Independence Realty Trust Receives Investment Grade Credit Rating from Fitch

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: IRT) (“IRT” or the “Company”) announced today that the Company received an investment grade rating from Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). Fitch has assigned a Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of ‘BBB’ to IRT with a stable outlook. In addition, Fitch has assigned a rating of ‘BBB’ to the company's subsidiary, Independence Realty Operating Partnership, LP and its senior unsecured debt, which includes credit facilities and unsecured term loans.

“We’re proud to have achieved an investment grade credit rating, a significant milestone for IRT,” said Scott Schaeffer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IRT. “This reflects our efforts to fundamentally reset our leverage profile through profitable growth and the successful execution of our Portfolio Optimization and Deleveraging Strategy. An investment grade credit rating will help us further improve our cost of capital and give IRT access to additional capital sources, to implement our business plan and invest in our portfolio. We are well positioned to deliver sustainable earnings growth and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

Fitch stated that IRT’s BBB rating reflects the Company’s solid balance sheet, stable property performance and anticipated execution of its Portfolio Optimization and Deleveraging Strategy.

About Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: IRT) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily communities, across non-gateway U.S. markets including Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Oklahoma City, OK, Nashville, TN, Houston, TX, and Tampa, FL. IRT’s investment strategy is focused on gaining scale near major employment centers within key amenity rich submarkets that offer good school districts and high-quality retail. IRT aims to provide stockholders with attractive risk-adjusted returns through diligent portfolio management, strong operational performance, and a consistent return on capital through distributions and capital appreciation. More information may be found on the Company’s website www.irtliving.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, increased financial flexibility, growth opportunities and related benefits that we expect to realize through our Portfolio Optimization and Deleveraging Strategy and value add program. All statements in this release that address financial and operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur or be achieved in the future are forward-looking statements. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions.