NEWTON, MA (REIT Media) July 1, 2009 - Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) today announced it has raised its regular quarterly common share dividend by $0.01 to $0.36 per common share ($1.44 per share per year). The next quarterly dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 10, 2009 and distributed on or about August 14, 2009.

Senior Housing Properties Trust is a real estate investment trust which owns independent and assisted living communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, wellness centers and medical office buildings throughout the United States. SNH is headquartered in Newton, MA.

Senior Housing Properties Trust
Timothy A. Bonang, 617-796-8234
Director of Investor Relations
or
Katherine L. Johnston, 617-796-8234
Manager of Investor Relations
www.snhreit.com