Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Table of Contents

Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 19, 2010

        NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. local time at the offices of the Company, Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, for the following purposes:

        1.     To elect the following eight directors to serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are elected and qualify: Bryce Blair, Bruce A. Choate, John J. Healy, Jr., Timothy J. Naughton, Lance R. Primis, Peter S. Rummell, H. Jay Sarles, and W. Edward Walter.

        2.     To vote on ratification of the selection by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for 2010.

        3.     To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof.

        Any action may be taken on the foregoing matters at the Annual Meeting on the date specified above, or on any date or dates to which, by original or later postponement or adjournment, the Annual Meeting may be postponed or adjourned.

        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 5, 2010 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. Only holders of record of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), at that time will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof.

        You are requested to authorize a proxy to vote your shares by filling in and signing the enclosed proxy card, which is being solicited by the Board of Directors, and by mailing it promptly in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. You may also authorize a proxy to vote your shares by telephone or over the Internet by following the instructions on your proxy card. Any proxy delivered by a holder of Common Stock may be revoked by a writing delivered to the Company stating that the proxy is revoked or by delivery of a properly executed, later dated proxy. Holders of record of Common Stock who attend the Annual Meeting may vote in person, even if they have previously delivered a signed proxy or authorized a proxy by telephone or over the Internet, but the presence (without further action) of a stockholder at the Annual Meeting will not constitute revocation of a previously delivered proxy.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Edward M. Schulman
Secretary

Arlington, Virginia
April 1, 2010

Table of Contents

Proxy Statement
Table of Contents

Table of Contents

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800
Arlington, Virginia 22203

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR 2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On May 19, 2010

I. SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THIS PROXY STATEMENT

Q.

Why am I receiving these materials?

A.

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and proxy card are first being sent to stockholders on or about April 1, 2010. The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"). We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. local time at the offices of the Company, Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, and any postponements or adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). As a Company stockholder, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are entitled and requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. Directions on how to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in person are available on the Company's Internet website at www.avalonbay.com/events.

Q.

How can I access the proxy materials electronically?

A.

This proxy statement, our 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 are available online at www.proxyvote.com. Instead of receiving copies of our future annual reports, proxy statements, and proxy cards by mail, stockholders can elect to receive an email that will provide electronic links to our proxy materials and also will give you an electronic link to the proxy voting site. Choosing to receive your future proxy materials online will save us the cost of producing and mailing documents to you and help conserve natural resources. You may sign up for electronic delivery by visiting www.proxyvote.com.

Q.

Who may vote at the Annual Meeting?

A.

You may vote all the shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock") that you owned at the close of business on March 5, 2010, the record date. On the record date, the Company had 82,028,777 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting. You may cast one vote for each share of Common Stock held by you on all matters.

Q.

What constitutes a quorum at the Annual Meeting?

A.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of all of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and "broker non-votes" will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. A "broker

1

Table of Contents

non-vote" refers to a share represented at the Annual Meeting which is held by a broker or other nominee who has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or person entitled to vote such share and with respect to which, on one or more but not all proposals, such broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power to vote such share.

Note that under new New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules that became effective at the beginning of 2010, if you hold shares through a bank, broker or other institution and you do not provide your voting instructions to them at least 10 days before the Annual Meeting, that firm has the discretion to vote your shares on proposals that the NYSE has determined are routine, such as the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. A bank, broker or institution that holds your shares cannot vote your shares on non-routine matters at the Annual Meeting, such as the election of directors, without your voting instructions.

Q.

What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

A.

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to: (1) elect eight directors of the Company, (2) consider and vote upon ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for 2010, and (3) transact such other business as may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

Q.

How does the Board of Directors recommend I vote?

A.

Please see the information included in the Proxy Statement relating to the proposals to be voted on. Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote:

1.

"FOR" each of the nominees to the Board of Directors; and

2.

"FOR" ratification of the selection of Ernst &Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for 2010.

Q.

How do I vote?

A.

Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or indirectly as the beneficial owner of shares held for you by a broker or other nominee (i.e., in "street name"), you may direct your vote without attending the Annual Meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares you hold in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In most instances, you will be able to do this either over the Internet, by telephone or by mail. Please refer to the summary instructions below and those included on your proxy card or, for shares you hold in street name, the voting instruction card provided by your broker or nominee.

By Internet—If you have Internet access, you may authorize your proxy from any location in the world by following the "By Internet" instructions on the proxy card, or, if applicable, the Internet voting instructions that may be described on the voting instruction card sent to you by your broker or nominee.

By Telephone—If you are calling from the United States or Canada, you may authorize your proxy by following the "By Telephone" instructions on the proxy card, or, if applicable, the telephone voting instructions that may be described on the voting instruction card sent to you by your broker or nominee.

By Mail—You may authorize your proxy by signing your proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed, postage-prepaid and addressed envelope. For shares you hold in street name, you may sign the voting instruction card included by your broker or nominee and mail it in the envelope provided.

You may change your proxy instructions at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. For shares held directly in your name, you may do this by granting a new properly executed and later dated proxy, by filing a written revocation with the Secretary of the Company at the address of the

2

Table of Contents

Company set forth above, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting without further action will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked. You may change your proxy instructions for shares you beneficially own by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee.

If a properly signed proxy is submitted but not marked as to a particular item, the proxy will be voted FOR the election of the eight nominees for director of the Company named in this Proxy Statement and FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors for 2010. It is not anticipated that any matters other than those set forth in the Proxy Statement will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are presented, proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders.

        The Company's 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders, enclosing a copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), is being mailed to stockholders concurrently with this Proxy Statement. The Annual Report and Form 10-K, however, are not part of the proxy solicitation material. A copy of any or all exhibits to the Company's Form 10-K may be obtained free of charge by writing to AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Chief Financial Officer or by accessing the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website (www.avalonbay.com).

3

Table of Contents

II. PROPOSALS

PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The Board of Directors currently consists of nine members. As previously announced by the Company, Gilbert M. Meyer, a current director, has decided to retire at the end of his current term. The Board of Directors has nominated for election the other eight current directors. Accordingly, eight nominees will stand for election at the Annual Meeting and if elected will serve until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualify. The following individuals have been nominated by the Board of Directors to serve as directors: Bryce Blair, Bruce A. Choate, John J. Healy, Jr., Timothy J. Naughton, Lance R. Primis, Peter S. Rummell, H. Jay Sarles, and W. Edward Walter (each a "Nominee" and collectively the "Nominees"). Each of the Nominees is currently a member of the Company's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors anticipates that each of the Nominees, if elected, will serve as a director. However, if any person nominated by the Board of Directors is unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend. You may not vote for more than eight directors at the Annual Meeting.

Required Vote and Recommendation

        Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on this proposal. Proxies will be voted for all of the Nominees unless contrary instructions are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. Under the Company's bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Common Stock is required to elect a Nominee. Accordingly, a vote withheld from a Nominee and a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote against the Nominee. Because the number of Board positions is equal to or greater than the number of nominees, if a Nominee who is currently a director fails to receive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Common Stock, then the Nominee will remain a director until such director's successor is duly elected and qualifies.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR all of the Nominees.

Information Regarding Nominees

        The following biographical descriptions set forth information with respect to the Nominees, based on information furnished to the Company by each Nominee, and includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the Board's conclusion that each should serve as a director in light of the Company's business and structure. There is no family relationship between any director, Nominee, or executive officer of the Company.

Employee Directors:

        Bryce Blair, 51, has been a director of the Company since May 2001. Mr. Blair has also served as the Company's Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2002, Chief Executive Officer since February 1, 2001 and President from September 2000 through February 23, 2005. Mr. Blair was the Chief Operating Officer of the Company from February 1999 to February 2001. Prior to February 1999, Mr. Blair had served as Senior Vice President—Development, Acquisitions and Construction since the merger of the Company and Avalon Properties, Inc. ("Avalon Properties") in June 1998 (the "Merger"), the same position he held with Avalon Properties from its formation in August 1993 through June 1998. Mr. Blair was a partner with the Northeast Group of Trammell Crow Residential ("TCR") from 1985 until 1993. Mr. Blair received his Masters degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He is a member of the National Association of

4

Table of Contents

Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), where he serves as Vice Chairman and is on the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors, and the Urban Land Institute ("ULI"), where he is past Chairman of the Multifamily Council and is a current Trustee. Mr. Blair was formerly a member of the Board of Directors of CarrAmerica Realty Corporation from 2005 to 2006. The Board has concluded that Mr. Blair should serve as a director based on his long history with the Company, his successful management of the Company as Chairman and CEO, his demonstrated skills in multifamily property development and operations, and his breadth of knowledge with regard to the operations of the Company.

        Timothy J. Naughton, 48, has been a director of the Company since September 2005 and has been President since February 23, 2005. Previously, Mr. Naughton served as Chief Operating Officer since February 2001. Prior to assuming the Chief Operating Officer role, Mr. Naughton served as Senior Vice President—Chief Investment Officer since January 2000, overseeing the Company's investment strategy. Prior to becoming the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Naughton served as the Company's Regional Vice President—Development and Acquisitions, with responsibility primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the country. Mr. Naughton has been with the Company or its predecessors since 1989. Mr. Naughton is a member of The Real Estate Round Table, the Multifamily Council of the ULI and a member of the National Multi-Housing Council ("NMHC"), where he serves on the Executive Committee. Mr. Naughton received his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1987 and earned his undergraduate degree in Economics with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. The Board has concluded that Mr. Naughton should serve as a director based on his history and knowledge of the Company, his performance and achievements as President of the Company, and his strong background in the real estate business, including years of experience in both property investment and development.

Non-Employee Director Nominees:

        Bruce A. Choate, 62, has been a director of the Company since April 1994. In December 2002, Mr. Choate was elected to the Board of Directors of Watson Land Company, a privately-held real estate investment trust ("REIT") in Carson, California. At that time, Mr. Choate was also appointed as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to December 2002, Mr. Choate had served since 1991 as Watson Land Company's Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Watson Land Company, Mr. Choate was employed by Bixby Ranch Company, a privately-held real estate investment company in Seal Beach, California, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Mr. Choate held various management positions with national banking and mortgage banking organizations. He holds memberships in the ULI, NAREIT, the Real Estate Investment Advisory Council, The Real Estate Round Table, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Property, and he serves on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and is a charter member of the Southern California Leadership Council. Mr. Choate has been a director of Standard Pacific Corp. since 2007. The Board has concluded that Mr. Choate should serve as a director based on his extensive financial, investment and management experience as the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a real estate company with significant holdings and operations.

        John J. Healy, Jr., 63, has been a director of the Company since May 1996. Mr. Healy is Co-Founder and CEO of Hyde Street Holdings, Inc., an investor in real estate and real estate related entities. Previously, Mr. Healy co-founded the Hanford/Healy Companies (1988), a real estate investment, asset management and consulting company, which was purchased by GMAC Commercial Mortgage, a subsidiary of General Motors, in September 1996. Mr. Healy has also held various management positions with real estate and financial firms including: The Federal Asset Disposition Association (predecessor to the Resolution Trust Corporation), Bank of America (COO and Director of Technical Services for a real estate subsidiary) and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (VP).

5

Table of Contents

Mr. Healy sits on the boards of AMB Alliance Fund III (Independent Council), The Rosalind Russell Research Center for Arthritis (UCSF), and The Raleigh Performing Arts and Convention Commission. Memberships in professional associations include: ULI (as a Trustee), American Society of Real Estate Counselors ("CRE"), American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers ("MAI"), National Association of Corporate Directors ("NACD"), and Fellow—Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The Board has concluded that Mr. Healy should serve as a director based on his experience and knowledge regarding real estate and asset management, as well as his specific skills in evaluating the financial and operational aspects of real estate companies acquired through his experience with real estate and financial firms.

        Lance R. Primis, 63, has been a director of the Company since June 1998. Effective January 1, 2003, Mr. Primis was designated the Lead Independent Director of the Company (see "Board of Directors and its Committees—Lead Independent Director"). Since 1997, Mr. Primis has been the managing partner of Lance R. Primis & Partners, LLC, a management consulting firm with clients in the media industry. From 1969 to 1996, Mr. Primis was employed in various positions by The New York Times Company, including the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer, which he held from 1992 to 1996. Mr. Primis was the President and General Manager of The New York Times from 1988 to 1992. In addition, Mr. Primis previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of Torstar Corporation from 1997 until 2008 and Plum Holdings, LLC from 1997 until 2008. From April 1998 to September 2000, Mr. Primis served as co-founder and Chairman of PressPoint, Inc., a start-up enterprise that engaged in the digital transmission of newspapers through a digital satellite network. In September 2000, PressPoint, Inc. ceased operations and subsequently filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy laws. The Board has concluded that Mr. Primis should serve as a director based on his experience managing a public company with significant and varied operations and his performance in the role of Lead Independent Director.

        Peter S. Rummell, 64, has been a director of the Company since September 2007. Mr. Rummell is currently a private investor and most recently served as the CEO of the Jack Nicklaus Companies in Palm Beach, Florida, from August 2008 through May 2009. The Jack Nicklaus Companies runs Mr. Nicklaus's worldwide golf course design and related licensing business. Prior to that, from January 1997 until his retirement in July 2008, Mr. Rummell was Chairman and CEO of The St. Joe Company, one of Florida's largest real estate operating companies and the state's largest private landowner. From 1985 until 1996, Mr. Rummell served as President of Disney Development and then as Chairman of Walt Disney Imagineering, the division responsible for Disney's worldwide creative design, real estate, research and development activities. From 1983 until 1985, he was Vice Chairman of the Rockefeller Center Management Corporation in New York City. He also served on the Board of Directors of Progress Energy from September 2003 until May 2006. The Board has concluded that Mr. Rummell should serve as a director based on his experience as the chief executive officer of a public corporation with significant real estate holdings and operations and his experience as president of a major division of a large corporation with real estate design and development activities.

        H. Jay Sarles, 64, has been a director of the Company since September 2005. Mr. Sarles is a private investor and senior advisor to Nautic Partners, a private equity company that manages $1.5 billion in assets. Mr. Sarles retired as Vice Chairman of Bank of America in March 2005. Prior to joining Bank of America in 2004, Mr. Sarles served in a variety of executive positions with FleetBoston Financial Corporation and its predecessors, including Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer from December 2002 and Vice Chairman, Wholesale Banking prior to that. Mr. Sarles is a director of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., and Dental Service of Massachusetts, and he is a trustee of Mount Holyoke College. He also served as a director of Carlyle Capital from September 2006 until March 2009. The Board has concluded that Mr. Sarles should serve as a director based on his extensive experience as an executive officer with a variety of responsibilities at a large financial institution with varied operations.

6

Table of Contents

        W. Edward Walter, 54, has been a director of the Company since September 2008. Mr. Walter has served as President and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ("Host"), a premier lodging real estate company, since October 2007. From 2003 until October 2007, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Host. From 1996 until 2003, he served in various senior management positions with Host, including Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Walter has been a member of the Board of Directors of Host since October 2007. Mr. Walter is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Kidney Foundation, Friendship Public Charter Schools, and NAREIT, where he serves on the Executive Committee. The Board has concluded that Mr. Walter should serve as a director based on his demonstrated business, financial and organizational experience as both the past chief financial officer and current chief executive officer of a public corporation with significant real estate investment holdings and operations.

PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC AUDITORS

        The Board recommends that the stockholders ratify the Audit Committee's selection of Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young") as the principal independent auditors of the Company for fiscal year 2010. Ernst & Young was also the Company's principal independent auditors for fiscal year 2009. If the selection of Ernst & Young is not ratified, the Audit Committee anticipates that it will nevertheless engage Ernst & Young as auditors for fiscal year 2010, but will consider whether it should select other auditors for fiscal year 2011. If the selection of Ernst & Young is ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee may nevertheless determine, based on changes in fees, personnel or for other reasons, to engage a firm other than Ernst & Young for the 2010 audit.

        Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. They are also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Required Vote and Recommendation

        Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on this proposal. Proxies will be voted for ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young as the Company's independent auditors for fiscal year 2010 unless contrary instructions are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. A majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young. Under Maryland law, abstentions are treated as not voting. Accordingly, an abstention will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the selection of
Ernst & Young as the Company's independent auditors for fiscal year 2010.

OTHER MATTERS

        The Board of Directors does not know of any matters other than those described in this Proxy Statement which will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are presented, proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders.

        Regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote is important to the Company. Please complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card or authorize a proxy by telephone or over the Internet to vote your shares by following the instructions on your proxy card.

7

Table of Contents

III. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RELATED MATTERS

Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines

        The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which constitutes a "code of ethics" as defined by the SEC, that applies to the Company's Board of Directors as well as its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer, controller, and other employees of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. A copy of the Code of Conduct and the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website (www.avalonbay.com). To the extent required by the rules of the SEC and the NYSE, we will disclose amendments and waivers relating to these documents in the same place on our website.

Board of Directors and its Committees

        Board of Directors.    The Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors, eight of whom are candidates for election. The Board of Directors met five times during 2009. The Board of Directors schedules regular executive sessions at each of its meetings in which the Company's non-employee directors meet without management participation. In addition, at least once each year the Company's independent directors meet without non-independent director participation. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the committees of the Board of Directors of which he was a member. The Board expects each director to attend annual meetings of stockholders at which he is a nominee, and all current directors were in attendance at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        Audit Committee.    The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. The current members of this committee are Messrs. Sarles (Chair), Choate, Healy and Walter. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Sarles is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC and the NYSE. Mr. Sarles' designation by the Board as an "audit committee financial expert" is not intended to be a representation that he is an expert for any purpose as a result of such designation, nor is it intended to impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board in the absence of such designation. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Audit Committee, including the audit committee financial expert, are "independent" under the rules of the SEC and the NYSE. The Audit Committee, among other functions, has the sole authority to appoint and replace the independent auditors, is responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors, reviews the results of the audit engagement with the independent auditors, and reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors quarterly and annual financial statements and major changes in accounting and auditing principles. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2009. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. A copy of the Audit Committee charter is available on the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website (www.avalonbay.com).

        Compensation Committee.    The Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee. The current members of this committee are Messrs. Rummell (Chair), Primis and Sarles. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Compensation Committee are "independent" under the rules of the NYSE. The Compensation Committee, among other functions, reviews, designs and determines compensation structures, programs and amounts, establishes corporate and management performance goals and objectives, and reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Company's incentive compensation plans, including the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's 2009 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (collectively, the "Stock Incentive Plan"). The Compensation Committee also reviews employment agreements and arrangements with officers. The Compensation Committee may establish and delegate authority to one or more

8

Table of Contents

subcommittees consisting of one or more of its members as the Committee deems appropriate in order to carry out its responsibilities. In addition, our Stock Incentive Plan provides that the Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company all or part of the Committee's authority and duties under the Plan with respect to stock and option awards, including the granting of awards, to individuals who are not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Compensation Committee has engaged Steven Hall & Partners, an executive compensation consulting firm, to provide it with independent advice and counsel on executive and board compensation, as well as competitive pay practices. Steven Hall & Partners did not provide any services directly to the Company or its management. The Compensation Committee met three times during 2009. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee. A copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available on the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website (www.avalonbay.com).

        Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.    The Board of Directors has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the "Nominating Committee"). The current members of this committee are Messrs. Primis (Chair), Choate and Healy. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Nominating Committee are "independent" under the rules of the NYSE. The Nominating Committee was formed to, among other functions, identify individuals qualified to become Board members, consider policies relating to Board and committee meetings, recommend the establishment or dissolution of Board committees and address other issues regarding corporate governance. The Nominating Committee met two times during 2009. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee. A copy of the Nominating Committee charter is available on the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website (www.avalonbay.com).

        In evaluating and determining whether to recommend a person as a candidate for election as a director, the Nominating Committee considers the qualifications set forth in the Company's corporate governance guidelines, which include business and professional background; history of leadership or contributions to other organizations; functional skill set and expertise; general understanding of marketing, finance, accounting and other elements relevant to the success of a publicly-traded company in today's business environment; and service on other boards of directors. In addition, the Board may consider diversity of background, experience and thought in evaluating and recommending candidates for election. The Board believes that diversity is important because a variety of points of view can contribute to a more effective decision-making process. The Nominating Committee may employ a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating Committee may assess the size of the Board, the need for particular expertise on the Board, the upcoming election cycle of the Board and whether any vacancies are expected, due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated or otherwise arise, the Nominating Committee will consider various potential candidates for director which may come to the Nominating Committee's attention through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Nominating Committee, and may be considered at any time during the year.

        In exercising its function of recommending individuals for nomination by the Board for election as directors, the Nominating Committee considers nominees recommended by stockholders. The procedure by which stockholders may submit such recommendations is set forth in the Company's Bylaws. See "Other Matters—Stockholder Proposals for Annual Meetings" for a summary of these requirements. When nominations are properly submitted, the Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders under the criteria summarized above. Following verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, the Nominating Committee makes an initial analysis of the qualifications of any candidate recommended by stockholders or others pursuant to the criteria summarized above to determine whether the candidate is qualified for service on the Company's Board of Directors before deciding to undertake a complete evaluation of the candidate. If

9

Table of Contents

any materials are provided by a stockholder or professional search firm in connection with the nomination of a director candidate, such materials are forwarded to the Nominating Committee as part of its review. The same identifying and evaluating procedures apply to all candidates for director nomination, including candidates submitted by stockholders. In the case of stockholder nominations, the Board may also consider the specific information required to be provided by the nominating stockholder pursuant to the requirements of the Company's Bylaws.

        If you would like the Nominating Committee to consider a prospective candidate, please submit the candidate's name and qualifications and other information in accordance with the requirements for director nominations by stockholders in the Company's Bylaws to: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

        Investment and Finance Committee.    The Board of Directors has established an Investment and Finance Committee. The current members of this committee are Messrs. Choate (Chair), Healy, Meyer, Naughton, Rummell and Walter. The Investment and Finance Committee was formed to, among other things, review and monitor the acquisition, disposition, development and redevelopment of the Company's communities, and review and monitor the financial structure, capital sourcing strategy and financial plans and projections of the Company. The Investment and Finance Committee has authority, subject to certain limits and guidelines set by the Board of Directors and Maryland law, to approve investment and financing activity. The Investment and Finance Committee met six times during 2009.

        Leadership Structure and Lead Independent Director.    The current Chairman of the Board of Directors is Bryce Blair, who is also the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that the Company is currently best served by having Mr. Blair serve as both Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Among other things, this structure enables the Chief Executive Officer, working with the Lead Independent Director, to act as a bridge between management and the Board, helping management and the Board to act with a common purpose. Mr. Blair's combined role as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board promotes unified leadership and direction for the Company.

        To help assure sound corporate governance practices, the Board of Directors established the position of Lead Independent Director and Mr. Primis currently serves in that role. Mr. Primis' role as Lead Independent Director includes presiding at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the Chairman is not present, serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors, approving meeting agendas for the Board, having the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, conferring with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer regularly, and acting as a contact person for those who wish to communicate with the non-management and independent directors.

        Board of Directors Risk Oversight.    The Company and the Board have a number of practices with regard to Board oversight of risk management matters. The charter of each of the Company's Board committees provides that each committee shall, from time to time to the extent that committee deems appropriate, review risk and compliance matters relevant to that committee and report the results of such review to the full Board. As required by NYSE rules, the charter of the Audit Committee states that the Audit Committee will assist with Board oversight of risk and compliance matters, and in any event will review the perceived major financial risk exposures of the Company and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. At most regularly scheduled Board meetings, the Board reviews key matters relating to the Company's finances, liquidity, operations and investment activity. On an annual basis, the Board engages in a broader discussion about company-wide risk management. Although it is not the primary reason for the selection of the current leadership structure by the Board, the Company and the Board believe that the current leadership structure of the Board, including both a Chairman who also serves as CEO and a separate Lead Independent Director, helps facilitate these risk oversight functions by providing multiple channels for risk related concerns

10

Table of Contents

and comments. The Company's operations involve various risks that could have adverse consequences, including those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. The Board recognizes that it is neither possible nor prudent to eliminate all risk. Despite the risk oversight activities described above, there can be no assurance that the Company's current practices have identified every potential material risk, are sufficient to address these risks, or that any risks will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company's business or operations.

        Independence of the Board.    The NYSE has adopted independence standards for companies listed on the NYSE, including the Company. These standards require a majority of the Board of Directors to be independent and every member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee to be independent. NYSE standards provide that a director is considered independent only if the Board of Directors "affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company)." In addition, NYSE rules currently provide that:

•

A director who is an employee, or whose immediate family member is an executive officer, of the Company is not independent until three years after the end of such employment relationship;



•

A director who receives, or whose immediate family member receives, more than $120,000 per year in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service), is not independent until three years after he or she ceases to receive more than $120,000 per year in such compensation;



•

A director is not independent if (A) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the Company's internal or external auditor; (B) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm; (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company's audit; or (D) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company's audit within that time;



•

A director who is employed, or whose immediate family member is employed, as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company's present executives serve on that company's compensation committee is not independent until three years after the end of such service or the employment relationship; and



•

A director who is an executive officer or an employee, or whose immediate family member is an executive officer, of a company that makes payments to, or receives payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in a single fiscal year, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues, is not independent until three years after falling below such threshold.

        To determine which of its members is independent, the Board of Directors used the above standards and also considered whether a director had any other past or present relationships with the Company which created conflicts or the appearance of conflicts. Other than the current and prior employment relationships described below, no such transactions, relationships or arrangements were reported to the Board for consideration.

        Based on the absence of any such transactions, relationships or arrangements found as a result of this review, the Board determined that all nominees for directors are independent because none of them has any past or present material relationships with the Company that creates a conflict or the appearance of a conflict, except for (i) Mr. Blair, who currently serves as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) Mr. Naughton, who currently serves as the Company's President.

11

Table of Contents

Contacting the Board

        Any stockholder or other interested party may contact any of our directors, including the Lead Independent Director or our non-management or independent directors as a group, by writing to them c/o AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Your letter should clearly specify the name of the individual director or group of directors to whom your letter is addressed. Any communications received in this manner will be forwarded as addressed.

Report of the Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee reviews the financial reporting process of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), on behalf of the Company's Board of Directors. Management has primary responsibility for this process, including the Company's system of internal controls, and for the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's independent auditors, and not the Audit Committee, are responsible for auditing and expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company's audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles.

        In this context, during 2009, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA Professional Standards Vol. 1 AU section 380) (Communication with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. In addition, the Audit Committee received from the independent auditors the written disclosures required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor's communications with the Audit Committee regarding independence and discussed with the independent auditors their independence from the Company and its management.

        Relying on the reviews, disclosures and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Audit Committee

H. Jay Sarles (Chair)
Bruce A. Choate
John J. Healy, Jr.
W. Edward Walter

Fiscal 2008 and 2009 Audit Fee Summary

        During fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the Company retained its principal independent auditors, Ernst & Young, to provide services in the following categories and approximate amounts:

(1)

Audit related fees include fees for services traditionally performed by the auditor such as subsidiary audits, employee benefit audits, and accounting consultation.

(2)

Tax fees include preparation and review of subsidiary tax returns and taxation advice.

12

Table of Contents

Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

        The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.

Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

        The Company's Code of Conduct (the "Code"), adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and evidenced in writing, provides that no employee of the Company, including an executive officer or director, may engage in activities that create a conflict of interest with the Company unless all relevant details have been disclosed and an appropriate waiver permitting the conduct has been received. An activity constitutes a conflict of interest under the Code if (i) the activity could adversely affect or compete with the Company, (ii) any interest, connection or benefit to the employee or director from the activity could reasonably be expected to cause such employee or director to consider anything other than the best interest of the Company when deliberating and voting on Company matters, or (iii) any interest, connection or benefit to the employee or director from the activity could give such employee or director or a member of his or her family an improper benefit that he or she obtains on account of his or her position within the Company. An executive officer or member of the Board of Directors may only receive a waiver from the Board or any designated committee of the Board, and any waiver granted to an executive officer or director will be disclosed to the Company's stockholders to the extent required by law. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (or any other committee that is designated) is responsible for administering the Code for executive officers and directors.

IV. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

        This Compensation Discussion and Analysis section consists of the following discussions:

•

Objectives and Structure of Our Executive Compensation Programs



•

Review of 2009 Compensation Decisions, including:



•

Base Salary for 2009

•

Cash Bonus with Respect to 2009

•

Long-Term Incentive Awards with Respect to 2009



•

2010 Compensation



•

Other Benefits



•

Practices with regard to dates and pricing of stock and option grants



•

Section 162(m)

13

Table of Contents

Objectives and Structure of Our Executive Compensation Programs:

        The primary objectives of our executive compensation programs are: (i) to attract, retain and reward experienced, highly-motivated executives who are capable of leading us effectively and contributing to our long-term growth and profitability, (ii) to motivate and direct the performance of management with clearly-defined goals and measures of achievement, and (iii) to align the interests of management with the interests of our stockholders.

        We utilize a combination of cash and equity-based compensation to provide appropriate incentives for our executives. Executive officers are eligible to receive a combination of annual base salary, annual cash bonuses, and annual restricted stock and option grants under our Stock Incentive Plan. Executive officers are also eligible for other benefits, including elective participation in a deferred compensation plan, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and certain insurance benefits and perquisites.

        The component elements of each named executive officer's annual compensation for 2009 are set forth in the following table:

        In determining the base salary and the threshold, target, and maximum cash and equity bonus for each named executive officer for a given year, the Compensation Committee generally considers a number of factors on a subjective basis, including (i) the scope of the officer's responsibilities within AvalonBay and in relation to comparable officers at various companies within the peer group referred

14

Table of Contents

to below; (ii) the experience of the officer within our industry and at AvalonBay; (iii) performance of the named executive officer and his or her contribution to the Company; (iv) the Company's financial budget and general level of wage increases throughout the Company for the coming year; (v) a review of historical compensation information for the individual officer; (vi) a subjective determination of the compensation needed to motivate and retain that individual; (vii) the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer; and (viii) data regarding compensation paid to officers with comparable titles, positions or responsibilities at REITs that are approximately similar in size to the Company¹. An officer's target compensation is not mechanically set to be a particular percentage of the peer group average, although, as noted, the Compensation Committee does review the officer's compensation relative to the peer group to help the Compensation Committee perform the subjective analysis described above. Peer group data is not used as the determining factor in setting compensation for the following reasons: (a) the officer's role and experience within AvalonBay may be different from the role and experience of comparable officers at the peer companies; (b) the average actual compensation for comparable officers at the peer companies may be the result of a year of over performance or under performance by the peer group (i.e., historically, AvalonBay has not had access to the target compensation set for the peer group, but only to the actual compensation paid; therefore, setting target compensation strictly by reference to actual compensation data for peers would be inappropriate); and (c) the Compensation Committee believes that ultimately the decision as to appropriate target compensation for a particular officer should be made based on the full review described above.

(1)

Since a decision was made that there would generally be no change in the base salary, bonus, and Long-Term Incentive targets for officers for 2009 and 2010, no study of comparable pay practices has been done since 2008. Historically, in establishing base salary, bonus, and Long-Term Incentive targets, the REITs used for reference in the Compensation Committee's review were:

AMB Property Corporation
Apartment Investment and Management Company
Boston Properties, Inc.
Camden Property Trust
Developers Diversified Realty Corporation
Duke Realty Corporation
Equity Residential
Federal Realty Investment Trust
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Kimco Realty Corporation
Liberty Property Trust
Macerich Company
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation
ProLogis
Public Storage, Inc.
UDR, Inc.
Vornado Realty Trust

        The Company does not have specific, proportionate ratios to define the relative total compensation between the individual named executive officers, although the Compensation Committee from time to time does review the relationship in pay between executive officers to assure that relative compensation levels are appropriate and are designed to effectively motivate and retain executives.

        In setting the total compensation of our executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers, for each executive officer, the approximate proportions of the different elements of total compensation that would be earned if compensation targets were achieved. While there is no set

15

Table of Contents

formula that is used in each case, the following represents the general guidelines that are considered for the named executive officers:

        The allocation between base salary, cash bonus and long-term equity is determined by the Compensation Committee based upon its general consideration of the executive's level within our organization. At the more senior levels, less of an officer's total compensation is fixed and more is variable (i.e., in the form of bonuses of cash and long-term equity). A significant percentage of the compensation of these senior executives is composed of restricted stock and stock options for the following reasons: (i) we believe that the interests of these executives should be closely aligned with the interests of our stockholders; (ii) we want these individuals to maintain a long-term focus for the Company; and (iii) this type of pay arrangement is generally consistent with the compensation practices of our peer companies. In accordance with SEC rules, the five named executive officers were identified based upon title (for CEO and CFO) and total compensation (as calculated in accordance with the Summary Compensation Table) of officers who are in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function or who perform a policymaking function.

        The Compensation Committee views the granting of stock options and restricted stock as a means of aligning management and stockholder interests, incenting and rewarding management's long-term perspective, and retaining the services of the executive. Stock options and restricted stock are designed to provide long-term performance incentives and rewards tied to the price of our Common Stock. Following the determination of annual performance and the resulting dollar value of the long-term incentive, 33.3% of that dollar value is awarded in the form of stock options (vesting as described below), using the Black Scholes value on or about December 31 of the most recent year. The remaining 66.7% of that dollar value is awarded in the form of stock awards (vesting as described below), using the closing price of our Common Stock as reported on the NYSE on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee supports the use of stock options and stock awards for the following reasons: they have a strong retentive feature both during vesting and (in the case of options) after vesting; they provide a strong incentive to officers to maximize company performance; and they keep our compensation programs competitive with our peers. A greater percentage of the dollar value is allocated to restricted stock awards than to options because stock awards retain their value (and thus retentive feature) even if our stock price declines; they provide a current and immediate return to officers and thus are viewed as an important part of compensation; and they provide immediate exposure to the effect of a decline in stock price, thus aligning the interests of officers with our stockholders in protecting the value of our company.

        Options granted vest over a period of three years on the anniversary of the award date subject to accelerated vesting in the case of termination of employment due to retirement (as defined below), termination without cause, death, disability or change in control. Restricted stock awards vest in five tranches, with 20% of a restricted stock award vesting on March 1 in the year of the grant and the remaining 80% vesting in equal annual installments on March 1 of each of the following four years subject to accelerated vesting in the case of termination of employment due to retirement (as defined below), termination without cause, death, disability or change in control. Dividends are paid on restricted stock, and the amounts of dividends on restricted stock received by each of the named executive officers during 2009 is included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 27 of this Proxy Statement.

16

Table of Contents

        "Retirement" for purposes of our long-term incentive awards generally means the termination of employment, other than for cause, when the sum of the following equals or exceeds 70 years: (i) the number of full months of employment and other business relationships with the Company and any predecessor company (must be at least 120 months) and (ii) the employee's age on the date of termination (must be at least 50 years old). To qualify for retirement, the employee must also give six months' prior written notice to the Company of his intention to retire and enter into a one year non-solicitation and non-competition agreement. The Compensation Committee believes that this definition of retirement is appropriate and rewards long-term contributions of employees to the Company. Messrs. Blair and Sargeant currently meet the 70 years age/service requirement, and Messrs. Naughton and Horey will meet that requirement in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The Compensation Committee believes that there is a retentive element to long-term incentive awards even for those officers who are eligible to benefit from accelerated vesting upon retirement. For example, in the case of stock options, retirement would trigger a 12-month period during which options must be exercised or forfeited. Continuing to serve as an employee of the Company, by contrast, would allow the officer to exercise an option at any time between the vesting of the option and the expiration of the original ten-year term of the option. In addition, there is a disincentive to retire in that a one-year non-competition agreement would apply that restricts the officer's ability to work for any of the Company's competitors.

        At the beginning of each year, the Company's executive officers propose corporate goals for that year for the Annual Bonus (cash) and Long-Term Incentive Plans (options and restricted stock) for review by the CEO. Following any modifications by the CEO, the goals are provided to the Compensation Committee for consideration. The Compensation Committee reviews these proposed goals, adopts any revisions it may deem appropriate, and recommends the final corporate goals to the full Board of Directors for ratification and approval by a vote of the independent directors who qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee. Annual business unit goals are drafted by the head of each business unit and reviewed, modified and approved by the CEO. The individual goals are determined in a similar manner, with the exception that the goals for the CEO are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee and ratified by the independent directors of the Board who qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee.

        At the end of each year, the CEO reviews and recommends to the Compensation Committee the achievement of corporate, business unit and individual goals for the other named executive officers as well as any pay changes. With regard to pay changes, the Compensation Committee reviews the CEO's recommendations, may review competitive market data, and consults with a third party compensation consultant to the extent it deems appropriate. Recommendations for bonus awards and compensation changes for the CEO and all executive officers are approved by the Compensation Committee and are then ratified by the independent directors of the Board who qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee. All annual awards of options and restricted stock are generally effective on the date (usually in February each year) of ratification, but may be delayed to a date after such ratification if there is a pending announcement by the Company of material non-public information, such as an earnings release. The Compensation Committee has engaged Steven Hall & Partners, an executive compensation consulting firm, to provide it with advice and counsel on executive and board compensation, as well as competitive pay practices. Steven Hall & Partners did not provide any services directly to the Company or its management. The Company uses the services of FPL Associates, another compensation consulting firm, to provide it with advice, competitive pay practices and data, and other review services.

Review of Our 2009 Compensation Decisions:

        Base Salary for 2009.    The following are the base salaries established for 2009 for each of the named executive officers.

17

Table of Contents

        Cash Bonus with Respect to 2009.    The following table sets forth the target, threshold and maximum cash bonus established in February 2009, and the actual cash bonus award made in February 2010 with respect to performance in 2009 for each of the named executive officers:

        Under our cash bonus program, the Compensation Committee may award annual cash bonuses to officers based on the following three elements: (1) the achievement of specific Company performance goals, (2) the performance of the officer's business unit, where applicable, and (3) the performance of the individual officer. Various weightings are applied to each category based on each officer's position and his or her ability to impact performance for the Company as a whole or a particular business unit.

        For 2009, the following categories of performance goals and relative weightings were approved:

        Corporate Goals and Achievement for Cash Bonus.    The corporate component of the annual bonus included three categories of performance goals, with weightings applicable to each goal set in advance. The following corporate goals were established for 2009:

(i)

The achievement of a targeted level of Operating Funds from Operations ("Operating FFO") per share, both on an absolute and relative basis, composed 55% of total corporate performance. Operating FFO is defined as FFO (as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and explained in the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders accompanying this proxy statement) excluding gains or losses on the sale of undepreciated real estate (generally land) as well as certain other non-routine or non-recurring items. For determining relative performance, the comparable peer group of multifamily REITs consisted of: Apartment Investment and Management Company ("AIMCO"), BRE Properties, Inc., Camden Property Trust, Inc., Equity Residential Properties Trust, Inc., Essex Property Trust, Inc., Home Properties, Inc., United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc., and Post Properties, Inc. (collectively, the "Bonus Peer Group"). Operating FFO on an absolute basis was set at $4.39 per share for the achievement of threshold performance, $4.67 per share for the achievement of target performance, and $4.95 per share for the achievement of maximum performance. Actual 2009 Operating FFO on an absolute basis was determined to be $4.46 per share. For Operating FFO growth relative to the Bonus Peer Group, a 6^th place ranking was threshold performance, 3^rd place ranking was target performance and maximum performance was 1^st place. For 2009, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company achieved a 4th place ranking against this peer group.

18

Table of Contents

(ii)

The operating performance of development activities, as compared to the original budgeted performance, made up 10% of the total corporate performance. Meeting budgeted net operating income ("NOI") for this component was determined to be target performance, 7.5% below budgeted NOI was threshold performance, and exceeding budgeted NOI by 7.5% or more was maximum performance for this component. In 2009 budgeted NOI for this category, based upon 14 communities, was approximately $18.5 million, while actual NOI was approximately $20 million for 2009. However, the Compensation Committee determined that only target performance was achieved after evaluating construction completion schedules and related expenses. As a result, the Committee determined that the Company's development activities were at target.



(iii)

The operating performance of redevelopment activities, as compared to the original budgeted performance, made up 5% of the total corporate performance. Meeting budgeted net operating income ("NOI") for this component was determined to be target performance, 3.0% below budgeted NOI was threshold performance, and exceeding budgeted NOI by 3.0% or more was maximum performance for this component. In 2009, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company's redevelopment activities were slightly below budgeted NOI, so performance was slightly below target. Budgeted NOI and actual NOI for this category, based upon 16 redevelopment communities, were both approximately $57.5 million.



(iv)

The effectiveness of management (defined as the execution of business plans, flexibility in decision making, portfolio management, balance sheet management, and focus on the correct organizational priorities) and progress on various corporate initiatives made up 30% of the total corporate performance metrics for 2009. For 2009, the Compensation Committee determined that achievement on this category was at 90% of target.

        Overall, achievement of the corporate component of performance for 2009 for cash bonuses was determined to be 82.1% of target.

        Business Unit Goals and Achievement for Cash Bonus.    As noted above, of the five named executive officers, Mr. Horey and Mr. Breslin received cash bonuses based in part upon the achievement of their respective business units.

        In Mr. Horey's case, the Business Unit component was based on the achievements of the Property Operations group, as Mr. Horey is the senior executive officer with direct oversight for that group. Six metrics were established for the Property Operations group: (i) controllable NOI for Same Store communities relative to budget, with target performance set at meeting the pre-established budget of approximately $477 million, (ii) Same Store NOI growth relative to a peer group consisting of AIMCO, BRE Properties, Inc, Camden Property Trust, Inc., Equity Residential Property Trust, Inc., Post Properties, Inc. and United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc., (iii) controllable NOI for other stabilized and Fund communities versus budget, with target performance set at meeting the pre-established budget of approximately $96 million, (iv) lease-up and redevelopment controllable NOI versus budget, with meeting budget of approximately $90 million set as target performance, (v) controllable expenses for Same Store Sales versus budget, with meeting budget of approximately $118 million set as target performance, and (vi) customer service, based on surveys conducted at various times during residents' tenure, with target defined as achieving an absolute score that averages 80% of the maximum score possible. For 2009, the overall achievement for the Property Operations group was determined to be approximately 74% of target.

        In Mr. Breslin's case, the Business Unit component was based on the achievements of the Redevelopment/Asset Management group, as Mr. Breslin is the senior executive officer with direct oversight for that group. Three metrics were established for the group: (i) NOI for redevelopment communities relative to budget, with target performance set at meeting the pre-established budget of approximately $57.5 million; (ii) the amount of capital invested and yield achieved on redevelopment

19

Table of Contents

communities started and completed during the calendar year, with target performance equal to investing approximately $112 million at yields approved by the Company's Management Investment Committee; and (iii) management effectiveness, including the group's ability to manage inventory, lease up velocity and rental rates during a challenging market environment. For 2009, the overall achievement for the Redevelopment/Asset Management group was determined to be 86% of target.

        Individual Goals.    Individual goals for the officers include the executive's leadership and managerial performance and are evaluated on a subjective basis annually. Individual performance for Mr. Blair is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Committee also determines individual performance for the other named executive officers after receiving recommendations from Mr. Blair.

        Specific individual goals for Mr. Blair in 2009 included (i) active management of career development of high potential officers within the organization; (ii) providing strategic leadership to the Company's corporate sustainability initiative; (iii) proactive management of sources and uses of capital; (iv) leading a comprehensive review of the Company's strategic plan and portfolio allocation goals; and (v) effective board leadership, including addressing board succession.

        Individual goals for Mr. Sargeant in 2009 included (i) focusing on operational efficiencies and process improvement; (ii) enhancing corporate controls and supporting the work of the Internal Audit Group; (iii) continued focus on the quality and timeliness of financial reporting; (iv) proactive sourcing of new debt and equity capital; and (v) successful closing of the Company's second private equity acquisition fund.

        Mr. Naughton's individual goals for 2009 included (i) oversight of investment activity, including managing acquisitions, dispositions, and new development starts; (ii) goals relating to the organization, staffing and training of the development, construction, investments, and redevelopment and asset management groups; (iii) providing strategic oversight with respect to certain corporate initiatives; and (iv) focusing on the development of the Company's redevelopment group.

        Mr. Horey's individual goals in 2009 included (i) issues related to management, staffing and training of the Company's Property Operations group; (ii) goals relating to increased efficiencies in onsite and centralized operations activities; (iii) focus on customer service and resident communication, sales experience, and satisfaction; and (iv) sustaining increases in revenue and an emphasis on expense containment.

        Mr. Breslin's individual goals for 2009 included goals related to (i) the Company's volume of redevelopment and remerchandising activity, including new starts and completions; (ii) the Redevelopment and Asset Management organization, including staffing and training; (iii) the Company's corporate initiatives, including those related to portfolio management; and (iv) the Company's net operating income from redevelopment communities.

        The actual cash bonus paid in 2010 with respect to performance in 2009 for each of the named executive officers as included in the table above, and in the Summary Compensation Table on page 27 of this Proxy Statement, under the column "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation," were determined in accordance with the original methodology and goals described above.

        Long-Term Incentive Awards with Respect to 2009.    The following table sets forth the long-term incentive award potential for 2009 performance established in February 2009 and the actual long-term

20

Table of Contents

incentive awards made in February 2010 with respect to performance in 2009 for each of the named executive officers.

        Under our long-term incentive awards program, the Compensation Committee may award long-term incentive compensation to officers based on the achievement of specific Company performance goals and the performance of the officer's business unit. For 2009 the weightings applied to the two categories of goals for each of the named executive officers were as follows:

21

Table of Contents

        Corporate Goals and Achievement for Long-Term Incentive Awards.    The corporate component of the long-term incentive included three categories of performance goals, with weightings applicable to each goal set in advance based on a review of recommendations made by management. The following corporate goals were established for 2009:

(i)

The achievement of Total Stockholder Return as measured on both an absolute basis (based on a three-year average) and a relative basis (as compared to the Bonus Peer Group on a one-year basis) comprised 50% of total corporate performance. Threshold Total Stockholder Return on an absolute basis was set at 6%, target was set at 9%, and maximum was 12%. For 2009, total stockholder return (three-year average) was -4.1%. For total stockholder return relative to the Bonus Peer Group (one-year basis), a 6^th place ranking was threshold performance, a 3^rd place ranking was target, and maximum performance was 1^st place. In 2009, the Company achieved a 2^nd place ranking against this peer group.



(ii)

The multiple of the price of our Common Stock compared to our FFO per share (as measured against the Bonus Peer Group) represented 10% of the total corporate performance. Threshold for this factor was set at 6^th place, target was a 3^rd place ranking, and 1^st place was maximum performance. In 2009, the Company's ranking for this criterion was 1.



(iii)

The initial year stabilized yield performance for communities stabilizing during the year as compared to the pre-established target yield for such developments represented 10% of the total corporate performance. Target achievement of this goal was set at meeting the pre-established target yield, with threshold performance being 0.75 percentage points below the target yield and maximum at 0.75 percentage points above the target yield. Actual performance was approximately one percentage point below the threshold yield.



(iv)

The effectiveness of management (defined as the execution of business plans, flexibility in decision making, portfolio management, balance sheet management, and focus on the correct organizational priorities) and progress on various corporate initiatives made up 30% of the total corporate performance metrics for 2009. For 2009, the Compensation Committee determined that achievement on this category was at 92% of target.

        For 2009, corporate achievement of the long-term incentive measures was approximately 70% of target. In future years, the Company's receipt of a "promoted" distribution from the Company's first investment management fund (i.e., a distribution in excess of the Company's proportionate interest in the Fund) could be a supplemental overriding measure that could allow officers to achieve, but not exceed, maximum performance. This was not a factor in 2009, nor is it likely to be a factor in 2010.

        Business Unit Goals for Long-Term Incentive Awards.    The Business Unit and Individual goals that were used for calculating cash bonuses as described above were also used for calculating long-term incentive awards. Business Unit achievement for the Property Operations group was approximately 83 percent of target and achievement for the Redevelopment group was approximately 91% of target.

        Based on those achievement levels and the formal approval and ratification of those determinations by the Compensation Committee, the dollar value of long-term incentive awards for

22

Table of Contents

each named executive officer was awarded as described in the table above, which resulted in the following awards made on February 11, 2010:

(1)

The options set forth in this column were granted on February 11, 2010, with an exercise price of $74.20 per share and vest over a three-year term subject to accelerated vesting (in the case of termination of employment without cause, or upon death, disability or retirement, or upon a change in control of the Company (as defined in the 2009 Stock Option and Incentive Plan)) or forfeiture of unvested options (in the case of termination of employment for any other reason).

(2)

The shares of restricted stock set forth in this column were granted on February 11, 2010. Twenty percent of such grants vested on March 1, 2010 and the remaining 80% of the shares vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversaries of that date, subject to accelerated vesting (in the case of termination of employment without cause, or upon death, disability or retirement, or upon a change in control of the Company, as defined in the 2009 Stock Option and Incentive Plan) or forfeiture of unvested shares (in the case of termination of employment for any other reason). Dividends are payable on the shares at the same rate as dividends paid on all outstanding shares of our Common Stock.

2008 Performance Plan:

        In 2008, the Company's Board of Directors and Compensation Committee approved the implementation of a multiyear performance plan (the "2008 Performance Plan"). Effective June 1, 2008, awards in connection with this plan were made to selected officers, including the named executive officers. Awards under the 2008 Performance Plan were initially in the form of Deferred Stock Awards, with no dividend rights, granted under the Stock Incentive Plan. These Deferred Stock Awards will be forfeited in their entirety unless the Company's total return to stockholders, consisting of stock price appreciation plus cumulative dividends without reinvestment or compounding (the "Actual TRS"), over the measurement period exceeds both (i) an Absolute TRS Target and (ii) a Relative TRS Target, as described below.

        Each participating officer under the 2008 Performance Plan received Deferred Stock Awards representing a specified "Participation Percentage" in the plan. If both TRS targets are exceeded at the end of the measurement period, then each participating officer will earn Deferred Stock Awards (i.e., a number of Deferred Stock Awards will convert into shares of Common Stock as described below) having a total value (based on the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the last day of the measurement period) equal to that officer's Participation Percentage multiplied by the Total Funding Pool. The determination of the Total Funding Pool is described below, and in all events will not exceed $60 million. Any unearned Deferred Stock Awards (i.e., Deferred Stock Awards in excess of the number of awards having a value equal to that officer's Participation Percentage in the Total Funding Pool) will be forfeited. Earned Deferred Stock Awards will convert into (a) unrestricted Common Stock (50%) and (b) restricted Common Stock with a one-year vesting period (50%), subject to earlier forfeiture or acceleration under certain conditions as described below. Dividends will be paid on both the unrestricted Common Stock and the restricted Common Stock. Had the measurement period ended prematurely on December 31, 2009 or on the date of this proxy statement, (e.g., upon a change in control), no pro rata awards would have vested under the 2008 Performance Plan because the performance target would not have been achieved through those dates.

23

Table of Contents

        The measurement period of the 2008 Performance Plan began on June 1, 2008, with a starting Common Stock price equal to $102.16 (the average closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the twenty trading days prior to June 1, 2008). The measurement period will end on May 31, 2011, or earlier upon a change in control of the Company.

        The Absolute TRS Target that must be exceeded during the measurement period is 32% (or a pro rated amount in the event the measurement period is less than three years due to a change in control). The Relative TRS Target that must be exceeded is the total return performance (stock price appreciation plus cumulative dividends without reinvestment or compounding) during the measurement period of the FTSE NAREIT Apartment Index. If the Actual TRS exceeds both the Absolute TRS Target and the Relative TRS Target, the Total Funding Pool will equal 10% of the simple average of (i) the excess stockholder value created by the Actual TRS exceeding the Absolute TRS Target and (ii) the excess stockholder value created by the Actual TRS exceeding the Relative TRS Target, provided that in no event will the Total Funding Pool exceed $60 million.

        The Company allocated the following Participation Percentages and granted the corresponding number of Deferred Stock Awards to the Company's named executive officers on June 1, 2008 (and in the case of Mr. Breslin, on March 25, 2009, pursuant to a supplemental award):

2010 Compensation:

        Compensation for 2010 was established in February 2010 for each of the named executive officers following the annual review process described above. In light of the current economic environment, the Company determined that there would generally be no merit increases for the Company's officers except in limited cases. Of the named executive officers, only Mr. Breslin received an increase in connection with an expansion in his duties and role. As a result of this decision, the base salary; the target, threshold and maximum corporate (cash) bonus; and the target, threshold and maximum long-term incentive award for each of the named executive officers, other than Mr. Breslin, with respect to performance in 2010 will be the same as described above for 2009. The following table shows the base salary for 2010 for each of the named executive officers, as well as the target, threshold and maximum cash bonus and long-term incentive award for each with respect to performance in 2010.

        Cash bonuses payable with respect to performance in 2010 will be based on the same types of goals described above in connection with cash bonuses. For long-term incentive awards to be granted in 2011 with respect to performance in 2010, the same types of goals described above in connection with long-term incentive awards will be used.

24

Table of Contents

Other Benefits:

        Pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Plan, certain employees, including the named executive officers, may defer up to 10% of base annual salary and up to 25% of annual cash bonus on a pre-tax basis and receive a tax-deferred return on those deferrals. Deferral elections are made by eligible employees during an open enrollment period each year for amounts to be earned in the following year. Participating employees direct the deemed investment of their deferral accounts by selecting among certain available investments in mutual funds.

        We have an employee stock purchase plan that allows our employees the opportunity to purchase up to $25,000 of our Common Stock per year at a 15% discount to the lower of the closing price of the Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE, on the first business day of the Purchase Period or the closing price of the stock on the last day of the Purchase Period. The Purchase Period is defined as the seven month period beginning on April 1 and ending on October 31 of a calendar year.

        In addition, we maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan and annually match 50% of the first six percent of base salary and bonus contributed to such plan by any employee (subject to certain tax limitations). We offer medical, dental and vision plans, a portion of the cost of which is paid by the employee. We also provide life insurance, accidental dismemberment insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance for each employee. Messrs. Blair, Sargeant, Naughton and Horey each have employment agreements with the Company pursuant to which certain other benefits are provided to them. The terms of each of such employment agreement are described in "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control" below.

Practices with regard to dates and pricing of stock and option grants:

        The Compensation Committee determines the number of shares underlying options and shares of restricted stock to award to each officer as part of annual compensation. Those members of the Board of Directors who qualify for service on the Compensation Committee review and ratify these awards at the Board's regularly scheduled February meeting. The award date for options and stock grants is generally the date of ratification, but may be delayed to a date after such ratification if there is a pending announcement by the Company of material non-public information, such as an earnings release. The exercise price of each option granted is the closing price of our Common Stock on the award date.

        In all cases, our options are granted: (i) on the dates described above; (ii) on the date of a new hire's start with the Company as approved by the Chairman/CEO in advance of the start date; (iii) on the date of approval by the Chairman/CEO for retention or recognition purposes up to a Board-authorized maximum value of $100,000; or (iv) on the date of a terminated senior executive's departure from the Company, as set out in formal terms approved by the Compensation Committee in advance. Option exercise prices are determined by the NYSE closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Additionally, all officers must receive prior authorization for any purchase or sale of our Common Stock, which is generally only given during approved trading windows established in advance based upon earnings release dates.

Section 162(m):

        The SEC requires that this report comment upon the Company's policy with respect to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which limits the deductibility on the Company's tax return of compensation over $1 million to any of the Named Executive Officers of the Company unless, in general, the compensation is paid pursuant to a plan which is performance- related, non-discretionary and has been approved by the Company's stockholders. The Company believes that, because it qualifies as a REIT under the Code and pays dividends sufficient to minimize federal income taxes, the payment of compensation that does not satisfy the requirements of

25

Table of Contents

Section 162(m) will generally not affect the Company's net income. To the extent that compensation does not qualify for a deduction under Section 162(m), a larger portion of stockholder distributions may be subject to federal income taxation as dividend income rather than return of capital. The Company does not believe that Section 162(m) will materially affect the taxability of stockholder distributions, although no assurance can be given in this regard due to the variety of factors that affect the tax position of each stockholder. For these reasons, the Compensation Committee's compensation policy and practices are not directly guided by considerations relating to Section 162(m).

Compensation Committee Report

        The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee

Peter S. Rummell (Chair)
Lance R. Primis
H. Jay Sarles

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        The Compensation Committee currently consists of Peter S. Rummell, Lance R. Primis, and H. Jay Sarles. None of them has served as an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. No member of the Compensation Committee has any other business relationship or affiliation with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than his or her service as a director).

26

Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

        The table below summarizes for each of the named executive officers the compensation amounts paid in or earned for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 (except in the case of Mr. Breslin, who was not a named executive officer in 2007 or 2008).

        Amounts in column (e) for 2008 include the grant date value of awards made under the Company's 2008 Performance Plan. However, as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the total return to stockholder performance target under the 2008 Performance Plan has not been achieved. Therefore, there has not been achievement toward the vesting of these awards.

        Executives are eligible to defer a portion of their salaries and bonuses under our Deferred Compensation Plan. The amounts shown below are before any deferrals under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Amounts deferred in 2009 are shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table on page 35 below.

(1)

The amounts shown as salary in column (c) reflect actual payments received in each indicated year, which may vary slightly from the salary described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis as a result of (i) the number of pay periods in each calendar year and (ii) the fact that any salary increases did not go into effect until March of each year.

(2)

The amounts in column (e) and column (f) reflect restricted stock and option awards actually granted during the fiscal year for service in the prior fiscal year. For example, the row for 2009 shows the value (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and as further discussed in the footnotes 3 and 4) of stock and option awards made in February 2009 in respect of 2008 service.

(3)

The amounts in column (e) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for awards made in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2009 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for (i) restricted stock awards made pursuant to the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's 2009 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and (ii) for 2008, awards under our 2008 Performance Plan. The value of restricted stock awards is based solely on the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant; as a result, no assumptions were used in the calculation of this value. The value of awards under the 2008 Performance Plan presented in the table was determined by an independent firm, in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. The firm used a Monte Carlo simulation, which is a statistical method to determine values that are a function of variables with uncertain probabilities. The valuation model was developed to accommodate the actual features of the Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 10 to the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and

27

Table of Contents

Exchange Commission on March 1, 2010. The maximum payouts under the 2008 Performance Plan for each of the named executive officers would be as follows: Mr. Blair—$9,006,000; Mr. Sargeant—$3,198,000; Mr. Naughton—$7,506,000; Mr. Horey—$3,198,000; and Mr. Breslin—$2,630,000.

(4)

The amounts in column (f) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for awards made in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2009 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of awards of stock options made pursuant to the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's 2009 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 10 to the Company's audited financial statements for the relevant fiscal year included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2008, March 2, 2009, and March 1, 2010 respectively.

(5)

For 2009, the amounts shown in column (g) reflect the cash awards to the named individuals determined by the Compensation Committee in February 2010 (based upon the achievement of the performance metrics established in February 2009 as more fully described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above) and ratified on February 10, 2010 by the members of the full Board of Directors who would be qualified to serve on the Compensation Committee.

(6)

All earnings under the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation program are determined by reference to returns of actual mutual funds and the Company does not consider such earnings to be above market.

(7)

For 2009, the amounts shown in column (i) include, for each named executive officer (a) dividends paid on unvested shares of restricted stock during 2009 in the following amounts: Mr. Blair—$211,784; Mr. Sargeant—$86,401; Mr. Naughton—$119,747; Mr. Horey—$49,638; and Mr. Breslin—$21,037; (b) amounts contributed by the Company to the named executive officers' 401(k) accounts in the amount of $7,350 each; and (c) the final payment of the discontinued car allowance paid by the Company in the following amounts: Mr. Blair—$450; Mr. Sargeant—$346; Mr. Naughton—$346; Mr. Horey—$250; and Mr. Breslin—$208. The amounts shown in column (i) also include (i) a general executive benefit payment for items such as country club membership, financial counseling or tax preparation in the following amounts: Mr. Blair—$10,000; Mr. Sargeant—$5,000; Mr. Naughton—$5,000; Mr. Horey—$5,000; and Mr. Breslin—$0, (ii) premiums paid by the company on disability insurance in the following amounts: Mr. Blair—$4,744; Mr. Sargeant—$2,954; Mr. Naughton—$3,086; Mr. Horey—$0; and Mr. Breslin—$0; and (iii) premiums paid by the Company in 2009 for Company-owned life insurance policies on the lives of such named executive officers for which the Company has endorsed the respective policies so that any death benefit, in excess of the cumulative premiums paid by the Company, will be paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased, which premiums were in the following amounts for each officer (such amounts representing payment of a whole-life premium which builds cash value in the Company-owned policy to support future repayment of the cumulative premiums; see "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control—Endorsement Split Dollar Agreements"): Mr. Blair—$58,384; Mr. Sargeant—$26,136; Mr. Naughton—$33,171; Mr. Horey—$10,633; and Mr. Breslin—$0. The amount shown for Mr. Breslin includes premiums in the amount of $898 paid by the Company for a standard term life insurance policy in the face amount of $750,000.

        Employment Agreements.    We have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Blair, Naughton, Sargeant and Horey. These agreements, including current renewal terms, expire on varying dates between November 2010 and June 2011, but provide for automatic one-year renewals (or two-year renewals in the case of Mr. Blair) thereafter, unless an advance notice of non-renewal is provided by either party to the other in advance of the expiration of the employment term. The change in control and severance provisions of these employment agreements are described in "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control" below. In addition, the employment agreements provide that the officers' base salaries will be reviewed annually and may be adjusted upward, but may not be decreased. Each employment agreement also provides that commencing at the close of each fiscal year, the Company shall review the performance of the executive and may provide the executive additional compensation in the form of a cash bonus and long-term equity incentives such as stock options and restricted stock grants.

        Under the employment agreements, the Company must provide to the executive comprehensive health insurance, including an annual physical, disability insurance to varying degrees, life insurance, and reasonable paid vacations. In addition, the Company agrees to indemnify the executive to the fullest extent permitted by law with respect to any actions commenced against the executive in his capacity as a current or former officer or director of the Company, including using reasonable best efforts to secure and maintain an officers' and directors' liability insurance policy.

        Each of the employment agreements contains a non-solicitation agreement pursuant to which the executives agree that following a termination of employment they will not solicit or attempt to solicit

28

Table of Contents

for employment any of the Company's employees. Specifically, the employment agreements prevent the executive, for a period of one year following termination, without the prior written consent of the Company, from soliciting or attempting to solicit for employment with or on behalf of any corporation, partnership, venture or other business entity, any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or any person who was formerly employed by the Company or any of its affiliates within the preceding six months, unless such person's employment was terminated by the Company. In addition the employment agreements contain a provision under which, if the executive voluntarily terminates his employment, he may not compete with the Company for a period of one year. This non-compete provision also applies in the case of termination because of "Disability" or "Cause" under the terms of the agreements. Specifically, the employment agreements provide that for one year following termination by the Company for "Cause," "Disability," or termination by the executive (other than a "Constructive Termination Without Cause") (with such terms defined in the employment agreements) the executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become associated with, or engage in any "Restricted Activities" with respect to any "Competing Enterprises," whether as an officer, employee, principal, partner, agent, consultant, independent contractor or shareholder. "Competing Enterprise" is defined in the employment agreements as "any person, corporation, partnership, venture or other entity which is engaged in the business of managing, owning, leasing or joint venturing multifamily real estate within 30 miles of multifamily rental real estate owned or under management by the Company or its affiliates." "Restricted Activities" is defined in the employment agreements as "executive, managerial, directorial, administrative, strategic, business development or supervisory responsibilities and activities relating to all aspects of multifamily rental real estate ownership, management, multifamily rental real estate franchising, and multifamily rental real estate joint-venturing."

29

Table of Contents

Grants of Plan Based Awards

        The table below sets out the grants made to the named executive officers in 2009 under the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.

(1)

The amounts shown in columns (c), (d) and (e) reflect the threshold, target and maximum payment levels for 2009 under our cash bonus plan, which were established on February 11, 2009. The actual cash bonuses received by each of the named executive officers for performance in 2009, paid in 2010, are set out in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table.

(2)

The amounts shown in columns (f), (g) and (h) reflect the threshold, target and maximum dollar values for 2009 performance for annual equity grants under our equity incentive plan, which were adopted on February 11, 2009. As noted in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section above, the actual number of shares of restricted stock granted to the named executive officers on February 11, 2010 based upon achievement under this plan were as follows: Mr. Blair—18,989, Mr. Sargeant—6,172, Mr. Naughton—9,495, Mr. Horey—4,021, and Mr. Breslin—2,504. Information about the vesting of such shares of restricted stock is provided in footnote (3) below. The actual number of shares underlying options granted to the named executive officers on February 11, 2010 based upon achievement under this plan was as follows: Mr. Blair—30,030, Mr. Sargeant—9,760, Mr. Naughton—15,015, Mr. Horey—6,359, and Mr. Breslin—3,960. Each of such options was granted at an exercise price of $74.20. Information about the vesting of such options is provided in footnote (4) below.

(3)

The number of shares of restricted stock shown in column (i) represent the actual number of shares of restricted stock granted to the named executive officers on February 11, 2009, with respect to performance in 2008, and do not represent compensation for performance in 2009. With respect to all shares of restricted stock described in this table, 20% of the shares vested on March 1 in the year of issuance and the remaining 80% of the shares vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversaries of that date, subject to accelerated vesting (in the case of termination of employment without cause, upon death, disability or retirement, or upon a change in control of the Company (as defined in the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan)) or forfeiture of unvested shares (in the case of termination of employment for any other reason). In addition, in the case of Mssrs. Blair, Naughton, Sargeant and Horey, vesting of restricted stock and options will be accelerated under certain conditions, as described in their employment agreements with the Company and discussed in "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control" below. Dividends are payable on the shares at the same rate as dividends paid on all outstanding shares of our Common Stock.

(4)

The number of shares underlying options shown in column (j) represents the number of options granted to the named executive officers on February 11, 2009, with respect to performance in 2008, and does not represent compensation for performance in 2009. All options described in this table become exercisable in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. In accordance with the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and our standard form of stock option agreement at the time of the award, all unvested options awarded in 2009 will automatically vest upon a termination without Cause, or termination by death, disability or retirement, in

30

Table of Contents

which case the remaining term of the option will be 12 months or, if earlier, the expiration of the original ten year term of the option. The employment agreements for Messrs. Blair and Sargeant provide that the options granted to them shall have an exercise period of two years following a termination by death.

(5)

For the February 11, 2009 option grants, the value was calculated using the Black-Scholes model with the following material assumptions: dividend yield of 8.5%, volatility of 36.57%, risk-free interest rates of 2.17%, and an expected life of approximately seven years. The actual realized value will depend upon the difference between the market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is exercised and the exercise price. For the February 11, 2009 grants of restricted stock, the value was calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant of $48.60.

31

Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End