If you’re the landlord of multiple properties, then you’ll know that managing the finances and preparing tax returns can quickly start turning into a full-time job.  At that point, the question is whether you should hire an accountant to take care of it all. 

We’ve worked with hundreds of landlords, all of whom have considered this very question before contacting us. So, we decided it was time to create a guide explaining what an accountant can do, the three key ways they add value, and how to decide if you need one.

What can a specialist accountant for landlords do? 

Before deciding whether you need an accountant, it’s important to understand what work they could do for you and the value of that work. In our experience, the work of a specialist landlord accountant can be split into five key categories:  

• General accounting. 
• Portfolio structure.
• Tax planning and compliance. 
• HMRC investigations.
• Financial insights. 

Below, we’ve provided more detail on what you might expect within each category. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a clear idea of what to expect. 

General accounting 

• Day-to-day bookkeeping and management of financial records, plus the preparation of year-end accounts. 
• Tracking rental income and expenses, e.g. property maintenance, estate agent fees, etc. 
• Setting up and managing a cloud accounting platform, in preparation for MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA), which impacts qualifying landlords from April 2026. 

Portfolio structure 

• Help landlords decide whether to hold properties as individuals, within partnerships, or through a limited company. There are pros and cons for each, so the right choice depends on your portfolio and long-term goals. Read our guide to personal vs company ownership of property. 

Tax planning and compliance 

• Prepare and submit Self-Assessment Tax Returns or Corporation Tax Returns for landlords operating through limited companies. 
• Help maximise tax reliefs and allowances, such as Mortgage Interest Tax Relief (if applicable) and Replacement of Domestic Items Relief. Find out more about the different tax relief options for landlords. 
• Advise on Capital Gains Tax for landlords considering selling a property, including strategies to reduce CGT liability, such as using Private Residence Relief (PRR) or Lettings Relief.  
• General guidance on tax planning. For example, transferring properties between spouses, calculating SDLT for landlords, and qualifying for Furnished Holiday Lettings status. If you’d like some free basic tips, take a look at our tax advice for landlords. 

HMRC investigations 

• Assistance with a tax investigation or compliance check from HMRC, plus support with any issues relating to late payments, penalties, or disputes. 

Financial insights 

• Estimate and/or calculate annual yield, return on investment (ROI), and cash flow across rental properties. 
• Advise on financing options, such as remortgaging or raising capital for buying further properties. 

What’s the benefit? 

While it’s clear from the section above that an accountant can do plenty for a landlord, you might ask yourself, “Why do I need someone else to do all this?”.  After all, there’s no legal requirement to use an accountant for any of the work described above. We recommend working with an expert adviser to: 

Have peace of mind 

The tax system in the UK is complicated – it changes regularly, there are several different types of tax, and an even wider range of reliefs and allowances to consider. As your adviser, it is our job to know the system inside out and help you avoid costly errors, or worse – a stressful, time-consuming HMRC investigation. 

Receive expert guidance 

We can support every step of your journey as a landlord – from financial insights for making portfolio decisions to general advice on business strategy and future exit plans. 

Save time 

Some landlords are too busy to manage their finances (which comes with the added risk of missing a critical tax deadline). Others just want to remove the stress of admin. Either way, one of the biggest benefits of having an accountant is the time it saves. Instead of spending hours sifting through your financial records, you can have a monthly call or meeting with your adviser to discuss any pressing issues or questions. 

Do I need an accountant as a landlord? 

You would likely benefit from an accountant if… 

• You own multiple rental properties or you’re a non-UK resident landlord. 
• You’re unsure how to structure your portfolio (personal ownership vs. limited company). 
• You want to reduce your tax bill legally and take advantage of all available reliefs. 
• You’re struggling to keep up with tax deadlines, compliance requirements, or Making Tax Digital (MTD) changes. 
• You’re concerned about potential HMRC investigations or penalties for incorrect filings. 
• You’d rather not spend your time on bookkeeping and tax returns. 
• You need financial advice and support from an expert you can trust. 

You may not need an accountant (yet) if… 

• You only own one rental property and your tax situation is straightforward. 
• You’re comfortable filing a Self-Assessment tax return and tracking expenses. 
• You have plenty of time to manage your finances and keep up-to-date with any changes to the tax system. 
• You don’t plan to expand your portfolio or restructure how you own your property. 

If you’re still unsure, book a free a consultation with one of our Property Tax accountants to discuss your situation.

Summary 

As you make your decision, keep in mind that an accountant doesn’t have to do everything we’ve talked about in this article.  But having an expert who can identify tax savings, help plan your retirement, and support the growth of your portfolio could prove invaluable.  

Our work is guided by you. We will tailor our services to fit your needs, allowing you more control over the level of support you need. If you would like to find out more and discuss your requirements with one of the UK’s most trusted firms, then contact our team today.