Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Single-family properties:
Land	$ 1,166,186	$ 1,104,409
Buildings and improvements	5,117,269	4,808,706
Single-family properties held for sale	5,428	3,818
Single-family properties, gross	6,288,883	5,916,933
Less: accumulated depreciation	(251,528)	(206,262)
Single-family properties, net	6,037,355	5,710,671
Cash and cash equivalents	115,693	108,787
Restricted cash	86,446	77,198
Rent and other receivables, net	11,289	11,009
Escrow deposits, prepaid expenses and other assets	114,179	118,783
Deferred costs and other intangibles, net	65,267	54,582
Asset -backed securitization certificates	25,666	25,666
Goodwill	120,655	120,655
Total assets	6,576,550	6,227,351
Liabilities
Credit facility	45,000	207,000
Asset-backed securitizations	2,068,389	1,519,390
Secured note payable	51,417	51,644
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	141,382	149,706
Amounts payable to affiliates	2,609
Contingently convertible Series E units liability	70,219	72,057
Preferred shares derivative liability	57,840	57,960
Total liabilities	2,436,856	2,057,757
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 17,060,000 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014	171	171
Additional paid-in capital	3,618,769	3,618,207
Accumulated deficit	(198,526)	(170,162)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(229)	(229)
Total shareholders' equity	3,422,299	3,450,101
Noncontrolling interest	717,395	719,493
Total equity	4,139,694	4,169,594
Total liabilities and equity	6,576,550	6,227,351
Class A common shares
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, value	2,108	2,108
Class B common shares
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, value	$ 6	$ 6