Best Software for Landlords
- John Gates
- May 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Why Landlords Need MTD-Compatible Software
From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 in gross rental income must comply with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA). This means:
Keeping digital records
Submitting quarterly updates to HMRC
Sending an End-of-Period Statement (EOPS) and Final Declaration
The right software can make this process easy — and even help you better manage your rental income, expenses, and cash flow.
Top 5 MTD Software Options for Landlords
Here are some of the best HMRC-recognised software options for landlords in 2025, based on features, pricing, mobile access, and MTD readiness.
1. Hammock – Best for Property-Specific Tools
Overview: Hammock is built specifically for landlords. It automatically tracks rental income, expenses, and profits by syncing with your bank account.
Features:
Automated rent tracking and reminders
Expense categorisation by property
Real-time profit/loss view
MTD ITSA compatible
Mobile app available ✅
Why landlords love it: Tailored features for rental property owners and ready for MTD.
Price: From £5/month (as of 2025)
2. FreeAgent – Best for Landlords with a Business
Overview: FreeAgent is an excellent cloud accounting tool for landlords who are also self-employed or run a business.
Features:
Supports both property income and business income
Full MTD ITSA compatibility
Invoice and expense tracking
Bank feeds and reporting
Mobile app available ✅
Why landlords love it: Great for landlords with mixed income streams (e.g. rental + self-employment).
Price: Often free with certain bank accounts (e.g. NatWest), or from £14.50/month
3. Xero – Best for Portfolio Landlords
Overview: Xero is a popular cloud-based accounting platform used by businesses and landlords alike. It's robust, flexible, and well-supported.
Features:
Real-time bank feeds
Advanced expense management
Property-specific tracking possible with customisation
MTD ITSA support
Mobile app available ✅
Why landlords love it:Great scalability for landlords managing multiple properties or using letting agents.
Price: From £15/month
4. QuickBooks Online – Best for Simplicity and Support
Overview:QuickBooks is trusted worldwide and offers landlord-friendly features with a clear, beginner-friendly dashboard.
Features:
Income & expense tracking
Bank account integration
Invoicing and receipts
Ready for MTD ITSA
Mobile app available ✅
Why landlords love it: User-friendly design and strong customer support make it ideal for beginners.
Price: From £12/month (with frequent discounts)
5. Untied – Best for DIY Landlords on a Budget
Overview: Untied is a low-cost MTD-compatible app for individuals who want to manage their taxes simply and affordably.
Features:
MTD for Income Tax ready
Track rental and freelance income
Simple submission process
Designed for mobile users ✅
Why landlords love it: Perfect for smaller landlords or those who want a mobile-first experience.
Price: Free plan available; Pro from £9.99/month
Feature Comparison Table
Software | MTD Compatible | Mobile App | Landlord Specific Tools | Starting Price |
Hammock | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | £5/month |
FreeAgent | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | £14.50/month |
Xero | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | £15/month |
QuickBooks | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | £12/month |
Untied | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | £9.99/month |
What to Consider When Choosing MTD Software
Is it fully HMRC approved for MTD for Income Tax?
Does it support your property income structure (joint ownership, furnished holiday lets, etc.)?
Do you want automation and alerts (e.g. rent due dates, tax reminders)?
Will you be sharing access with an accountant or property manager?
Do you prefer desktop, mobile, or both?
Do Landlords Have to Use Software for MTD?
Yes. Once you're above the threshold, you must use HMRC-recognised software for:
Keeping digital records
Submitting quarterly updates
Filing end-of-year reports
Spreadsheets or paper records alone won’t meet the legal requirements.
Final Thoughts
Whether you manage one flat or an entire portfolio, using the right software will make Making Tax Digital simpler, faster, and less stressful.
Don’t wait until 2026. Start using digital tools now to get comfortable and stay ahead of HMRC’s rollout.
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