Exhibit 23.1





                         Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1
to the  Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-62135) of HRPT Properties Trust
and in the  related  Prospectus;  in the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-3 No.
333-47815)  of HRPT  Properties  Trust  and in the  related  Prospectus;  in the
Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-56051) and in the related  Prospectus;
and in the  Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No.  333-86593) of HRPT Properties
Trust and in the related Prospectus of our report dated March 15, 2002, with
respect  to  the  consolidated   financial  statements  and  schedules  of  HRPT
Properties  Trust  included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2001.


                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

                                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 15, 2002