QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

              We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of (i) our report dated February 18, 2009 with respect to the combined financial statements and schedule of Certain Government Properties (wholly owned by HRPT Properties Trust) and (ii) our report dated February 20, 2009 with respect to the balance sheet of Government Properties Income Trust, all included in the Registration Statement (Form S-11) and related Prospectus of Government Properties Income Trust for the registration of 11,500,000 common shares of beneficial interest.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP  

Boston, MA
May 26, 2009

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1