| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | Independence Realty Trust, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001466085 |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-36041 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-4567130 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1835 Market Street, |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 2601 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Philadelphia |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19103 |
| City Area Code | (267) |
| Local Phone Number | 270-4800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common stock |
| Trading Symbol | IRT |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
