UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549



Form 10-KSB

(Mark One)

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005



[ ]

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the transition period from _________to _________



Commission file number 0-14369



SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

(Name of small business issuer in its charter)



|                                |                     
|------------------------------- | --------------------
|South Carolina                  | 57-0784852          
|(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer    
|incorporation or organization)  | (Identification No.)



55 Beattie Place, PO Box 1089

Greenville, South Carolina 29602

(Address of principal executive offices)



Issuer's telephone number

(864) 239-1000



Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:



None



Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:



Units of Limited Partnership Interest

(Title of class)



Check whether the issuer is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act. []



Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesX No___



Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of the Partnership's knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company ( as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes []  No [x]



State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year.  $1,427,000



State the aggregate market value of the voting partnership interests held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the partnership interests were sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such partnership interests as of December 31, 2005.  No market exists for the limited partnership interests of the Registrant; and, therefore, no aggregate market value can be determined.



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

NONE



The matters discussed in this report contain certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial performance and the effect of government regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors including, without limitation: national and local economic conditions; the terms of governmental regulations that affect the Registrant and interpretations of those regulations; the competitive environment in which the Registrant operates; financing risks, including the risk that cash flows from operations may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; real estate risks, including variations of real estate values and the general economic climate in local markets and competition for tenants in such markets; litigation, including costs associated with prosecuting and defending claims and any adverse outcomes, and possible environmental liabilities. Readers should carefully review the Registrant's financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the risk factors described in the documents the Registrant files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



PART I



Item 1.

Description of Business



Shelter Properties VII (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") was organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of South Carolina on October 29, 1984.  The general partner responsible for management of the Partnership's business is Shelter Realty VII Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the "Corporate General Partner"). The Corporate General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment and Management Company ("AIMCO"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The other general partner is AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO. The Partnership Agreement provides that the Partnership is to terminate on December 31, 2024 unless terminated prior to such date.



The Partnership is engaged in the business of operating and holding real estate properties for investment. The Partnership acquired two existing apartment properties and a newly constructed apartment property during 1985 in its acquisition phase. The Partnership continues to own and operate one of these properties. See "Item 2. Description of Property".



Commencing March 18, 1985 the Partnership offered, pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, up to 40,000 Units of Limited Partnership Interest (the "Units") at a purchase price of $1,000 per Unit with a minimum purchase of 5 Units ($5,000), or 2 Units ($2,000) for an Individual Retirement Account.



The offering terminated on November 5, 1985. Upon termination of the offering, the Partnership had accepted subscriptions for 17,343 Units, including 100 Units purchased by the Corporate General Partner, for an aggregate of $17,343,000.  Since its initial offering, the Partnership has not received, nor are limited partners required to make, any additional capital contributions.



The Partnership has no employees. Management and administrative services are provided by the Corporate General Partner and by agents retained by the Corporate General Partner. An affiliate of the Corporate General Partner has been providing such property management services.



Risk Factors



The real estate business in which the Partnership is engaged is highly competitive.  There are other residential properties within the market area of the Partnership's property. The number and quality of competitive properties, including those which may be managed by an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner, in such market area could have a material effect on the rental market for the apartments at the Partnership's property and the rents that may be charged for such apartments. While the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates own and/or control a significant number of apartment units in the United States, such units represent an insignificant percentage of total apartment units in the United States and competition for apartments is local.



Laws benefiting disabled persons may result in the Partnership's incurrence of unanticipated expenses.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA, all places intended to be used by the public are required to meet certain Federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Likewise, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, or FHAA, requires apartments properties first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped.
These and other Federal, state and local laws may require modifications to the Partnership's property, or restrict renovations of the property.  Noncompliance with these laws could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants and also could result in an order to correct any non-complying feature, which could result in substantial capital expenditures. Although the Corporate General Partner believes that the Partnerships property is substantially in compliance with the present requirements, the Partnership may incur unanticipated expenses to comply with the ADA and the FHAA.



Both the income and expenses of operating the property owned by the Partnership are subject to factors outside of the Partnership's control, such as changes in the supply and demand for similar properties resulting from various market conditions, increases/decreases in unemployment or population shifts, changes in the availability of permanent mortgage financing, changes in zoning laws, or changes in patterns or needs of users. In addition, there are risks inherent in owning and operating the residential property because such property is susceptible to the impact of economic and other conditions outside of the control of the Partnership.



From time to time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, and the United States Department of Homeland Security issue alerts regarding potential terrorist threats involving apartment buildings. Threats of future terrorist attacks, such as those announced by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, could have a negative effect on rent and occupancy levels at the Partnerships property. The effect that future terrorist activities or threats of such activities could have on the Partnerships operations is uncertain and unpredictable. If the Partnership were to incur a loss at the property as a result of an act of terrorism, the Partnership could lose all or a portion of the capital invested in the property, as well as the future revenue from the property.



There have been, and it is possible there may be other, Federal, state and local legislation and regulations enacted relating to the protection of the environment. The Partnership is unable to predict the extent, if any, to which such new legislation or regulations might occur and the degree to which such existing or new legislation or regulations might adversely affect the property owned by the Partnership.



The Partnership monitors its property for evidence of pollutants, toxins and other dangerous substances, including the presence of asbestos. In certain cases environmental testing has been performed which resulted in no material adverse conditions or liabilities.  In no case has the Partnership received notice that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to an environmental clean up site.



A further description of the Partnership's business is included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation" included in "Item 6" of this Form 10-KSB.



Item 2.

Description of Property



The following table sets forth the Partnership's investment in a property:



|                           |          |                           |          
|-------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------- | ---------
|                           | Date of  |                           |          
|Property                   | Purchase | Type of Ownership         | Use      
|                           |          |                           |          
|Governor's Park Apartments | 09/30/85 | Fee ownership, subject to | Apartment
|Ft. Collins, Colorado      |          | first mortgage (1)        | 188 units



(1)

Property is held by a Limited Partnership in which the Partnership owns a 99.99% interest.



Schedule of Property



Set forth below for the Partnership's property is the gross carrying value, accumulated depreciation, depreciable life, method of depreciation, and Federal tax basis as of December 31, 2005.



|                |                |              |             |                |           | 
|--------------- | -------------- | ------------ | ----------- | -------------- | --------- | 
|                | Gross          |              |             |                |          
|                | Carrying       | Accumulated  | Depreciable | Method of      | Federal  
|Property        | Value          | Depreciation | Life        | Depreciation   | Tax Basis
|                | (in thousands) |              |             | (in thousands)
|Governor's Park |                |              |             |                |          
|Apartments      | $8,664         | $5,009       | 5-39 yrs    | S/L            | $1,946   



See "Note A" to the consolidated financial statements included in "Item 7. Financial Statements" for a description of the Partnership's depreciation and capitalization policies.



Schedule of Property Indebtedness



The following table sets forth certain information relating to the loan encumbering the Partnership's property.



|                |                |          |            |          |               
|--------------- | -------------- | -------- | ---------- | -------- | --------------
|                | Principal      |          |            |          | Principal     
|                | Balance At     | Stated   |            |          | Balance       
|                | December 31,   | Interest | Period     | Maturity | Due At        
|Property        | 2005           | Rate (1) | Amortized  | Date     | Maturity (2)  
|                | (in thousands) |          |            |          | (in thousands)
|Governor's Park |                |          |            |          |               
|Apartments      |                |          |            |          |               
|1st mortgage    | $6,310         | 7.12%    | 240 months | 03/01/22 | $--           



(1)

Fixed rate mortgage.



(2)

See Item 7. Financial Statements  Note C for information with respect to the Partnerships ability to prepay the loan and other specific details about the loan.



Schedule of Rental Rates and Occupancy



Average annual rental rates and occupancy for 2005 and 2004 for the Partnership's property are as follows:



|                           |                |           |      |     
|-------------------------- | -------------- | --------- | ---- | ----
|                           | Average Annual | Average  
|                           | Rental Rates   | Occupancy
|                           | (per unit)     |           |     
|Property                   | 2005           | 2004      | 2005 | 2004
|                           |                |           |      |     
|Governor's Park Apartments | $ 7,709        | $ 7,772   | 89%  | 89% 



As noted under "Item 1. Description of Business", the real estate industry is highly competitive. The Partnership's property is subject to competition from other residential apartment complexes in the area. The Corporate General Partner believes that the property is adequately insured. The property is an apartment complex which leases its units for lease terms of one year or less. No tenant leases 10% or more of the available rental space. The property is in good physical condition, subject to normal depreciation and deterioration as is typical for assets of this type and age.



Schedule of Real Estate Taxes and Rates



Real estate taxes and rate in 2005 for the property were:



|                           |                |      
|-------------------------- | -------------- | -----
|                           | 2005           | 2005 
|                           | Billing        | Rate 
|                           | (in thousands) |      
|                           |                |      
|Governor's Park Apartments | $  67          | 8.64%



Capital Improvements



Governor's Park Apartments: During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Partnership completed approximately $243,000 in capital improvements at Governors Park Apartments, consisting primarily of major landscaping, building improvements, parking area resurfacing, and window covering, water heater, appliance and floor covering replacements. Those improvements were funded from operations, insurance proceeds and replacement reserves.  The Partnership regularly evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property.  While the Partnership has no material commitments for property improvements and replacements, certain routine capital expenditures are anticipated during 2006.  Such capital expenditures will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as replacement reserves and anticipated cash flow generated by the property.



Capital expenditures will be incurred only if cash is available from operations or from Partnership reserves.  To the extent that capital improvements are completed, the Partnership's distributable cash flow, if any, may be adversely affected at least in the short term.



Item 3.

Legal Proceedings



In March 1998, several putative unit holders of limited partnership units of the Partnership commenced an action entitled Rosalie Nuanes, et al. v. Insignia Financial Group, Inc., et al. (the "Nuanes action") in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Mateo. The plaintiffs named as defendants, among others, the Partnership, its Corporate General Partner and several of their affiliated partnerships and corporate entities. The action purported to assert claims on behalf of a class of limited partners and derivatively on behalf of a number of limited partnerships (including the Partnership) that are named as nominal defendants, challenging, among other things, the acquisition of interests in certain Corporate General Partner entities by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. ("Insignia") and entities that were, at one time, affiliates of Insignia; past tender offers by the Insignia affiliates to acquire limited partnership units; management of the partnerships by the Insignia affiliates; and the series of transactions which closed on October 1, 1998 and February 26, 1999 whereby Insignia and Insignia Properties Trust, respectively, were merged into AIMCO. The plaintiffs sought monetary damages and equitable relief, including judicial dissolution of the Partnership. In addition, during the third quarter of 2001, a complaint captioned Heller v. Insignia Financial Group (the "Heller action") was filed against the same defendants that are named in the Nuanes action. On or about August 6, 2001, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. The Heller action was brought as a purported derivative action, and asserted claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, conversion, unjust enrichment, and judicial dissolution. On January 28, 2002, the trial court granted defendants motion to strike the complaint.  Plaintiffs took an appeal from this order.



On January 8, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation of Settlement in proposed settlement of the Nuanes action and the Heller action. On June 13, 2003, the court granted final approval of the settlement and entered judgment in both the Nuanes and Heller actions. On August 12, 2003, an objector ("Objector") filed an appeal (the Appeal) seeking to vacate and/or reverse the order approving the settlement and entering judgment thereto. On May 4, 2004, the Objector filed a second appeal challenging the courts use of a referee and its order requiring Objector to pay those fees.



On March 21, 2005, the Court of Appeals issued opinions in both pending appeals.  With regard to the settlement and judgment entered thereto, the Court of Appeals vacated the trial courts order and remanded to the trial court for further findings on the basis that the state of the record is insufficient to permit meaningful appellate review.  The matter was transferred back to the trial court on June 21, 2005.  With regard to the second appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the order requiring the Objector to pay referee fees. With respect to the related Heller appeal, on July 28, 2005, the Court of Appeals reversed the trial courts order striking the first amended complaint.



On August 18, 2005, Objector and his counsel filed a motion to disqualify the trial court based on a peremptory challenge and filed a motion to disqualify for cause on October 17, 2005, both of which were ultimately denied and/or struck by the trial court.  On or about October 13, 2005 Objector filed a motion to intervene and on or about October 19, 2005 filed both a motion to take discovery relating to the adequacy of plaintiffs as derivative representatives and a motion to dissolve the anti-suit injunction in connection with settlement.  On November 14, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a Motion For Further Findings pursuant to the remand ordered by the Court of Appeals. Defendants joined in that motion.  On February 3, 2006, the Court held a hearing on the various matters pending before it and has ordered additional briefing from the parties and Objector.



The Corporate General Partner does not anticipate that any costs to the Partnership, whether legal or settlement costs, associated with these cases will be material to the Partnerships overall operations.



AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Corporate General Partner, are defendants in a lawsuit alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for all hours worked in excess of forty per week. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, attempts to bring a collective action under the FLSA and seeks to certify state subclasses in California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call". Additionally, the complaint alleges AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to comply with the FLSA in compensating maintenance workers for time that they worked in excess of 40 hours in a week.   In June 2005 the Court conditionally certified the collective action on both the on-call and overtime issues, which allows the plaintiffs to provide notice of the collective action to all non-exempt maintenance workers from August 7, 2000 through the present.  Notices have been sent out to all current and former hourly maintenance workers. The opt-in period has not yet closed. Defendants will have the opportunity to opt-in to the collective action, and AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company  will have the opportunity to move to decertify the collective action.  Because the court denied plaintiffs motion to certify state subclasses, on September 26, 2005, the plaintiffs filed a class action with the same allegations in the Superior Court of California (Contra Costa County) and on November 5, 2005 in Montgomery County Maryland Circuit Court.  Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, AIMCO Properties, L.P. does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, the Corporate General Partner does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial condition or results of operations.



Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders



During the quarter ended December 31, 2005, no matter was submitted to a vote of the Unit holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.



PART II



Item 5.

Market for the Partnership Equity and Related Partner Matters



The Partnership, a publicly-held limited partnership, offered and sold 17,343 limited partnership units ("Units"), including 100 Units purchased by the Corporate General Partner for proceeds aggregating $17,343,000. The Partnership currently has 667 holders of record owning an aggregate of 17,343 Units. Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner owned 11,180 Units or approximately 64.46% at December 31, 2005. No public trading market has developed for the Units, and it is not anticipated that such a market will develop in the future.



No distributions were made by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.



Future cash distributions will depend on the levels of cash generated from operations and the timing of the debt maturity, property sale, and/or refinancing. The Partnership's cash available for distribution is reviewed on a monthly basis. In light of the amounts accrued and payable to affiliates of the Corporate General Partner at December 31, 2005, there can be no assurance that the Partnership will generate sufficient funds from operations, after planned capital expenditures, to permit any distributions to its partners in 2006 or subsequent periods. See Item 2. Description of Property  Capital Improvements for information relating to anticipated capital expenditures at the property.



In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interest in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 11,180 Units in the partnership representing 64.46% of the outstanding Units at December 31, 2005. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, unitholders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 64.46% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as corporate general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.



Item 6.

Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation



This item should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other items contained elsewhere in this report.



The Partnerships financial results depend upon a number of factors including the ability to attract and maintain tenants at the investment property, interest rates on the mortgage loan, costs incurred to operate the investment property, general economic conditions and weather. As part of the ongoing business plan of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner monitors the rental market environment of its investment property to assess the feasibility of increasing rents, maintaining or increasing occupancy levels and protecting the Partnership from increases in expenses. As part of this plan, the Corporate General Partner attempts to protect the Partnership from the burden of inflation-related increases in
expenses by increasing rents and maintaining a high overall occupancy level. However, the Corporate General Partner may use rental concessions and rental rate reductions to offset softening market conditions; accordingly, there is no guarantee that the Corporate General Partner will be able to sustain such a plan. Further, a number of factors that are outside the control of the Partnership such as the local economic climate and weather can adversely or positively affect the Partnerships financial results.



Results of Operations



The Partnerships net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 was approximately $156,000 compared to a net loss of approximately $99,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004.  The increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 is due to an increase in total expenses.  Total revenues remained relatively constant for both periods as an increase in rental income, due to a decrease in bad debt expense partially offset by a decrease in the average rental rate, and an increase in casualty gain were offset by a decrease in other income due to decreases in late charges and miscellaneous fees at the investment property.



In December 2004, the Partnership's investment property, Governors Park Apartments, incurred water damage as a result of a frozen pipe. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the property received approximately $12,000 in insurance proceeds to repair the damaged units and approximately $3,000 in insurance proceeds for lost rents.  The Partnership recorded a casualty gain of approximately $6,000 due to the write-off of undepreciated damaged assets.



In February 2005, the Partnerships investment property, Governors Park Apartments incurred water damage as a result of a broken valve on a washing machine.  During the year ended December 31, 2005, the property received approximately $2,000 in insurance proceeds to repair the damaged units.  The Partnership recorded a casualty loss of approximately $1,000 due to the write off of undepreciated damaged assets.  The loss is included in operating expenses.



During December 2005, the Partnerships investment property, Governors Park Apartments, incurred fire damage of approximately $141,000. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $89,000. The Partnership does not expect to recognize a loss related to this casualty.



Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2005 due to increases in operating, general and administrative, interest, and depreciation expenses partially offset by a decrease in property tax expense. Operating expense increased due to increases in payroll and related benefits and contract services at Governors Park Apartments.  Depreciation expense increased due to property improvements and replacements placed into service during the past twelve months at Governors Park Apartments.  Property tax expense decreased due to a decrease in the assessed value and tax rate at Governors Park Apartments. Interest expense increased due to advances from an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner partially offset by a reduction in interest expense on the mortgage encumbering the investment property as a result of scheduled principal payments.



General and administrative expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2005 due to an increase in professional fees associated with the administration of the Partnership and tax fees, partially offset by a decrease in the cost of services included in the management reimbursements charged by the Corporate General Partner as allowed under the Partnership Agreement. Also included in general and administrative expenses are costs associated with the quarterly and annual communications with investors and regulatory agencies and the annual audit required by the Partnership Agreement.



Liquidity and Capital Resources



At December 31, 2005, the Partnership had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $52,000 compared to approximately $84,000 at December 31, 2004. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents of approximately $32,000 is due to approximately $217,000 of cash used in investing activities, partially offset by approximately $171,000 and $14,000 of cash provided by operating activities and financing activities, respectively.  Cash used in investing activities consisted of property improvements and replacements partially offset by net withdrawals from restricted escrows and insurance proceeds received. Cash provided by financing activities consisted of advances received from an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner partially offset by principal payments on the mortgage encumbering Governors Park Apartments. The Partnership invests its working capital reserves in interest bearing accounts.



The sufficiency of existing liquid assets to meet future liquidity and capital expenditure requirements is directly related to the level of capital expenditures required at the property to adequately maintain the physical assets and other operating needs of the Partnership and to comply with Federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements. The Corporate General Partner monitors developments in the area of legal and regulatory compliance. For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 mandates or suggests additional compliance measures with regard to governance, disclosure, audit and other areas. In light of these changes, the Partnership expects that it will incur higher expenses related to compliance. The Partnership regularly evaluates the capital improvement needs of the property.  While the Partnership has no material commitments for property improvements and replacements, certain routine capital expenditures are anticipated during 2006. Such capital expenditures will depend on the physical condition of the property as well as replacement reserves and anticipated cash flow generated by the property.  Capital expenditures will be incurred only if cash is available from operations or from Partnership reserves.  To the extent that capital improvements are completed, the Partnership's distributable cash flow, if any, may be adversely affected at least in the short term.



The Partnership's assets are thought to be generally sufficient for any near term needs (exclusive of capital improvements) of the Partnership.  The mortgage indebtedness encumbering the investment property of approximately $6,310,000 is being amortized over 240 months with a maturity date of March 1, 2022 at which time the loan is scheduled to be fully amortized.



No distributions were made by the Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.



Future cash distributions will depend on the levels of cash generated from operations and the timing of the debt maturity, property sale and/or refinancing. The Partnership's cash available for distribution is reviewed on a monthly basis. In light of the amounts accrued and payable to affiliates of the Corporate General Partner at December 31, 2005, there can be no assurance, however, that the Partnership will generate sufficient funds from operations, after planned capital expenditures, to permit any distributions to its partners in 2006 or subsequent periods.



In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interest in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 11,180 limited partnership units (the "Units") in the Partnership representing 64.46% of the outstanding Units at December 31, 2005. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private
purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, unitholders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 64.46% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as corporate general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates



A summary of the Partnerships significant accounting policies is included in "Note A  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies" which is included in the financial statements in "Item 7. Financial Statements".  The CorporateGeneral Partner believes that the consistent application of these policies enables the Partnership to provide readers of the financial statements with useful and reliable information about the Partnerships operating results and financial condition.  The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Partnership to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates. Judgments and assessments of uncertainties are required in applying the Partnerships accounting policies in many areas. The Partnership believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.



Impairment of Long-Lived Assets



Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, unless the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable.  If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable, the Partnership will make an assessment of its recoverability by comparing the carrying amount to the Partnerships estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows, excluding interest charges, of the property.   If the carrying amount exceeds the aggregate undiscounted future cash flows, the Partnership would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.



Real property investment is subject to varying degrees of risk.  Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of the Partnerships investment properties.  These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic climate; competition from other apartment communities and other housing options; local conditions, such as loss of jobs or an increase in the supply of apartments that might adversely affect apartment occupancy or rental rates; changes in governmental regulations and the related cost of compliance; increases in operating costs (including real estate taxes) due to inflation and other factors, which may not be offset by increased rents; and changes in tax laws and housing laws, including the enactment of rent control laws or other laws regulating multi-family housing.  Any adverse changes in these factors could cause impairment of the Partnerships asset.



Revenue Recognition



The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less.  The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area.  Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants.



Item 7.

Financial Statements



SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



Consolidated Balance Sheet - December 31, 2005



Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004



Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Deficit - Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









The Partners

Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership





We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners' deficit, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.



We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Partnerships internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnerships internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership at December 31, 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.



/s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP







Greenville, South Carolina

March 6, 2006















|                                          
|------------------------------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
|                                          
|CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET                
|(in thousands, except unit data)          
|                                          
|December 31, 2005                         







|                                          |          |        
|----------------------------------------- | -------- | -------
|Assets                                    |          |        
|Cash and cash equivalents                 |          | $    52
|Receivables and deposits                  |          | 50     
|Restricted escrow                         |          | 45     
|Other assets                              |          | 260    
|Investment property (Notes C, D and F):   |          |        
|Land                                      | $   714  |        
|Buildings and personal property           | 7,950    |        
|                                          | 8,664    |        
|Less accumulated depreciation             | (5,009)  | 3,655  
|                                          |          | $4,062 
|                                          |          |        
|Liabilities and Partners' Deficit         |          |        
|                                          |          |        
|Liabilities                               |          |        
|Accounts payable                          |          | $     9
|Tenant security deposit liabilities       |          | 38     
|Due to affiliates (Note B)                |          | 578    
|Accrued property taxes                    |          | 67     
|Other liabilities                         |          | 99     
|Mortgage note payable (Note C)            |          | 6,310  
|                                          |          |        
|Partners' Deficit                         |          |        
|General partners                          | $  (102) |        
|Limited partners (17,343 units issued and |          |        
|outstanding)                              | (2,937)  | (3,039)
|                                          |          | $4,062 



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



|                                          
|------------------------------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
|                                          
|CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS     
|(in thousands, except per unit data)      







|                                             |                          |         
|-------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------
|                                             | Years Ended December 31,
|                                             | 2005                     | 2004    
|Revenues:                                    |                          |         
|Rental income                                | $ 1,302                  | $ 1,288 
|Other income                                 | 119                      | 141     
|Casualty gain (Note F)                       | 6                        | --      
|Total revenues                               | 1,427                    | 1,429   
|                                             |                          |         
|Expenses:                                    |                          |         
|Operating                                    | 667                      | 644     
|General and administrative                   | 86                       | 79      
|Depreciation                                 | 259                      | 238     
|Interest                                     | 501                      | 492     
|Property taxes                               | 70                       | 75      
|Total expenses                               | 1,583                    | 1,528   
|                                             |                          |         
|Net loss (Note E)                            | $(156)                   | $(99)   
|                                             |                          |         
|Net loss allocated to general partners (1%)  | $    (2)                 | $    (1)
|Net loss allocated to limited partners (99%) | (154)                    | (98)    
|                                             |                          |         
|                                             | $(156)                   | $(99)   
|                                             |                          |         
|Net loss per limited partnership unit        | $(8.88)                  | $(5.65) 



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





|                                                       
|-------------------------------------------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP             
|                                                       
|CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT
|(in thousands, except unit data)                       







|                               |             |          |          |         
|------------------------------ | ----------- | -------- | -------- | --------
|                               | Limited     |          |          |         
|                               | Partnership | General  | Limited  |         
|                               | Units       | Partners | Partners | Total   
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Original capital contributions | 17,343      | $2       | $17,343  | $17,345 
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Partners' deficit at           |             |          |          |         
|December 31, 2003              | 17,343      | $   (99) | $(2,685) | $(2,784)
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Net loss for the year ended    |             |          |          |         
|December 31, 2004              | --          | (1)      | (98)     | (99)    
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Partners' deficit at           |             |          |          |         
|December 31, 2004              | 17,343      | (100)    | (2,783)  | (2,883) 
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Net loss for the year ended    |             |          |          |         
|December 31, 2005              | --          | (2)      | (154)    | (156)   
|                               |             |          |          |         
|Partners' deficit at           |             |          |          |         
|December 31, 2005              | 17,343      | $(102)   | $(2,937) | $(3,039)



See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





|                                          
|------------------------------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
|                                          
|CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS     
|(in thousands)                            



|                                                     |                          |         
|---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------
|                                                     | Years Ended December 31,
|                                                     | 2005                     | 2004    
|Cash flows from operating activities:                |                          |         
|Net loss                                             | $  (156)                 | $   (99)
|Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash        |                          |         
|provided by operating activities:                    |                          |         
|Depreciation                                         | 259                      | 238     
|Amortization of loan costs                           | 14                       | 14      
|Casualty gain                                        | (6)                      | --      
|Change in accounts:                                  |                          |         
|Receivables and deposits                             | --                       | (31)    
|Other assets                                         | 9                        | (10)    
|Accounts payable                                     | (4)                      | 13      
|Tenant security deposit liabilities                  | 64                       | 8       
|Accrued taxes                                        | (4)                      | --      
|Other liabilities                                    | (85)                     | (13)    
|Due to affiliates                                    | 80                       | 45      
|Net cash provided by operating activities            | 171                      | 165     
|                                                     |                          |         
|Cash flows from investing activities:                |                          |         
|Property improvements and replacements               | (243)                    | (238)   
|Net withdrawals from restricted escrows              | 11                       | 29      
|Insurance proceeds received                          | 15                       | --      
|Net cash used in investing activities                | (217)                    | (209)   
|                                                     |                          |         
|Cash flows from financing activities:                |                          |         
|Payments on mortgage note payable                    | (200)                    | (185)   
|Advances from affiliates                             | 214                      | 239     
|Net cash provided by financing activities            | 14                       | 54      
|                                                     |                          |         
|Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (32)                     | 10      
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year       | 84                       | 74      
|                                                     |                          |         
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of year             | $52                      | $84     
|                                                     |                          |         
|Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    |                          |         
|Cash paid for interest                               | $457                     | $472    





See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





|                                          
|------------------------------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
|                                          
|Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|                                          
|December 31, 2005                         





Note A - Organization and Significant Accounting Policies



Organization:



Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership (the "Partnership" or "Registrant") was organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of South Carolina on October 29, 1984. The general partner responsible for management of the Partnership's business is Shelter Realty VII Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the "Corporate General Partner"). The Corporate General Partner is a subsidiary of Apartment Investment Management Company ("AIMCO"), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The other general partner is AIMCO Properties, L.P., an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO. The Partnership Agreement provides that the Partnership is to terminate on December 31, 2024 unless terminated prior to such date. The Partnership commenced operations on August 27, 1985 and completed its acquisition of apartment properties on December 6, 1985. The Partnership owns one residential apartment property located in Colorado.



Principles of Consolidation:



The Partnership's consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Partnership and its 99.99% owned partnership. The general partner of the consolidated partnership is Shelter Realty VII Corporation. Shelter Realty VII Corporation may be removed by the Partnership; therefore, the consolidated partnership is controlled and consolidated by the Partnership. All significant interpartnership transactions have been eliminated.



Use of Estimates:



The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.



Allocation of Cash Distributions:



Cash distributions by the Partnership are allocated between general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement. The Partnership Agreement defines net cash from operations as revenue received less operating expenses paid, adjusted for certain specified items which primarily include mortgage payments on debt, property improvements and replacements not previously reserved, and the effects of other adjustments to reserves including reserve amounts deemed necessary by the Corporate General Partner. In the following notes to the consolidated financial statements, whenever "net cash from operations" is used, it has the aforementioned meaning. The following is a reconciliation of the subtotal in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows captioned "net cash provided by operating activities" to "net cash from operations", as defined in the Partnership Agreement. However, "net cash from operations" should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indicator of the Partnership's operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.



| |                          | 
| | ------------------------ | 
| | Years Ended December 31,

|                                                  |                |        
|------------------------------------------------- | -------------- | -------
|                                                  | 2005           | 2004   
|                                                  | (in thousands)
|                                                  |                |        
|Net cash provided by operating activities         | $   171        | $   165
|Property improvements and replacements            | (243)          | (238)  
|Payments on mortgage note payable                 | (200)          | (185)  
|Changes in reserves for net operating liabilities | (60)           | (12)   
|Changes in restricted escrows, net                | 11             | 29     
|Net cash used in operations                       | $(321)         | $(241) 



Distributions made from reserves no longer considered necessary by the Corporate General Partner are considered to be additional net cash from operations for allocation purposes.



The Partnership Agreement provides that 99% of distributions of net cash from operations are allocated to the limited partners until they receive net cash from operations for such fiscal year equal to 7% of their adjusted capital values (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), at which point the general partners will be allocated all net cash from operations until they have received distributions equal to 10% of the aggregate net cash from operations distributed to partners for such fiscal year. Thereafter, the general partners will be allocated 10% of any distributions of remaining net cash from operations for such fiscal year.



All distributions of distributable net proceeds (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) from property dispositions and refinancings will be allocated to the limited partners until each limited partner has received an amount equal to a cumulative 7% per annum of the average of the limited partners' adjusted capital value, less any prior distributions of net cash from operations and distributable net proceeds, and has also received an amount equal to the limited partners' adjusted capital value.  Thereafter, the general partners receive 1% of the selling prices of properties sold where they acted as a broker, and then the limited partners will be allocated 85% of any remaining distributions of distributable net proceeds and the general partners will receive 15%.



Allocation of Profits, Gains and Losses:



Profits, gains, and losses of the Partnership are allocated between general and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement.



For any fiscal year, to the extent that profits, not including gains from property dispositions, do not exceed distributions of net cash from operations, such profits are allocated in the same manner as such distributions.



Any gain from property dispositions attributable to the excess, if any, of the indebtedness relating to a property immediately prior to the disposition of such property over the Partnership's adjusted basis in the property shall be allocated to each partner having a negative capital account balance, to the extent of such negative balance. The balance of any gain shall be treated on a cumulative basis as if it constituted an equivalent amount of distributable net proceeds and shall be allocated to the general partners to the extent that general partners would have received distributable net proceeds in connection therewith; the balance shall be allocated to the limited partners. However, the interest of the general partners will be equal to at least 1% of each gain at all times during the existence of the Partnership. Accordingly, net loss as shown in the consolidated statements of operations and changes in partners' deficit for 2005 and 2004 was allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partners. Net loss per limited partnership unit was computed by dividing the net loss allocated to the limited partners by 17,343 units outstanding.



All losses, including losses attributable to property dispositions, are allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partners.



Other Reserves:



The Corporate General Partner may designate a portion of cash generated from operations as "other reserves" in determining net cash from operations. The Corporate General Partner designated as other reserves an amount equal to the net liabilities related to the operations of the apartment property during the current fiscal year that are expected to require the use of cash during the next fiscal year. The decrease in other reserves during 2005 was approximately $60,000, compared to a decrease of approximately $12,000 during 2004. These amounts were determined by considering changes in the balance of receivables and deposits, other assets, accounts payable, tenant security deposit liabilities, accrued property taxes, due to affiliates and other liabilities. At this time, the Corporate General Partner expects to continue to adjust other reserves based on the net change in the aforementioned account balances.



Cash and Cash Equivalents:



Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks. At certain times, the amount of cash deposited at a bank may exceed the limit on insured deposits. Cash balances include approximately $47,000 at December 31, 2005 that are maintained by an affiliated management company on behalf of affiliated entities in cash concentration accounts.



Restricted Escrow:



Approximately $45,000 of replacement reserves is on deposit with the mortgage holder, as required by the mortgage agreement.



Investment Property:



Investment property consists of one apartment complex and is stated at cost.  The Partnership capitalizes costs incurred in connection with capital expenditure activities, including redevelopment and construction projects, other tangible property improvements and replacements of existing property components.  Costs associated with redevelopment projects are capitalized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 67, Accounting for Costs and the Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Properties.  Costs incurred in connection with capital projects are capitalized where the costs of the project exceed $250.
Included in these capitalized costs are payroll costs associated with time spent by site employees in connection with the planning, execution and control of all capital expenditure activities at the property level.  The Partnership capitalizes interest, property taxes and operating costs in accordance with SFAS No. 34 Capitalization of Interest Costs during periods in which redevelopment and construction projects are in progress.  The Partnership did not capitalize any costs related to interest, property taxes, or operating costs during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.  Capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the asset.  Expenditures for ordinary repairs, maintenance and apartment turnover costs are expensed as incurred.



In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Partnership records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets.  No adjustments for impairment of value were necessary for the years ending December 31, 2005 and 2004.



Depreciation:



Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method over the estimated life of the apartment property and related personal property. For Federal income tax purposes, the accelerated cost recovery method is used for real property over 19 years for additions after May 8, 1985, and before January 1, 1987. As a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, for additions after December 31, 1986, the modified accelerated cost recovery method is used for depreciation of (1) real property over 27 1/2 years and (2) personal property additions over 5 years.



Deferred Costs:



Loan costs of approximately $224,000, net of accumulated amortization of approximately $52,000, are included in other assets. The loan costs are amortized over the term of the related loan agreement. Amortization expense was approximately $14,000 for both of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and is included in interest expense. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $14,000 for each of the years 2006 through 2010.



Leasing commissions and other direct costs incurred in connection with successful leasing efforts are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related leases.  Amortization of these costs is included in operating expenses.



Tenant Security Deposits:



The Partnership requires security deposits from lessees for the duration of the lease and such deposits are included in receivables and deposits. Deposits are refunded when the tenant vacates, provided the tenant has not damaged its space and is current on rental payments.



Fair Value of Financial Instruments:



SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", as amended by SFAS No. 119, "Disclosures about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments", requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value is defined in the SFAS as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The Partnership believes that the carrying amounts of its financial instruments (except for long term debt) approximate their fair values due to the short term maturity of these instruments. The Partnership estimates the fair value of its long-term debt by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with that currently believed to be available to the Partnership for similar term, fully amortizing long-term debt. The fair value of the Partnership's long term debt approximates its carrying balance.



Leases:



The Partnership generally leases apartment units for twelve-month terms or less.  The Partnership will offer rental concessions during particularly slow months or in response to heavy competition from other similar complexes in the area.  Rental income attributable to leases, net of any concessions, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  The Partnership evaluates all accounts receivable from residents and establishes an allowance, after the application of security deposits, for accounts greater than 30 days past due on current tenants and all receivables due from former tenants.



Advertising Costs:



The Partnership expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising costs of approximately $39,000 and $46,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were charged to operating expense.



Segment Reporting:



SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers.  As defined in SFAS 131, the Partnership has only one reportable segment.



Recent Accounting Pronouncement:



In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 154 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, which replaces APB Opinion No. 20 and SFAS No. 3, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This statement is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, although early adoption is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after the date SFAS No. 154 was issued. The Partnership does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 154 will have a material effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial condition or results of operations.



Note B - Transactions with Affiliated Parties



The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all partnership activities. The Partnership Agreement provides for (i) certain payments to affiliates for services and (ii) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.



Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner receive 5% of gross receipts from the Partnership's property as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $70,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, which is included in operating expenses.



Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner charged the Partnership for reimbursement of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $65,000 and $70,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively,  which are included in general and administrative expenses and investment property. The portion of these reimbursements included in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 are fees related to construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner of approximately $19,000 and $20,000, respectively. At December 31, 2005, approximately $90,000 in unpaid reimbursements and accrued interest was due to the Corporate General Partner and is included in due to affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.



Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $214,000 and $239,000, respectively, to fund operations and capital improvements at Governors Park Apartments. Interest is charged at the prime rate plus 2% (9.25% at December 31, 2005) and interest expense was approximately $28,000
and $7,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. At December 31, 2005 the total balance of advances and accrued interest due to the Corporate General Partner was approximately $488,000 and is included in due to affiliates on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $14,000 to fund operations at Governors Park Apartments and the Partnership repaid approximately $65,000 in advances and accrued interest.



The Partnership insures its property up to certain limits through coverage provided by AIMCO which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers compensation, property casualty, general liability and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its property above the AIMCO limits through insurance policies obtained by AIMCO from insurers unaffiliated with the Corporate General Partner. During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $22,000 and $21,000, respectively, for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration.



In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interest in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 11,180 limited partnership units (the "Units") in the Partnership representing 64.46% of the outstanding Units at December 31, 2005. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, unitholders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 64.46% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as corporate general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.





Note C - Mortgage Note Payable



The principal terms of the mortgage note payable are as follows:



|                |                |           |          |                |          
|--------------- | -------------- | --------- | -------- | -------------- | ---------
|                | Principal      | Monthly   |          |                | Principal
|                | Balance At     | Payment   | Stated   |                | Balance  
|                | December 31,   | Including | Interest | Maturity       | Due At   
|                | 2005           | Interest  | Rate     | Date           | Maturity 
|Property        | (in thousands) |           |          | (in thousands)
|                |                |           |          |                |          
|Governor's Park |                |           |          |                |          
|Apartments      |                |           |          |                |          
|1st mortgage    | $6,310         | $55       | 7.12%    | 03/01/22       | $--      





The mortgage note payable is a fixed rate mortgage that is non-recourse and is secured by a pledge of the Partnerships rental property and by a pledge of revenues from the rental property.  The mortgage note payable includes a prepayment penalty if repaid prior to maturity.  Further, the property may not be sold subject to existing indebtedness.



Scheduled principal payments of the mortgage note payable subsequent to December 31, 2005 are as follows (in thousands):



|           |        
|---------- | -------
|2006       | $   214
|2007       | 230    
|2008       | 247    
|2009       | 265    
|2010       | 284    
|Thereafter | 5,070  
|Total      | $6,310 



Note D  Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation





|                |              |                |             |              
|--------------- | ------------ | -------------- | ----------- | -------------
|                |              | Initial Cost   |            
|                |              | To Partnership |            
|                |              | (in thousands) |            
|                |              |                |             |              
|                |              |                | Buildings   | Cost         
|                |              |                | and Related | Capitalized  
|                |              |                | Personal    | Subsequent to
|Description     | Encumbrances | Land           | Property    | Acquisition  
|                |              |                |             |              
|Governor's Park |              |                |             |              
|Apartments      | $6,310       | $714           | $6,496      | $1,454       





| |                               |  |  |  |  |  | 
| | ----------------------------- |  |  |  |  |  | 
| | Gross Amount At Which Carried |  | 
| | At December 31, 2005          |  | 
| | (in thousands)                |  | 

|                |      |             |        |              |              |          |             
|--------------- | ---- | ----------- | ------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------- | ------------
|                |      | Buildings   |        |              |              |          |             
|                |      | And Related |        |              |              |          |             
|                |      | Personal    |        | Accumulated  | Date of      | Date     | Depreciation
|Description     | Land | Property    | Total  | Depreciation | Construction | Acquired | Life-Years  
|                |      |             |        |              |              |          |             
|Governor's Park | $714 | $7,950      | $8,664 | $5,009       | 1983         | 09/30/85 | 5-39        



Reconciliation of "Investment Property and Accumulated Depreciation":



|                             |                |        
|---------------------------- | -------------- | -------
|                             | December 31,  
|                             | 2005           | 2004   
|                             | (in thousands)
|Investment Property          |                |        
|Balance at beginning of year | $ 8,440        | $ 8,202
|Property improvements        | 243            | 238    
|Disposition of assets        | (19)           | --     
|Balance at end of year       | $8,664         | $8,440 
|                             |                |        
|Accumulated Depreciation     |                |        
|Balance at beginning of year | $ 4,760        | $ 4,522
|Additions charged to expense | 259            | 238    
|Disposition of assets        | (10)           | --     
|Balance at end of year       | $5,009         | $4,760 



The aggregate cost of investment property for Federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2005 and 2004 is approximately $9,210,000 and $8,984,000, respectively. The accumulated depreciation taken for Federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2005 and 2004 is approximately $7,264,000 and $7,093,000, respectively.



Note E - Income Taxes



The Partnership has received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that it will be classified as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes.  Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is made in the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership. Taxable income or loss of the Partnership is reported in the income tax returns of its partners.



The following is a reconciliation of reported net loss and Federal taxable loss (in thousands, except per unit data):



|                                          |           |          
|----------------------------------------- | --------- | ---------
|                                          | 2005      | 2004     
|Net loss as reported                      | $   (156) | $    (99)
|Add (deduct):                             |           |          
|Depreciation differences                  | 88        | (136)    
|Unearned income                           | (17)      | (27)     
|Other                                     | (27)      | 40       
|                                          |           |          
|Federal taxable loss                      | $(112)    | $(222)   
|Federal taxable income (loss) per limited |           |          
|partnership unit                          | $9.10     | $(12.66) 



For 2005, allocations under the Internal Revenue Code Section 704(b) b result on the limited partners being allocated a non-pro rata amount of taxable income or loss.



The following is a reconciliation between the Partnership's reported amounts and Federal tax basis of net assets and liabilities (in thousands):



|                            |         
|--------------------------- | --------
|Net liabilities as reported | $(3,039)
|Buildings                   | 546     
|Accumulated depreciation    | (2,255) 
|Syndication fees            | 2,292   
|Other                       | 42      
|                            |         
|Net liabilities  tax basis | $(2,414)



Note F  Casualty Events



In December 2004, the Partnership's investment property, Governors Park Apartments, incurred water damage as a result of a frozen pipe. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the property received approximately $12,000 in insurance proceeds to repair the damaged units and approximately $3,000 in insurance proceeds for lost rents.  The Partnership recorded a casualty gain of approximately $6,000 due to the write-off of undepreciated damaged assets.



In February 2005, the Partnerships investment property, Governors Park Apartments incurred water damage as a result of a broken valve on a washing machine.  During the year ended December 31, 2005, the property received approximately $2,000 in insurance proceeds to repair the damaged units.  The Partnership recorded a casualty loss of approximately $1,000 due to the write off of undepreciated damaged assets.  The loss is included in operating expenses.



During December 2005, the Partnerships investment property, Governors Park Apartments, incurred fire damage of approximately $141,000. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, the Partnership received insurance proceeds of approximately $89,000. The Partnership does not expect to recognize a loss related to this casualty.



Note G - Contingencies



In March 1998, several putative unit holders of limited partnership units of the Partnership commenced an action entitled Rosalie Nuanes, et al. v. Insignia Financial Group, Inc., et al. (the "Nuanes action") in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Mateo. The plaintiffs named as defendants, among others, the Partnership, its Corporate General Partner and several of their affiliated partnerships and corporate entities. The action purported to assert claims on behalf of a class of limited partners and derivatively on behalf of a number of limited partnerships (including the Partnership) that are named as nominal defendants, challenging, among other things, the acquisition of interests in certain Corporate General Partner entities by Insignia Financial Group, Inc. ("Insignia") and entities that were, at one time, affiliates of Insignia; past tender offers by the Insignia affiliates to acquire limited partnership units; management of the partnerships by the Insignia affiliates; and the series of transactions which closed on October 1, 1998 and February 26, 1999 whereby Insignia and Insignia Properties Trust, respectively, were merged into AIMCO. The plaintiffs sought monetary damages and equitable relief, including judicial dissolution of the Partnership. In addition, during the third quarter of 2001, a complaint captioned Heller v. Insignia Financial Group (the "Heller action") was filed against the same defendants that are named in the Nuanes action. On or about August 6, 2001, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. The Heller action was brought as a purported derivative action, and asserted claims for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, conversion, unjust enrichment, and judicial dissolution. On January 28, 2002, the trial court granted defendants motion to strike the complaint.  Plaintiffs took an appeal from this order.



On January 8, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation of Settlement in proposed settlement of the Nuanes action and the Heller action. On June 13, 2003, the court granted final approval of the settlement and entered judgment in both the Nuanes and Heller actions. On August 12, 2003, an objector ("Objector") filed an appeal (the Appeal) seeking to vacate and/or reverse the order approving the settlement and entering judgment thereto. On May 4, 2004, the Objector filed a second appeal challenging the courts use of a referee and its order requiring Objector to pay those fees.



On March 21, 2005, the Court of Appeals issued opinions in both pending appeals.  With regard to the settlement and judgment entered thereto, the Court of Appeals vacated the trial courts order and remanded to the trial court for further findings on the basis that the state of the record is insufficient to permit meaningful appellate review.  The matter was transferred back to the trial court on June 21, 2005.  With regard to the second appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the order requiring the Objector to pay referee fees. With respect to the related Heller appeal, on July 28, 2005, the Court of Appeals reversed the trial courts order striking the first amended complaint.



On August 18, 2005, Objector and his counsel filed a motion to disqualify the trial court based on a peremptory challenge and filed a motion to disqualify for cause on October 17, 2005, both of which were ultimately denied and/or struck by the trial court.  On or about October 13, 2005 Objector filed a motion to intervene and on or about October 19, 2005 filed both a motion to take discovery relating to the adequacy of plaintiffs as derivative representatives and a motion to dissolve the anti-suit injunction in connection with settlement.  On November 14, 2005, Plaintiffs filed a Motion For Further Findings pursuant to the remand ordered by the Court of Appeals. Defendants joined in that motion.  On February 3, 2006, the Court held a hearing on the various matters pending before it and has ordered additional briefing from the parties and Objector.



The Corporate General Partner does not anticipate that any costs to the Partnership, whether legal or settlement costs, associated with these cases will be material to the Partnerships overall operations.



AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company, both affiliates of the Corporate General Partner, are defendants in a lawsuit alleging that they willfully violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by failing to pay maintenance workers overtime for all hours worked in excess of forty per week. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, attempts to bring a collective action under the FLSA and seeks to certify state subclasses in California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Specifically, the plaintiffs contend that AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to compensate maintenance workers for time that they were required to be "on-call". Additionally, the complaint alleges AIMCO Properties L.P. and NHP Management Company failed to comply with the FLSA in compensating maintenance workers for time that they worked in excess of 40 hours in a week.   In June 2005 the Court conditionally certified the collective action on both the on-call and overtime issues, which allows the plaintiffs to provide notice of the collective action to all non-exempt maintenance workers from August 7, 2000 through the present.  Notices have been sent out to all current and former hourly maintenance workers. The opt-in period has not yet closed. Defendants will have the opportunity to opt-in to the collective action, and AIMCO Properties, L.P. and NHP Management Company  will have the opportunity to move to decertify the collective action.  Because the court denied plaintiffs motion to certify state subclasses, on September 26, 2005, the plaintiffs filed a class action with the same allegations in the Superior Court of California (Contra Costa County) and on November 5, 2005 in Montgomery County Maryland Circuit Court.  Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, AIMCO Properties, L.P. does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, the Corporate General Partner does not believe that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial condition or results of operations.



The Partnership is unaware of any other pending or outstanding litigation matters involving it or its investment property that are not of a routine nature arising in the ordinary course of business.



Environmental



Various Federal, state and local laws subject property owners or operators to liability for management, and the costs of removal or remediation, of certain hazardous substances present on a property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of the hazardous substances. The presence of, or the failure to manage or remedy properly, hazardous substances may adversely affect occupancy at affected apartment communities and the ability to sell or finance affected properties. In addition to the costs associated with investigation and remediation actions brought by government agencies, and potential fines or penalties imposed by such agencies in connection therewith, the presence of hazardous substances on a property could result in claims by private plaintiffs for personal injury, disease, disability or other infirmities. Various laws also impose liability for the cost of removal, remediation or disposal of hazardous substances through a licensed disposal or treatment facility. Anyone who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances is potentially liable under such laws. These laws often impose liability whether or not the person arranging for the disposal ever owned or operated the disposal facility. In connection with the ownership, operation and management of its property, the Partnership could
potentially be liable for environmental liabilities or costs associated with its property.



Mold



The Partnership is aware of lawsuits against owners and managers of multifamily properties asserting claims of personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold, some of which have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  The Partnership has only limited insurance coverage for property damage loss claims arising from the presence of mold and for personal injury claims related to mold exposure.  Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner have implemented a national policy and procedures to prevent or eliminate mold from its properties and the Corporate General Partner believes that these measures will minimize the effects that mold could have on residents.  To date, the Partnership has not incurred any material costs or liabilities relating to claims of mold exposure or to abate mold conditions.  Because the law regarding mold is unsettled and subject to change the Corporate General Partner can make no assurance that liabilities resulting from the presence of or exposure to mold will not have a material adverse effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial condition or results of operations.



SEC Investigation



On December 19, 2005, AIMCO announced that the Central Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) has informed AIMCO that its investigation has been recommended for termination and no enforcement action has been recommended to the Commission regarding AIMCO.



Item 8.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure



None.



Item 8a.

Controls and Procedures



(a)

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Partnerships management, with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnerships principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnerships disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Corporate General Partner, who are the equivalent of the Partnerships principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Partnerships disclosure controls and procedures are effective.



(b)

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Partnerships internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnerships internal control over financial reporting.



Item 8b.

Other Information



None.



PART III



Item 9.

Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act



The Partnership has no directors or officers. The Corporate General Partner is Shelter Realty VII Corporation. The names and ages of, as well as the positions and offices held by, the present directors and officers of the Corporate General Partner are set forth below. There are no family relationships between or among any directors or officers.



|                     |     |                                           
|-------------------- | --- | ------------------------------------------
|Name                 | Age | Position                                  
|                     |     |                                           
|Martha L. Long       | 46  | Director and Senior Vice President        
|Harry G. Alcock      | 43  | Director and Executive Vice President     
|Miles Cortez         | 62  | Executive Vice President, General Counsel 
|                     |     | and Secretary                             
|Patti K. Fielding    | 42  | Executive Vice President                  
|Thomas M. Herzog     | 43  | Executive Vice President and Chief        
|                     |     | Financial Officer                         
|Robert Y. Walker, IV | 40  | Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting
|                     |     | Officer                                   
|Stephen B. Waters    | 44  | Vice President                            



Martha L. Long has been a Director and Senior Vice President of the Corporate General Partner since February 2004. Ms. Long has been with AIMCO since October 1998 and has served in various capacities.  From 1998 to 2001, Ms. Long served as Senior Vice President and Controller of AIMCO and the Corporate General Partner.  During 2002 and 2003, Ms. Long served as Senior Vice President of Continuous Improvement for AIMCO.



Harry G. Alcock was appointed as a Director of the Corporate General Partner in October 2004 and was appointed Executive Vice President of the Corporate General Partner in February 2004 and has been Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of AIMCO since October 1999.  Mr. Alcock has had responsibility for acquisition and financing activities of AIMCO since July 1994, serving as Vice President from July 1996 to October 1997 and as a Senior Vice President from October 1997 to October 1999.



Miles Cortez was appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Corporate General Partner in February 2004 and of AIMCO in August 2001.  Prior to joining AIMCO, Mr. Cortez was the senior partner of Cortez Macaulay Bernhardt & Schuetze LLC, a Denver law firm, from December 1997 through September 2001.



Patti K. Fielding was appointed Executive Vice President - Securities and Debt of the Corporate General Partner in February 2004 and of AIMCO in February 2003.  Ms. Fielding was appointed Treasurer of AIMCO in January 2005.  Ms. Fielding is responsible for debt financing and the treasury department.  Ms. Fielding previously served as Senior Vice President - Securities and Debt of AIMCO from January 2000 to February 2003.  Ms. Fielding joined AIMCO in February 1997 as a Vice President.



Thomas M. Herzog was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO in November 2005 and was appointed Executive Vice President of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO in July 2005.  In January 2004, Mr. Herzog joined AIMCO as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer and of the
Corporate General Partner in February 2004. Prior to joining AIMCO in January 2004, Mr. Herzog was at GE Real Estate, serving as Chief Accounting Officer & Global Controller from April 2002 to January 2004 and as Chief Technical Advisor from March 2000 to April 2002.  Prior to joining GE Real Estate, Mr. Herzog was at Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1990 to 2000.



Robert Y. Walker, IV was appointed Senior Vice President of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO in August 2005 and became the Chief Accounting Officer of the Corporate General Partner and AIMCO in November 2005.  From June 2002, until he joined AIMCO, Mr. Walker served as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Miller Global Properties, LLC, a Denver-based private equity, real estate fund manager.  From May 1997 to June 2002, Mr. Walker was employed by GE Capital Real Estate, serving as global controller from May 2000 to June 2002.



Stephen B. Waters was appointed Vice President of the Corporate General Partner in April 2004.  Mr. Waters previously served as a Director of Real Estate Accounting since joining AIMCO in September 1999.  Mr. Waters has responsibility for partnership accounting with AIMCO.



One or more of the above persons are also directors and/or officers of a general partner (or general partner of a general partner) of limited partnerships which either have a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15(d) of such Act. Further, one or more of the above persons are also officers of Apartment Investment and Management Company and the general partner of AIMCO Properties, L.P., entities that have a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15 (d) of such Act.



The board of directors of the Corporate General Partner does not have a separate audit committee. As such, the board of directors of the Corporate General Partner fulfills the functions of an audit committee. The board of directors has determined that Martha L. Long meets the requirement of an "audit committee financial expert".



The directors and officers of the Corporate General Partner with authority over the Partnership are all employees of subsidiaries of AIMCO. AIMCO has adopted a code of ethics that applies to such directors and officers that is posted on AIMCO's website (www.AIMCO.com). AIMCO's website is not incorporated by reference to this filing.



Item 10.

Executive Compensation



None of the directors and officers of the Corporate General Partner received any remuneration from the Partnership.



Item 11.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management



Except as noted below, no person or entity was known by the Partnership to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Limited Partnership Units of the Partnership as of December 31, 2005.



|                              |                 |                    
|----------------------------- | --------------- | -------------------
|Name and Address              | Number of Units | Percentage of Total
|Madison River Properties, LLC | 2,180           | 12.57%             
|(an affiliate of AIMCO)       |                 |                    
|Cooper River Properties, LLC  | 1,450           | 8.36%              
|(an affiliate of AIMCO)       |                 |                    
|AIMCO Properties, L.P.        | 7,303           | 42.11%             
|(an affiliate of AIMCO)       |                 |                    
|AIMCO IPLP, L.P.              | 247             | 1.42%              
|(an affiliate of AIMCO)       |                 |                    



AIMCO IPLP, L.P., Madison River Properties, LLC and Cooper River Properties, LLC are all indirectly ultimately owned by AIMCO. Their business addresses are 55 Beattie Place, Greenville, SC 29602.



AIMCO Properties, L.P. is indirectly ultimately owned by AIMCO. Its business address is 4582 S. Ulster St. Parkway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80237.



No director or officer of the Corporate General Partner owns any Units. The Corporate General Partner owns 100 Units as required by the terms of the Partnership Agreement governing the Partnership.  AIMCO Properties, L.P., the other general partner, owns 7,303 Units.



Item 12.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions



The Partnership has no employees and depends on the Corporate General Partner and its affiliates for the management and administration of all partnership activities. The Partnership Agreement provides for (i) certain payments to affiliates for services and (ii) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.



Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner receive 5% of gross receipts from the Partnership's property as compensation for providing property management services. The Partnership paid to such affiliates approximately $70,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, which is included in operating expenses.



Affiliates of the Corporate General Partner charged the Partnership for reimbursement of accountable administrative expenses amounting to approximately $65,000 and $70,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses and investment property. The portion of these reimbursements included in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 are fees related to construction management services provided by an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner of approximately $19,000 and $20,000, respectively. At December 31, 2005, approximately $90,000 in unpaid reimbursements and accrued interest was due to the Corporate General Partner and is included in due to affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet included in Item 7. Financial Statements.



Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $214,000 and $239,000, respectively, to fund operations and capital improvements at Governors Park Apartments. Interest is charged at the prime rate
plus 2% (9.25% at December 31, 2005) and interest expense was approximately $28,000 and $7,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. At December 31, 2005 the total balance of advances and accrued interest due to the Corporate General Partner was approximately $488,000 and is included in due to affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet included in Item 7. Financial Statements.  Subsequent to December 31, 2005, an affiliate of the Corporate General Partner advanced the Partnership approximately $14,000 to fund operations at Governors Park Apartments and the Partnership repaid approximately $65,000 in advances and accrued interest.



The Partnership insures its property up to certain limits through coverage provided by AIMCO which is generally self-insured for a portion of losses and liabilities related to workers compensation, property casualty, general liability and vehicle liability. The Partnership insures its property above the AIMCO limits through insurance policies obtained by AIMCO from insurers unaffiliated with the Corporate General Partner. During the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Partnership was charged by AIMCO and its affiliates approximately $22,000 and $21,000, respectively, for insurance coverage and fees associated with policy claims administration.



In addition to its indirect ownership of the general partner interest in the Partnership, AIMCO and its affiliates owned 11,180 limited partnership units (the "Units") in the Partnership representing 64.46% of the outstanding Units at December 31, 2005. A number of these Units were acquired pursuant to tender offers made by AIMCO or its affiliates. It is possible that AIMCO or its affiliates will acquire additional Units in exchange for cash or a combination of cash and units in AIMCO Properties, L.P., the operating partnership of AIMCO, either through private purchases or tender offers. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, unitholders holding a majority of the Units are entitled to take action with respect to a variety of matters that include, but are not limited to, voting on certain amendments to the Partnership Agreement and voting to remove the Corporate General Partner. As a result of its ownership of 64.46% of the outstanding Units, AIMCO and its affiliates are in a position to control all such voting decisions with respect to the Partnership. Although the Corporate General Partner owes fiduciary duties to the limited partners of the Partnership, the Corporate General Partner also owes fiduciary duties to AIMCO as its sole stockholder. As a result, the duties of the Corporate General Partner, as corporate general partner, to the Partnership and its limited partners may come into conflict with the duties of the Corporate General Partner to AIMCO as its sole stockholder.



Item 13.

Exhibits



See Exhibit Index.



Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services



The Corporate General Partner has reappointed Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership for 2006.  The aggregate fees billed for services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for 2005 and 2004 are described below.



Audit Fees.  Fees for audit services totaled approximately $24,000 for each of the years ended 2005 and 2004.  Fees for audit services also include fees for the reviews of the Partnership's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB.



Tax Fees.  Fees for tax services totaled approximately $11,000 each of the years ended for 2005 and 2004, respectively.



SIGNATURES







In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





| |                                           
| | ------------------------------------------
| | SHELTER PROPERTIES VII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
| |                                           
| | By:   Shelter Realty VII Corporation      
| | Corporate General Partner                 
| |                                           
| | By:   /s/Martha L. Long                   
| | Martha L. Long                            
| | Senior Vice President                     
| |                                           
| | By:   /s/Stephen B. Waters                
| | Stephen B. Waters                         
| | Vice President                            
| |                                           
| | Date: March 28, 2006                      



In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



|                     |                        |                     
|-------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------
|/s/Harry G. Alcock   | Director and Executive | Date: March 28, 2006
|Harry G. Alcock      | Vice President         |                     
|                     |                        |                     
|/s/Martha L. Long    | Director and Senior    | Date: March 28, 2006
|Martha L. Long       | Vice President         |                     
|                     |                        |                     
|/s/Stephen B. Waters | Vice President         | Date: March 28, 2006
|Stephen B. Waters    |                        |                     



|                      
|----------------------
|SHELTER PROPERTIES VII
|EXHIBIT INDEX         

Exhibit



3

See Exhibit 4(a)



4     (a)

Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership. [included as Exhibit A to the Prospectus of Registrant dated March 18, 1985 contained in Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 2-94604, of Registrant filed March 18, 1985 (the "Prospectus") and incorporated herein by reference].



(b)

Subscription Agreements and Signature Pages [Filed with Amendment No. 1 of Registration Statement No. 2-94604, of Registrant filed March 18, 1985 and incorporated herein by reference].



10(i)(b)

Purchase Agreement dated January 14, 1985, between NFC/TDM Joint Venture and U.S. Shelter Corporation to acquire Governor's Park Apartments. [Filed as Exhibit 10(F) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 of Registration Statement No. 2-94604 of the Registrant filed June 27, 1985 and incorporated herein by reference].



10(iii)(k)

Multifamily Note secured by a Mortgage or Deed of Trust dated February 6, 2002, between Governor's Park Apartments VII Limited Partnership and ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P. related to Governor's Park Apartments (Filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(k) to Form 10-KSB of Registrant filed on March 22, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).



31.1

Certification of equivalent of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



31.2

Certification of equivalent of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



32.1

Certification of the equivalent of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



99     (a)

Prospectus of Registrant dated March 18, 1985 [included in Registration Statement No. 2-94604 of Registrant] and incorporated herein by reference.



(b)

Agreement of Limited Partnership for Governor's Park Apartments VII Limited Partnership between Shelter Properties VII GP Limited Partnership and Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership entered into September 9, 1993.****



(c)

Agreement of Limited Partnership for Shelter Properties VII GP Limited Partnership between Shelter VII Limited Partnership and Shelter Realty VII Corporation.****



****Filed as Exhibits 28 (a) and (b) to Form 10-QSB dated December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.



Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Martha L. Long, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;



3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;



4.

The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the small business issuer and have:



(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;



(b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the small business issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and



(c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer's most recent fiscal quarter (the small business issuer's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and



5.

The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the small business issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the small business issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):



(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and



(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting.



Date:  March 28, 2006

/s/Martha L. Long

Martha L. Long

Senior Vice President Shelter Realty VII Corporation, equivalent of the chief executive officer of the Partnership















Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Stephen B. Waters, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;



3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;



4.

The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the small business issuer and have:



(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;



(b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the small business issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and



(c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer's most recent fiscal quarter (the small business issuer's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and



5.

The small business issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the small business issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the small business issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):



(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and



(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the small business issuer's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  March 28, 2006

/s/Stephen B. Waters

Stephen B. Waters

Vice President of Shelter Realty VII Corporation, equivalent of the chief financial officer of the Partnership















Exhibit 32.1





|                                             
|---------------------------------------------
|Certification of CEO and CFO                 
|Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,          
|As Adopted Pursuant to                       
|Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002







In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Shelter Properties VII Limited Partnership (the "Partnership"), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Martha L. Long, as the equivalent of the Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, and Stephen B. Waters, as the equivalent of the Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:



(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and



(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.





| |                        
| | -----------------------
| | /s/Martha L. Long      
| | Name: Martha L. Long   
| | Date: March 28, 2006   
| |                        
| | /s/Stephen B. Waters   
| | Name: Stephen B. Waters
| | Date: March 28, 2006   





This certification is furnished with this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Partnership for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.