NEWTON, MA (REIT Media) April 7, 2009 - Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE:SNH) today declared its regular quarterly common share dividend of $0.35/share ($1.40/share per year). This regular quarterly dividend will be paid to shareholders of record as of the close of share trading on April 17, 2009 and distributed on or about May 15, 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.

A Maryland Real Estate Investment Trust with transferable shares of beneficial interest listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

No shareholder, Trustee or officer is personally liable for any act or obligation of the Trust.

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