FreeAgent for Landlords: MTD Review (2026)
Last updated 27 June 2026 · 8 min read · By the LandlordTaxAi Editorial Team
The short answer
FreeAgent is HMRC-recognised for MTD for Income Tax and offers a dedicated FreeAgent for Landlords setup. Its killer feature is cost: free if you bank with NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle. The trade-off is it’s an accounting tool, not a property-management platform — tenancy features are light, and the free route depends on your bank.
FreeAgent has been MTD-ready for landlords for some time and is one of the friendliest tools to learn. For cost-conscious landlords with the right bank account, it’s hard to beat. This review looks at what it does well, where it’s light, and who it suits.
Pricing and features change — confirm current details before signing up. See also FreeAgent vs Xero and QuickBooks vs FreeAgent.
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MTD Threshold Checker
See whether you need MTD software like FreeAgent, and from when.
Result
- Total qualifying income
- £28,000
- You must use MTD for Income Tax
- From 6 April 2028
FreeAgent free with NatWest/RBS/Ulster/Mettle, else paid. HMRC-recognised. Check current terms. Estimate only.
What FreeAgent does well
FreeAgent’s interface is clean and approachable, which suits landlords new to digital bookkeeping. Bank feeds keep records current, the FreeAgent for Landlords setup is built for property income, and it’s HMRC-recognised for MTD for Income Tax. Above all, the bank-linked free route can take your software cost to zero.
If you already bank — or are willing to open an account — with NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle, FreeAgent is one of the cheapest compliant MTD routes available.
Where it’s light
FreeAgent is accounting-led, not a property platform. If you want tenancy management, rent reminders or document storage, you won’t find those here — a dedicated landlord tool like Landlord Studio or Landlord Vision does more on that side. And without a qualifying bank account, the free advantage disappears and it becomes a like-for-like paid comparison.
| Aspect | FreeAgent for landlords |
|---|---|
| MTD for Income Tax | HMRC-recognised |
| Cost | Free with NatWest/RBS/Ulster/Mettle, else paid |
| Property income | FreeAgent for Landlords (built in) |
| Ease of use | Very friendly, good for beginners |
| Tenancy management | Light (accounting tool, not a property platform) |
| Best for | Cost-conscious landlords with a qualifying bank |
The verdict: an excellent low-cost route to MTD compliance — especially free with the right bank — provided you don’t need property-management features.
Who it suits
FreeAgent is ideal for landlords with one to a handful of properties who want simple, compliant bookkeeping at little or no cost, and who handle tenancies themselves or via an agent. Larger portfolios wanting deep property tooling may look elsewhere.
No qualifying bank account?
LandlordTaxAi focuses purely on landlord tax — reading your bank statements, categorising them per property and keeping MTD-ready records — whatever bank you use.
See how it worksA worked example
Who FreeAgent suits, for April 2026.
| Banks with NatWest, two properties | FreeAgent — £0 software cost |
| New to bookkeeping, wants simple | FreeAgent — friendly interface |
| Self-manages 10 units, wants rent tracking | Consider a property-first platform |
For simple, cheap, compliant records, FreeAgent is a strong pick. For heavy property management, look to a dedicated tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeAgent HMRC-recognised for MTD for Income Tax?
Yes. FreeAgent is on HMRC’s compatible-software list, and FreeAgent for Landlords supports UK property income.
Is FreeAgent really free for landlords?
It can be — free while you hold a NatWest, RBS or Ulster account, or Mettle with a monthly transaction. Otherwise it’s a paid subscription.
Does FreeAgent support property income?
Yes — via the FreeAgent for Landlords configuration for UK property income and MTD.
What are FreeAgent’s limits for landlords?
It’s an accounting tool, so tenancy features are light. Large or complex portfolios may prefer a dedicated property platform.
Do I need a NatWest account to benefit?
To get it free, yes — one of NatWest, RBS, Ulster or Mettle. Without one it has a standard paid price.
Is FreeAgent good for first-time MTD users?
Yes — a friendly interface and clear guidance suit landlords new to digital record-keeping.
Written and reviewed by the LandlordTaxAi Editorial Team. Our guides are reviewed against current HMRC guidance and updated when the rules change. Operated by LandlordTaxAi, United Kingdom. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Last reviewed: 27 June 2026 · Researched against primary UK sources for the 2026/27 tax year: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/choose-the-right-software-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax; https://www.freeagent.com/blog/freeagent-landlords-mtd-ready/; https://www.freeagent.com/mettle/. This article is informational only and does not constitute tax advice. Check the latest details on GOV.UK or with a qualified accountant.