What is landlord accounting software?
Landlord accounting software records rent and property costs against each property, connects to the landlord's bank account and files their tax to HM Revenue and Customs: the Self Assessment return and, from 6 April 2026 for those with qualifying income over £50,000, Making Tax Digital quarterly updates. Some products have free plans.
Also calledproperty accounting softwarelandlord bookkeeping software
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- Property allowance
- £1,000 a year
- MTD start
- 6 April 2026
- Default method
- Cash basis
What landlords need from accounting software
The first £1,000 of gross property income is tax-free under the property allowance, and each joint owner uses it against their share; above £1,000 a landlord deducts either the allowance or actual expenses, not both. Cash basis is the standard method for individual landlords, who tick a box on the return to opt out. Relief on residential mortgage interest is restricted to the basic rate of Income Tax. MTD for Income Tax covers property income: qualifying income is self-employment and property turnover combined, with thresholds of £50,000 from 6 April 2026, £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Free plans: Landlord Studio MTD Go is free for up to three properties with £5 per MTD submission, Clear Books has a Property Free plan, and FreeAgent is free with a NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank business account. Paid plans: Hammock costs £8 a month plus VAT for one to three properties, FreeAgent Landlord £10 a month excluding VAT, Clear Books Property £5 a month plus VAT, QuickBooks Sole Trader £10 a month plus VAT for a single property, Xero Ignite £18 a month excluding VAT, and Coconut £129.99 a year for MTD filing.
Common questions
Do landlords need MTD software?+
Yes, if their qualifying income from property and self-employment is over £50,000, from 6 April 2026. The threshold falls to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028.
Is there free accounting software for landlords?+
Landlord Studio MTD Go is free for up to three properties, with £5 per MTD submission. Clear Books has a Property Free plan, and FreeAgent is free with a NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank business account.
How much is landlord accounting software?+
Hammock costs £8 a month plus VAT for one to three properties, FreeAgent Landlord £10 a month excluding VAT, Clear Books Property £5 a month plus VAT and Xero Ignite £18 a month excluding VAT. Coconut charges £129.99 a year for MTD filing.
Can I use QuickBooks as a landlord?+
QuickBooks Sole Trader, at £10 a month plus VAT, handles year-end for a single-property landlord. It does not support multi-property income, partnerships or capital gains.
Accounting software for landlords
XeroCloud accounting for small businesses with a large app ecosystem.Profile →
Intuit QuickBooksSmall business accounting covering books, invoicing and payroll.Profile →More landlord software
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