Why Landlord Software is Now Essential to Avoid Penalties in 2026
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) went live on 6 April 2026 for any landlord with gross property income over £50,000. Miss quarterly deadlines and HMRC's penalty points system kicks in — get four points in 12 months and you're hit with an instant £200 fine.
And it's not just MTD. The PRS Database(coming with the Renters' Rights Act) will require registering every rental property — fines of up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance. AML rules are tightening. And under the Warm Homes Plan (confirmed January 2026), all rentals must hit EPC Band C by 1 October 2030.
The days of just using a spreadsheet to track rent are over. Check our MTD quarterly guide or download the landlord compliance guides.
Hammock: A Strong Start, But a Narrow Focus
Hammock started in 2019, came out of Founders Factory, and pulled in £1 million in seed funding in 2020. It's on the official HMRC recognised software list for MTD ITSA, and credit where it's due — their filing workflow is solid.
Its real strength has always been financial management: rent tracking, expense categorisation, bank reconciliation, and yield calculations. For years, that was enough. But things have changed.
Fineproof: The Compliance-First Software for 2026
We designed Fineproof from day one to handle the whole spectrum of UK landlord rules — not just the money side. MTD ITSA direct submission, PRS Database readiness, AML checks, and certificate management in a single dashboard.
Feature Showdown: Hammock vs Fineproof
MTD ITSA Submission: Both Handle It — But That's Where the Similarity Ends
Both Hammock and Fineproof can submit your MTD Quarterly Updates and Final Declaration directly to HMRC. Hammock was actually the first landlord-specific tool to get HMRC recognition, and their filing workflow is solid across all plans — Basic through Beyond.
So what's the difference? It's everything aroundthe filing. Fineproof maps your transactions directly to SA105 box numbers — Box 20 for rent, Box 23 for repairs, Box 44 for finance costs — so your data is pre-structured for your tax return. And Fineproof covers the compliance obligations that Hammock doesn't touch: PRS Database, AML checks, EPC tracking, and certificates.
Section 24 Mortgage Interest Relief
Hammock tracks your mortgage interest payments. Fineproof goes further — it automatically calculates the restricted finance cost relief under Section 24, showing you the correct figures for Box 44 and Box 26 of SA105.
For a deep dive: MTD and tax compliance guide.
PRS Database Readiness
Hammock has no features for the upcoming PRS Database. Fineproof provides tools to capture and store property and landlord info for registration, with deadline reminders.
AML Checks
Hammock doesn't offer any AML check features. Fineproof integrates AML checks for tenants and beneficial owners, helping you comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
EPC Tracking & Certificate Vault
Hammock has no specific features for tracking EPCs or certificates. Fineproof gives you a secure digital vault with automated expiry reminders. With the Warm Homes Plan pushing all rentals to Band C by 1 October 2030, tracking your ratings and planning upgrades is essential.
Bank Feeds & Receipt Scanning
Both platforms use Open Banking for real-time bank feeds and both have receipt scanning. Both are genuinely strong here — no major difference.
Yield Tracking
Both calculate gross and net yield. No major difference.
Hammock's Strengths: Where It Truly Shines
- User Experience: Clean, modern, easy-to-use interface.
- Price Point: Competitive pricing with a free tier for one property.
- Core Finance Tracking: Excellent for rent tracking, expense categorisation, and reconciliation.
The Compliance Gap: Why Hammock Falls Short in 2026
The problem isn't that Hammock is bad. The problem is that the world has changed. Hammock's finance-only focus leaves landlords to manage PRS Database registration, AML checks, and certificate renewals through separate systems or manually. That's asking for trouble.
Pricing: Comprehensive Protection Costs Less Than a Fine
| Feature / Plan | Hammock (3 properties) | Fineproof (3 properties) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £8/month | £39/month (Portfolio) |
| MTD ITSA Submission | Yes | Yes |
| SA105 Box Mapping | Basic | Detailed |
| Section 24 Calculation | No | Yes |
| PRS Database Readiness | No | Yes |
| AML Checks | No | Yes |
| EPC Tracking + Upgrade Planning | No | Yes |
| Certificate Vault & Reminders | No | Yes |
Both can file your MTD returns — that's table stakes in 2026. Fineproof costs more than Hammock, but that extra investment gives you Section 24 calculations, PRS readiness, AML checks, EPC tracking, and a certificate vault. When a single MTD penalty is £200 and an EPC fine can hit £5,000, the premium pays for itself.
Who Should Choose Hammock?
- Small landlords with 1–2 properties who only need basic rent and expense tracking.
- Landlords who already have a separate system for all compliance tasks.
- Those prioritising the absolute lowest cost and accepting manual compliance work.
Who Should Choose Fineproof?
- Landlords with growing portfolios who need a scalable tool covering every base.
- Landlords who want one tool for finances and compliance — MTD, PRS, AML, EPC.
- Anyone who wants to minimise admin and reduce the risk of fines.
The Verdict
Hammock is still a great tool for landlords who want a simple, user-friendly finance tracker. It does what it says on the tin. But the reality of MTD ITSA, the coming PRS Database, and stricter AML rules means a finance-only tool is no longer enough for managing your risk.
Fineproof is the clear choice for landlords who need an all-in-one system. It files your MTD returns, covers all four compliance mandates, and gets you ready for the rules of tomorrow.
Both file your MTD returns. Only Fineproof covers the other three mandates.
PRS, AML, and EPC — in the same dashboard. Comprehensive compliance from £39/month.
Start your 14-day free trialNo credit card required. Cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hammock MTD compliant for landlords in 2026?
Yes. Hammock is HMRC-recognised for MTD ITSA and offers direct submission of quarterly updates and the Final Declaration on all plans. It's a strong MTD tool. Where it falls short is on the other compliance mandates — PRS Database registration, AML tenant checks, EPC tracking, and certificate management.
What is the PRS Database, and why is it important?
The PRS Database is a new requirement under the Renters' Rights Act (anticipated 2026/27). It'll require all landlords to register their properties. Failure to register could result in fines starting from £5,000 per property.
Does Hammock offer AML checks for tenants?
No. Hammock focuses on financial tracking and doesn't provide AML checks. If you need AML compliance under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, you'll need a separate tool — or Fineproof, which includes it.
How much does Fineproof cost compared to Hammock?
Hammock starts at £8/month for up to 3 properties. Fineproof starts at £39/month (Portfolio plan, up to 10 properties). The price difference reflects the scope — you get Section 24 calculations, PRS readiness, AML checks, EPC tracking, and a certificate vault with automated reminders.
Can I switch from Hammock to Fineproof?
Yes. Both tools offer data export. You can export your financial data from Hammock and bring it into Fineproof, keeping your historical records intact.
This article is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute tax or legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK and speak to a qualified tax adviser about your specific situation.