EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Second Amended and Restated Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan of our reports dated February 22, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., included in Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.’s and Mid-America Apartments, L.P.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

May 23, 2018