| Cover | Feb. 16, 2022 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 16, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. |
| Entity File Number | 001-34995 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-1712193 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3284 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 150, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30327 |
| City Area Code | (770) |
| Local Phone Number | 818-4100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001481832 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Trading Symbol | APTS |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
