UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 3, 2004

SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST

Maryland
(State of organization) 001-15319
(Commission file number) 04-3445278
(I.R.S. employer identification number)

400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts	02458
617-796-8350

Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

        On May 3, 2004, Senior Housing Properties Trust, or the Company, issued a press release setting forth the Company’s results of operations and financial condition for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST


By: /s/ John R. Hoadley                
      Name: John R. Hoadley
      Title:   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 3, 2004