If you’re looking to build reliable passive income, monthly dividend REITs are one of the best investment options available. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to earn income from real estate without owning property directly. Even better, some REITs pay dividends every month, perfect for retirees, income investors, and anyone who wants consistent cash flow. Here are the top 10 REITs for monthly income in 2026, known for stability, strong portfolios, and dependable payouts.
1. Realty Income
Often called “The Monthly Dividend Company,” Realty Income is one of the most trusted REITs for consistent monthly income. It owns thousands of single-tenant retail and commercial properties leased to major brands under long-term agreements. The company has a decades-long history of dividend payments and frequent increases, making it a favorite among conservative investors. With a diversified tenant base and strong credit quality, Realty Income provides reliable cash flow even during economic uncertainty. If you want steady monthly dividends backed by high-quality real estate, this blue-chip REIT is hard to beat.
2. STAG Industrial
STAG Industrial focuses on warehouse and industrial properties across the United States. As e-commerce continues to expand, demand for logistics and distribution centers remains strong. STAG pays dividends monthly and maintains a diversified portfolio of single-tenant industrial properties. The company benefits from long-term leases and stable occupancy rates, which support reliable income generation. For investors seeking exposure to the growing industrial and logistics sector while earning monthly dividends, STAG Industrial offers a compelling combination of income and growth potential.
3. LTC Properties
LTC Properties invests primarily in senior housing and skilled nursing facilities. With aging populations driving long-term demand for healthcare real estate, LTC provides a defensive income option for dividend investors. The REIT pays monthly dividends and focuses on partnering with experienced operators in the healthcare sector. While healthcare REITs can be sensitive to regulatory changes, LTC’s diversified portfolio and long-term demographic trends make it attractive for income-focused portfolios seeking stability and consistent monthly cash flow.
4. Agree Realty
Agree Realty owns retail properties leased to high-quality tenants such as grocery stores, home improvement chains, and essential service providers. The company emphasizes net lease agreements with strong national retailers, providing predictable rental income. Agree Realty transitioned to monthly dividend payments, making it even more appealing to income investors. Its disciplined acquisition strategy and focus on recession-resistant tenants help reduce risk. For investors who want retail exposure without excessive volatility, Agree Realty delivers dependable monthly income backed by essential businesses.
5. EPR Properties
EPR Properties specializes in experiential real estate, including entertainment venues, ski resorts, and recreation centers. While this sector can be more cyclical, EPR offers higher dividend yields to compensate for the added risk. The REIT pays monthly dividends and focuses on long-term leases with operators in the leisure and entertainment industries. As travel and consumer spending continue to recover globally, EPR can provide both income and potential capital appreciation. It’s best suited for investors comfortable with moderate volatility in exchange for stronger yield potential.
6. Main Street Capital
Although technically a Business Development Company (BDC) rather than a traditional REIT, Main Street Capital is popular among income investors because it pays monthly dividends. The company provides financing to lower middle-market businesses and generates income through interest payments and equity investments. With a strong track record of supplemental dividends and portfolio growth, Main Street Capital offers diversification beyond real estate while maintaining steady monthly cash flow. It can complement REIT holdings for investors seeking higher yield and income diversification.
7. Apple Hospitality REIT
Apple Hospitality REIT owns upscale hotels affiliated with major brands such as Marriott and Hilton. The hospitality sector can fluctuate with travel demand, but Apple Hospitality maintains a diversified geographic footprint and well-known hotel partnerships. The REIT pays monthly dividends and benefits from business and leisure travel recovery trends. Investors looking for higher yield opportunities in the lodging sector may find Apple Hospitality attractive, particularly when travel demand remains strong.
8. SL Green Realty
SL Green Realty is a major office REIT focused primarily on Manhattan properties. It has historically paid monthly dividends and offers exposure to premium urban office real estate. While office demand has faced headwinds due to remote work trends, prime locations in New York City continue to attract high-quality tenants. Investors considering SL Green should evaluate office market conditions carefully, but the REIT’s valuable property portfolio and income potential may appeal to those seeking higher yield opportunities.
9. Gladstone Commercial
Gladstone Commercial invests in single-tenant office and industrial properties under long-term net leases. The REIT focuses on stable tenants and diversified property types, supporting consistent rental income. It pays monthly dividends and appeals to income-focused investors who prefer predictable cash flow. While smaller than some larger REITs, Gladstone Commercial’s conservative strategy and diversified tenant base help reduce risk. It’s a solid option for those building a diversified portfolio of monthly dividend stocks.
10. Shaw Communications (Note: Not a REIT but known for monthly dividends historically)
While Shaw Communications is not a REIT, it has historically attracted income investors due to monthly dividend payments. Telecom companies often generate stable cash flows through subscription-based services. Investors looking strictly for real estate exposure may prefer traditional REITs, but including telecom dividend stocks can provide sector diversification and income stability. Always verify current dividend policies before investing, as payout schedules may change.
Are Monthly REITs Worth It?
The best REITs for monthly income combine stable properties, reliable tenants, and strong balance sheets. Whether you prefer retail, industrial, healthcare, or hospitality real estate, monthly dividend REITs can help smooth out cash flow and support long-term income goals. Before investing, consider dividend yield, payout ratio, sector risk, and overall portfolio diversification. When chosen wisely, monthly REITs can become the backbone of a dependable passive income strategy in 2026 and beyond.