EX-32.1 16 a2190977zex-32_1.htm EXHIBIT 32.1
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Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350
(Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002)



        In connection with the filing by HRPT Properties Trust (the "Company") of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the "Report"), each of the undersigned hereby certifies, to the best of his knowledge:

    1)
    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

    2)
    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ BARRY M. PORTNOY     /s/ JOHN A. MANNIX  

 
 
 
Barry M. Portnoy
Managing Trustee
  John A. Mannix
President and Chief Investment Officer

/s/ ADAM D. PORTNOY  

 

/s/ JOHN C. POPEO  

 
 
 
Adam D. Portnoy
Managing Trustee
  John C. Popeo
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 2, 2009




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