UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES 
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

                                       OR

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

         For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

                          Commission File Number 1-9317

                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Maryland                               04-6558834
   (State or other jurisdiction          (IRS Employer Identification
        of incorporation)                            No.)



                 400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02158
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                  617-332-3990
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate  by check  mark  whether  the  registrant:  (1) has filed  all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] ]


       Number of Common Shares outstanding at the latest practicable date
  November 13, 1997: 98,838,340 shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value.



                     HEALT AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

                                    FORM 10-Q


                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997


                                      INDEX


PART I    Financial Information                                          Page

Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

          Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 1997 and 
              December 31, 1996                                            1

          Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and Nine Months
              Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996                            2

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended 
              September 30, 1997 and 1996                                  3

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                       5

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
             Results of Operations                                         8

PART II   Other Information

Item 2.   Changes in Securities                                           11

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                11

          Signatures                                                      12







                                  HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST



                                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                (unaudited)

                                                                         September 30,       December 31,
                                                                             1997                1996
                                                                         -------------       ------------
                                                                                      

ASSETS
Real estate properties,  at cost (including properties leased to 
  affiliates with a cost of $110,885 and $109,843, respectively):  
  Land                                                                   $   188,267          $    93,522 
  Buildings and improvements                                               1,433,255              912,217
                                                                         -----------          -----------
                                                                           1,621,522            1,005,739
  Less accumulated depreciation                                               99,746               76,921
                                                                         -----------          -----------
                                                                           1,521,776              928,818
                                                                                            
Real estate mortgages and notes, net (including note from an affiliate                      
  of $2,365)                                                                 116,941              150,205
Investment in Hospitality Properties Trust                                   102,465              103,062
Cash and cash equivalents                                                     71,765               21,853
Interest and rents receivable                                                 19,722               11,612
Deferred interest and finance costs, net, and other assets                    18,625               13,972
                                                                         -----------          -----------
                                                                         $ 1,851,294          $ 1,229,522
                                                                         ===========          ===========
                                                                                            
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                                
Bank notes payable                                                       $   100,000          $   140,000
Senior notes and bonds payable, net                                          200,000              124,385
Mortgage notes payable                                                        26,941                 --
Convertible subordinated debentures                                          211,650              227,790
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                         35,616               10,711
Prepaid rents                                                                  7,077                7,608
Security deposits                                                              2,872                8,387
Due to affiliates                                                              1,336                2,593
Dividends payable                                                             36,571                 --
                                                                                            
Shareholders' equity:                                                                       
  Preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value:                                  
    50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued                                   --                   --
  Common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value:                                     
    125,000,000 shares and 100,000,000 shares authorized,                                   
    respectively, and, 98,838,340 shares and 66,888,917 shares                              
    issued and outstanding, respectively                                         988                  669
  Additional paid-in capital                                               1,370,730              795,263
  Cumulative net income                                                      383,775              306,298
  Dividends                                                                 (526,262)            (394,182)
                                                                         -----------          -----------
      Total shareholders' equity                                           1,229,231              708,048
                                                                         -----------          -----------
                                                                         $ 1,851,294          $ 1,229,522
                                                                         ===========          ===========
                                                                                      


                                          See accompanying notes


                                                    1




                                          HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

                                            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                     (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                       (unaudited)


                                                    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                                        1997                1996            1997                1996
                                                    ----------          ------------     ----------          -----------
                                                                                               
Revenues:
   Rental income                                     $  52,226            $  24,682       $ 129,518          $  72,501 
   Interest and other income                             5,078                5,235          16,177             15,521
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
       Total revenues                                   57,304               29,917         145,695             88,022
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
Expenses:                                                                                                  
   Operating                                             8,205                  879          16,961              2,421
   Interest                                              9,209                5,580          24,955             15,826
   Depreciation and amortization                        10,395                5,592          26,633             16,093
   General and administrative                            3,309                1,709           8,148              4,782
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
       Total expenses                                   31,118               13,760          76,697             39,122
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------          
Income before equity in earnings of                                                                        
  Hospitality Properties Trust, gain on                                                                    
  sale of properties and extraordinary item             26,186               16,157          68,998             48,900
                                                                                                           
Equity in earnings of Hospitality Properties                                                               
  Trust                                                  2,238                2,301           6,683              6,629
Gain on equity transaction of Hospitality                                                                  
  Properties Trust                                        --                   --              --                3,603
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
Income before gain on sale of properties and                                                               
  extraordinary item                                    28,424               18,458          75,681             59,132
                                                                                                           
Gain on sale of properties                               2,898                 --             2,898               --
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
Income before extraordinary item                        31,322               18,458          78,579             59,132           
                                                                                                           
Extraordinary item - early extinguishment of                                                               
  debt                                                  (1,102)                --            (1,102)            (2,443)
                                                     ---------            ---------       ---------          ---------
Net income                                           $  30,220            $  18,458       $  77,477          $  56,689
                                                     =========            =========       =========          =========
Weighted average shares outstanding                     98,829               66,209          89,918             66,188
                                                     =========            =========       =========          =========
                                                                                               
Per share amounts:
Income before gain on sale of properties 
  and extraordinary item                                 $0.29                $0.28           $0.84              $0.89
                                                     =========            =========       =========          =========
Income before extraordinary item                         $0.32                $0.28           $0.87              $0.89
                                                     =========            =========       =========          =========        
Net income                                               $0.31                $0.28           $0.86              $0.86
                                                     =========            =========       =========          =========






                                                  See accompanying notes

                                                            2



                               HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST


                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                       (dollars in thousands)
                                             (unaudited)

                                                                          For the Nine Months Ended
                                                                                September 30,
                                                                              1997         1996
                                                                           ---------    ---------- 
                                                                                
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                              $  77,477    $  56,689
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating
   activities:
       Gain on sale of properties                                             (2,898)        --
       Gain on equity transaction of Hospitality Properties Trust               --         (3,603)
       Equity in earnings of Hospitality Properties Trust                     (6,683)      (6,629)
       Dividends from Hospitality Properties Trust                             7,280        6,960
       Extraordinary item                                                      1,102        2,443
       Depreciation                                                           25,422       15,618
       Amortization                                                            1,211          475
       Amortization of deferred interest costs                                   699        1,283
       Change in assets and liabilities:
           Increase in interest and rents receivable and other assets         (4,068)     (11,327)
           Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses       21,129         (354)
           (Decrease) increase in prepaid rents                                 (531)           9
           (Decrease) increase in security deposits                           (5,515)         849
           Decrease in due to affiliates                                        (648)      (1,193)
                                                                           ---------    ---------
       Cash provided by operating activities                                 113,977       61,220
                                                                           ---------    ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
   Real estate acquisitions                                                 (215,310)     (66,585)
   Acquisition of business, less cash acquired                              (323,181)        --
   Investments in mortgage loans                                                (576)     (16,369)
   Proceeds from repayment of notes and mortgage loans, net of discounts      33,690        6,843
   Proceeds from sale of real estate                                          22,898         --
   Repayment and advance of loan to affiliate                                   --            200
                                                                           ---------    ---------
       Cash used for investing activities                                   (482,479)     (75,911)
                                                                           ---------    ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Proceeds from issuance of common shares                                   483,153        6,990
   Proceeds from borrowings                                                  375,000      101,000
   Payments on borrowings                                                   (340,649)     (24,620)
   Deferred finance costs incurred                                            (3,581)        (719)
   Dividends paid                                                            (95,509)     (69,502)
                                                                           ---------    ---------
       Cash provided by financing activities                                 418,414       13,149
                                                                           ---------    ---------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                              49,912       (1,542)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                              21,853       18,640
                                                                           ---------    ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                 $  71,765    $  17,098
                                                                           =========    =========
Supplemental cash flow information:
   Interest paid                                                           $  24,400    $  15,709
                                                                           =========    =========




                                       See accompanying notes


                                                 3





                          HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST




                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (dollars in thousands)
                                        (unaudited)


                                                             For the Nine Months Ended 
                                                                    September 30,
                                                               1997              1996
                                                            ----------        ----------                                 
                                                                       
Non-cash financing activities:
   Issuance of shares                                       $  16,578         $     --   
   Conversion of convertible subordinated debentures, net     (15,765)              --
                                                                            
Non-cash investing activities:                                              
   Real estate acquisitions                                 $ (15,739)        $     --
   Exchange of real estate                                     10,616               --
                                                            ---------         ----------
   Net cash used to acquire real estate                     $  (5,123)        $     --
                                                            =========         ==========
                                                                            
Acquisition of business, less cash acquired:                                
   Real estate acquisitions                                 $ 422,920         $     --
   Working capital, other than cash                             3,904               --
   Liabilities assumed                                        (27,588)              --
   Net cash used to acquire business                         (323,181)              --
                                                            ---------         ----------
   Issuance of shares                                       $  76,055         $     --
                                                            =========         ==========
                                                                       


                                  See accompanying notes


                                            4



                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST


                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

         The financial statements of Health and Retirement Properties Trust (the
"Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting
principals for interim  financial  information and with the instructions to Form
10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not include all of
the  information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally  accepted   accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management,  all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for interim periods are
not  necessarily  indicative  of the results  that may be expected  for the full
year.  Certain  prior  year  amounts  have been  reclassified  to conform to the
current year's presentation.

         The  Financial   Accounting   Standards  Board  has  issued   Financial
Accounting  Standards  Board Statement No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" ("FAS 128"),
Statement No. 129  "Disclosure of  Information  about Capital  Structure"  ("FAS
129"),  Statement  No. 130  "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income"  ("FAS  130") and
Statement  No. 131  "Disclosure  about  Segments  of an  Enterprise  and Related
Information"  ("FAS 131"). FAS 128 and FAS 129 must be adopted for the Company's
1997 annual  financial  statements.  FAS 130 and FAS 131 must be adopted for the
Company's 1998 financial statements.  The Company estimates that the adoption of
FAS 128, FAS 129, FAS 130 and FAS 131 would have no impact on reported results.

Note 2.  Shareholders' Equity

         During the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,  the Company  issued
27,025,000  common  shares  in  a  public  offering,  raising  net  proceeds  of
approximately  $483,153,  issued 3,985,028 common shares in a private  placement
for the  purchase  of real  estate,  issued  895,549  common  shares  due to the
conversion of $16,140 of its  convertible  subordinated  debentures due 2003 and
issued  32,846  common  shares  to  HRPT  Advisors,  Inc.,  (the  "Advisor")  an
affiliate, as the incentive fee earned for the year ended December 31, 1996.

         In July 1997,  9,500 shares were granted to officers of the Company and
certain  employees  of the Advisor  under the 1992  Incentive  Share Award Plan.
Additionally,  in May 1997, the three independent Trustees were also granted 500
shares each under such plan as part of their annual fee.  The shares  granted to
the  officers of the Company and certain  employees  of the Advisor  vest over a
three-year period and the shares granted to the Trustees vest immediately.

         On  September  15,  1997,  the  Trustees  declared  a  dividend  on the
Company's  common shares with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 1997 of
$.37 per share,  which will be  distributed  on or about  November  20,  1997 to
shareholders of record as of September 30, 1997.

Note 3.  Real Estate Properties

         During the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company  purchased
eight medical office buildings,  one retirement community and 20 medical clinics
for approximately $222,772.

         During the first quarter of 1997, the Company entered into an agreement
to acquire 30 office buildings (the "Government Properties"),  leased to various
agencies of the United States Government.  During the third quarter of 1997, the
Company elected not to acquire one of the Government  Properties currently under
development with an aggregate value of approximately  $12,000.  At September 30,
1997, the Company had completed the purchase of 28 of the Government  Properties
for  approximately  $422,920.  The acquisition of the Government  Properties was
funded,  in part,  with the proceeds from the issuance of the  Company's  common
shares pursuant to a public offering, the issuance of 3,985,028 common shares of
the Company in a private placement and the assumption of $27,588 of debt.

         At September  30, 1997,  17% of the Company's  real estate  properties,
net,  and  mortgage   receivables   were  in   properties   leased  to  Marriott
International, Inc. ("Marriott"). The financial statements of Marriott have been
filed  as a part of  Marriott's  Quarterly  Report  on Form  10-Q,  file  number
1-12188, for the quarter ended September 12, 1997.

         During the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,  the Company  funded
$3,154 of improvements to existing tenants.  At September  30,1997,  the Company
had total outstanding commitments aggregating  approximately $170,363 to acquire
properties or to provide financing.
                                       5


                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST


                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 3.  Real Estate Properties - continued

         The Company had invested approximately $112,000 in properties leased to
or mortgaged  by  Community  Care of America,  Inc.  ("CCAI").  During the third
quarter of 1997, CCAI was acquired by Integrated Health Services,  Inc. ("IHS").
In connection with IHS's  acquisition of CCAI, the Company sold 14 nursing homes
to IHS for  $33,514  and  purchased  three  nursing  homes  which were  mortgage
financed by the Company for $15,739.  In addition,  leases for 16 nursing  homes
operated by CCAI were assumed by IHS and these  leases were  modified to provide
rent increases  based upon the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") and these leases are
guaranteed by IHS. In connection with this  transaction,  the Company was paid a
lease  modification fee of $3,737 and recognized a gain on sale of properties of
$2,898.

         Subsequent to September 30, 1997, the Company  purchased  three medical
office properties for approximately  $204,500, paid for with cash on hand and by
borrowing  $110,000 on the Company's  revolving credit facility.  The Government
Properties and medical office properties owned by the Company are managed by M&P
Partners Limited Partnership, an affiliate of the Company.

Note 4.  Investment in Hospitality Properties Trust

         At September  30, 1997,  the Company  owned four million  shares of the
common stock of  Hospitality  Properties  Trust ("HPT") with a carrying value of
$102,465 and a market value of $141,500.  The Company's  percentage ownership of
HPT is 14.9%.

Note 5.  Real Estate Mortgages and Notes Receivable, net

         During the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,  the Company  funded
improvements for existing properties  totaling  approximately $576. In addition,
the Company received regularly  scheduled  principal payments and prepayments of
mortgages secured by nine nursing facilities totaling $34,729, including amounts
received from IHS.

         In connection  with the acquisition of CCAI by IHS discussed in Note 3,
the Company  received  $27,980 from IHS  representing  prepayments  of mortgages
secured by six nursing facilities owned by CCAI.  Additionally,  IHS assumed the
mortgage  indebtedness  of CCAI secured by nine nursing homes.  The terms of the
mortgages have been modified to require  interest  increases  based upon the CPI
and these mortgages are guaranteed by IHS.

Note 6.  Indebtedness

         In March 1997, the Company extended and modified its $250,000 unsecured
revolving bank credit facility. Subsequently, in July 1997, the Company expanded
the credit facility to $450,000.  The credit facility  matures in 2001 and bears
interest  at  LIBOR  plus  a  premium.  At  September  30,  1997,  $100,000  was
outstanding under the credit facility.

         During July 1997, the Company issued Senior Unsecured  Remarketed Reset
Notes totaling $200,000. The notes are due in 2007 and the initial interest rate
is LIBOR plus a premium,  reset  quarterly.  Subsequent  to the first year,  the
interest  rate and interest  period on the notes may be fixed for the balance of
the term or a lesser period at the Company's option and the notes are subject to
remarketing.  Proceeds  from the  issuance  of the  notes  were  used to  prepay
$125,000 of the Company's  Floating  Rate Senior  Notes,  Series B, due 1999 and
$75,000 outstanding under the Company's bank credit facility. In connection with
this  refinancing,  the  Company  recognized  an  extraordinary  loss  from  the
write-off of deferred financing fees and bond discounts of $1,102.

                                       6


                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7.  Pro Forma Information

         The following  pro forma summary  presents the results of operations of
the Company as if the  Government  Properties  transaction  had  occurred at the
beginning  of  January  1996.  These  pro  forma  results  are  not  necessarily
indicative  of the  expected  results of operation of the Company for any future
period.  Differences  could  result  from,  but are not limited  to,  additional
property  investments,  changes in  interest  rates and  changes in the  capital
structure of the Company.

                                                        Nine Months ended
                                                           September 30,
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                   1997                 1996
                                                 --------            ---------

          Revenues                               $157,662             $129,978
          Expenses                                 85,926               62,338
                                                 --------             --------
                                                   71,736               67,640
          Equity in earnings of HPT                 6,683                6,629
                                                 --------             --------
          Net income                             $ 78,419             $ 74,269
                                                 ========             ========
          Average shares outstanding               98,838               97,076
                                                 ========             ========
          Net income per share                   $   0.79             $   0.77 
                                                 ========             ========
                                                          

                                       7


                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

           MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                            AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarter Ended September 30, 1997 Versus 1996

         Total revenues for the quarter ended  September 30, 1997,  increased to
$57.3  million,  from $29.9  million for the quarter  ended  September 30, 1996.
Rental income increased by $27.5 million and interest and other income decreased
by $157,000.  Rental  income  increased  because of new real estate  investments
subsequent  to  September  30,  1996 and  partly  as a result  of the  Company's
increased  investments  in "gross  leased"  real estate  assets  during the 1997
period as compared  to the 1996  period.  As the  Company's  investment  in such
"gross leased " assets increases,  the Company anticipates rental income and the
corresponding  operating expenses from such leases to increase during subsequent
periods. Interest and other income decreased slightly primarily as a result of a
decrease in mortgage  interest income,  offset by an increase in earnings on the
Company's  short-term  investments  due to higher  cash  balances in the quarter
ended September 30, 1997 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

         Total expenses for the quarter ended  September 30, 1997,  increased to
$31.1  million  from $13.8  million for the quarter  ended  September  30, 1996.
Operating  expenses  increased  by $7.3  million  as a result  of the  Company's
increased  investment  in "gross  leased"  real  estate  assets  during the 1997
quarter as compared  to the 1996  period.  Interest  expense  increased  by $3.6
million due to higher  borrowings  outstanding  during the 1997  quarter and the
Company's issuance of convertible  debentures in October 1996.  Depreciation and
amortization,  and general and administrative  expense increased by $4.8 million
and  $1.6  million,  respectively,  primarily  as a result  of new  real  estate
investments subsequent to September 30, 1996.

         Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, increased to $30.2
million or $.31 per share,  from $18.5  million or $.28 per share,  for the same
quarter in 1996.  This increase is primarily a result of new  investments  since
September  30, 1996,  and a gain  recognized  on the sale of properties in 1997,
offset by an extraordinary  loss recognized as a result of the prepayment of the
Company's Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series B in 1997.

         The  Company  bases its  dividend  primarily  on Funds from  Operations
("FFO").  The  Company  has  adopted  the  National  Association  of Real Estate
Investment  Trust's  definition  of FFO, as income  before equity in earnings of
HPT,  gain  (loss)  on  sale  of  properties  and   extraordinary   items,  plus
depreciation and other non-cash charges, plus the Company's  proportionate share
of HPT's FFO. FFO for the 1997 quarter was $40.1 million,  or $.41 per share, as
compared  to $24.9  million,  or $.38 per  share,  for the  1996  quarter.  Cash
available for distribution may not necessarily equal FFO as the cash flow of the
Company is affected by other  factors not included in the FFO  calculation.  The
dividends  declared which relate to these  quarters were $36.6 million,  or $.37
per share, in 1997 and $23.8 million, or $.36 per share, in 1996.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 Versus 1996

         Total  revenues for the nine months ended  September 30, 1997 increased
to $145.7  million from $88.0  million for the nine months ended  September  30,
1996.  Rental  income  increased by $57.0  million and interest and other income
increased  by  $656,000.  Rental  income  increased  because of new real  estate
investments  subsequent  to  September  30,  1996 and  partly as a result of the
Company's increased investments in "gross leased" real estate assets as compared
to "net leased"  assets  subsequent  to September  30,  1996.  As the  Company's
investment in such "gross  leased"  assets  increases,  the Company  anticipates
rental  income and the  corresponding  operating  expenses  from such  leases to
increase during subsequent periods. Interest and other income increased slightly
as a result of earnings on the Company's  short-term  investments  due to higher
cash balances in the 1997 period compared to the 1996 period,  which was offset,
in part, by a decrease in mortgage interest income.

         Total  expenses for the nine months ended  September 30, 1997 increased
to $76.7  million  from $39.1  million for the nine months ended  September  30,
1996. Operating expenses increased by $14.5 million as a result of the Company's
increased investment in "gross leased" real estate assets during the 1997 period
as compared to the 1996 period.  Interest expense  increased by $9.1 million due
to higher  borrowings  outstanding  during  the 1997  period  and the  Company's
issuance  of   convertible   debentures  in  October  1996.   Depreciation   and
amortization,  and general and administrative expense increased by $10.5 million
and  $3.4  million,  respectively,  primarily  as a result  of new  real  estate
investments subsequent to September 30, 1996.

                                       8

                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 Versus 1996 - continued

         Net income increased to $77.5 million,  or $.86 per share, for the 1997
period from $56.7 million,  or $.86 per share,  for the 1996 period.  Net income
increased primarily as a result of new investments since September 30, 1996, the
recognition of a gain on sale of properties and a decrease in the  extraordinary
loss on early extinguishment of debt.

         Funds from  operations  for the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,
were $105.2 million,  or $1.17 per share, and $73.9 million, or $1.12 per share,
for the 1996  period.  The  dividends  declared  which relate to the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 were $107.7 million,  or $1.09 per share,  and
$70.2 million, or $1.06 per share, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Total assets of the Company  increased to $1.9 billion at September 30,
1997,  from $1.2  billion at  December  31,  1996.  The  increase  is  primarily
attributable to new real estate acquisitions since December 31, 1996.

         During the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company  purchased
eight medical office buildings,  one retirement community and 20 medical clinics
for  approximately  $222.8  million funded with cash on hand and by borrowing on
the Company's revolving credit facility.

         In the first quarter of 1997, the Company  entered into an agreement to
acquire 30 office  buildings  leased to the United  States  Government.  Through
September 30, 1997, the Company had purchased 28 of the 30 Government Properties
for approximately  $423 million.  These  acquisitions were funded, in part, with
the proceeds  from the issuance of the  Company's  common  shares  pursuant to a
public  offering,  the issuance of 3,985,028  common  shares of the Company in a
private  placement and the assumption of $27.6 million of debt. During the third
quarter  of 1997,  the  Company  elected  not to acquire  one of the  Government
Properties  currently under development with an aggregate value of approximately
$12 million.  The  acquisition  of the remaining  property is subject to various
conditions customary in real estate transactions and is expected to be completed
by March 31, 1998.

         The Company  had  invested  approximately  $112  million in  properties
leased to or  mortgaged  by CCAI.  During the third  quarter  of 1997,  CCAI was
acquired by IHS.  In  connection  with this  transaction,  the  Company  sold 14
nursing homes to IHS for approximately $33.5 million and purchased three nursing
homes  which were  mortgage  financed by the  Company  for  approximately  $15.7
million. In addition,  leases for 16 nursing homes operated by CCAI were assumed
by IHS. The leases were  modified to provide rent  increases  based upon the CPI
and  these  leases  are  now  guaranteed  by IHS.  Also,  the  Company  received
approximately  $28 million from IHS as prepayments  of mortgages  secured by six
nursing facilities owned by CCAI. IHS also assumed the mortgage  indebtedness of
CCAI secured by nine nursing  homes.  These  mortgages  were modified to require
interest increases based upon the CPI and these mortgages are guaranteed by IHS.
In connection with this transaction,  the Company was paid a lease  modification
fee of $3.7 million and recognized a gain on sale of properties of $2.9 million.

         Subsequent to September 30, 1997,  the Company  acquired  three medical
office properties for approximately  $204.5 million,  paid for with cash on hand
and by borrowing $110 million on the Company's revolving credit facility.

         During the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,  the Company  funded
$3.7 million of improvements  to existing  facilities and received $34.7 million
of principal  payments on  mortgages,  including  the repayment of nine mortgage
loans secured by nine long-term care properties.

         In March 1997, the Company issued  27,025,000 common shares in a public
offering yielding net proceeds of approximately $483.2 million.  Proceeds of the
offering  were  used to repay  the then  outstanding  balance  on the  Company's
revolving  credit  facility of $140 million and to fund the  acquisition of real
estate.  During the nine months ended  September  30, 1997,  the Company  issued
895,549 common shares due to the conversion of $16.1 million of its  convertible
subordinated debentures.

                                       9



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - continued

         At September  30, 1997,  the Company had $71.8 million of cash and cash
equivalents.  In July 1997,  the Company  expanded  the credit  facility to $450
million.  The credit facility matures in 2001 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a
premium.  At September 30, 1997,  $100 million was  outstanding and $350 million
was available for borrowing under the credit facility.

         During July 1997, the Company issued Senior Unsecured  Remarketed Reset
Notes  aggregating  $200  million.  The  notes  are due in 2007 and the  initial
interest rate is LIBOR plus a premium, reset quarterly.  Subsequent to the first
year,  the interest  rate and interest  period on the notes may be fixed for the
balance of the term or a lesser term at the  Company's  option and the notes are
subject to  remarketing.  Proceeds  from the  issuance of the notes were used to
prepay $125 million of the Company's  Floating Rate Senior Notes,  Series B, due
1999 and $75 million  outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility.
In  connection  with this  refinancing,  the Company  recognized a loss from the
write-off of deferred financing fees and bond discounts of $1.1 million.

         At  September  30, 1997,  the Company had  outstanding  commitments  to
purchase properties or provide financing totaling  approximately $170.4 million.
The Company  intends to fund these  commitments  with a  combination  of cash on
hand,  issuance of common  shares of the Company,  amounts  available  under its
existing credit facilities and/or proceeds of mortgage prepayments, if any.

         The Company  continues to seek new  investments to expand and diversify
its  portfolio  of leased and  mortgaged  real  estate.  The Company  intends to
balance  the use of debt and equity in such a manner  that the long term cost of
funds used to acquire or mortgage finance  facilities is appropriately  matched,
to the  extent  practicable,  with the terms of the  investments  made with such
funding.  As of September 30, 1997,  the Company's debt as a percentage of total
market capitalization was approximately 22%.



                                       10



                     HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST

CERTAIN IMPORTANT FACTORS

         The Company's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains  statements which
constitute  forward  looking  statements  within the  meaning of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Those statements appear in a number of places
in this  Form  10-Q and  include  statements  regarding  the  intent,  belief or
expectations  of the Company,  its Trustees or its officers  with respect to the
declaration   or  payment  of   dividends,   the   consummation   of  additional
acquisitions,   policies  and  plans  of  the  Company  regarding   investments,
financings  or  other  matters,   the  Company's   qualification  and  continued
qualification  as a  real  estate  investment  trust  or  trends  affecting  the
Company's  or any  property's  financial  condition  or results  of  operations.
Readers  are  cautioned  that  any  such  forward  looking  statements  are  not
guarantees of future performance and involve risks and  uncertainties,  and that
actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward looking
statements  as a  result  of  various  factors.  Such  factors  include  without
limitation  changes in financing  terms,  the Company's  ability or inability to
complete acquisitions and financing  transactions,  results of operations of the
Company's  properties and general  changes in economic  conditions not presently
contemplated.  The  information  contained  in this Form 10-Q and the  Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1996,  including the
information under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations",  identifies  other important  factors that
could cause such differences.

         THE AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ESTABLISHING THE COMPANY,
DATED JULY 1, 1994, A COPY OF WHICH,  TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS  THERETO (THE
"DECLARATION"), IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND
TAXATION OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, PROVIDES THAT THE NAME "HEALTH AND RETIREMENT
PROPERTIES  TRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION  COLLECTIVELY AS
TRUSTEES,  BUT NOT  INDIVIDUALLY  OR PERSONALLY,  AND THAT NO TRUSTEE,  OFFICER,
SHAREHOLDER,  EMPLOYEE  OR AGENT OF THE  COMPANY  SHALL BE HELD TO ANY  PERSONAL
LIABILITY,  JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY,  FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST,  THE
COMPANY.  ALL PERSONS  DEALING WITH THE COMPANY,  IN ANY WAY, SHALL LOOK ONLY TO
THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE  PERFORMANCE  OF ANY
OBLIGATION.

Part II  Other Information

Item 2.   Changes in Securities.

         On July 11, 1997,  the Company  issued an  aggregate  of 86,188  common
shares of beneficial  interest,  par value $.01 per share  ("Common  Shares") in
connection  with  the  Company's  previously  disclosed  acquisition  of  office
properties  leased to  agencies of the United  States  Federal  Government.  The
issuance  of  such  Common  Shares  was  made  pursuant  to the  exemption  from
registration  contained  in  Section  4(2) of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  as
amended.

         On July 2, 1997,  pursuant to the Company's Incentive Share Award Plan,
officers of the Company and certain employees of the Advisor received a grant of
9,500  Common  Shares  valued at $18.5625  per share,  the closing  price of the
Common  Shares on the New York Stock  Exchange on July 2, 1997.  The grants were
made pursuant to the exemption  from  registration  contained in Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits:

         10.1     Agreement (for Property  Management and Leasing Agent) between
                  M&P Partners Limited  Partnership and various  subsidiaries of
                  the  Company,  effective  as of March 25,  1997,  relating  to
                  properties leased to Agencies of the United States Government.

         27.      Financial Data Schedule

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

         1.       The  Company  filed  a  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K,  dated
                  September 2, 1997,  with respect to (a) a further  acquisition
                  of a government office property,  (b) the Company's agreements
                  with CCAI,  relating  to CCAI's  acquisition  by IHS,  and (c)
                  recent tax law  developments.  This Report also  included  pro
                  forma  financial and other data relating to the acquisition of
                  such government office property.

                                       11



                                   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, thereunto duly authorized.

                               HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PROPERTIES TRUST


                               By:      /s/ David J. Hegarty
                                        David J. Hegarty
                                        President and Chief Operating Officer
                                        Dated:  November 14, 1997

                               By:      /s/ Ajay Saini
                                        Ajay Saini
                                        Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
                                        Dated:  November 14, 1997

                                       12