| Document And Entity Information | May 11, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | NEXPOINT RESIDENTIAL TRUST, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | May 11, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity, File Number | 001-36663 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 47-1881359 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 2515 McKinney Avenue |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1100 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 75201 |
| City Area Code | 833 |
| Local Phone Number | 463-6697 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NXRT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001620393 |
