| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001562401 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMERICAN HOMES 4 RENT |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-36013 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-1229660 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 30601 Agoura Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Agoura Hills |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 91301 |
| City Area Code | (805) |
| Local Phone Number | 413-5300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series D Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series D perpetual preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH-D |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series E perpetual preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH-E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series F Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series F perpetual preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH-F |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series G Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series G perpetual preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH-G |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series H Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Series H perpetual preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMH-H |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
