QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.6

CONSENT OF JEFFREY P. SOMERS TO BE NAMED AS A TRUSTEE

CONSENT

              The undersigned hereby consents to being named in the registration statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-          ) and in all subsequent amendments and post-effective amendments or supplements thereto and in any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the "Registration Statement") of Government Properties Income Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the "Company"), as an individual to become a trustee of the Company and to the inclusion of his or her biographical information in the Registration Statement.

Dated: February 18, 2009

/s/ JEFFREY P. SOMERS
Jeffrey P. Somers

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.6