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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001047469-03-008425.txt : 20030312
<SEC-HEADER>0001047469-03-008425.hdr.sgml : 20030312
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20030312112336
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001047469-03-008425
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	POS EX
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20030312
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20030312

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000104894
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
		IRS NUMBER:				530261100
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MD
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		POS EX
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-81913
		FILM NUMBER:		03600315

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6110 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 800
		CITY:			ROCKVILLE
		STATE:			MD
		ZIP:			20852
		BUSINESS PHONE:		3019295900

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		6110 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 800
		CITY:			ROCKVILLE
		STATE:			MD
		ZIP:			20852
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>POS EX
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2105470zposex.htm
<DESCRIPTION>POS EX
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>

</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
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<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#03WDC1225_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March&nbsp;12, 2003  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No.&nbsp;333-81913  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=3><B>POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1<BR>
TO<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-3<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>MARYLAND</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>53-0261100</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>6110 Executive Boulevard<BR>
Suite 800<BR>
Rockville, Maryland 20852<BR>
(301)&nbsp;984-9400<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address, including zip code, and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive offices) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Ms.&nbsp;Sara Grootwassink<BR>
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
6110 Executive Boulevard<BR>
Suite 800<BR>
Rockville, Maryland 20852<BR>
(301)&nbsp;984-9400<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>The
Commission is requested to send copies of all communications to: </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Jeffrey E. Jordan, Esq.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin&nbsp;&amp; Kahn, PLLC<BR>
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20036<BR>
(202)&nbsp;857-6473</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Catherine S. Gallagher, Esq.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vinson&nbsp;&amp; Elkins L.L.P.<BR>
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20006<BR>
(202)&nbsp;639-6544</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after the effective date hereof.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.&nbsp;<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT> </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule&nbsp;415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than
securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.&nbsp;<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#253;</FONT> </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule&nbsp;462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&nbsp;<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT> </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule&nbsp;462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&nbsp;<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT> </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
the delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule&nbsp;434, please check the following box.&nbsp;<FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#111;</FONT> </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da1225_explanatory_note"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da1225_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Explanatory Note    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiaries appearing in Washington Real Estate Investment
Trust's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2002, have been audited by Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon included therein and incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-3, No.&nbsp;333-81913, as amended by this Post-Effective
Amendment No.&nbsp;1. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 is being filed solely to add exhibit&nbsp;23(a) (the consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP) to this Registration Statement in
accordance with Rule&nbsp;462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="da1225_item_16._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_da1225_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 16. Exhibits    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>1.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of Underwriting Agreement
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of Underwriting Agreement for debt securities (1)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of Underwriting Agreement for preferred shares, common shares and common share warrants (1) </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<BR>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>2.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Plan
of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Agreement
and Articles of Merger dated June&nbsp;20, 1996 (2) </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<BR>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>4.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Instruments
defining the rights of security holders
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Declaration
of trust dated April&nbsp;5, 1996. (incorporated by reference to exhibit&nbsp;3 of Form&nbsp;8-B dated July&nbsp;10, 1996)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment
to declaration of trust dated September&nbsp;21, 1998. (incorporated by reference to exhibit&nbsp;3 of Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended
September&nbsp;30, 1998)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment
to declaration of trust dated June&nbsp;24, 1999 (5)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Proposed
amendment to the registrant's declaration of trust. (4)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(e)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of Articles of Amendment setting forth the designations of a series of preferred shares (4)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(f)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Indenture
relating to senior securities, dated as of August&nbsp;1, 1996, between the registrant and The First National Bank of Chicago (now called Bank One Trust Company, N.A.), as
trustee (3)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(g)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of Indenture relating to subordinated securities (1)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(h)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of senior securities (4)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of subordinated securities (4)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(j)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Form
of common share warrant agreement (4) </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<BR>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion
of Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin&nbsp;&amp; Kahn, PLLC re validity of securities registered (5)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>12.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Statements
re computation of ratios (5)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>23.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Consents
of experts and counsel
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Consent
of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP (Filed herewith)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Consent
of Argy, Wiltse&nbsp;&amp; Robinson, P.C. (incorporated by reference to exhibit&nbsp;23 of Amendment to No.&nbsp;1 to Form&nbsp;8-K dated January&nbsp;15,
2002)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Consent
of Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin&nbsp;&amp; Kahn, PLLC (counsel): included in exhibit&nbsp;5 </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
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<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>24.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Power
of attorney (5)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>25.</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Statement
of eligibility of trustee.
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Statement
of eligibility and qualification on Form&nbsp;T-1 of The First National Bank of Chicago (now called Bank One Trust Company, N.A.), as Senior Indenture trustee
(5)
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Statement
of eligibility and qualification on Form&nbsp;T-1 of Subordinated Indenture Trustee (4) </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="120">
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Incorporated
by reference to the exhibit of the same designation in the registrant's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-3 (File No.&nbsp;333-23157)
dated March&nbsp;12, 1997.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Incorporated
by reference to exhibit&nbsp;99 to the registrant's Form&nbsp;8-B dated July&nbsp;10, 1996.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Incorporated
by reference to exhibit&nbsp;4 to the registrant's Form&nbsp;8-K dated August&nbsp;13, 1996.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of the offered securities.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Previously
filed as exhibit to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-3 (File No.&nbsp;333-81913) dated June&nbsp;30, 1999. </FONT></DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1225_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1225_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-3 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rockville, State of Maryland, on the 12th day of March, 2003. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><B>WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EDMUND B. CRONIN, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Edmund B. Cronin, Jr.<BR>
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer<BR></FONT>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to registration statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated: </FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="32%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>SIGNATURE<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="43%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>TITLE</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>DATE</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="32%"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EDMUND B. CRONIN, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> EDMUND B. CRONIN, JR.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%"><FONT SIZE=2>Trustee, Chairman, President<BR>
and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%"><FONT SIZE=2>March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="32%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR></FONT>
<HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> JOHN M. DERRICK, JR.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>CLIFFORD M. KENDALL*</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> CLIFFORD M. KENDALL</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN P. MCDANIEL*</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> JOHN P. MCDANIEL</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="32%"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> CHARLES T. NASON</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID M. OSNOS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> DAVID M. OSNOS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="32%"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> SUSAN J. WILLIAMS</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Trustee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="32%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>SARA L. GROOTWASSINK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> SARA L. GROOTWASSINK</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="32%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LAURA M. FRANKLIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> LAURA M. FRANKLIN</FONT></TD>
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Senior Vice President Accounting and Administration (chief accounting officer)</FONT></TD>
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March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
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* By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EDMUND B. CRONIN, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> EDMUND B. CRONIN, JR.<BR>
Attorney-in-Fact</FONT></TD>
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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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March&nbsp;12, 2003</FONT></TD>
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<P><br><A NAME="03WDC1225_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_da1225_1">Explanatory Note</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_da1225_2">Item 16. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1225_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
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<TYPE>EX-23.A
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Exhibit&nbsp;23 (a)    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Consent of Independent Auditors    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We consent to the reference to our firm as experts in the Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the Registration Statement
(Form&nbsp;S-3 No.&nbsp;333-81913) and related Prospectus of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust for the registration of its common shares, preferred shares, common
share warrants and debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February&nbsp;19, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiaries included in its Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2002, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/
Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>McLean,
Virginia<BR>
March&nbsp;11, 2003 </FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ko1225_1">Exhibit 23 (a)</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ko1225_2">Consent of Independent Auditors</A></FONT><BR>
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