Single-Family Properties - Schedule of Real Estate Properties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) single_family_property	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) single_family_property
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Net book value	$ 7,547,856	$ 6,289,938
Single family homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	48,422	38,780
Net book value	$ 7,547,856	$ 6,289,938
Single family homes | Single-family properties being renovated
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	312	476
Net book value	$ 57,200	$ 75,055
Single family homes | Single-family properties being prepared for re-lease
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	91	178
Net book value	$ 14,453	$ 28,525
Single family homes | Single-family properties held for sale
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	1,119	45
Net book value	$ 87,430	$ 7,432
Leased single-family properties | Single family homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	44,798	36,403
Net book value	$ 7,040,000	$ 5,895,482
Vacant single-family properties available for lease | Single family homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	2,102	1,678
Net book value	$ 348,773	$ 283,444