Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation - Change in Accumulated Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in accumulated depreciation
Balance, end of period	$ (1,493,990)
Building and building improvements
Change in accumulated depreciation
Estimated useful life of asset	30 years
Building and building improvements | Minimum
Change in accumulated depreciation
Estimated useful life of asset	3 years
Building and building improvements | Maximum
Change in accumulated depreciation
Estimated useful life of asset	30 years
Single family homes
Change in accumulated depreciation
Balance, beginning of period	$ (1,176,499)	$ (939,724)	$ (666,710)
Depreciation	(313,683)	(300,746)	(281,195)
Dispositions	28,154	11,738	1,960
Write-offs	12,353	9,572	6,773
Reclassifications to single-family properties held for sale, net of dispositions	(12,430)	42,661	(552)
Balance, end of period	$ (1,462,105)	$ (1,176,499)	$ (939,724)