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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

 

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TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
AMERICAN HOMES 4 RENT

April 2, 2015

Dear American Homes 4 Rent Shareholder:

              On behalf of the Board of Trustees of American Homes 4 Rent, I am pleased to invite you to attend our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel located at 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, California 91301. You may attend the meeting in person or by proxy.

              Your vote is important, and we strongly urge you to cast your vote. You may vote by using the Internet, the telephone, or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card. To ensure that your vote is recorded, please vote as soon as possible, whether or not you plan to attend in person. If you attend the meeting, you may withdraw your proxy at the meeting and vote your shares in person from the floor.

              We appreciate your continued trust and confidence as an investor in American Homes 4 Rent.

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AMERICAN HOMES 4 RENT
30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200
Agoura Hills, California 91301

NOTICE OF THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

              The 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of American Homes 4 Rent, a Maryland real estate investment trust, will be held at the time and place and for the purposes indicated below.

 

April 2, 2015

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AMERICAN HOMES 4 RENT

PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 7, 2015

GENERAL INFORMATION

              We are providing these proxy materials in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of American Homes 4 Rent (the "company," "we," "our" or "us") of proxies to be voted at our 2015 Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. The 2015 Annual Meeting will be held on May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., local time, at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, California 91301. The materials are being provided to all holders of record of Class A common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share ("Class A common shares"), and of Class B common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share ("Class B common shares") of the company.

              This proxy statement contains important information regarding our Annual Meeting. Specifically, it identifies the proposals on which you are being asked to vote, provides information that you may find useful in determining how to vote and describes voting procedures. This notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement is first being distributed and made available on or about April 2, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2015, the record date set by our Board.

VOTING INFORMATION

Who may attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?

              Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date of March 12, 2015 will be entitled to vote at the meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. On the record date, approximately 210,852,089 of the company's Class A common shares were issued and outstanding and 635,075 Class B common shares were issued and outstanding.

              If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee and you plan to attend our Annual Meeting, you will need to bring proof of ownership, such as a recent bank or brokerage account statement.

What items of business will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

              Shareholders will vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:

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The election of eight trustees from the nominees named in Proposal 1 to the Board to serve until the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;



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The ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, as set forth in Proposal 2;



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An advisory vote to approve on the company's compensation programs for executive officers as set forth in Proposal 3; and



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An advisory vote on the frequency of the shareholder advisory vote to approve the company's compensation programs for executive officers as set forth in Proposal 4.

These proposals are discussed in more detail in this proxy statement.    We will also consider any other matters properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

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How does the Board recommend that I vote?

              Our Board unanimously recommends that you vote:

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"FOR" the election of each of the eight nominees for trustee named in Proposal 1;



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"FOR" ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2015 as set forth in Proposal 2;



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"FOR" approval of the company's executive compensation as set forth in Proposal 3; and



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"ONE YEAR" for the frequency of the advisory vote on the company's compensation for executive officers as set forth in Proposal 4.

What voting rights do I have?

              Holders of Class A common shares and Class B common shares vote together on the matters for the election of trustees and ratification of the appointment of the company's independent registered public accounting firm. Each holder of Class A common shares is entitled to one vote per share. Each holder of Class B common shares is entitled to fifty votes per share.

How many shares must be voted to approve each matter?

              Provided that shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting are present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, each matter may be approved as follows:

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The eight nominees who receive the most votes cast at the meeting will be elected trustees. Common shares not voted (whether by abstention or otherwise) will not affect the vote.



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The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting is necessary to ratify the selection of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2015. Abstentions have the effect of a vote against this proposal.



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The advisory vote to approve executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the meeting by the holders of our common shares. Any shares not voted (whether by abstention or otherwise) will not affect the vote. Although this proposal is not binding on the Board, the Board will consider the results of the shareholder vote.



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The advisory vote to approve the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the meeting by the holders of our common shares. Any shares not voted (whether by abstention or otherwise) will not affect the vote. However, because shareholders may select one of four options, it is possible that no option will receive a majority of the votes. Although this proposal is not binding on the Board, the Board will consider the results of the shareholder vote.

How do I vote my shares at the Annual Meeting?

If you attend the Annual Meeting:    Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. Shares for which you are the beneficial owner but not the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the bank, broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also vote by proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting.

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If you don't attend the Annual Meeting:    Whether you hold shares directly as the shareholder of record or through a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee as the beneficial owner, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. There are three ways to vote by proxy:

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By Internet – Shareholders may submit proxies over the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card.



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By Telephone – Shareholders may submit proxies over the telephone by following the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card.



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By Mail – Shareholders may submit proxies by completing, signing and dating their proxy card or voting instruction card and mailing it in the accompanying pre-addressed postage-paid envelope.

How will my proxy be voted?

              If you grant a proxy and do not revoke it before the applicable voting deadline, the persons designated as proxies will vote the common shares represented thereby, if any, in the manner specified. If you grant a proxy but do not indicate how your shares should be voted on a matter, the shares represented by your properly completed proxy/voting instruction card will be voted (1) "FOR" the election of the Board's nominees for trustee, (2) "FOR" the ratification of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2015, (3) "FOR" approval of the company's compensation of executive officers, (4) "ONE YEAR" for the frequency of the advisory shareholder vote on executive compensation, and in the discretion of the proxy holders on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting. The persons designated as proxies reserve full discretion to cast votes for other persons if any of the nominees for trustee become unavailable to serve and to cumulate votes selectively among the nominees as to which authority to vote has not been withheld.

Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

              You may change your vote before the vote at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the following procedures. If you are the shareholder of record, you may change your vote by granting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), by providing a written notice of revocation to the Secretary at American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting alone will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically make that request. For shares you hold beneficially in the name of a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your bank, broker, trustee or nominee in accordance with their instructions, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your bank, broker, trustee or other nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting and voting in person.

How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the Annual Meeting?

              A quorum is required to hold the meeting. The presence at the meeting in person or by proxy of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

              A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. If the shareholders present or represented by proxy at the meeting represent less than a majority of all the votes entitled

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to be cast at the meeting, our meeting may be adjourned to a later date for the purpose of obtaining a quorum.

What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

              Other than the two items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, David P. Singelyn and John Corrigan, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If for any reason any of our nominees is not available as a candidate for trustee, the persons named as proxy holders will vote any shares represented by your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

Who will serve as Inspector of Elections at the Annual Meeting?

              The inspector of elections will be a representative from our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

How do I contact the company's transfer agent?

              Please contact our transfer agent at the phone number or address listed below, with questions concerning shares, dividend checks, transfer of ownership or other matters pertaining to your share account: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Shareholder Services, 6201 15^th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, phone number: (800) 937-5449 or (718) 921-8124.

Who will bear the costs of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?

              We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, certain trustees, officers and regular employees of the company and its affiliates may solicit the return of proxies by telephone, personal interview or otherwise. We may also reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing the beneficial owners of our shares for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy solicitation materials to such beneficial owners.

Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: This Proxy Statement, the 2014 Annual Report including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and a sample proxy card are available at www.americanhomes4rent.com/ForInvestors/CorporateInformation/2015AnnualMeetingDocuments.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines

              Our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our officers, trustees and employees. Among other matters, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote the following:

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honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;



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full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other public communications;



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compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;



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prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to appropriate persons identified in the code; and



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accountability for adherence to the code.

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              The Board has also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to outline its overall governance practices. The Board periodically reviews its corporate governance policies in light of governmental rules and regulations, practices at other companies and investor input.

              The company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Corporate Governance Guidelines are each available on the company's website, www.americanhomes4rent.com. A copy of each may be obtained by sending a written request to the company's Investor Relations Department, American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, California 91301, or under the tab "For Investors" on the company's website. Any amendments or waivers to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for trustees or executive officers may be made only by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board and will be disclosed on the company's website or other appropriate means in accordance with applicable SEC and New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") requirements.

Board of Trustees

              The number of members on our Board will be determined from time-to-time by resolution of the existing members of the board. Our Board currently consists of eight persons. Our trustees are nominated each year by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

              We are subject to the rules of the NYSE. Generally, these rules require a number of trustees serving on our board to meet standards of independence. As described below in "Trustee Independence", our Board has determined that five of our eight trustees, specifically Messrs. Angeloff, Hart, Kropp, Swann and Woolley, are "Independent Trustees" who meet the independence standards of the NYSE. Our Independent Trustees meet regularly in executive sessions without members of management present, generally following each regularly scheduled Board meeting.

              Our Board believes its members collectively have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to effectively oversee the management of our company, including a high degree of personal and professional integrity, an ability to exercise sound business judgment on a broad range of issues, sufficient experience and background to have an appreciation of the issues facing our company, a willingness to devote the necessary time to board duties, a commitment to representing the best interests of our company and a dedication to enhancing shareholder value.

Committees of the Board

              Our board has established three committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of these committees consists of three members, each of whom meets the independence standards of the NYSE. Matters put to a vote by any one of our three independent committees of our Board must be approved by a majority of the trustees on the committee who are present at a meeting, in person or as otherwise permitted by our bylaws, at which there is a quorum or by the unanimous written consent of the trustees serving on the committee. Additionally, our Board may from time to time establish other committees to facilitate the board's oversight of management of the business and affairs of our company.

              Each of the standing committees operates pursuant to a written charter which can be viewed at our website at www.americanhomes4rent.com. A print copy will be provided to any shareholder who requests a copy by writing to the company's Secretary at American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, California 91301.

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              Our three standing committees are described below, and the current committee members and number of meetings held in 2014 are identified in the following table:

              Audit Committee. Our board has affirmatively determined that each of the Audit Committee members meets the definition of "independent trustee" for purposes of the NYSE rules and the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Our board has also determined that each member of our Audit Committee qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC rules and regulations. The Audit Committee's principal functions consist of overseeing:

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review of all related party transactions in accordance with our related party transactions policy;



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our accounting and financial reporting processes;



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the integrity of our consolidated financial statements and financial reporting process;



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our systems of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;



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our compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements;



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the evaluation of the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm;



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the performance of our internal audit functions; and



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our overall risk exposure and management.

              Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee's principal functions consist of supporting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the following:

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reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our chief executive officer's compensation, evaluating our chief executive officer's performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration of our chief executive officer based on such evaluation;



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reviewing and approving the compensation of our other executive officers;



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reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;



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implementing and administering our incentive and equity-based compensation plans;



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producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

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reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for trustees.

              Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. None of our current Compensation Committee members is or was an officer or employee, or former officer or employee, of ours. None of our executive officers serve as a member of a Board or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board or our Compensation Committee.

              Oversight of Compensation Risks. In February 2015, the Compensation Committee considered a report from management concerning its review of potential risks related to compensation policies and practices of all employees of the company. In connection with its review, the Compensation Committee discussed the report with senior management and also discussed management's conclusion that the company's compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company.

              In connection with preparing the report for the Compensation Committee's consideration, members of our senior management team, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Human Resources, reviewed each of the company's compensation programs, focusing on employee incentive compensation plans. At the completion of the review, management and the Committee concluded that there is little motivation or opportunity for employees to take undue risks to earn incentive compensation awards and that the incentive compensation plans properly incentive employees to achieve long-term goals and do not create undue risks for the company.

              Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's principal functions consist of:

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identifying individuals qualified to become members of our Board and ensuring that our Board has the requisite expertise;



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developing, and recommending to the Board for its approval, qualifications for trustee candidates and periodically reviewing these qualifications with the Board;



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reviewing the committee structure of the Board and recommending trustees to serve as members or chairs of each committee of the Board;



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reviewing and recommending committee slates annually and recommending additional committee members to fill vacancies as needed;



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developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to us and, at least annually, reviewing such guidelines and recommending changes to the Board for approval as necessary;



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overseeing the annual self-evaluations of the Board and management; and



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overseeing our Board' compliance with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Trustee Compensation

              Our Board has established a compensation program for our independent trustees. Pursuant to this compensation program, we pay the following fees to each of our independent trustees:

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an annual cash retainer of $75,000;



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an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000 to the chair of our Audit Committee;

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an additional annual cash retainer of $7,500 to the chair of our Compensation Committee; and



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an additional annual cash retainer of $7,500 to the chair of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

              We also reimburse our independent trustees for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as trustees, including without limitation, travel expenses in connection with their attendance in-person at board and committee meetings. Trustees who are employees do not receive any compensation for their services as trustees.

              In March 2014, the Board determined to award each independent trustee, beginning in 2014, an annual share option grant to acquire 10,000 Class A common shares with a grant price set at the closing price on the NYSE of the company's Class A common shares on the date of grant. The option vests in four equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant.

Trustee Compensation Table

              The following table presents information relating to the total compensation of our non-employee trustees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Messrs. Hughes, Singelyn and Corrigan did not receive any compensation for their services as trustees in 2014.

Board Leadership

              We have separate individuals serving as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer. B. Wayne Hughes serves as our Non-Executive Chairman. David P. Singelyn serves as Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management and profitable growth of the company.

              The company does not have a policy against one individual holding the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Rather, the Board evaluates the desirability of having a combined or separate roles for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from time-to-time and adopts a structure based on what it believes is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Currently, the Board believes that having a separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer serves the interests of the company and its shareholders well.

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              In addition, the Board has established a position of independent presiding trustee, to provide for an independent leadership role on the Board. The independent presiding trustee, who must be one of the independent trustees, presides at meetings of all non-management trustees in executive session without the presence of management. These meetings are held on a regular basis, generally following each regularly scheduled Board meeting and at the request of any non-management trustee. In addition, the independent trustees meet separately at least once annually. These sessions are designed to encourage open Board discussion of any matter of interest without the Chief Executive Officer or any other members of management present. The position of independent presiding trustee of these sessions is appointed by the independent trustees annually for a one-year term expiring at the next annual meeting. Matthew J. Hart is the independent presiding trustee for meetings of the non-management trustees until the 2015 Annual Meeting.

Board Responsibilities and Oversight of Risk Management

              The Board is responsible for overseeing our company's approach to major risks and our policies for assessing and managing these risks. In connection with its oversight function, the Board regularly receives presentations from management on areas of risk facing our business. The Board and management actively engage in discussions about these potential and perceived risks to the business.

              In addition, the Board is assisted in its oversight responsibilities by the standing Board committees, which have assigned areas of oversight responsibility for various matters as described in the Committee charters and as provided in NYSE rules. For example, the Audit Committee assists the Board's oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, the qualifications and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm and the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee also considers our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee also reviews various potential areas of financial risk in detail on a regular basis. The Compensation Committee oversees the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers and evaluates the appropriate compensation incentives to motivate senior management to grow long-term shareholder returns without undue risk taking.

              The Board committees also hear reports from the members of management to enable each committee to understand and discuss risk identification and risk management. The chair of each of the Board's standing committees reports on the discussion to the full Board at the next Board meeting. All trustees have access to members of management in the event a trustee wishes to follow up on items discussed outside the Board meeting.

Board Meetings

              The Board meets at regularly scheduled intervals and may hold additional special meetings as necessary or desirable in furtherance of its oversight responsibilities. As described above, the non-management trustees generally meet in executive session without the presence of management in connection with each regularly scheduled board meeting. During 2014, the Board held nine meetings and the Board committees held thirteen meetings. During 2014, each trustee attended at least 75% of the meetings held by the Board and all committees of the Board on which he served. Six of the company's eight trustees attended the 2014 Annual Meeting. Trustees are encouraged, but not required, to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting.

Trustee Independence

              The Board evaluates the independence of each trustee annually based on information supplied by trustees and the company, and on the recommendations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The company's Corporate Governance Guidelines require that a majority of

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the trustees be independent in accordance with the requirements of the rules of the NYSE. A trustee qualifies as independent unless the Board determines that the trustee has a material relationship with the company, based on all relevant facts and circumstances, in accordance with NYSE rules. Material relationships may include commercial, industrial, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable, family and other business, professional and personal relationships, and the Board also considers the trustee's relationships with American Homes 4 Rent, LLC ("AH LLC"), the company's sponsor and largest shareholder.

              Following its annual review of each trustee's independence, in February 2014, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended to the Board and the Board determined that (1) each member of the Board, other than B. Wayne Hughes, David P. Singelyn and John Corrigan, and, as mentioned above, (2) each member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent pursuant to the rules of the NYSE and each Audit Committee member and each Compensation Committee member meets the additional independence requirements of the rules of the SEC. Mr. Hughes was deemed not independent because of the significant ownership of his family members in AH LLC. Mr. Singelyn was deemed not independent because he is Chief Executive Officer of the company. Mr. Corrigan was deemed not independent because he is Chief Operating Officer of the company.

Consideration of Candidates for Trustee

              Shareholder recommendations. The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider properly submitted shareholder recommendations for candidates for membership on the Board is described below under "Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Trustees." Under this policy, shareholder recommendations may only be submitted by a shareholder entitled to submit shareholder proposals under the SEC rules. Any shareholder recommendations proposed for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should include the nominee's name and qualifications for Board membership, including the information required under Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary at American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Recommendations should be submitted in the time frame described in this proxy statement under "Deadlines for Receipt of Shareholder Proposals for Consideration at the 2016 Annual Meeting" on page 29.

              Trustee Qualifications. Members of the Board should have the highest personal and professional integrity, shall have demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment and shall be most effective, in conjunction with the other nominees to the board, in serving the long-term interests of the company and its shareholders. In general, the Board seeks to add trustees who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE rules. In addition, trustee candidates must submit a completed trustee questionnaire concerning matters related to independence determination, the determination of whether a candidate qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and other proxy disclosure matters and must satisfactorily complete a background investigation by a third-party firm.

              The Board has delegated to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee responsibility for recommending to the Board new trustees for election and assessing the skills and characteristics required of Board members in the context of the current make-up of the Board. This assessment includes trustees' qualifications as independent, and may include consideration of the following, all in the context of an assessment of the perceived needs of the Board at that time:

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diversity, background, skills and experience;



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personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community;

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knowledge and contacts in the communities in which the company conducts business and in the company's industry or other industries relevant to the company's business;



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ability and willingness to devote sufficient time to serve on the Board and committees of the Board;



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knowledge and expertise in various areas deemed appropriate by the Board; and



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how the individual's skills, experience and personality fit with those of other trustees in maintaining an effective, collegial and responsive Board.

There are no other policies or guidelines that limit the selection of trustee candidates by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Committee and the Board have and exercise broad discretion to select trustee candidates who will best serve the Board, the company and its shareholders.

              Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Trustees. The company was formed and the current Board members were first elected in 2012. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee expects to utilize a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating new nominees for trustee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size of the Board and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider various potential candidates for trustee.

              Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee through current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. These candidates will be evaluated at meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and may be considered at any point during the year.

              As described above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider properly submitted shareholder nominations of candidates for the Board in the same manner as other candidates. Following verification of the shareholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations will be aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee prior to the issuance of the proxy statement for the annual meeting. If any materials are provided by a shareholder in connection with the recommendation of a trustee candidate, such materials are forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also review materials provided by professional search firms or other parties in connection with a nominee who is not proposed by a shareholder. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board.

Communications with the Board

              The company provides a process by which shareholders and interested parties may communicate with the Board. Any shareholder communication to the Board should be addressed to: Board of Trustees, c/o Secretary, American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Communications that are intended for a specified individual trustee or group of trustees should be addressed to the trustee(s) c/o Secretary at the above address, and all such communications received will be forwarded to the designated trustee(s).

Company Policy Prohibiting Pledge of Shares and Hedging Transactions

              The company's trading policies restrict transactions in company stock by executive officers and trustees. All trades by executive officers and trustees must be pre-cleared. Executive officers and trustees are expressly prohibited from trading in puts or calls, from engaging in short sales of company stock and from pledging company stock or using it as part of a margin account.

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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

Our Trustees

              Our Board consists of eight members. Of these eight trustees, five trustees, constituting a majority, are considered "independent" within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.

Nominees for Trustee

              Upon the recommendation of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, our Board has nominated the eight persons listed below to serve as trustees for a one-year term beginning with the 2015 Annual Meeting, or until their successors, if any, are elected or appointed. All the nominees are presently trustees, and each nominee has consented to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected.

Biographical Information

              Set forth below is biographical information for each of the trustee nominees.

              B. Wayne Hughes—Mr. Hughes, age 81, has served as our Non-Executive Chairman since October 2012. In June 2011, Mr. Hughes co-founded AH LLC, a private company formed to capitalize on the dislocation in the single-family home market and an affiliate of our company. In 1972, Mr. Hughes founded Public Storage (NYSE: PSA), one of the nation's largest REITs, where he served as a Trustee from 1980 to 2012 and retired as Chief Executive Officer in November 2002. In 2006, Mr. Hughes founded ACE, a real estate management company with 62 retail and office properties across California and Hawaii. Mr. Hughes earned a B.A. in Business from the University of Southern California and is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his more than 40 years of real estate, financial and operational expertise, including the organization of Public Storage in 1972 and its management until 2002.

              David P. Singelyn —Mr. Singelyn, age 53, has served as a Trustee and our Chief Executive Officer since October 2012. Mr. Singelyn co-founded AH LLC with Mr. Hughes in June 2011 and served as the Chief Executive Officer of American Homes 4 Rent Advisor, LLC, our former manager until the company internalized its senior management on June 10, 2013. From 2003 through April 2013, Mr. Singelyn was Chairman and President of Public Storage Canada, a real estate company previously listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, where he built a management team that restructured the operations of the company, including building an operations team and installing accounting and operating computer systems. In 2010, Mr. Singelyn facilitated the restructuring of the ownership entity that was traded on the Toronto stock exchange resulting in the company "going private." In 2005, Mr. Singelyn, along with Mr. Hughes, founded ACE, and he now serves as a co-manager of ACE. Mr. Singelyn is also a director of the William Lawrence and Blanche Hughes Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to research of pediatric cancer. Mr. Singelyn served as the Treasurer for Public Storage, from 1989 through 2003, where he was responsible for equity capital raising, debt issuances, corporate cash management and financial management for Public Storage and its subsidiary operations. During his tenure, and with his direct involvement, Public Storage raised funds through the public and institutional marketplaces, including from a number of state pensions. Mr. Singelyn started his career at Arthur Young and Company (now a part of Ernst & Young LLP) and also served as Controller of Winchell's Donut Houses where he was responsible for all accounting functions. Mr. Singelyn earned a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from California Polytechnic University—Pomona and is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his extensive real estate, financial and operational experience with private and public companies.

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              John "Jack" Corrigan —Mr. Corrigan, age 54, has served as a Trustee and our Chief Operating Officer since October 2012. Since November 2011, Mr. Corrigan has been the Chief Operating Officer of our former manager. From 2006 to 2011, Mr. Corrigan was the Chief Executive Officer of A & H Property and Investments, a full service leasing and property management company in Los Angeles County with a portfolio of residential, retail, industrial and office properties where he was responsible for acquisitions, dispositions, development, financing and management operations. Mr. Corrigan served as Chief Financial Officer of PS Business Parks Inc. (NYSE: PSB), a publicly-traded REIT specializing in office and industrial properties throughout the United States, from 1998 to 2004. Prior to his tenure at PS Business Parks, Mr. Corrigan was a partner in the accounting firm of LaRue, Corrigan & McCormick where he was responsible for the audit and consulting practice of that firm. Mr. Corrigan started his career at Arthur Young and Company (now a part of Ernst & Young LLP) and also served as Vice President and Controller of Storage Equities, Inc. (a predecessor entity to Public Storage). Mr. Corrigan earned a B.S. in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University. Mr. Corrigan is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his extensive real estate, financial and operational experience with public and private companies.

              Dann V. Angeloff —Mr. Angeloff, age 79, has served as a Trustee since November 2012 and is Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Angeloff founded The Angeloff Company, a corporate financial advisory firm advising top management of small and mid-sized companies in the areas of capital sourcing, merger-acquisition and other financial services and has served as its President since 1976. He is and has been active in the capital markets as an investment banker and corporate financial advisor for over 50 years and has been responsible for over 80 financial transactions with a major emphasis in initial public offerings. He currently serves on the board of Electronic Recyclers International, Inc. Within the last five years, Mr. Angeloff has served on the following boards: Bjurman, Barry Fund, Inc., Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund, Public Storage and SoftBrands, Inc. Mr. Angeloff received a B.S. in Finance and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Southern California. Mr. Angeloff is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his investment banking background and knowledge of capital markets and his public company board experience. In addition, he is one of the founders of the National Association of Corporate Directors, or NACD, and former Chairman and President and currently chairman emeritus of the Southern California NACD Chapter and brings his extensive knowledge of corporate governance practices to our Board and to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which he chairs.

              Matthew J. Hart —Mr. Hart, age 62, has served as a Trustee since November 2012 and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Hart served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation, or Hilton, a global hospitality company, from May 2004 until the buyout of Hilton by a private equity firm in October 2007. He also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hilton from 1996 to 2004. Prior to joining Hilton, Mr. Hart served as the Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Walt Disney Company, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Host Marriott Corp., Senior Vice President and Treasurer for Marriott Corporation and Vice President, Corporate Lending, for Bankers Trust Company. Mr. Hart currently serves on the board of directors of American Airlines Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL), Air Lease Corporation (NYSE:AL) and B. Riley Financial, Inc. (OTC:RILY). Mr. Hart was also a director of US Airways Group, Inc. until it merged with American Airlines, Inc. in December 2013. Mr. Hart received a B.A. in Economics and Sociology from Vanderbilt University and an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Columbia University. Mr. Hart is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his financial expertise, risk management experience, extensive experience as a senior operating and finance executive in developing strategies for large public companies, his mergers and acquisitions experience, and his service as a public company director.

              James H. Kropp —Mr. Kropp, age 66, has served as a Trustee since November 2012 and is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance

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Committee. Since 2009, Mr. Kropp has been the Chief Investment Officer of SLKW Investments LLC, a family investment office and the successor to i3 Funds LLC. Since 2011, he has been Chief Financial Officer of Microproperties LLC, an investor and asset manager of net leased restaurant properties. From 2009 until its sale in February 2012, he served as Interim CFO of TaxEase LLC, a tax lien finance company. Since 1998, Mr. Kropp has served as a director of PS Business Parks Inc., and is the Chair of its Compensation Committee and a member of its Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. Since its founding in 2011, he has been a director of Corporate Capital Trust, a registered investment company, and Chair of its Audit Committee and a member of its Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Kropp earned a B.B.A. in Finance from St. Francis College. He was licensed as a CPA while at Arthur Young and Company (now a part of Ernst & Young LLP). Mr. Kropp is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his knowledge of investment banking and capital markets, specializing in real estate securities, his extensive experience with real estate businesses, including other REITs, and his experience as a member of several public company boards.

              Lynn Swann —Mr. Swann, age 63, has served as a Trustee since November 2012 and is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Swann has been the President of Swann, Inc., a marketing and consulting company, since 1976 and the Managing Director of the LS Group which is a third party capital fundraising firm, since 2008. Since 1979 Mr. Swann has been the National Spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, served on their National Board from the mid-1980's to 2011 and was Chairman of the Board from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Swann also played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was selected to three Pro Bowls, won four Super Bowls, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. After his NFL career, Mr. Swann engaged in television sports broadcasting for ABC Sports. Mr. Swann is a board member of Fluor (NYSE:FLR) and Caesar's Entertainment Corp. (NASDAQ:CZR) and, within the last five years, was also a director of H.J. Heinz Co. and Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. Mr. Swann earned a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Southern California and is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his media and public relations experience, consumer awareness skills, diverse business and political background and management-level decision-making experience.

              Kenneth M. Woolley —Mr. Woolley, age 68, has served as a Trustee since November 2012 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. He is the founder of Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE: EXR), or Extra Space, a self-storage REIT, and he currently serves as its Executive Chairman. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from its inception in 2004 through March 2009 and was formerly Chief Executive Officer of Extra Space's predecessor. From 1994 to 2002, he was an active participant on Storage USA's Advisory Board. From 1983 to 1989 he acted as a preferred developer for Public Storage, Inc. Mr. Woolley has also developed over 9,000 apartment units in 32 projects and acquired over 15,000 apartment units in the past 25 years and is the founder of several companies in the retail, electronics, food manufacturing, airline and natural resources industries. Mr. Woolley received a B.A. in Physics from Brigham Young University and an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Business Administration from Stanford University, Graduate School of Business. Mr. Woolley is qualified to serve as a Trustee due to his extensive experience with public companies, including his executive experience with Extra Space, and experience with multi-family properties.

Board Recommendation

              Our Board unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" each of the eight nominees for trustee for a one-year term.

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PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

              The Board recommends that shareholders ratify the Audit Committee's selection of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. BDO USA, LLP has acted as the company's independent registered public accountants since the company's organization in 2012.

              We are not required to seek ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP, but the Board believes in doing so as a matter of good corporate governance. Even if the appointment of BDO USA, LLP is ratified by the shareholders, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that a change would be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders. If shareholders do not ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection, but may nevertheless determine to select them.

              Representatives from BDO USA, LLP will be in attendance at the 2015 Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

              The following table shows the fees billed to the company by BDO USA, LLP for audit and other services provided for fiscal 2014 and 2013:

Auditor Independence. The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the non-audit services described above is compatible with maintaining the independence of the company's independent registered public accounting firm.

Policy to Approve Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee has adopted an Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy relating to services performed by the company's independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to the Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy, a list of specific services within certain categories of services, including audit and audit-related services, are specifically pre-approved for the upcoming or current fiscal year, subject to an aggregate maximum annual fee payable by us for each category of pre-approved services. Any service that is not included in the approved list of services must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Additionally, all audit and permissible non-audit services in excess of the pre-approved fee level, whether or not included on the pre-approved list of services, must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has delegated authority to its Chairman

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to specifically pre-approve engagements for the performance of audit and permissible non-audit services, for which the estimated cost for all such services shall not exceed $200,000 prior to reporting such pre-approved engagements to the Audit Committee in accordance with the following sentence, and the review by the Audit Committee of such engagements. The Chairman must report all pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting and provide a description of the terms of the engagement, including:

•

the type of services covered by the engagement;

•

the dates the engagement is scheduled to commence and terminate;

•

the estimated fees payable by us pursuant to the engagement;

•

other material terms of the engagement; and

•

such other information as the Audit Committee may request.

Under this policy, the Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed by BDO USA, LLP during 2014, including those listed in the previous table. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to grant required approvals between meetings of the Audit Committee, provided that any exercise of this authority is reviewed at the next committee meeting.

Board Recommendation:

              The Board unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the ratification of the selection of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2015.

Audit Committee Report

              The Audit Committee's responsibilities include appointing the company's independent registered public accounting firm, pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by the firm and assisting the Board in providing oversight to the company's financial reporting process. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets with the company's independent registered public accounting firm, internal auditors and management to review accounting, auditing, internal controls and financial reporting matters.

              In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets with the company's independent registered public accounting firm, internal auditor and management to review accounting auditing internal controls and financial reporting matters. Management is responsible for the company's financial statements, including the estimates and judgments on which they are based, for maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting and for assessing the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)("PCAOB") and for issuing a report thereon. It is not the Audit Committee's responsibility to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the company's financial statements and disclosures are complete, accurate and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Audit Committee's responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes and necessarily relies on the work and assurances of the company's management and of the company's independent registered public accounting firm.

              In connection with its oversight responsibilities related to the company's financial statements included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Audit Committee met with management and BDO USA, LLP, the company's independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewed and discussed with them the audited consolidated financial statements. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing

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Standard No. 16 (Communication with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee's also discussed with BDO USA, LLP the overall scope and plans for the annual audit, the results of their examinations, their evaluation of the company's internal controls and the overall quality of the company's financial reporting.

              The company's independent registered public accounting firm also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm that firm's independence. In addition, the Audit Committee has considered whether the independent registered public accounting firm's provision of non-audit services to the company and its affiliates is compatible with the firm's independence.

              In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees, and the Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee also approved the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the company's independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 and recommended that the Board submit this appointment to the company's shareholders for ratification at the 2015 Annual Meeting.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
James H. Kropp, Chairman
Matthew J. Hart
Kenneth M. Woolley

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

              The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares and common shares into which units in American Homes 4 Rent, L.P., our operating partnership ("OP units"), may be exchangeable by each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our common shares and OP units.

Share Ownership of 5% or Greater Beneficial Owners

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              The following table sets forth information, as of March 12, 2015, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares and common shares into which units in American Homes 4 Rent, L.P., our operating partnership ("OP units"), may be exchangeable by (1) each of our named executive officers, (2) each of our trustees and (3) all of our executive officers and trustees as a group.

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Except as otherwise indicated, each trustee and executive officer has sole voting and investment power over his or her shares.

Share Ownership of Trustees and Management

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

              Our Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and the three next most highly compensated persons who were executive officers of the company on December 31, 2014. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains the objectives of our executive compensation programs, outlines the elements of executive officer compensation and describes the factors considered by the Compensation Committee to determine the amounts of compensation for executive officers for 2014 performance.

2014 Compensation Summary

              For 2014, our Compensation Committee continued to hold cash compensation of executive officers at conservative levels. For named executive officers, other than Messrs. Singelyn and Corrigan who have an ownership interest in AH LLC, our largest shareholder, the Compensation Committee weighted 2014 incentive compensation towards equity awards rather than cash incentives. The Compensation Committee believes equity awards clearly align management and shareholder interests, particularly for stock option awards, which have value only as the share price increases from the share price on the date of grant.

              With respect to base salaries, the Compensation Committee maintained all executive officer base salaries at 2013 levels, except that Ms. Vogt-Lowell's base salary was increased to $200,000 and Mr. Corrigan's base salary was increased to $225,000. Cash bonuses for 2014 were paid at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, after considering management's recommendations and the views of other Board members. In connection with determining cash bonuses for 2014 performance, the Compensation Committee considered the company's dramatic growth in 2014 through acquisitions and operational improvements and financing transactions during 2014. After consideration of these factors and consideration of the recommendations of the chief executive officer, the Compensation Committee awarded a cash bonus of $125,000 to Mr. Smith for the improvements in operations and property management during the year. The Committee also awarded a cash bonus of $125,000 to Ms. Vogt-Lowell for her management of the company's legal function in connection with acquisitions and financial transactions. With respect to Messrs. Singelyn and Corrigan, the Compensation Committee considered their roles and ownership interests in AH LLC and the views of other Board members and did not award any cash bonuses to these individuals.

              With respect to equity awards during 2014, in February 2014, Mr. Smith received an award of 50,000 stock options and 10,000 restricted share units in recognition of his contributions to our operations. In March 2014, Ms. Vogt-Lowell received an award of 30,000 stock options to recognize her leadership of the company's legal activities.

              In addition, during 2014, the Compensation Committee considered and approved a compensation arrangement for Diana M. Laing, hired as Chief Financial Officer in May 2014. The compensation approved was negotiated with Ms. Laing and recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and included an annual base salary of $250,000, a cash bonus at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and a stock option grant of 200,000 shares vesting in four equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant.

2015 Compensation Outlook

              In February 2015, the Compensation Committee reviewed base salaries and considered the recommendations of the chief executive officer. Following the Committee's review, the Committee approved annual base salary increases of $20,000 for Mr. Smith to $210,000. Ms. Vogt-Lowell received a $10,000 increase to $210,000 and Ms. Laing received a $10,000 increase to $260,000.

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              The Compensation Committee also awarded 10,000 restricted share units to Ms. Laing and Ms. Vogt-Lowell and awarded a stock option to acquire 50,000 shares to Mr. Smith and for 20,000 shares to Ms. Vogt-Lowell.

              As was true for 2014, the Compensation Committee determined not to establish performance targets for bonus payments for 2015 performance. The Compensation Committee intends to review the performance of the company and management at year-end and maintain flexibility to reward management based on accomplishments with the benefit of hindsight.

Executive Compensation

              Since our formation, including for fiscal year 2012, through June 10, 2013, we did not have any employees whom we compensated directly with salaries or other cash compensation. Our executive, administrative, financial, property management and marketing and leasing personnel were provided by AH LLC through Malibu Management Inc., or MMI, an affiliate of AH LLC. Effective June 10, 2013, our operating partnership acquired our former manager and property manager and we entered into an employee administration agreement with MMI to obtain the exclusive services of our management and property management personnel. The employee administration agreement terminated December 31, 2014 and effective December 11, 2014, we hired all the AH LLC employees engaged in acquisition and renovation activities for us. During the term of the employee administration agreement, our management and property management personnel (including our executive officers) were fully dedicated to us, and we directed MMI with respect to the terms and conditions of employment of these personnel, including making all determinations as to the elements and amount of compensation and benefits to be provided.

Compensation Overview

              The primary goal of our executive compensation program is to align the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders in a way that allows us to attract and retain the best executive talent. The Compensation Committee of our Board oversees the compensation of our executive officers, including setting base salaries, awarding bonuses and making equity awards to our executive officers. The Compensation Committee also oversees the company's equity plan. The Compensation Committee goals are to design a compensation program that rewards, among other things, favorable shareholder returns, share appreciation, our company's competitive position within our segment of the real estate industry and each executive officer's long-term career contributions to our company. Our compensation incentives that are designed to further these goals have taken the form of transaction bonuses and annual cash compensation and equity awards, and long-term cash and equity incentives for our executive officers. All equity and cash bonus awards to executive officers during 2014 were made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee in recognition of the accomplishment of significant corporate goals. Future equity and cash bonuses may also be measured by performance targets established in advance by our Compensation Committee. In addition, our Compensation Committee may decide to make awards to new executive officers in order to attract talented professionals. Our "named executive officers" during 2014 are: David P. Singelyn, Chief Executive Officer and a trustee; John Corrigan, Chief Operating Officer and a trustee; Diana M. Laing, Chief Financial Officer; Bryan Smith, Executive Vice President and Director of Property Operations, and Sara Vogt-Lowell, Chief Legal Officer.

Factors Considered by the Compensation Committee in Making Decisions for 2014

              In evaluating executive officer compensation for 2014, the Compensation Committee considered input from the other trustees and the chief executive officer as well as the business judgment and experience of each Committee member. Although the Committee is authorized to retain third-party compensation consultants, it has not done so. The Committee also considers the roles and

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ownership interests of Messrs. Singelyn, Corrigan and Goldberg in the company's sponsor, AH LLC when it considers compensation from the company.

Role of Management in Determining the Compensation of Executive Officers

              Mr. Singelyn attends most meetings of the Compensation Committee. He does not vote on items before the Compensation Committee and is not present during the Committee's discussions and determination concerning his compensation. The Compensation Committee and the Board solicit his view on the performance of the executive officers reporting to him and consider his recommendations. For 2014, the Compensation Committee set base salaries, bonus and equity compensation for executive officers after considering Mr. Singelyn's recommendation and the views of other Board members and after reviewing and discussing the matter. Although the Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to members of the Committee pursuant to its charter, to date, the Compensation Committee has not done so.

Elements of Executive Officer Compensation

              The following is a summary of the elements of and amounts paid under our compensation plans for fiscal year 2014 to our executive officers. Because we were only recently formed and were previously externally managed, historical individual compensation information is not meaningful for prior periods.

Annual Base Salary

              Base salaries are designed to compensate our executive officers at a fixed level of compensation that serves as a retention tool throughout the executive's career. In determining base salaries, our Compensation Committee considers each executive officer's role and responsibilities, unique skills, future potential with our company, salary levels for similar positions in our core markets and internal pay equity. After reviewing the matter, in March 2014, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Corrigan's annual base salary to $225,000 and increased Ms. Vogt-Lowell's annual base salary to $200,000.

Cash Bonuses

              Annual cash bonuses are designed to incentivize our executive officers at a variable level of compensation based on the performance of both our company and such individual. In connection with our annual cash bonus program, our Compensation Committee will determine annual performance criteria that are flexible and that change with the needs of our business. Our annual cash bonus plan is designed to either (i) reward the achievement of specific, pre-established financial and operational objectives or (ii) provide for awards based on the Compensation Committee's subjective evaluation of an executive's performance and accomplishments during the year. In addition, the Compensation Committee has discretion to award cash bonuses during the year for an executive's accomplishments with respect to a particular transaction or achievement.

              For 2014, the Compensation Committee did not set performance targets in advance. The view of the Compensation Committee is that while the company is still in its early growth phase, management needs flexibility to respond to opportunities and challenges as they arise, and to be rewarded for those responses. The Compensation Committee therefore, prefers to look back at annual performance when it is easy to see the opportunities and challenges and to evaluate management's responses. Accordingly, in February 2015, the Compensation Committee considered the company's dramatic growth in 2014 through acquisitions and the significant operational improvements and financing transactions during 2014. After consideration, the Compensation Committee awarded a cash bonus of $125,000 to Mr. Smith for the improvements in operations and property management during

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the year. The Committee awarded a cash bonus of $125,000 to Ms. Vogt-Lowell for her management of the company's legal function in connection with acquisitions and financial transactions, including the completion of the legal work for securitizations that generated proceeds to the company of approximately $1.5 billion. Ms. Laing was first employed by the company in May 2014. With respect to Messrs. Singelyn, Corrigan and Goldberg, the Compensation Committee also considered the role and ownership interest of these individuals in the company's sponsor AH LLC and the views of other Board members. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee did not pay cash bonuses to Messrs. Singelyn and Corrigan and paid a $50,000 cash bonus to Mr. Goldberg, based on his role in the company's acquisition of two large portfolios of single-family homes in 2014.

Equity Awards

              We provide equity awards pursuant to our 2012 Incentive Plan. Equity awards are designed to focus our executive officers on and reward them for their continued service and enhancing shareholder value. In general, our total executive compensation has been more heavily weighted toward equity incentive compensation for the executive officers who report to Mr. Singelyn. In determining equity awards, our Compensation Committee takes into account, among other factors, our company's overall financial performance. In February 2014, Mr. Smith received an award of 50,000 stock options and 10,000 restricted share units in recognition of his contributions to our operations. In March 2014, Ms. Vogt-Lowell received an award of 30,000 stock options to recognize her leadership of the company's legal activities.

Term of Employment

              Each of our named executive officers serves at the pleasure of our Board. We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our named executive officers.

Retirement Savings Opportunities

              All full-time employees are able to participate in a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, or 401(k) plan, after a prescribed period of employment. We provide this plan to help our employees save for retirement in a tax efficient manner. Under the 401(k) plan, participating employees are eligible to defer a portion of their salary beginning the January 1 or July 1 that first follows the completion of six months of employment, and we, at our discretion, may make a matching contribution and/or a profit-sharing contribution commencing six months after they are eligible to begin contributing to the 401(k) plan.

Health and Welfare Benefits

              We provide to all full-time employees, including our named executive officers, a competitive benefits package, which includes health and welfare benefits, such as medical, dental, short- and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance benefits.

Tax and Accounting Considerations—Code Section 162(m).

              Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1,000,000 limit on the annual deduction that may be claimed for compensation paid to each of the chief executive officer and three other highest paid employees of a publicly-held corporation (other than the chief financial officer). Certain performance-based compensation awarded under a plan approved by shareholders is excluded from that limitation, as is certain compensation paid by a partnership, such as our operating partnership. Our shareholder-approved 2012 Equity Incentive Plan is designed to permit the Compensation Committee to make awards that qualify for deduction as performance-based compensation consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m). However, the Compensation Committee has and may approve compensation that

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does not qualify for deductibility if it deems such awards appropriate to achieve the compensation goals of the company.

Compensation Committee Report

              The Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees of American Homes 4 Rent has reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Homes 4 Rent for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. This report is provided by the following independent trustees who comprise the Compensation Committee:

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Kenneth M. Woolley, Chairman
Matthew J. Hart
Lynn Swann

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Compensation of Executive Officers

              The following table provides compensation information for our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers who were employed on December 31, 2014.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

(1)

All executive officers, except for Ms. Laing, were first employed by the Company on June 11, 2013 following the Management Internalization (See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Management Internalization" below). Salaries are pro-rated accordingly.

(2)

Bonuses are discretionary and will be awarded by our Compensation Committee based on a combination of individual and corporate performance.

(3)

The amounts in the "Option Awards" column reflect the grant date fair value of share options, which was $5.03 per share for Mr. Smith's option award, $5.07 for Ms. Vogt-Lowell's option award and $5.15 for Ms. Laing's option. For a more detailed discussion and assumptions used in valuing the awards, refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

(4)

Restricted share unit awards valued at the closing share price on the NYSE of $16.62 per share for Class A common shares on the date of grant.

(5)

All Other Compensation is reported in accordance with SEC rules for executives who receive more than $10,000 of such compensation and consists of car allowance payments for Messrs. Singelyn ($12,000) and for Mr. Corrigan ($6,000) and Mr. Smith ($6,000) and 401(k) contributions by the company for 2014 for Messrs. Singelyn ($10,400), Corrigan ($10,400) and Smith ($10,400).

(6)

Ms. Laing's employment commenced on May 13, 2014. In connection with her employment, she was granted an employee stock option to acquire 200,000 Class A common shares with four year vesting.

(7)

Mr. Nelson resigned from the company effective April 24, 2014 to pursue other employment.

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GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

              The following table sets forth certain information relating to grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers during 2014.

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

              The following table sets forth information for each named executive officer with respect to the outstanding unvested equity awards as of the fiscal year-end, December 31, 2014:

PENSION/NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

              We do not maintain a pension plan or deferred compensation plan for any of our employees, including the named executive officers.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

Payments Upon Termination

              We do not have a formal severance or retirement program for payments on termination of employment through voluntary or involuntary termination, other than as specifically set forth in the company's 2012 Incentive Plan, the 401(k) Plan or as required by law. These include:

•

vested stock options following a voluntary termination of employment must be exercised within 90 days following the individual's last date of employment;



•

any amounts contributed by the participant and the company under our 401(k) Plan; and



•

accrued and unused vacation pay paid in a lump sum.

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Payments Upon Death or Disability

              In the event of the death or permanent and total disability of a named executive officer while employed by the company, the executive officer will receive 401(k) Plan contributions noted above and accrued unused vacation pay, in addition to the following:

•

All unvested outstanding stock options held by the officer accelerate and vest as of the date of death or disability, as defined in the plan, and may be exercised during the one-year period following the date of death, but prior to termination of the option; and



•

The officer will receive payments under the company's life insurance program or disability plan, as applicable, similar to all other employees of the company.

Payments Upon a Change of Control

              The company's 2012 Incentive Plan provides that upon the occurrence of a "change of control" of the company:

•

all outstanding unvested restricted stock units and restricted stock grants will vest immediately; and



•

all outstanding unvested stock options vest 15 days before consummation of such a change of control and are exercisable during such 15-day period, with such exercise conditioned upon and effective immediately before consummation of the change of control.

              A "change of control" is defined in the 2012 Incentive Plan to include:

•

the dissolution or liquidation of the company or a merger in which the company does not survive;



•

the sale of substantially all the company's assets;



•

any transaction which results in any person or entity owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock; or



•

any transaction the Board specifies as a change in control.

              The foregoing provisions do not apply to the extent (1) provision is made in writing in connection with the "change of control" for continuation of the 2012 Incentive Plan or substitution of new options, restricted stock and restricted stock units or (2) a majority of the Board determines that the "change of control" will not trigger application of the foregoing provisions.

              The following table shows the estimated value of the acceleration of unvested equity awards pursuant to the termination events described above assuming the change of control event occurred as of December 31, 2014 and assuming a closing market price of our Class A common shares on such date of $17.03.

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PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

              We are providing shareholders an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. The advisory vote is a non-binding vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation and the company's accompanying narrative disclosure. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. As an "emerging growth company" under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the JOBS Act), we did not have an advisory shareholder vote on our executive compensation at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

              In connection with this proposal, you are encouraged to carefully review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section as well as the information contained in the compensation tables and accompanying narrative discussion contained in this proxy statement. As described more fully in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, our compensation philosophy and practices seek to pay for performance and align shareholder and executive interests. Consistent with this philosophy, the Compensation Committee believes our executive compensation program is reasonable and aligned with shareholder interests.

              Accordingly, we are asking our shareholders to indicate their support for the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement by voting "FOR" the following resolution:

"RESOLVED, that the shareholders of American Homes 4 Rent approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the company's named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables."

              The vote on our executive compensation programs is advisory and nonbinding on the company. However, the Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering the company's executive compensation programs, will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions regarding our named executive officers.

Board Recommendation:

              The Board unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules.

PROPOSAL 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

              In Proposal 3 above, we are asking shareholders to vote on an advisory resolution on executive compensation. Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are asking shareholders to vote on whether future advisory votes on executive compensation should occur every year, every two years or every three years. Shareholders will be able to specify one of four choices for this proposal on the proxy cared: one year, two years, three years or abstain. Shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board's recommendation. This advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation is non-binding on the Board.

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              The Board has considered the matter and determined to recommend that shareholders vote for holding the advisory vote on executive compensation annually as good corporate governance.

Board Recommendation:

              The Board unanimously recommends that you vote "ONE YEAR" for the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

AH LLC

Agreement on Investment Opportunities

              In November 2012, we entered into an "Agreement on Investment Opportunities" with AH LLC under which we paid an acquisition and renovation fee equal to 5% of all costs and expenses we incur in connection with the initial acquisition, repair and renovation of single-family properties (net of any broker fees received by the Property Manager) for its services in identifying, evaluating, acquiring and overseeing the renovation of the properties we purchase. On June 10, 2013, we entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement on Investment Opportunities. Pursuant to the amended and restated agreement, on December 10, 2014, AH LLC ceased providing acquisition and renovation services for us and we will cease paying the acquisition and renovation fee. No termination or other fee was paid in connection with the termination of AH LLC providing such services. In connection with the termination of AH LLC providing such services and as provided in the amended and restated agreement, we offered employment, effective December 10, 2014 to all of AH LLC's acquisition and renovation personnel necessary for our operations. Additionally, AH LLC was required to pay us a monthly fee of $100,000 through December 10, 2014 for maintenance and use of certain intellectual property transferred to us in the Management Internalization. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we incurred $86.0 million in aggregate acquisition and renovation fees to AH LLC.

Acquisition of AH LLC Properties

              On December 12, 2014, we and our operating partnership entered into a contribution agreement with AH LLC, pursuant to which AH LLC contributed to the operating partnership all of AH LLC's interest in 45 properties owned by AH LLC. The value of the properties was determined by broker price opinions prepared by independent third parties. In exchange for the properties, the operating partnership issued to AH LLC 653,378 Class A units valued at $17.11 per unit, the closing price on the NYSE for our Class A common shares on December 11, 2014.

Share Purchases

              Concurrent with the completion of our offering of 5.500% Series C Participating Preferred shares, the daughter of our chairman, purchased $5 million of Class C Participating Preferred shares in a private placement at the public offering price. Concurrent with our offering of Class A common shares, she also purchased $50 million of Class A common shares in a private placement at the public offering price.

Registration Rights Agreement

              In connection with the Management Internalization, we entered into a registration rights agreement with AH LLC providing for registration rights exercisable after December 10, 2015. After June 10, 2015, if we are eligible to file a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") with the SEC, AH LLC has a right to request that we file and maintain a shelf registration statement to register for resale the Class A common shares and securities

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convertible into Class A common shares that are held by AH LLC. In addition, AH LLC has the right to request that we cooperate with AH LLC in up to three underwritten offerings of our Class A common shares under the shelf registration statement, provided such right may not be invoked more often than once every six months (subject to suspension rights in favor of our company) and each such underwritten offering generally must yield gross proceeds to AH LLC of not less than $100 million per offering. Under the registration rights agreement with AH LLC, we pay all expenses relating to registrations, and AH LLC pays all underwriting discounts and commissions relating to the sale of its Class A common shares. The registration rights agreement also contains other customary terms, including for indemnification. The registration rights agreement will terminate when AH LLC may freely sell its Class A common shares pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In July 2013, the registration rights agreement was subsequently amended to provide for the registration of any Class A common shares beneficially owned by AH LLC at any time during the term of the agreement.

Intellectual Property

              AH LLC contributed all licenses and intellectual property including, without limitation, rights to the trade name "American Homes 4 Rent" (provided that AH LLC is entitled to use such name until December 10, 2014) and all intellectual property related to the accounting systems and customized data systems necessary for the acquisition, asset management, renovation and property management functions. AH LLC paid us a $100,000 per month fee to utilize the intellectual property and services related to its maintenance and use until the arrangement by which AH LLC provided acquisition and renovation services was terminated in December 2014.

Employee Administration Agreement

              Effective upon the closing of the Management Internalization, we entered into an employee administration agreement with MMI, an affiliate of AH LLC, to obtain the exclusive services of our management and property management personnel, who were previously employees of MMI under the direction of AH LLC. Pursuant to this agreement, MMI continues to provide us with dedicated personnel to staff all general and administrative functions necessary to operate our business. The agreement obligates MMI to provide all personnel and any facilities, goods and equipment necessary to perform the services we need, including general and administrative services such as SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, accounting, audit, finance, tax, benefits, compensation and human resource administration, property management, risk management, marketing, and legal. Pursuant to the agreement, we obtained the exclusive services of the employees dedicated to us for all management and other personnel dedicated to our business and are able to direct MMI to implement employment decisions with respect to the employees dedicated to us. We are required to reimburse MMI for all compensation and benefits and costs associated with the employees dedicated to us, on a pass-through basis. We do not pay any fee or any other form of compensation to MMI. MMI is owned by Tamara Hughes Gustavson, the daughter of Mr. Hughes, the chairman of our Board, the B. Wayne Hughes Jr. Living Trust (who together control MMI), the Singelyn Family Trust and Mr. Goldberg. The employee administration agreement with MMI, as amended, terminated December 31, 2014. Effective January 1, 2015, the company employed all of its employees. Total compensation and benefit costs paid by MMI and passed through to us under the agreement during the year ended December 31, 2014 were $41.9 million.

Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation

Alaska Joint Venture II

              In June 2014, the company and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, acting for and on behalf of the funds, that the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation is designated by Alaska Statutes 37.13 to manage and invest ("APFC"), formed an investment vehicle ("the Alaska Joint Venture II")

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under the Alaska Joint Venture II Agreement. APFC agreed to contribute up to $80 million to the Alaska Joint Venture II, and the company agreed to contribute up to $20 million. The company has a promoted interest in the Alaska Joint Venture II in addition to owning 20% of its equity.

              As of December 31, 2014, the Alaska Joint Venture II owned 60 single-family properties for an estimated total investment of $28.7 million.

Board Seat and Management Rights

              APFC has the option to designate an additional member to our Board, subject to our board's approval. To date, APFC has not elected to do so.

Registration Rights

              In June 2013, we acquired 100% of the membership interests in American Homes 4 Rent I, LLC (the "Alaska Joint Venture Acquisition") a joint venture with the Alaska Permanent Fund ("APFC") and AH LLC. In connection with the Alaska Joint Venture Acquisition, we entered into a registration rights agreement with APFC at the same time we entered into the contribution agreement. Under the terms of that agreement, we were required to file a Form S-3 registration statement once we become eligible to rely on that form for registration of securities, which occurred on August 1, 2014. Thereafter, we are required to maintain that registration statement in effect and to facilitate up to three underwritten offerings of our Class A common shares under the shelf registration statement (subject to suspension rights in favor of our company). Under the registration rights agreement, we are required to pay all expenses relating to registrations, and APFC is required to pay all underwriting discounts and commissions relating to the sale of its Class A common shares. The registration rights agreement also contains other customary terms, including indemnification. The registration rights agreement will terminate when APFC may freely sell its Class A common shares pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In accordance with this agreement, on August 8, 2014, we filed a prospectus supplement to Form S-3 registration statement effective to register for resale the Class A common shares owned by APFC and continue to maintain the effectiveness of that registration statement.

Related Party Transaction Policy

              We have adopted a written policy for the review and approval of related party transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. This policy provides that either the Audit Committee of our Board or our full Board is responsible for reviewing and approving or disapproving all interested transactions, meaning any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which (1) the amount involved may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any fiscal year, (2) our company or one of our subsidiaries will be a participant and (3) a related person has a direct or indirect material interest. A related person is defined as an executive officer, trustee or nominee for election as trustee, or a greater than 5% beneficial owner of our Class A common shares, or an immediate family member of the foregoing. The policy may deem certain interested transactions to be pre-approved.

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

              Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the company's trustees and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of any registered class of the company's equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership of those securities with the SEC and the NYSE. Executive officers, trustees and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to provide the company with a copy of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based on a review of the reports submitted to the company and of filings on the SEC's EDGAR website and of written representations from executive officers and trustees, the company believes that all trustees and officers filed timely reports during 2014, except that the company inadvertently filed a Form 4 late for each independent trustee with respect to the annual stock option grant for independent trustees.

DEADLINES FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR
CONSIDERATION AT THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETING

              Under SEC rules, any shareholder proposal intended to be presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting and included in the company's 2016 proxy statement must be received by us at our executive offices no later than December 4, 2015. Any such proposal should be sent to the attention of our Secretary and must meet the requirements of the SEC rules and our bylaws.

              In addition, notice of any proposal that a shareholder wishes to propose for consideration at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (including nominations for trustee), but does not seek to include in the company's 2016 Proxy Statement, must be delivered to the company no earlier than November 4, 2015 and no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, on December 4, 2015 if the shareholder wishes for the company to describe the nature of the proposal in its 2016 Proxy Statement as a condition to exercising its discretionary authority to vote proxies on the proposal. Any shareholder proposals or notices submitted to the company in connection with the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders should be addressed to: Secretary, American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, California 91301.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

              A copy of our 2014 Annual Report and our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this proxy statement. Additional copies are available at: www.americanhomes4rent.com. The company will furnish without charge upon written request of any shareholder a paper copy of the 2014 Form 10-K, excluding exhibits, without charge, upon a written request to: Secretary, American Homes 4 Rent, 30601 Agoura Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Copies of exhibits will be provided at a copying charge of $0.20 per page to reimburse us for a portion of the cost.

OTHER MATTERS

              The Board knows of no other matters to be presented for shareholder action at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for action, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented by the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.

              You are urged to vote the accompanying proxy and sign, date and return it in the enclosed pre-addressed postage-paid envelope at your earliest convenience, whether or not you currently plan to attend the meeting in person.

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DIRECTIONS TO THE AMERICAN HOMES 4 RENT 2015 ANNUAL MEETING

              The American Homes 4 Rent 2015 Annual Meeting is at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, California 91301. The Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel is off the 134 freeway and can be reached as follows:

From the 101 freeway:

              Exit on Reyes Adobe Road from the 101 freeway. Turn north to Agoura Road. Turn left on Agoura Road. The Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel will be on the right-hand side at 30100 Agoura Road.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):

              From LAX or points south, take the 405 freeway north to the 101 freeway north and exit on Reyes Adobe Road. Turn left (south) on Reyes Adobe Road and continue over the 134 to Agoura Road. Turn left on Agoura Road. The Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel will be on the right-hand side at 30100 Agoura Road.

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