2009-10-05 22:04:01 -

Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) today declared its regular quarterly common share dividend of $0.36 per common share ($1.44 per share per year). This regular quarterly dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record as of the close of share trading on October 15th, 2009 and distributed on or about November 17, 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 TrustTimothy A. Bonang, 617-796-8234Vice
President, Investor RelationsorKatherine L. Johnston,

617-796-8234Manager, Investor Relations