN, MO, OH
San Francisco Bay Partners II, LTD........................               94%           7/2/84  CA
Toyon Road San Jose Partners, L.P.........................              100%           3/9/94  CA
San Francisco Bay Partners III, L.P.......................              100%          3/10/94  CA
Foxchase Drive San Jose Partners II, L.P..................              100%           3/9/94  CA
Bay Countrybrook L.P......................................               99%          6/12/96  DE         CA
Bay Rincon, L.P...........................................                            5/16/97  CA
Bay Pacific Northwest, L.P................................               99%          8/29/97  DE         WA
Avalon Bay Devonshire LLC.................................               99%          5/20/98  MN
Avalon Bay Edinburgh LLC..................................               99%          5/20/98  MN
Avalon Bay BFG L. P.......................................              100%          5/21/98  MA
</TABLE>

*    A subsidiary of the Company but not included within the defined term
     "Subsidiary" for purposes of this Agreement.

                                      S-90
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Transfer of
                                                             AVB Ownership     Interests or                    Foreign
CORPORATE SUBSIDIARIES                                          Interest         Formation       State      Qualification
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>        <C>
 
Bay Asset Group, Inc......................................              100%          3/17/94  MD         CA
Bay Waterford, Inc........................................              100%          3/17/94  MD         CA
Bay Development Partners, Inc.............................              100%          3/17/94  MD         CA
Bay GP, Inc...............................................              100%          3/17/94  MD         CA
Avalon Town Green II, Inc.................................              100%          8/24/93  MD         NY
Avalon Chase Ridge, Inc...................................              100%         10/27/93  MD
Avalon Chase Glen, Inc....................................              100%         10/27/93  MD
Avalon Chase Grove, Inc...................................              100%          3/18/94  MD
Avalon Chase Hampton II, Inc..............................              100%         10/27/93  MD         VA
Avalon Chase Heritage, Inc................................              100%         10/27/93  MD         VA
Avalon Town Meadows, Inc..................................              100%          5/27/94  MD         MA
Lexington Ridge-Avalon, Inc...............................              100%         10/27/93  MD         MA
Avalon Town View, Inc.....................................              100%         10/27/93  MD         NY
Avalon Development Services, Inc..........................              100%         11/24/97  MD         WA, OR
Avalon 4100 Mass. Avenue, Inc.............................              100%          6/15/94  MD         DC
Town Cove Jersey City Urban Renewal, Inc..................              100%           2/2/94  NJ
Town Cove II Jersey City Urban Renewal, Inc...............              100%          4/16/96  NJ
Avalon Transactions, Inc..................................              100%         12/27/94  CT
Avalon Decoverly, Inc.....................................              100%           3/8/95  MD
Avalon Collateral, Inc....................................              100%           3/1/96  MD         VA, NJ
Avalon Lake Arbor, Inc....................................              100%          7/14/95  MD
Avalon Fairway II, Inc....................................              100%          6/27/97  MD
Avalon Commons, Inc.......................................              100%           2/1/96  MD         NY
Avalon Ballston II, Inc...................................              100%          11/1/96  MD         VA
Avalon DownREIT V, Inc....................................              100%          11/7/97  MD         DE, IL, IN, MN,
                                                                                                          MO, OH
Avalon Oaks, Inc..........................................              100%           9/4/97  MD         MA
Avalon BFG, Inc...........................................              100%          5/14/98  MD         MA
Avalon Bay Fairlane, Inc..................................              100%          7/22/98  MD         MI
AvalonBay Services I, Inc.................................              100%          8/28/98  MD
AvalonBay Services II, Inc................................              100%          8/28/98  MD
</TABLE>

                             Schedule II--Page 91
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE III

                                  COMMISSIONS
                                  -----------
                                        
          As compensation for the services of an Agent hereunder, the Company
shall pay such Agent, on a discount basis, a commission for the sale of each
Note equal to the principal amount of such Note multiplied by the appropriate
percentage set forth below:


          MATURITY RANGES                       PERCENT OF
                                           PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

From 9 months to less than 1 year                .125%

From 1 year to less than 18 months               .150%
                                   
From 18 months to less than 2 years              .200%
                                   
From 2 years to less than 3 years                .250%
                                   
From 3 years to less than 4 years                .350%
                                   
From 4 years to less than 5 years                .450%
                                   
From 5 years to less than 6 years                .500%
                                   
From 6 years to less than 7 years                .550%
                                   
From 7 years to less than 10 years               .600%
                                   
From 10 years to less than 15 years              .625%
                                   
From 15 years to less than 20 years              .700%
                                   
From 20 years to 30 years                        .750%
                                   
Greater than 30 years                                *


*  As agreed to by the Company and such Agent at the time of sale.

                                      S-92

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4
                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                                        
                                     Issuer
                                     ------

                                       to


                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
                                        
                                    Trustee
                                    -------

                            -----------------------

                          THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
                                        
                         Dated as of December 21 , 1998

                            -----------------------

                                  $400,000,000
                                       OF
                   MEDIUM-TERM NOTES DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE
                               FROM DATE OF ISSUE
<PAGE>
 
          THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of December 21, 1998 (the
"Supplemental Indenture"), between AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC., a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of Maryland (herein called the "Company"),
and STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, a trust company organized and existing
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as Trustee (herein called
the "Trustee").

                             RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

          The Company has heretofore delivered to the Trustee an Indenture dated
as of January 16, 1998 (the "Senior Indenture"), a First Supplemental Indenture
dated as of January 20, 1998 and a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
July 7, 1998, the forms of which have been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-60875), providing for the issuance
from time to time of Senior Debt Securities of the Company (the "Securities").
The Company intends by this Supplemental Indenture to (i) create a series of
debt securities to be issued from time to time, in an aggregate initial
principal amount not to exceed $400,000,000, entitled "Medium-Term Notes Due
Nine Months or More from Date of Issue" and (ii) establish the form and the
terms and conditions of such Notes.

          Section 301 of the Senior Indenture provides for various matters with
respect to any series of Securities issued under the Senior Indenture to be
established in an indenture supplemental to the Senior Indenture.

          Section 901(7) of the Senior Indenture provides for the Company and
the Trustee to enter into an indenture supplemental to the Senior Indenture to
establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as provided by Sections
201 and 301 of the Senior Indenture.

          The Board of Directors of the Company has duly adopted resolutions
authorizing the Company to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

          All the conditions and requirements necessary to make this
Supplemental Indenture, when duly executed and delivered, a valid and binding
agreement in accordance with its terms and for the purposes herein expressed,
have been performed and fulfilled.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

          For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of each of
the series of Securities provided for herein by the Holders thereof, it is
mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all
Holders of the 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Notes (as herein defined) or of any series thereof, as follows:


                                  ARTICLE ONE

                   RELATION TO SENIOR INDENTURE; DEFINITIONS
                   -----------------------------------------
 

          SECTION 1.1. Relation to Senior Indenture.
                       ---------------------------- 

          This Supplemental Indenture constitutes an integral part of the Senior
Indenture.

          SECTION 1.2.  Definitions.
                        ----------- 

          For all purposes of this Supplemental Indenture, except as otherwise
expressly provided for or unless the context otherwise requires:

          (1) Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
     respective meanings assigned to them in the Senior Indenture;

          (2) All references herein to Articles and Sections, unless otherwise
     specified, refer to the corresponding Articles and Sections of this
     Supplemental Indenture; and

          (3) In the event that any of the following definitions differs from
     its respective definition set forth in the Senior Indenture, the definition
     set forth herein shall control.

          "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (i) existing at
the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the
acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case, other than Indebtedness
incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a
Subsidiary or such acquisition.  Acquired Indebtedness shall 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" for any period means the maximum amount which
is payable during such period for interest on, and original issue discount of,
Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the amount of dividends
which are payable during such period in respect of any Disqualified Stock.

          "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any capital stock
(including preferred stock), shares, interests, participations or other
ownership interests (however designated) of such Person and any rights (other
than debt

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
securities convertible into or exchangeable for corporate stock), warrants or
options to purchase any thereof.

          "Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service" for any period means
Earnings from Operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries plus amounts which
have been deducted, and minus amounts which have been added, for the following
(without duplication):  (i) interest on Indebtedness of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, (ii) provision for taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries based
on income, (iii) amortization of debt discount and other deferred financing
costs, (iv) provisions for gains and losses on properties and property
depreciation and amortization, (v) the effect of any noncash charge resulting
from a change in accounting principles in determining Earnings from Operations
for such period and (vi) amortization of deferred charges.

          "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which, at
any particular time, its corporate trust business shall be principally
administered, which office at the date hereof is located at Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 and, for purposes of the Place of Payment
provisions of Sections 305 and 1002 of the Senior Indenture and other provisions
requiring a New York City office, is located at the office of State Street Bank
and Trust Company, N.A., 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10005.

          "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital
Stock of such Person which by the terms of such 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 (i) matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise
(other than Capital Stock which is redeemable solely in exchange for common
stock), (ii) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Indebtedness
or Disqualified Stock or (iii) is redeemable at the option of the holder
thereof, in whole or in part (other than Capital Stock which is redeemable
solely in exchange for Capital Stock which is not Disqualified Stock), in each
case on or prior to the Stated Maturity of the Notes.

          "Earnings from Operations" for any period means net earnings excluding
gains and losses on sales of investments, extraordinary items, and property
valuation losses, net as reflected in the financial statements of the Company
and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP.

          "Encumbrance" means any mortgage, lien, charge, pledge or security
interest of any kind.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          "Fixed Rate Notes" means the Company's Fixed Rate Notes due nine
months or more from the date of issue, a form of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit B.
- --------- 

          "Floating Rate Notes" means the Company's Floating Rate Notes due nine
months or more from the date of issue, a form of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
- --------- 

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as used in the
United States applied on a consistent basis as in effect from time to time;
provided that solely for purposes of any calculation required by the financial
covenants contained herein, "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting
principles as used in the United States on the date hereof, applied on a
consistent basis.

          "Holder" means, in the case of a Registered Security, the Person in
whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register and, in the case of
a Bearer Security, the bearer thereof and, when used with respect to any coupon,
shall mean the bearer thereof.

          "Indebtedness" of the Company or any Subsidiary means, without
duplication, any indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary, whether or not
contingent, in respect of (i) borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or similar instruments, (ii) indebtedness for borrowed money secured
by any Encumbrance existing on property owned by the Company or any Subsidiary,
(iii) the reimbursement obligations, contingent or otherwise, in connection with
any letters of credit actually issued (other than letters of credit issued to
provide credit enhancement or support with respect to other indebtedness of the
Company or any Subsidiary otherwise reflected as Indebtedness hereunder) or
amounts representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of
any property or services, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable, or all conditional sale obligations or obligations
under any title retention agreement, (iv) the principal amount of all
obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to redemption,
repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock, (v) any lease of
property by the Company or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected on the
Company's consolidated balance sheet as a capitalized lease in accordance with
GAAP, or (vi) interest rate swaps, caps or similar agreements and foreign
exchange contracts, currency swaps or similar agreements, to the extent, in the
case of items of indebtedness under (i) through (iii) above, that any such items
(other than letters of credit) would appear as a liability on the Company's
consolidated balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, and also includes, to the
extent not otherwise included, any obligation by the Company 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), Indebtedness of
another Person (other than the

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Company or any Subsidiary) (it being understood that Indebtedness shall be
deemed to be incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary whenever the Company or
such Subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in
respect thereof).

          "Notes" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1 hereof.

          "Pricing Supplement" means a pricing supplement to the Prospectus,
dated August 18, 1998, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated
September 30, 1998, setting forth the terms of the applicable Notes.

          "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
limited liability company, partnership or other entity of which a majority of
(i) the voting power of the voting equity securities or (ii) the outstanding
equity interests of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
For the purposes of this definition, "voting equity securities" means equity
securities having voting power for the election of directors, whether at all
times or only so long as no senior class of security has such voting power by
reason of any contingency.

          "Total Assets" as of any date means the sum of (i) the Undepreciated
Real Estate Assets and (ii) all other assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries
determined in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts receivable and
intangibles).

          "Total Unencumbered Assets" means the sum of (i) those Undepreciated
Real Estate Assets not subject to an Encumbrance for borrowed money and (ii) all
other assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries not subject to an Encumbrance
for borrowed money, determined in accordance with GAAP (but excluding accounts
receivable and intangibles).

          "Undepreciated Real Estate Assets" as of any date means the cost
(original cost plus capital improvements) of real estate assets of the Company
and its Subsidiaries on such date, before depreciation and amortization,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

          "Unsecured Indebtedness" means Indebtedness which is not secured by
any Encumbrance upon any of the properties of the Company or any Subsidiary.


                                  ARTICLE TWO

                              THE SERIES OF NOTES
                              -------------------
 

          The following provisions of this Article Two are made pursuant to

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Section 301 of the Senior Indenture in order to establish and set forth the
terms of the series of Securities described in Section 2.1.

          SECTION 2.1 Title of the Securities.
                      ----------------------- 

          There shall be a series of Securities designated the Medium-Term Notes
Due Nine Months or More from Date of Issue (the "Notes").

          SECTION 2.2 Limitation on Aggregate Principal Amount.
                      ---------------------------------------- 

          The aggregate principal amount of the Notes shall be limited to
$400,000,000, and, except as provided in this Section and in Section 306 of the
Senior Indenture, the Company shall not execute and the Trustee shall not
authenticate or deliver Notes in excess of such aggregate principal amount;
provided however, as authorized by Section 301 of the Senior Indenture, the
Notes series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for the
issuance of such additional Notes as may be authorized by the Company.

          Nothing contained in this Section 2.2 or elsewhere in this
Supplemental Indenture, or in the Notes, is intended to or shall limit execution
by the Company or authentication or delivery by the Trustee of Notes under the
circumstances contemplated by Sections 303, 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 and 1305 of
the Senior Indenture.

          SECTION 2.3 Terms and Conditions of the Notes.
                      --------------------------------- 

          The Notes shall be governed by all the terms and conditions of the
Indenture, including, without limitation, the terms and conditions set forth in
the forms of Note referred to in Section 2.9 below, as the same may be
supplemented or, to the extent allowed by the Indenture, modified by the
additional or different terms and conditions established from time to time with
respect to the Notes either in resolutions of the Board of Directors of the
Company or by action of authorized officers of the Company and, in either such
case, such additional or different terms and conditions shall be set forth in
the Notes and the related Pricing Supplement.  All such terms and conditions set
forth in such Notes and in such Pricing Supplement are incorporated by reference
into this Supplemental Indenture.

          SECTION 2.4  Limitations on Incurrence of Indebtedness  .
                       -----------------------------------------   

          (1) The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur
any Indebtedness if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such
additional Indebtedness and the application of the proceeds thereof, the
aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP is
greater than 60% of the sum of (without duplication) (i) the Total Assets of the
Company

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the
case may be, most recently filed with the Commission (or, if such filing is not
permitted under the Exchange Act, with the Trustee) prior to the incurrence of
such additional Indebtedness and (ii) the purchase price of any real estate
assets or mortgages receivable acquired, and the amount of any securities
offering proceeds received (to the extent that such proceeds were not used to
acquire real estate assets or mortgages receivable or used to reduce
Indebtedness), by the Company or any Subsidiary since the end of such calendar
quarter, including those proceeds obtained in connection with the incurrence of
such additional Indebtedness.

          (2) In addition to the limitation set forth in subsection (1) of this
Section 2.4, the Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, incur
any Indebtedness if the ratio of Consolidated Income Available for Debt Service
to the Annual Service Charge for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most
recently ended prior to the date on which such additional Indebtedness is to be
incurred shall have been less than 1.5:1, on a pro forma basis after giving
effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, and calculated
on the assumption that (i) such Indebtedness and any other Indebtedness incurred
by the Company and its Subsidiaries since the first day of such four-quarter
period and the application of the proceeds therefrom, including to refinance
other Indebtedness, had occurred at the beginning of such period; (ii) the
repayment or retirement of any other Indebtedness by the Company and its
Subsidiaries since the first day of such four-quarter period had been repaid or
retired at the beginning of such period (except that, in making such
computation, the amount of Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility
shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness
during such period); (iii) in the case of Acquired Indebtedness or Indebtedness
incurred in connection with any acquisition since the first day of such four-
quarter period, the related acquisition had occurred as of the first day of such
period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition being
included in such pro forma calculation; and (iv) in the case of any acquisition
or disposition by the Company or its Subsidiaries of any asset or group of
assets since the first day of such four-quarter period, whether by merger, stock
purchase or sale, or asset purchase or sale, such acquisition or disposition or
any related repayment of Indebtedness had occurred as of the first day of such
period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition or
disposition being included in such pro forma calculation.

          (3) In addition to the limitations set forth in subsections (1) and
(2) of this Section 2.4, the Company will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary to, incur any Indebtedness secured by any Encumbrance upon any of the
property of the Company or any Subsidiary if, immediately after giving effect to
the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness and the application of the
proceeds thereof, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness
of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis which is secured by
any Encumbrance on property of the Company or any Subsidiary is greater than 40%
of the sum of 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
(without duplication) (i) the Total Assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries
as of the end of the calendar quarter covered in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, most recently
filed with the Commission (or, if such filing is not permitted under the
Exchange Act, with the Trustee) prior to the incurrence of such additional
Indebtedness and (ii) the purchase price of any real estate assets or mortgages
receivable acquired, and the amount of any securities offering proceeds received
(to the extent that such proceeds were not used to acquire real estate assets or
mortgages receivable or used to reduce Indebtedness), by the Company or any
Subsidiary since the end of such calendar quarter, including those proceeds
obtained in connection with the incurrence of such additional Indebtedness.

          (4) The Company and its Subsidiaries may not at any time own Total
Unencumbered Assets equal to less than 150% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Unsecured Indebtedness of the Company and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

          (5) For purposes of this Section 2.4, Indebtedness shall be deemed to
be "incurred" by the Company or a Subsidiary whenever the Company or such
Subsidiary shall create, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect
thereof.

          SECTION 2.5  Defeasance.
                       ---------- 

          The provisions of Sections 1402 and 1403 of the Senior Indenture,
together with the other provisions of Article Fourteen of the Senior Indenture,
shall be applicable to the Notes.  The provisions of Section 1403 of the Senior
Indenture shall apply to the covenants set forth in Sections 2.4 and 2.10 of
this Supplemental Indenture and to those covenants specified in Section 1403 of
the Senior Indenture.

          SECTION 2.6  Events of Default
                       -----------------

          The provisions of clause (5) of Section 501 of the Senior Indenture as
applicable with respect to the Notes shall be deemed to be amended and restated
in their entirety to read as follows:

               (5) 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 the Company (or
     by any Subsidiary, the repayment of which the Company has guaranteed or for
     which the Company is directly responsible or liable as obligor or
     guarantor), having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least
     $10,000,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be
     created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or
     being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would
     otherwise 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     have become due and payable, without such indebtedness having been
     discharged, or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within
     a period of 10 days after there shall have been given written notice, by
     registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the
     Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount
     of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying
     such default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness to be
     discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled and
     stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; provided,
     however, that such a default on indebtedness which constitutes tax-exempt
     financing having an aggregate principal amount outstanding not exceeding
     $25,000,000 that results solely from a failure of an entity providing
     credit support for such indebtedness to honor a demand for payment on a
     letter of credit shall not constitute an Event of Default; or

          SECTION 2.7  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
                       -------------------------------------------------- 

          The provisions of the first paragraph of Section 502 of the Senior
Indenture as applicable with respect to the Notes shall be deemed to be amended
and restated in their entirety to read as follows:

          If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the
time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee
or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if Securities of
that series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such
portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the
Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in
writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon
any such declaration such principal, or specified portion thereof, plus accrued
interest to the date the Securities of that series are paid, shall become
immediately due and payable.  With respect to the Securities of any series, if
an Event of Default set forth in Section 501(6) of the Senior Indenture occurs
and is continuing, then in every such case all the Securities of that series
shall become immediately due and payable, without notice to the Company, at the
principal amount thereof (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount
Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be
specified in the terms thereof) plus accrued interest to the date the Securities
of that series are paid.

          SECTION 2.8 Registered Securities.
                      --------------------- 

          Each Note shall be issuable and transferable in fully registered book-
entry form or certificated form as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.

          SECTION 2.9 Form of Notes.
                      ------------- 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
          The Floating Rate Notes shall be substantially in the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto.  The Fixed Rate Notes shall be substantially in the form
- ---------                                                                 
attached as Exhibit B hereto.
            ---------        

          SECTION 2.10  Provision of Financial Information.
                        ---------------------------------- 

          Whether or not the Company is subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, the Company will, to the extent permitted under the Exchange Act,
file with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents which the Company would have been required to file with the Commission
pursuant to such Section 13 or 15(d) if the Company were so subject, such
documents to be filed with the Commission on or prior to the respective dates
(the "Required Filing Dates") by which the Company would have been required so
to file such documents if the Company were so subject.

          The Company will also in any event (x) within 15 days of each Required
Filing Date (i) if the Company is not then subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses
appear in the Security Register, without cost to such Holders, copies of the
annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which the Company would
have been required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act if the Company were subject to such Sections and (ii) file
with the Trustee copies of annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents
which the Company would have been required to file with the Commission pursuant
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the Company were subject to such
Sections and (y) supply, promptly upon written request and payment of the
reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, copies of such documents to any
prospective Holder.

          The Trustee shall not be required to examine any of the reports and
other documents filed therewith pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.10
or Section 7.03 of the Senior Indenture in order to determine whether the
Company is in compliance with the provisions of Section 2.4 of this Supplemental
Indenture.

          SECTION 2.11  Waiver of Certain Covenants.
                        ----------------------------

          Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1009 of the Senior
Indenture, the Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any
term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 1004 to 1008, inclusive, of
the Senior Indenture, with Sections 2.4 and 2.10 of this Supplemental Indenture
and with any other term, provision or condition with respect to the Notes or any
series thereof (except any such term, provision or condition which could not be
amended without the consent of all Holders of the Notes or such series thereof,
as applicable), if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of
at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding Notes or such series
thereof, as applicable, by Act of such

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive
compliance with such covenant or condition. Except to the extent so expressly
waived, and until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the
Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or
condition shall remain in full force and effect.


                                 ARTICLE THREE

                           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                           ------------------------
 
          SECTION 3.1.  Ratification of Senior Indenture.
                        -------------------------------- 

          Except as expressly modified or amended hereby, the Senior Indenture
continues in full force and effect and is in all respects confirmed and
preserved.

          SECTION 3.2.  Governing Law.
                        ------------- 

          This Supplemental Indenture and each Note shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.  This
Supplemental Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939, as amended, and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such
provisions.

          SECTION 3.3.  Counterparts.
                        ------------ 

          This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

                           [Signature page follows.]

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed by their respective officers hereunto duly
authorized, all as of the day and year first written above.


                             AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.



                             By: /s/ Richard L. Michaux
                                 ------------------------
                                 Richard L. Michaux
                                 Chief Executive Officer



Attest:
Name:
Title:



                             STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY,
                             as Trustee



                             By: /s/ Robert J. Dunn
                                 ------------------------
                                 Robert J. Dunn
                                 Vice President



Attest:
Name:
Vice President

                                     S-13
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                          Form of Floating Rate Note
                          --------------------------
                                        

                                [Face of Note]

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY (THE "DEPOSITARY") (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE
ISSUER HEREOF OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT,
AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME
AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY PAYMENT
IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF,
CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN./1/




THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO., AS NOMINEE
OF THE DEPOSITARY.  THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN
THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE
LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.  UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT
BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. /2/



Registered No. FLR-__________                  [PRINCIPAL AMOUNT]
CUSIP No: __________

                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                                MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
                                (Floating Rate)


INTEREST RATE BASIS OR BASES:   ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:       STATED MATURITY DATE:
___________                     ____________               ____________
 


- ------------------------
/1/  This paragraph applies to global Notes only.
/2/  This paragraph applies to global Notes only.

                                     A-14
<PAGE>
 
IF LIBOR:                                 IF CMT RATE:
[  ]  LIBOR Reuters                         Designated CMT Telerate
Page: _____                                     Page: __________
[  ]  LIBOR Telerate                      If Telerate Page 7052:
Page: _____                                   [  ] Weekly Average
                                              [  ] Monthly Average
                                            Designated CMT Maturity
                                               Index: __________
<TABLE> 

<S>                             <C>                               <C>
INDEX CURRENCY:
INDEX MATURITY:                 INITIAL INTEREST RATE: _____ %    INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S):
SPREAD (PLUS OR MINUS):         SPREAD MULTIPLIER:                INITIAL INTEREST RESET DATE:
MINIMUM INTEREST RATE: _____%   MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE _____%      INTEREST RESET DATE(S):
INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:        INITIAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:    ANNUAL REDEMPTION
                                _____%                            PERCENTAGE REDUCTION:
OPTIONAL PAYMENT DATE(S):       CALCULATION AGENT:
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 

<S>                                                              <C> 
INTEREST CATEGORY:                                                DAY COUNT CONVENTION:
  [  ]  Regular Floating Rate Note                                [  ]  30/360 for the period
  [  ]  Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note                             from __________ to
Fixed Rate Commencement Date:                                     __________
Fixed Interest Rate:      %                                       [  ]  Actual/360 for the
  [  ]  Inverse Floating Rate Note                                period
Fixed Interest Rate:      %                                       from __________ to
  [  ]  Original Issue Discount Note                              __________
Issue Price:      %                                               [  ]  Actual/Actual for the
                                                                  period
                                                                  from __________ to
                                                                  __________
                                                                  Applicable Interest Rate
                                                                  Basis:
 
SPECIFIED CURRENCY:                                               AUTHORIZED DENOMINATION:
  [  ]  US Dollars                                                [  ]  $1,000 and integral
  [  ]  Other:                                                    multiples thereof
                                                                  [  ]  Other:
</TABLE>

EXCHANGE RATE:
  U.S. $1.00 = ______

EXCHANGE RATE AGENT:

                                     A-15
<PAGE>
 
AMORTIZATION FORMULA:

AMORTIZATION PAYMENT DATE(S):

DEFAULT RATE:        %

ADDENDUM ATTACHED:
 [  ]      Yes
 [  ]      No

OTHER/ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:


          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of Maryland (hereinafter referred to as the "Company", which term
includes any successor entity under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for
value received, hereby promises to pay to ____________________, or registered
assigns, the principal sum of ____________________, on the Stated Maturity Date
specified above (or any Redemption Date or Repayment Date, each as defined
below) (each such Stated Maturity Date, Redemption Date or Repayment Date being
hereinafter referred to as the "Maturity Date" with respect to the principal
repayable on such date) and to pay interest thereon, at a rate per annum equal
to the initial Interest Rate specified above until the Initial Interest Reset
Date specified above and thereafter at a rate determined in accordance with the
provisions specified above and on the reverse hereof or in an Addendum hereto
with respect to one or more Interest Rate Bases specified above until the
principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment, and (to the extent
that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) at the Default
Rate per annum specified above on any overdue principal, premium and/or
interest, including any overdue sinking fund or redemption payment. The Company
will pay interest in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, if any, specified
above (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing with the first Interest
Payment Date next succeeding the Original Issue Date specified above, and on the
Maturity Date; provided, however, that if the Original Issue Date occurs between
a Record Date (as defined below) and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date,
interest payments will commence on the second Interest Payment Date next
succeeding the Original Issue Date to the holder of this Note on the Record Date
with respect to such second Interest Payment Date.

          Interest on this Note will accrue from, and including, the immediately
preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for (or from, and including, the Original Issue Date if no interest has been
paid or duly provided for) to, but excluding, the applicable Interest Payment
Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be (each, an "Interest Period"). The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any



                                     A-16
<PAGE>
 
Interest Payment Date will, subject to certain exceptions described herein, be
paid to the person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is
registered at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or
not a Business Day, as defined on the reverse hereof) immediately preceding such
Interest Payment Date (the "Record Date"); provided, however, that interest
payable on the Maturity Date will be payable to the person to whom the principal
hereof and premium, if any, hereon shall be payable. Any such interest not so
punctually paid or duly provided for ("Defaulted Interest") will forthwith cease
to be payable to the holder on any Record Date, and shall be paid to the person
in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on a special
record date (the "Special Record Date") for the payment of such Defaulted
Interest to be fixed by the Trustee hereinafter referred to, notice whereof
shall be given to the holder of this Note by the Trustee not more than 15 days
and not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date or may be paid at
any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of
any securities exchange on which this Note may be listed, and upon such notice
as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided for in the
Indenture.

          Payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this
Note due on the Maturity Date, or any prior date on which the principal or an
installment of principal of this Note becomes due and payable, whether by the
declaration of acceleration or otherwise, will be made in immediately available
funds upon presentation and surrender of this Note (and, with respect to any
applicable repayment of this Note, upon presentation and surrender of this Note
and a duly completed election form as contemplated on the reverse hereof) at the
office or agency maintained by the Company for that purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York; provided, however, that if the Specified
Currency specified above is other than United States dollars and such payment is
to be made in the Specified Currency in accordance with the provisions set forth
below, such payment may be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds
to an account with a bank designated by the holder hereof at least 15 calendar
days prior to the Maturity Date, provided that such bank has appropriate
facilities therefor and that this Note (and, if applicable, a duly completed
repayment election form) is presented and surrendered at the aforementioned
office or agency maintained by the Company in time for the Trustee to make such
payment in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Payment of
interest due on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date will be
made at the aforementioned office or agency maintained by the Company or, at the
option of the Company, by check mailed to the address of the person entitled
thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register maintained by the
Trustee; provided, however, that a holder of U.S. $10,000,000 (or, if the
Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the equivalent thereof
in the Specified Currency) or more in aggregate principal amount of Notes
(whether having identical or different terms and provisions) will be entitled to
receive interest payments on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity
Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds if appropriate wire
transfer instructions have been received in writing by the Trustee not less than
15 calendar days prior to such Interest Payment Date. Any such wire transfer
instructions received by the Trustee shall remain in effect until revoked by
such holder.

          If any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date would
otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date shall
be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, except that if LIBOR is an
applicable Interest Rate Basis and such 

                                     A-17
<PAGE>
 
Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Payment
Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls
on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment of principal, premium,
if any, and interest shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the
same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no
interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from and after
the Maturity Date to the date of such payment on the next succeeding Business
Day.

          As used herein, "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or
Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions
are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The
City of New York or Chicago; provided, however, that if the Specified Currency
is other than United States dollars, such day is also not a day on which banking
institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to
close in the Principal Financial Center (as defined below) of the country
issuing the Specified Currency (or, if the Specified Currency is European
Currency Units ("ECU"), such day is not a day that appears as an ECU non-
settlement day on the display designated as "ISDE" on the Reuter Monitor Money
Rates Service (or a day so designated by the ECU Banking Association), or, if
ECU non-settlement days do not appear on that page (and are not so designated),
is not a day on which payments in ECU cannot be settled in the international
interbank market); provided, further, that if LIBOR is an applicable Interest
Rate Basis, such day is also a London Business Day (as defined below). "London
Business Day" means (i) if the Index Currency (as defined below) is other than
ECU, any day on which dealings in such Index Currency are transacted in the
London interbank market or (ii) if the Index Currency is ECU, any day that does
not appear as an ECU non-settlement day on the display designated as "ISDE" on
the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or a day so designated by the ECU
Banking Association) or, if ECU non-settlement days do not appear on that page
(and are not so designated), is not a day on which payments in ECU cannot be
settled in the international interbank market. "Principal Financial Center"
means the capital city of the country issuing the Specified Currency or, solely
with respect to the calculation of LIBOR, the Index Currency, except that with
respect to United States dollars, Australian dollars, Deutsche marks, Dutch
guilders, Italian lire, Swiss francs and ECU, the Principal Financial Center
shall be The City of New York, Sydney, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Zurich and
Luxembourg, respectively.

          The Company is obligated to make payments of principal, premium, if
any, and interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency (or, if the
Specified Currency is not at the time of such payment legal tender for the
payment of public and private debts, in such other coin or currency of the
country which issued the Specified Currency as at the time of such payment is
legal tender for the payment of such debts). If the Specified Currency is other
than United States dollars, except as provided below, any such amounts so
payable by the Company will be converted by the Exchange Rate Agent specified
above into United States dollars for payment to the holder of this Note.

          If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the
holder of this Note may elect to receive such amounts in such Specified
Currency. If the holder of this Note shall not have duly made an election to
receive all or a specified portion of any payment of principal, premium, if any,
and/or interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency, any 


                                     A-18
<PAGE>
 
United States dollar amount to be received by the holder of this Note will be
based on the highest bid quotation in The City of New York received by the
Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date from three recognized
foreign exchange dealers (one of whom may be the Exchange Rate Agent) selected
by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the Company for the purchase by the
quoting dealer of the Specified Currency for United States dollars for
settlement on such payment date in the aggregate amount of such Specified
Currency payable to all holders of Foreign Currency Notes scheduled to receive
United States dollar payments and at which the applicable dealer commits to
execute a contract. All currency exchange costs will be borne by the holder of
this Note by deductions from such payments. If three such bid quotations are not
available, payments on this Note will be made in the Specified Currency.

          If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the
holder of this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of any
payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note
in the Specified Currency by submitting a written request for such payment to
the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office in The City of New York on or prior to
the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity
Date, as the case may be. Such written request may be mailed or hand delivered
or sent by cable, telex or other form of facsimile transmission. The holder of
this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of all future payments
in the Specified Currency in respect of such principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest and need not file a separate election for each payment. Such election
will remain in effect until revoked by written notice to the Trustee, but
written notice of any such revocation must be received by the Trustee on or
prior to the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the
Maturity Date, as the case may be.  If the Specified Currency is other than
United States dollars or a composite currency and the holder of this Note shall
have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion of any payment
of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note in the
Specified Currency and if the Specified Currency is not available due to the
imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the reasonable
control of the Company, the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations
to the holder of this Note by making such payment in United States dollars on
the basis of the Market Exchange Rate (as defined below) on the second Business
Day prior to such payment date or, if such Market Exchange Rate is not then
available, on the basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate or
as otherwise specified on the face hereof. The "Market Exchange Rate" for the
Specified Currency means the noon dollar buying rate in The City of New York for
cable transfers for such Specified Currency as certified for customs purposes by
(or if not so certified, as otherwise determined by) the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York. Any payment made under such circumstances in United States dollars
will not constitute an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) with
respect to this Note.

          If the Specified Currency is a composite currency and the holder of
this Note shall have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion
of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this
Note in the Specified Currency and if such composite currency is unavailable due
to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the
reasonable control of the Company, then the Company will be entitled to satisfy
its obligations to the holder of this Note by making such payment in United
States

                                     A-19
<PAGE>
 
dollars. The amount of each payment in United States dollars shall be
computed by the Exchange Rate Agent on the basis of the equivalent of the
composite currency in United States dollars. The component currencies of the
composite currency for this purpose (collectively, the "Component Currencies"
and each, a "Component Currency") shall be the currency amounts that were
components of the composite currency as of the last day on which the composite
currency was used. The equivalent of the composite currency in United States
dollars shall be calculated by aggregating the United States dollar equivalents
of the Component Currencies. The United States dollar equivalent of each of the
Component Currencies shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent on the basis
of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate for each such Component
Currency, or as otherwise specified on the face hereof.

          If the official unit of any Component Currency is altered by way of
combination or subdivision, the number of units of the currency as a Component
Currency shall be divided or multiplied in the same proportion. If two or more
Component Currencies are consolidated into a single currency, the amounts of
those currencies as Component Currencies shall be replaced by an amount in such
single currency equal to the sum of the amounts of the consolidated Component
Currencies expressed in such single currency. If any Component Currency is
divided into two or more currencies, the amount of the original Component
Currency shall be replaced by the amounts of such two or more currencies, the
sum of which shall be equal to the amount of the original Component Currency.

          All determinations referred to above made by the Exchange Rate Agent
shall be at its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the holder of this Note.

          Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set
forth on the reverse hereof and, if so specified above on the face hereof, in
the Addendum hereto, which further provisions shall have the same force and
effect as if set forth on the face hereof.

          Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, if
the face of this Note specifies that an Addendum is attached hereto or that
"Other/Additional Provisions" apply to this Note, this Note shall be subject to
the terms set forth in such Addendum or such "Other/Additional Provisions".

          Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee or its Authenticating Agent by manual signature, this Note shall not
be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any
purpose.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has caused this Note
to be duly executed under its corporate seal.



Dated:                                   AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

                                     A-20
<PAGE>
 
                                         By:
                                         Richard J. Michaux
                                         Chief Executive Officer



[Corporate Seal]

Attest:


 
  Mary M. Stafford
  Assistant Secretary



                    TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:
                                        
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in
the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                   STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY,
                                   as Trustee


Dated:                             By______________________________
                                          Robert J. Dunn
                                          Vice President

                                     A-21
<PAGE>
 
                               [Reverse Of Note]

                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                               MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
                                (Floating Rate)


          This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Securities (the
"Securities") of the Company issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated
as of January 16, 1998, as amended and supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of January 20, 1998, the Second Supplemental Indenture dated
July 7, 1998 and the Third Supplemental Indenture dated December 21, 1998, as
further amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"),
between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (the
"Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the holders of the
Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of the series of Securities
designated as "Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More from Date of Issue"
(the "Notes"). All terms used but not defined in this Note or in an Addendum
hereto shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture or on the
face hereof, as the case may be.

          This Note is issuable only in registered form without coupons in
minimum denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples thereof or the
minimum Authorized Denomination specified on the face hereof.

          This Note will not be subject to any sinking fund and, unless
otherwise specified on the face hereof in accordance with the provisions of the
following two paragraphs, will not be redeemable or repayable prior to the
Stated Maturity Date.

          This Note will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company
on any date on and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified on the
face hereof, in whole or from time to time in part in increments of U.S. $1,000
or the minimum Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal
amount hereof shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such minimum Authorized
Denomination), at the Redemption Price (as defined below), together with unpaid
interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (each, a "Redemption
Date"), on notice given not more than 60 nor less than 30 calendar days prior to
the Redemption Date and in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The
"Redemption Price" shall initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage
specified on the face hereof multiplied by the unpaid principal amount of this
Note to be redeemed. The Initial Redemption Percentage shall decline at each
anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the Annual Redemption Percentage
Reduction, if any, specified on the face hereof until the Redemption Price is
100% of the unpaid principal amount to be redeemed. In the event of redemption
of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unredeemed portion
hereof and otherwise having the same terms as this Note shall

                                     A-22
<PAGE>
 
be issued in the name of the holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender
hereof.

          This Note will be subject to repayment by the Company at the option of
the holder hereof on the Optional Repayment Date(s), if any, specified on the
face hereof, in whole or in part in increments of U.S. $1,000 or the minimum
Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof
shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such minimum Authorized Denomination), at a
repayment price equal to 100% of the unpaid principal amount to be repaid,
together with unpaid interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for repayment
(each, a "Repayment Date"). For this Note to be repaid, the Trustee must receive
at its office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, referred to on
the face hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to the
Repayment Date (i) this Note and the form hereon entitled "Option to Elect
Repayment" duly completed or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, or
a letter from a member of a national securities exchange or the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in
the United States setting forth the name of the holder hereof, the principal
amount of this Note, the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, the
certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of this Note, a
statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby, and a
guarantee that this Note, together with the form hereon entitled "Option to
Elect Repayment" duly completed, will be received by the Trustee not later than
the fifth Business Day after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter, provided that such telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter shall only be effective if this Note and duly completed
form are received by the Trustee by such fifth Business Day. Exercise of such
repayment option by the holder hereof will be irrevocable. In the event of
repayment of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unrepaid
portion hereof and otherwise having the same terms as this Note shall be issued
in the name of the holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

          If this Note is an Original Issue Discount Note as specified on the
face hereof, the amount payable to the holder of this Note in the event of
redemption, repayment or acceleration of maturity of this Note will be equal to
the sum of (i) the Issue Price specified on the face hereof (increased by any
accruals of the Discount, as defined below) and, in the event of any redemption
of this Note (if applicable), multiplied by the Initial Redemption Percentage
(as adjusted by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if applicable) and
(ii) any unpaid interest on this Note accrued from the Original Issue Date to
the Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity, as the
case may be. The difference between the Issue Price and 100% of the principal
amount of this Note is referred to herein as the "Discount."

          For purposes of determining the amount of Discount that has accrued as
of any Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity of
this Note, such Discount will be accrued using a constant yield method. The
constant yield will be calculated using a 30-day month, 360-day year convention,
a compounding period that, except for the Initial Period (as defined below),
corresponds to the shortest period between Interest Payment Dates (with ratable
accruals within a compounding period), a coupon rate equal to the initial coupon
rate applicable to this Note and an assumption that the maturity of this Note
will not be accelerated. If the period from the Original Issue Date to the
initial Interest Payment Date (the "Initial Period") is shorter than the
compounding period for this Note, a proportionate amount of

                                     A-23
<PAGE>
 
 the yield for an entire compounding period will be accrued. If the Initial
Period is longer than the compounding period, then such period will be divided
into a regular compounding period and a short period, with the short period
being treated as provided in the preceding sentence.

          The interest rate borne by this Note will be determined as follows:

          (i) Unless the Interest Category of this Note is specified on the face
hereof as a "Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note" or an "Inverse Floating Rate Note"
or as otherwise specified as Other/Additional Provisions on the face hereof or
in an Addendum hereto, this Note shall be designated as a "Regular Floating Rate
Note" and, except as set forth below or specified on the face hereof or in an
Addendum hereto, shall bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the
applicable Interest Rate Basis or Bases (a) plus or minus the Spread, if any,
and/or (b) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if any, in each case as
specified on the face hereof.

          Commencing on the Initial Interest Reset Date, the rate at which
interest on this Note shall be payable shall be reset as of each Interest Reset
Date specified on the face hereof; provided, however, that the interest rate in
effect for the period, if any, from the Original Issue Date to the Initial
Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial Interest Rate.

          (ii) If the Interest Category of this Note is specified on the face
hereof as a "Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note", then, except as set forth below or
specified on the face hereof or in an Addendum hereto, this Note shall bear
interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable Interest Rate
Basis or Bases (a) plus or minus the Spread, if any, and/or (b) multiplied by
the Spread Multiplier, if any. Commencing on the Initial Interest Reset Date,
the rate at which interest on this Note shall be payable shall be reset as of
each Interest Reset Date; provided, however, that (y) the interest rate in
effect for the period, if any, from the Original Issue Date to the Initial
Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial Interest Rate and (z) the interest rate
in effect for the period commencing on the Fixed Rate Commencement Date
specified on the face hereof to the Maturity Date shall be the Fixed Interest
Rate specified on the face hereof or, if no such Fixed Interest Rate is
specified, the interest rate in effect hereon on the day immediately preceding
the Fixed Rate Commencement Date.

          (iii)   If the Interest Category of this Note is specified on the face
hereof as an "Inverse Floating Rate Note," then, except as set forth below or
specified on the face hereof or in an Addendum hereto, this Note shall bear
interest at the Fixed Interest Rate minus the rate determined by reference to
the applicable Interest Rate Basis or Bases (a) plus or minus the Spread, if
any, and/or (b) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if any; provided, however,
that, unless otherwise specified on the face hereof or in an Addendum hereto,
the interest rate hereon shall not be less than zero. Commencing on the Initial
Interest Reset Date, the rate at which interest on this Note shall be payable
shall be reset as of each Interest Reset Date; provided, however, that the
interest rate in effect for the period, if any, from the Original Issue Date to
the Initial Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial Interest Rate.

          Except as set forth above or specified on the face hereof or in an
Addendum hereto, the interest rate in effect on each day shall be (i) if such
day is an Interest Reset Date, the

                                     A-24
<PAGE>
 
interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date (as defined
below) immediately preceding such Interest Reset Date or (ii) if such day is not
an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest
Determination Date immediately preceding the most recent Interest Reset Date. If
any Interest Reset Date would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day,
such Interest Reset Date shall be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day,
except that if LIBOR is an applicable Interest Rate Basis and such Business Day
falls in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall be
the immediately preceding Business Day. In addition, if the Treasury Rate is an
applicable Interest Rate Basis and the Interest Determination Date would
otherwise fall on an Interest Reset Date, then such Interest Reset Date will be
postponed to the next succeeding Business Day.

          The interest rate applicable to each Interest Reset Period commencing
on the related Interest Reset Date will be determined by the Calculation Agent
as of the applicable Interest Determination Date and will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent on or prior to the Calculation Date (as defined below), except
with respect to LIBOR and the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate, which will
be calculated on such Interest Determination Date. The "Interest Determination
Date" with respect to the CD Rate, the CMT Rate, the Commercial Paper Rate, the
Federal Funds Rate and the Prime Rate will be the second Business Day
immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date; the "Interest
Determination Date" with respect to the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate
shall be the last business day of the month immediately preceding the applicable
Interest Reset Date on which the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the
"FHLB of San Francisco") publishes the Index (as defined below); and the
"Interest Determination Date" with respect to LIBOR shall be the second London
Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date, unless
the Index Currency is British pounds sterling, in which case the "Interest
Determination Date" will be the applicable Interest Reset Date. The "Interest
Determination Date", with respect to the Treasury Rate shall be the day in the
week in which the applicable Interest Reset Date falls on which day Treasury
Bills (as defined below) are normally auctioned (Treasury Bills are normally
sold at an auction held on Monday of each week, unless that day is a legal
holiday, in which case the auction is normally held on the following Tuesday,
except that such auction may be held on the preceding Friday); provided,
however, that if an auction is held on the Friday of the week preceding the
applicable Interest Reset Date, the "Interest Determination Date" shall be such
preceding Friday. If the interest rate of this Note is determined with reference
to two or more Interest Rate Bases specified on the face hereof, the "Interest
Determination Date" pertaining to this Note shall be the most recent Business
Day which is at least two Business Days prior to the applicable Interest Reset
Date on which each Interest Rate Basis is determinable. Each Interest Rate Basis
shall be determined as of such date, and the applicable interest rate shall take
effect on the applicable Interest Reset Date.

          Unless otherwise specified on the face hereof or in an Addendum
hereto, the rate with respect to each Interest Rate Basis will be determined in
accordance with the following provisions:

          CD Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is specified on the
face hereof as the CD Rate, the CD Rate shall be determined as of the applicable
Interest Determination Date (a 


                                     A-25
<PAGE>
 
"CD Rate Interest Determination Date") as the rate on such date for negotiable
United States dollar certificates of deposit having the Index Maturity specified
on the face hereof as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates" or any
successor publication ("H.15(519)") under the heading "CDS (Secondary Market),"
or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related
Calculation Date, the rate on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date for
negotiable United States dollar certificates of deposit of the Index Maturity as
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical
release "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for United States Government Securities"
or any successor publication ("Composite Quotations") under the heading
"Certificates of Deposit." If such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519)
or Composite Quotations by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related
Calculation Date, then the CD Rate on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date
will be calculated by the Calculation Agent specified on the face hereof and
will be the arithmetic mean of the secondary market offered rates as of 10:00
A.M., New York City time, on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date, of three
leading nonbank dealers in negotiable United States dollar certificates of
deposit in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for negotiable
United States dollar certificates of deposit of major United States money center
banks in the market for negotiable United States dollar certificates of deposit
with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity in an amount that is
representative for a single transaction in that market at that time; provided,
however, that if the dealers so selected by the Calculation Agent are not
quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the CD Rate determined as of such CD Rate
Interest Determination Date will be the CD Rate in effect on such CD Rate
Interest Determination Date.

          CMT Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is specified on the
face hereof as the CMT Rate, the CMT Rate shall be determined as of the
applicable Interest Determination Date (a "CMT Rate Interest Determination
Date") as the rate displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page (as defined
below) under the caption ". . . Treasury Constant Maturities . . . Federal
Reserve Board Release H.15 . . . Mondays Approximately 3:45 P.M.," under the
column for the Designated CMT Maturity Index (as defined below) for (i) if the
Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7055, the rate on such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date and (ii) if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the
weekly or monthly average, as specified on the face hereof, for the week or
month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the week or month, as
applicable, in which the related CMT Rate Interest Determination Date occurs. If
such rate is no longer displayed on the relevant page or is not displayed by
3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date, then the CMT
Rate for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be such treasury
constant maturity rate for the Designated CMT Maturity Index as published in
H.15(519). If such rate is no longer published or is not published by 3:00 P.M.,
New York City time, on the related Calculation 


                                     A-26
<PAGE>
 
Date, then the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be
such treasury constant maturity rate for the Designated CMT Maturity Index (or
other United States Treasury rate for the Designated CMT Maturity Index) for the
CMT Rate Interest Determination Date with respect to such Interest Reset Date as
may then be published by either the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System or the United States Department of the Treasury that the Calculation
Agent determines to be comparable to the rate formerly displayed on the
Designated CMT Telerate Page and published in H.15(519). If such information is
not provided by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date,
then the CMT Rate on the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated
by the Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity, based on the
arithmetic mean of the secondary market closing offer side prices as of
approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date reported, according to their written records, by three
leading primary United States government securities dealers (each, a "Reference
Dealer") in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent (from five
such Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and eliminating the
highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the
lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest)), for the
most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate obligations of the United
States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity of approximately the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to maturity of not less than
such Designated CMT Maturity Index minus one year. If the Calculation Agent is
unable to obtain three such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate on such CMT
Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
will be a yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market
offer side prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such CMT
Rate Interest Determination Date of three Reference Dealers in The City of New
York (from five such Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and
eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
lowest)), for Treasury Notes with an original maturity of the number of years
that is the next highest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining
term to maturity closest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and in an amount
of at least U.S.$100 million. If three or four (and not five) of such Reference
Dealers are quoting as described above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the
arithmetic mean of the offer prices obtained and neither the highest nor the
lowest of such quotes will be eliminated; provided, however, that if fewer than
three Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent are quoting as
mentioned herein, the CMT Rate determined as of such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date will be the CMT Rate in effect on such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date. If two Treasury Notes with an original maturity as described
in the second preceding sentence have remaining terms to maturity equally close
to the Designated CMT Maturity Index, the Calculation Agent will obtain
quotations for the Treasury Note with the shorter remaining term to maturity and
will use such quotations to calculate the CMT Rate as set forth above.

          "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones
Telerate Service (or any successor service) on the page specified on the face
hereof (or any other page as may replace such page on that service (or any
successor service) for the purpose of displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as
reported in H.15(519)). If no such page is specified on the face hereof, the
Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052, for the most recent week.

          "Designated CMT Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity
of the United States Treasury securities (either one, two, three, five, seven,
10, 20 or 30 years) specified on the face hereof with respect to which the CMT
Rate will be calculated. If no such maturity is specified on the face hereof,
the Designated CMT Maturity Index shall be two years.

          Commercial Paper Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is
specified on the face hereof as the Commercial Paper Rate, the Commercial Paper
Rate shall be determined as of

                                     A-27
<PAGE>
 
the applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Commercial Paper Rate Interest
Determination Date") as the Money Market Yield (as defined below) on such date
of the rate for commercial paper having the Index Maturity as published in
H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial Paper -NonFinancial."

          In the event that such rate is not published by 3:00 P.M., New York
City time, on the related Calculation Date, then the Commercial Paper Rate on
such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date will be the Money Market
Yield of the rate or commercial paper having the Index Maturity as published in
Composite Quotations under the heading "Commercial Paper" (with an Index
Maturity of one month or three months being deemed to be equivalent to an Index
Maturity of 30 days or 90 days, respectively). If such rate is not yet published
in either H.l5(519) or Composite Quotations by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
the related Calculation Date, then the Commercial Paper Rate on such Commercial
Paper Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation
Agent and shall be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean of the offered
rates at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Commercial Paper
Rate Interest Determination Date of three leading dealers of commercial paper in
The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for commercial paper
having the Index Maturity placed for an industrial issuer whose bond rating is
"AAA," or the equivalent, from a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization; provided, however, that if the dealers so selected by the
Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Commercial
Paper Rate determined as of such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination
Date will be the Commercial Paper Rate in effect on such Commercial Paper Rate
Interest Determination Date.

          "Money Market Yield" means a yield (expressed as a percentage)
calculated in accordance with the following formula:

          Money Market Yield =      D x 360          x 100
                                ------------------        
                                 360 - (D x M)

where "D" refers to the applicable per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on
a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, and "M" refers to the actual
number of days in the Interest Period for which interest is being calculated.

          Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for
this Note is specified on the face hereof as the Eleventh District Cost of Funds
Rate, the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate shall be determined as of the
applicable Interest Determination Date (an "Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date") as the rate equal to the monthly weighted average
cost of funds for the calendar month immediately preceding the month in which
such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date falls, as
set forth under the caption "llth District" on Telerate Page 7058 as of 11:00
A.M., San Francisco time, on such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date. If such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 7058 on such
Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, then the
Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate on such Eleventh District Cost of Funds
Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the monthly weighted average cost of

                                     A-28
<PAGE>
 
funds paid by member institutions of the Eleventh Federal Home Loan Bank
District that was most recently announced (the "Index") by the FHLB of San
Francisco as such cost of funds for the calendar month immediately preceding
such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date. If the
FHLB of San Francisco fails to announce the Index on or prior to such Eleventh
District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date for the calendar month
immediately preceding such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date, the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate determined as of
such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be
the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate in effect on such Eleventh District
Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.

          Federal Funds Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is
specified on the face hereof as the Federal Funds Rate, the Federal Funds Rate
shall be determined as of the applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Federal
Funds Rate Interest Determination Date") as the rate on such date for United
States dollar federal funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal
Funds (Effective)" or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date, the rate on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination
Date as published in Composite Quotations under the heading "Federal
Funds/Effective Rate." If such rate is not published in either H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related
Calculation Date, then the Federal Funds Rate on such Federal Funds Interest
Determination Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the
arithmetic mean of the rates for the last transaction in overnight United States
dollar federal funds arranged by three leading brokers of federal funds
transactions in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, prior to
9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination
Date; provided, however, that if the brokers so selected by the Calculation
Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal Funds Rate
determined as of such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date will be the
Federal Funds Rate in effect on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination
Date.

          LIBOR. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is specified on the
face hereof as LIBOR, LIBOR shall be determined by the Calculation Agent as of
the applicable Interest Determination Date (a "LIBOR Interest Determination
Date") in accordance with the following provisions:

               (i) if (a) "LIBOR Reuters" is specified on the face hereof, the
     arithmetic mean of the offered rates (unless the Designated LIBOR Page (as
     defined below) by its terms provides only for a single rate, in which case
     such single rate will be used) for deposits in the Index Currency having
     the Index Maturity, commencing on the applicable Interest Reset Date, that
     appear (or, if only a single rate is required as aforesaid, appears) on the
     Designated LIBOR Page (as defined below) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on
     such LIBOR Interest Determination Date, or (b) "LIBOR Telerate" is
     specified on the face hereof, or if neither "LIBOR Reuters" nor "LIBOR
     Telerate" is specified on the face hereof as the method for calculating
     LIBOR, the rate for deposits in the Index Currency having the Index
     Maturity, commencing on such Interest Reset Date, that appears on the
     Designated LIBOR Page as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest
     Determination Date. If fewer than two such offered rates appear, or if no


                                     A-29
<PAGE>
 
     such rate appears, as applicable, LIBOR on such LIBOR Interest
     Determination Date shall be determined in accordance with the provisions
     described in clause (ii) below.

               (ii)  With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on
     which fewer than two offered rates appear, or no rate appears, as the case
     may be, on the Designated LIBOR Page as specified in clause (i) above, the
     Calculation Agent shall request the principal London offices of each of
     four major reference banks in the London interbank market, as selected by
     the Calculation Agent, to provide the Calculation Agent with its offered
     quotation for deposits in the Index Currency for the period of the Index
     Maturity, commencing on the applicable Interest Reset Date, to prime banks
     in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on
     such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount that is
     representative for a single transaction in such Index Currency in such
     market at such time. If at least two such quotations are so provided, then
     LIBOR on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean
     of such quotations. If fewer than two such quotations are so provided, then
     LIBOR on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean
     of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M., in the applicable
     Principal Financial Center, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date by
     three major banks in such Principal Financial Center selected by the
     Calculation Agent for loans in the Index Currency to leading European
     banks, having the Index Maturity and in a principal amount that is
     representative for a single transaction in such Index Currency in such
     market at such time; provided, however, that if the banks so selected by
     the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR
     determined as of such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be LIBOR in
     effect on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.

          "Index Currency" means the currency or composite currency specified on
the face hereof as to which LIBOR shall be calculated. If no such currency or
composite currency is specified on the face hereof, the Index Currency shall be
United States dollars.

          "Designated LIBOR Page" means (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified on
the face hereof, the display on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or any
successor service) on the page specified on the face hereof (or any other page
as may replace such page on such service (or any successor service)), for the
purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the Index
Currency, or (b) if "LIBOR Telerate" is specified on the face hereof or neither
"LIBOR Reuters" nor "LIBOR Telerate" is specified on the face hereof as the
method for calculating LIBOR, the display on the Dow Jones Telerate Service (or
any successor service) on the page specified on the face hereof (or any other
page as may replace such page on such service (or any successor service)), for
the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the
applicable Index Currency.

          Prime Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is specified on
the face hereto as the Prime Rate, the Prime Rate shall be determined as of the
applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Prime Rate Interest Determination
Date") as the rate on such date as such rate is published in H.15(519) under the
heading "Bank Prime Loan." If such rate is not published prior


                                     A-30
<PAGE>
 
to 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date, then the
Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean of the rates of interest publicly
announced by each bank that appears on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page (as
defined below) as such bank's prime rate or base lending rate as in effect for
such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date. If fewer than four such rates
appear on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page for such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date, then the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean of the
prime rates quoted on the basis of the actual number of days in the year divided
by a 360-day year as of the close of business on such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date by four major money center banks in The City of New York
selected by the Calculation Agent. If fewer than four such quotations are so
provided, the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean of four prime rates quoted
on the basis of the actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year
as of the close of business on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date as
furnished in The City of New York by the major money center banks, if any, that
have provided such quotations and by a reasonable number of substitute banks or
trust companies to obtain four such prime rate quotations, provided such
substitute banks or trust companies are organized and doing business under the
laws of the United States, or any State thereof, each having total equity
capital of at least U.S.$500 million and being subject to supervision or
examination by Federal or State authority, selected by the Calculation Agent to
provide such rate or rates; provided, however, that if the banks or trust
companies so selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, the Prime Rate determined as of such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date will be the Prime Rate in effect on such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date.

          "Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page" means the display designated as page
"USPRIME1" on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or any successor service)
(or such other page as may replace the USPRIME1 page on such service (or any
successor service) for the purpose of displaying prime rates or base lending
rates of major United States banks).

          Treasury Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is specified on
the face hereof as the Treasury Rate, the Treasury Rate shall be determined as
of the applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Treasury Rate Interest
Determination Date") as the rate from the auction held on such Treasury Rate
Interest Determination Date (the "Auction") of direct obligations of the United
States ("Treasury Bills") having the Index Maturity, as such rate is published
in H.15(519) under the heading "Treasury bills-auction average (investment)" or,
if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation
Date, the auction average rate of such Treasury Bills (expressed as a bond
equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied
on a daily basis) as otherwise announced by the United States Department of the
Treasury. In the event that the results of the Auction of Treasury Bills having
the Index Maturity are not reported as provided above by 3:00 P.M., New York
City time, on such Calculation Date, or if no such Auction is held, then the
Treasury Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be a yield
to maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366
days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the
secondary market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time,
on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date, of three leading primary
United States government securities dealers selected by the Calculation Agent,
for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the Index
Maturity; provided, however, that if the dealers so

                                     A-31
<PAGE>
 
selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence,
the Treasury Rate determined as of such Treasury Rate Interest Determination
Date will be the Treasury Rate in effect on such Treasury Rate Interest
Determination Date.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate hereon shall not be
greater than the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the Minimum
Interest Rate, if any, in each case as specified on the face hereof. The
interest rate on this Note will in no event be higher than the maximum rate
permitted by New York law, as the same may be modified by United States law of
general application.

          The "Calculation Date", if applicable, pertaining to any Interest
Determination Date shall be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after such
Interest Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next
succeeding Business Day or (ii) the Business Day immediately preceding the
applicable Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. At
the request of the Holder hereof, the Calculation Agent will provide to the
Holder hereof the interest rate hereon then in effect and, if determined, the
interest rate that will become effective as a result of a determination made for
the next succeeding Interest Reset Date.

          Accrued interest hereon shall be an amount calculated by multiplying
the principal amount hereof by an accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest
factor shall be computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day
in the applicable Interest Period. Unless otherwise specified as the Day Count
Convention on the face hereof, the interest factor for each such date shall be
computed by dividing the interest rate applicable to such day by 360 if the CD
Rate, the Commercial Paper Rate, the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate, the
Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR or the Prime Rate is an applicable Interest Rate Basis
or by the actual number of days in the year if the CMT Rate or the Treasury Rate
is an applicable Interest Rate Basis. Unless otherwise specified as the Day
Count Convention on the face hereof, the interest factor for this Note, if the
interest rate is calculated with reference to two or more Interest Rate Bases,
shall be calculated in each period in the same manner as if only the Applicable
Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof applied. All percentages
resulting from any calculation on this Note shall be rounded to the nearest one
hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a
percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 5.876545% (or .05876545) would be
rounded to 5.87655% (or .0587655)), and all amounts used in or resulting from
such calculation on this Note shall be rounded, in the case of United States
dollars, to the nearest cent or, in the case of a Specified Currency other than
United States dollars or a composite currency, to the nearest unit (with one-
half cent or unit being rounded upwards).

          If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur and
be continuing, the principal of the Notes may be declared due and payable in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

          The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of (i) the entire
indebtedness of the Notes or (ii) certain covenants and Events of Default with
respect to the Notes, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set
forth therein, which provisions apply to the Notes.

                                     A-32
<PAGE>
 
          The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the holders of the Securities at any time by the
Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a
majority of the aggregate principal amount of all Securities at the time
outstanding and affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions
permitting the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Securities of any series, on behalf of the holders of
all such Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions
of the Indenture. Furthermore, provisions in the Indenture permit the holders of
not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Securities of any series, in certain instances, to waive, on behalf of all of
the holders of Securities of such series, certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the holder of
this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future
holders of this Note and other Notes issued upon the registration of transfer
hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such
consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

          No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in
respect of this Note at the times, places and rate or formula, and in the coin
or currency, herein prescribed.

          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein and herein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the
Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal
hereof and any premium or interest hereon are payable, duly endorsed by, or
accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by the holder hereof or by his
attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes, of
authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein and herein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Notes of different authorized denominations but otherwise
having the same terms and conditions, as requested by the holder hereof
surrendering the same.

          No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer
or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

          Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the holder in whose name this Note is registered as the owner thereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                                     A-33
<PAGE>
 
          This Note and all documents, agreements, understandings and
arrangements relating to any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby have
been executed or entered into by the undersigned in his/her capacity as an
officer of the Company which has been formed as a Maryland corporation, and not
individually. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement
contained in the Indenture or in this Note, or because of any indebtedness
evidenced hereby or thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or
against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such,
of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or
any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by
the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or
otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the
acceptance of this Note by the holder thereof and as part of the consideration
for the issue of this Note.

          THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES
OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

          Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused "CUSIP" numbers to be
printed on the Securities of this series as a convenience to the holders of such
Securities.  No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such
CUSIP numbers as printed on the Securities, and reliance may be placed only on
the other identification numbers printed hereon.

                                 ABBREVIATIONS

          The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

     TEN COM - as tenants in common
     TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties
     JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
               common
     UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -              Custodian               
                           ----------            ----------
                          (Cust)               (Minor)
     Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act                       
                                       ---------------------
                                       (State)

     Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

                                     A-34
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                ASSIGNMENT FORM
                                        

                   FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby
                    sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL
 SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING
 NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------
|                                       |
- -----------------------------------------
 

             (Please Print or Typewrite Name and Address including
                         Postal Zip Code of Assignee)
this Note and all rights thereunder and hereby does irrevocably constitute and
appoint
 ....................................................................... Attorney
to transfer this Note on the books of the within-named Company with full power
of substitution in the premises.


Dated:
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

NOTICE:  The signature(s) on this Assignment must correspond with the name(s) as
written on the first page of this Note in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatsoever.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     A-35
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
                                        
          The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the
Company to repay this Note (or portion hereof specified below) pursuant to its
terms at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be repaid, together
with unpaid interest accrued hereon to the Repayment Date, to the undersigned,
at



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Please print or typewrite name and address, including postal Zip Code, of the
                                  undersigned)

          For this Note to be repaid, the Trustee must receive at its Corporate
Trust Office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, this Note with
this "Option to Elect Repayment" form duly completed.

          If less than the entire principal amount of this Note is to be repaid,
specify the portion hereof (which shall be increments of U.S. $1,000 (or, if the
Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the minimum Authorized
Denomination specified on the face hereof)) which the holder elects to have
repaid and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall be an
Authorized Denomination) of the Notes to be issued to the holder for the portion
of this Note not being repaid (in the absence of any such specification, one
such Note will be issued for the portion not being repaid).

Principal Amount to be Repaid:  $ ..............................


Dated:
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)


NOTICE:  The signature(s) on this Option to Elect Repayment must correspond with
the name(s) as written upon the face of this Note in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     A-36
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B

                            Form of Fixed Rate Note
                            -----------------------
                                        

                                 [Face of Note]

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY (THE "DEPOSITARY") (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE
ISSUER HEREOF OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT,
AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME
AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY PAYMENT
IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF,
CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN./3/


THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO., AS NOMINEE
OF THE DEPOSITARY.  THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN
THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE
LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.  UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT
BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY./4/

Registered No. FXR-__________                  [PRINCIPAL AMOUNT]
CUSIP No: __________

                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                               MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
                                 (Fixed Rate)




- ------------------
/3/  This paragraph applies to global Notes only.
/4/  This paragraph applies to global Notes only.



                                     B-37
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                               <C>
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:             INTEREST RATE: _____%             STATED MATURITY 
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S)         DEFAULT RATE: _____%              DATE:     ____________
____ and ____
Other:
 
INITIAL REDEMPTION               INITIAL REDEMPTION                ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE
DATE: ____________               PERCENTAGE: _____%                REDUCTION: _____%
 
OPTIONAL REPAYMENT DATE(S):      CHECK IF AN ORIGINAL
 ____________                    ISSUE DISCOUNT NOTE
                                 Issue Price:       %
 
REPAYMENT PRICE:    %
 
SPECIFIED CURRENCY:              AUTHORIZED DENOMINATION:          EXCHANGE RATE
 [ ]  United States dollars      [ ]  $1,000 and integral          AGENT:
 [ ]  Other:                     multiples thereof
                                 [ ]  Other:
 
EXCHANGE RATE:                   ADDENDUM ATTACHED:                OTHER/ADDITIONAL
      U.S. $1.00 = ________      [ ]  Yes                          PROVISIONS:
                                 [ ]  No
</TABLE>

          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of Maryland (hereinafter referred to as the "Company," which term
includes any successor entity under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for
value received, hereby promises to pay to _______________________, or registered
assigns, the principal sum of _____________________, on the Stated Maturity Date
specified above (or any Redemption Date or Repayment Date, each as defined on
the reverse hereof) (each such Stated Maturity Date, Redemption Date or
Repayment Date being hereinafter referred to as the "Maturity Date" with respect
to the principal repayable on such date) and to pay interest thereon, at the
Interest Rate per annum specific above, until the principal hereof is paid or
duly made available for payment, and (to the extent that the payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) at the Default Rate per annum specified
above on any overdue principal, premium and/or interest, including any overdue
sinking fund or redemption payment. The Company will pay interest in arrears on
each Interest Payment Date, if any, specified above (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), commencing with the first Interest Payment Date next succeeding the
Original Issue Date specified above, and on the Maturity Date; provided,
however, that if the Original Issue Date occurs between a Record Date (as
defined below) and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest payments
will commence on the second Interest Payment Date next succeeding the Original
Issue Date to the holder of this Note on the Record Date with respect to such
second 

                                     B-38
<PAGE>
 
Interest Payment Date. Interest on this Note will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

          Interest on this Note will accrue from, and including, the immediately
preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for (or from, and including, the Original Issue Date if no interest has been
paid or duly provided for) to, but excluding, the applicable Interest Payment
Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be (each, an "Interest Period"). The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date will, subject to certain exceptions described herein, be paid to
the person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is
registered at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or
not a Business Day, as defined below) immediately preceding such Interest
Payment Date (the "Record Date"); provided,  however, that interest payable on
the Maturity Date will be payable to the person to whom the principal hereto and
premium, if any, hereon shall be payable. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for ("Defaulted Interest") will forthwith cease to be
payable to the holder on any Record Date, and shall be paid to the person in
whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on a special record
date (the "Special Record Date") for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to
be fixed by the Trustee hereinafter referred to, notice whereof shall be given
to the holder of this Note by the Trustee not more than 15 days and not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date or may be paid at any time in any
other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities
exchange on which this Note may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided for in the Indenture.

          Payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this
Note due on the Maturity Date or any prior date on which the principal or an
installment of principal of this Note becomes due and payable, whether by the
declaration of acceleration or otherwise, will be made in immediately available
funds upon presentation and surrender of this Note (and, with respect to any
applicable repayment of this Note, upon presentation and surrender of this Note
and a duly completed election form as contemplated on the reverse hereof) at the
office or agency maintained by the Company for that purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, currently the office of the Trustee; provided,
however, that if the Specified Currency specified above is other than United
States dollars and such payment is to be made in the Specified Currency in
accordance with the provisions set forth below, such payment may be made by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account with a bank designated by
the holder hereof at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, provided
that such bank has appropriate facilities therefor and that this Note (and, if
applicable, a duly completed repayment election form) is presented and
surrendered at the aforementioned office or agency maintained by the Company in
time for the Trustee to make such payment in such funds in accordance with its
normal procedures. Payment of interest due on any Interest Payment Date other
than the Maturity Date will be made at the aforementioned office or agency
maintained by the Company or, at the option of the Company, by check mailed to
the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the
Security Register maintained by the Trustee; provided, however, that a holder of
U.S. $10,000,000 (or, if the Specified Currency is other than 

                                     B-39
<PAGE>
 
United States dollars, the equivalent thereof in the Specified Currency) or more
in aggregate principal amount of Notes (whether having identical or different
terms and pro-visions) will be entitled to receive interest payments on any
Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date by wire transfer of
immediately available funds if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been
received in writing by the Trustee not less than 15 calendar days prior to such
Interest Payment Date. Any such wire transfer instructions received by the
Trustee shall remain in effect until revoked by such holder.

          If any Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that
is not a Business Day, the required payment of principal, premium, if any,
and/or interest shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same
force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest
shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from and after such
Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be, to the date of
such payment on the next succeeding Business Day.

          As used herein, "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or
Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions
are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The
City of New York, or Chicago; provided, however, that if the Specified Currency
is other than United States dollars, such day is also not a day on which banking
institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to
close in the Principal Financial Center (as defined below) of the country
issuing the Specified Currency (or, if the Specified Currency is European
Currency Units ("ECU"), such day is not a day that appears as an ECU no-
settlement day on the display designated as "ISDE" on the Reuter Monitor Money
Rates Service (or a day so designated by the ECU Banking Association), or, if
ECU non-settlement days do not appear on that page (and are not so designated),
is not a day on which payments in ECU cannot be settled in the international
interbank market). Principal Financial Center means the capital city of the
country issuing the Specified Currency, except that with respect to United
States dollars, Australian dollars, Deutsche marks, Dutch guilders, Italian
lire, Swiss francs and ECU, the Principal Financial Center shall be The City of
New York, Sydney, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Zurich and Luxembourg,
respectively.

          The Company is obligated to make payments of principal, premium, if
any, and interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency (or, if the
Specified Currency is not at the time of such payment legal tender for the
payment of public and private debts, in such other coin or currency of the
country which issued the Specified Currency as at the time of such payment is
legal tender for the payment of such debts). If the Specified Currency is other
than United States dollars, except as provided below, any such amounts so
payable by the Company will be converted by the Exchange Rate Agent specified
above into United States dollars for payment to the holder of this Note.

          If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the
holder of this Note may elect to receive such amounts in such Specified
Currency. If the holder of this Note 

                                     B-40
<PAGE>
 
shall not have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion of
any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this
Note in the Specified Currency, any United States dollar amount to be received
by the holder of this Note will be based on the highest bid quotation in The
City of New York received by the Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00
A.M., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the applicable
payment date from three recognized foreign exchange dealers (one of whom may be
the Exchange Rate Agent) selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the
Company for the purchase by the quoting dealer of the Specified Currency for
United States dollars for settlement on such payment date in the aggregate
amount of such Specified Currency payable to all holders of Foreign Currency
Notes scheduled to receive United States dollar payments and at which the
applicable dealer commits to execute a contract. All currency exchange costs
will be borne by the holder of this Note by deductions from such payments. If
three such bid quotations are not available, payments on this Note will be made
in the Specified Currency.

          If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the
holder of this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of any
payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note
in the Specified Currency by submitting a written request for such payment to
the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office in The City of New York on or prior to
the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity
Date, as the case may be. Such written request may be mailed or hand delivered
or sent by cable, telex or other form of facsimile transmission. The holder of
this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of all future payments
in the Specified Currency in respect of such principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest and need not file a separate election for each payment. Such election
will remain in effect until revoked by written notice to the Trustee, but
written notice of any such revocation must be received by the Trustee on or
prior to the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the
Maturity Date, as the case may be.

          If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars or a
composite currency and the holder of this Note shall have duly made an election
to receive all or a specified portion of any payment of principal, premium, if
any, and/or interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency and if
the Specified Currency is not available due to the imposition of exchange
controls or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Company,
the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations to the holder of this
Note by making such payment in United States dollars on the basis of the Market
Exchange Rate (as defined below) on the second Business Day prior to such
payment date or, if such Market Exchange Rate is not then available, on the
basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate or as otherwise
specified on the face hereof. The "Market Exchange Rate" for the Specified
Currency means the noon dollar buying rate in The City of New York for cable
transfers for such Specified Currency as certified for customs purposes by (or
if not so certified, as otherwise determined by) the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York. Any payment made under such circumstances in United States dollars will
not constitute an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to
this Note.

                                     B-41
<PAGE>
 
          If the Specified Currency is a composite currency and the holder of
this Note shall have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion
of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this
Note in the Specified Currency and if such composite currency is unavailable due
to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the
reasonable control of the Company, then the Company will be entitled to satisfy
its obligations to the holder of this Note by making such payment in United
States dollars. The amount of each payment in United States dollars shall be
computed by the Exchange Rate Agent on the basis of the equivalent of the
composite currency in United States dollars. The component currencies of the
composite currency for this purpose (collectively, the "Component Currencies"
and each, a "Component Currency") shall be the currency amounts that were
components of the composite currency as of the last day on which the composite
currency was used. The equivalent of the composite currency in United States
dollars shall be calculated by aggregating the United States dollar equivalents
of the Component Currencies. The United States dollar equivalent of each of the
Component Currencies shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent on the basis
of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate for each such Component
Currency, or as otherwise specified on the face hereof.

          If the official unit of any Component Currency is altered by way of
combination or subdivision, the number of units of the currency as a Component
Currency shall be divided or multiplied in the same proportion. If two or more
Component Currencies are consolidated into a single currency, the amounts of
those currencies as Component Currencies shall be replaced by an amount in such
single currency equal to the sum of the amounts of the consolidated Component
Currencies expressed in such single currency. If any Component Currency is
divided into two or more currencies, the amount of the original Component
Currency shall be replaced by the amounts of such two or more currencies, the
sum of which shall be equal to the amount of the original Component Currency.

          All determinations referred to above made by the Exchange Rate Agent
shall be at its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the holder of this Note.

          Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set
forth on the reverse hereof and, if so specified above on the face hereof, in
the Addendum hereto, which further provisions shall have the same force and
effect as if set forth on the face hereof.

          Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, if
the face of this Note specifies that an Addendum is attached hereto or that
"Other/Additional Provisions" apply to this Note, this Note shall be subject to
the terms set forth in such Addendum or such "Other/Additional Provisions."

          Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee or its Authenticating Agent by manual signature, this Note shall not
be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any
purpose.

                                     B-42
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has caused this Note
to be duly executed under its corporate seal.



Dated:                   AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.


                         By:
                             Richard J. Michaux
                             Chief Executive Officer



[Corporate Seal]

Attest:


 
     Mary M. Stafford
     Assistant Secretary



                   TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:
                                        
     This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY,
                         as Trustee


Dated:                   By 
                            ------------------------------   
                            Robert J. Dunn
                            Vice President


                                     B-43
<PAGE>
 
                               [Reverse of Note]

                          AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
                               MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
                                 (Fixed Rate)

          This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Securities (the
"Securities") of the Company issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated
as of January 16, 1998, as amended and supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of January 20, 1998, the Second Supplemental Indenture dated
July 7, 1998 and the Third Supplemental Indenture dated December 21, 1998, as
further amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"),
between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (the
"Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the holders of the
Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of the series of Securities
designated as "Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More from Date of Issue"
(the "Notes"). All terms used but not defined in this Note or in an Addendum
hereto shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture or on the
face hereof, as the case may be.

          This Note is issuable only in registered form without coupons in
minimum denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples thereof or the
minimum Authorized Denomination specified on the face hereof.

          This Note will not be subject to any sinking fund and, unless
otherwise specified on the face hereof in accordance with the provisions of the
following two paragraphs, will not be redeemable or repayable prior to the
Stated Maturity Date.

          This Note will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company
on any date on and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified on the
face hereof, in whole or from time to time in part in increments of U.S. $1,000
or the minimum Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal
amount hereof shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such minimum Authorized
Denomination), at the Redemption Price (as defined below), together with unpaid
interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (each, a "Redemption
Date"), on notice given not more than 60 nor less than 30 calendar days prior to
the Redemption Date and in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The
"Redemption Price" shall initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage
specified on the face hereof multiplied by the unpaid principal amount of this
Note to be redeemed. The Initial Redemption Percentage shall decline at each
anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the Annual Redemption Percentage
Reduction, if any, specified on the face hereof until the Redemption Price is
100% of the unpaid principal amount to be redeemed. In the event of redemption
of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unredeemed portion
hereof and otherwise having the same terms as this Note shall be issued in the
name of the holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

                                     B-44
<PAGE>
 
          This Note will be subject to repayment by the Company at the option of
the holder hereof on the Optional Repayment Date(s), if any, specified on the
face hereof, in whole or in part in increments of U.S.$1,000 or the minimum
Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof
shall be at least U.S.$1,000 or such minimum Authorized Denomination), at a
repayment price equal to 100% of the unpaid principal amount to be repaid,
together with unpaid interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for repayment
(each, a "Repayment Date"). For this Note to be repaid, the Trustee must receive
at its office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, referred to on
the face hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to the
Repayment Date (i) this Note and the form hereon entitled "Option to Elect
Repayment" duly completed or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, or
a letter from a member of a national securities exchange or the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in
the United States setting forth the name of the holder hereof, the principal
amount of this Note, the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, the
certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of this Note, a
statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby, and a
guarantee that this Note, together with the form hereon entitled "Option to
Elect Repayment" duly completed, will be received by the Trustee not later than
the fifth Business Day after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter, provided that such telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter shall only be effective if this Note and duly completed
form are received by the Trustee by such fifth Business Day. Exercise of such
repayment option by the holder hereof will be irrevocable. In the event of
repayment of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unrepaid
portion hereof and otherwise having the same terms as this Note shall be issued
in the name of the holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

          If this Note is an Original Issue Discount Note as specified on the
face hereof, the amount payable to the holder of this Note in the event of
redemption, repayment or acceleration of maturity of this Note will be equal to
the sum of (i) the Issue Price specified on the face hereof (increased by any
accruals of the Discount, as defined below) and, in the event of any redemption
of this Note (if applicable), multiplied by the Initial Redemption Percentage
(as adjusted by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if applicable) and
(ii) any unpaid interest on this Note accrued from the Original Issue Date to
the Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity, as the
case may be. The difference between the Issue Price and 100% of the principal
amount of this Note is referred to herein as the "Discount."

          For purposes of determining the amount of Discount that has accrued as
of any Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity of
this Note, such Discount will be accrued using a constant yield method. The
constant yield will be calculated using a 30-day month, 360-day year convention,
a compounding period that, except for the Initial Period (as defined below),
corresponds to the shortest period between Interest Payment Dates (with ratable
accruals within a compounding period), a coupon rate equal to the initial coupon
rate applicable to this Note and an assumption that the maturity of this Note
will not be 

                                     B-45
<PAGE>
 
accelerated. If the period from the Original Issue Date to the initial Interest
Payment Date (the "Initial Period") is shorter than the compounding period for
this Note, a proportionate amount of the yield for an entire compounding-period
will be accrued. If the Initial Period is longer than the compounding period,
then such period will be divided into a regular compounding period and a short
period, with the short period being treated as provided in the preceding
sentence.

          If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur and
be continuing, the principal of the Notes may be declared due and payable in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

          The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of (i) the entire
indebtedness of the Notes or (ii) certain covenants and Events of Default with
respect to the Notes, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set
forth therein, which provisions apply to the Notes.

          The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the holders of the Securities at any time by the
Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a
majority of the aggregate principal amount of all Securities at the time
outstanding and affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions
permitting the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Securities of any series, on behalf of the holders of
all such Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions
of the Indenture. Furthermore, provisions in the Indenture permit the holders of
not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Securities of any series, in certain instances, to waive, on behalf of all of
the holders of Securities of such series, certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the holder of
this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future
holders of this Note and other Notes issued upon the registration of transfer
hereof or in exchange heretofore or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of
such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

          No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in
respect of this Note at the times, places and rate or formula, and in the coin
or currency, herein prescribed.

          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein and herein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the
Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal
hereof and any premium or interest hereon are payable, duly endorsed by, or
accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by, the holder hereof or by
his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes, of
authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

                                     B-46
<PAGE>
 
          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein and herein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Notes of different authorized denominations but otherwise
having the same terms and conditions, as requested by the holder hereof
surrendering the same.

          No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer
or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

          Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the holder in whose name this Note is registered as the owner thereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

          This Note and all documents, agreements, understandings and
arrangements relating to any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby have
been executed or entered into by the undersigned in his/her capacity as an
officer of the Company which has been formed as a Maryland corporation, and not
individually. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement
contained in the Indenture or in this Note, or because of any indebtedness
evidenced hereby or thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or
against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such,
of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or
any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by
the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or
otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the
acceptance of this Note by the holder thereof and as part of the consideration
for the issue of this Note.

          THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES
OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

          Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused "CUSIP" numbers to be
printed on the Securities of this series as a convenience to the holders of such
Securities.  No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such
CUSIP numbers as printed on the Securities, and reliance may be placed only on
the other identification numbers printed hereon.

                                 ABBREVIATIONS

          The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

                                     B-47
<PAGE>
 
     TEN COM - as tenants in common
     TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties
     JT TEN -  as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
               common
     UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -              Custodian            
                           ----------            ----------
                             (Cust)               (Minor)
     Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act _____________________
                                            (State)

     Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

                                     B-48
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                ASSIGNMENT FORM
                                        

                   FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby
                    sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL
 SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING
 NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------
|                                       |
- -----------------------------------------
 

             (Please Print or Typewrite Name and Address including
                         Postal Zip Code of Assignee)
this Note and all rights thereunder and hereby does irrevocably constitute and
appoint
 ....................................................................... Attorney
to transfer this Note on the books of the within-named Company with full power
of substitution in the premises.


Dated:
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

NOTICE:  The signature(s) on this Assignment must correspond with the name(s) as
written on the first page of this Note in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatsoever.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     B-49
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
                                        
          The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the
Company to repay this Note (or portion hereof specified below) pursuant to its
terms at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be repaid, together
with unpaid interest accrued hereon to the Repayment Date, to the undersigned,
at



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Please print or typewrite name and address, including postal Zip Code, of the
                                  undersigned)

          For this Note to be repaid, the Trustee must receive at its Corporate
Trust Office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, this Note with
this "Option to Elect Repayment" form duly completed.

          If less than the entire principal amount of this Note is to be repaid,
specify the portion hereof (which shall be increments of U.S. $1,000 (or, if the
Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the minimum Authorized
Denomination specified on the face hereof)) which the holder elects to have
repaid and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall be an
Authorized Denomination) of the Notes to be issued to the holder for the portion
of this Note not being repaid (in the absence of any such specification, one
such Note will be issued for the portion not being repaid).

Principal Amount to be Repaid:  $ ..............................


Dated:
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)

 
                                                (signature)


NOTICE:  The signature(s) on this Option to Elect Repayment must correspond with
the name(s) as written upon the face of this Note in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.


                                     B-50


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