Exhibit 23(a)

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by 
reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated February 20, 
1998 included in Washington Real Estate Investment Trust's Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 1997 and to all references to our Firm in this 
Registration Statement.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, DC 
March 31, 1998