Landlord accounting software in the UK: what to use for MTD
If Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to you, you need HMRC-compatible software [1]. Landlord-focused options include Hammock (from £8 + VAT a month for 1 to 3 properties, with MTD quarterly updates and final declaration) [2], Landlord Vision (MTD submissions on every plan) [3] and August (MTD reporting on paid plans, from £8.99 a month for 5 tenancies) [4]. Gaffy doesn't file to HMRC. We log repair costs against each property so they're easy to hand over.
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Landlord accounting software records your rent and expenses, works out your property profit, and, if Making Tax Digital applies to you, sends HMRC your quarterly updates and final return. Gaffy is not landlord accounting software, and we say that plainly. This page compares tools that are, explains which landlords now need one, and shows how Gaffy fits alongside them for repairs and certificates.
Who needs landlord accounting software now?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to landlords and sole traders registered for Self Assessment whose qualifying income is over the threshold [1]:
| Qualifying income | In tax year | Must use MTD from |
|---|---|---|
| Over £50,000 | 2024 to 2025 | 6 April 2026 |
| Over £30,000 | 2025 to 2026 | 6 April 2027 |
| Over £20,000 | 2026 to 2027 | 6 April 2028 |
Qualifying income is your total income from self-employment and property before expenses [5]. Your share of jointly owned property income counts [5]. Employment income, pensions and dividends don't [5].
If you're in scope, you must keep digital records, send quarterly updates through compatible software, and submit your tax return through it [6]. Spreadsheets alone won't do; you'd need bridging software.
Landlord accounting software UK compared
| Software | Built for | MTD | Published starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammock | Landlords | Quarterly updates and final declaration on every plan [2] | £8 + VAT/mo for 1–3 properties [2] | Unlimited bank feeds, rent and arrears tracking; priced by property [2] |
| Landlord Vision | Landlords and portfolios | MTD submissions on every plan [3] | Starter plan for 4 tenancies; check site for current price [3] | Bank feeds, compliance, tenant portal on higher plans [3] |
| August | Landlords | MTD reporting on paid plans [4] | Growth £8.99/mo for 5 tenancies; free plan for 2 [4] | Also maintenance and compliance features [4] |
| Gaffy | Repairs and certificates | No | £12/mo for up to 5 properties | Not accounting software |
Prices as published by each provider when we checked. Check before you buy.
What to look for in landlord accounting software
- HMRC recognition. HMRC publishes a list of software that works with MTD for Income Tax. Check your choice is on it.
- Property-level reporting. Profit by property helps you spot a let that isn't paying its way.
- Bank feeds. Saves manual entry. Check how many accounts are included.
- Joint ownership. If you own a property with someone else, can it record your share?
- Expense categories. MTD uses the same categories as Self Assessment [6].
- Pricing model. Per property, per tenancy or tiered. HMOs can cost more on per-tenancy pricing.
- Accountant access. If you use an accountant, can they log in?
Where Gaffy fits alongside landlord accounting software
Accounting software tracks the money. It doesn't stop the tenant texting you at 11pm, or remind you that the EICR is due. That's what Gaffy does:
- a repair link per property, so tenants report problems with photos in their browser,
- one maintenance inbox with status and outcome for every request,
- a document vault that flags gas safety, EICR and EPC expiry dates,
- repair cost logging against each property, so the figures are easy to copy across to your accounts.
A common pairing for 3 properties is Hammock at £8 + VAT a month [2] plus Gaffy at £12 a month. See Gaffy and Hammock and Gaffy vs Landlord Vision.
Do I need accounting software if I'm under the threshold?
No, not for MTD. You still have to keep accurate records of rent and expenses and keep them for at least 5 years after the 31 January filing deadline [7]. A spreadsheet is fine for that. Starting with software early can make the switch easier if your income later crosses a threshold.
Getting started with MTD software: the order HMRC suggests
- Check if and when MTD applies with HMRC's tool [1].
- Choose compatible software first. HMRC says you should choose your software before you sign up [1][8].
- Make sure you can sign up. You must be registered for Self Assessment and have submitted a tax return in the last 2 years [1].
- Sign up and authorise your software. Or decide how your agent will act for you [1].
- Start digital records from 6 April of your first MTD year, so your first quarterly update, due 7 August, is straightforward [6].
Landlord accounting software and your accountant
Many landlords keep an accountant even after moving to software. The software keeps records and sends quarterly updates; the accountant reviews the year-end figures, advises on allowable expenses and capital items, and can act as your agent with HMRC [1]. Ask your accountant which software they prefer before you choose, as working in the same system saves fees.
People also ask
What is the best accounting software for landlords in the UK?
It depends on your portfolio. Hammock, Landlord Vision and August are landlord-focused and all list MTD features [2][3][4]. Check HMRC's list of compatible software before you choose.
Do landlords need accounting software?
If MTD for Income Tax applies to you, yes, compatible software is required [1]. Otherwise, it's optional but useful.
Can I use a spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital?
Only with bridging software that connects it to HMRC. A spreadsheet on its own can't send quarterly updates.
Is Gaffy accounting software?
No. Gaffy handles repairs, certificates and documents. Use it alongside accounting software.
What does MTD mean for landlords?
Digital records, quarterly updates and a final return through compatible software, if your qualifying income is over the threshold [1][6]. See our MTD for landlords guide.
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FAQ
Does Gaffy integrate with accounting software?
Not directly. You can log repair costs in Gaffy and enter them in your accounts.
What does Gaffy cost?
£12 a month for up to 5 properties, £4 a month for each additional property, first month free. No VAT is added.
Sources
- HMRC, Find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (ww.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-and-when-you-need-to-use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax)
- Hammock pricing (ww.usehammock.com/pricing (checked 22 October 2026)
- Landlord Vision pricing (ww.landlordvision.co.uk/pricing/ (checked 22 October 2026)
- August pricing (ww.augustapp.com/pricing (checked 21 October 2026)
- HMRC, Work out your qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (ww.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-your-qualifying-income-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax)
- HMRC, Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: send quarterly updates (ww.gov.uk/guidance/use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax/send-quarterly-updates)
- HMRC, Work out your rental income when you let property (ww.gov.uk/guidance/income-tax-when-you-rent-out-a-property-working-out-your-rental-income)
- HMRC, Find software that's compatible with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (ww.gov.uk/guidance/find-software-thats-compatible-with-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax)