--- title: "Landlord Accounting Services in Cardiff | Luminaire Accounts" description: "Keep rental income records tidy and tax returns right first time. Clear advice on allowable expenses, deadlines and property tax planning." canonical: "https://hlsaccounting.co.uk/services/landlord-accounting-services" --- Property & Landlord Accounting # Landlord Accounting Services We help Cardiff landlords keep their rental accounts in order, stay on the right side of HMRC, and pay less tax than they thought possible. Whether you're renting out a single property or managing a growing portfolio, we'll handle the paperwork so you can focus on your investment. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) 10+ Years in practice 50+ Landlords supported Local Cardiff-based team ![A landlord and an accounting professional review rental property financial documents and a calculator across a desk in a clean, neutral office.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Flandlord-accountant-rental-finances.jpg%3Fv%3D1773064243129&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ## Everything under landlord accounting From single buy-to-lets to multi-property portfolios, we cover every aspect of landlord accounts and tax. Here's what we can help with. ### Rental Income & Expense Tracking Monthly bookkeeping that keeps your rental income, mortgage interest, repairs and running costs organised and audit-ready. ### Self-Assessment Tax Returns Accurate filing of your property income, reliefs and allowances so you pay exactly what you owe and not a penny more. ### Capital Gains Tax Planning Strategic advice when you sell or transfer property, helping you minimise CGT liability through allowances and timing. ### Property Business Structuring Guidance on whether to hold properties personally, in an SPV, or as a limited company for the best tax outcome as you grow. ## How we support Cardiff landlords Landlord accounting is more than just adding up rent and expenses. It's about structuring your affairs so HMRC gets what it's owed, you keep what you've earned, and your records stand up to scrutiny. We work with landlords across Cardiff and South Wales who want professional support without the corporate jargon or sky-high fees. We start by getting your books in order. That means setting up a system to track rental income, mortgage interest, repairs, agent fees, insurance and all the other costs that eat into your profit. If you're already using software like Xero or QuickBooks, we'll link in and tidy things up. If you're working from spreadsheets or shoeboxes, we'll get you onto something simpler. > We've saved landlords thousands by spotting reliefs and allowances they didn't know existed. More information Once your records are clean, we handle your self-assessment tax return. That includes claiming every relief you're entitled to, whether it's finance costs, capital allowances on furnished lettings, or wear-and-tear replacements. We also advise on timing: when to make repairs, when to sell, and how to use your annual CGT allowance before it goes to waste. If you're growing your portfolio, we'll talk you through the pros and cons of holding properties in your own name versus setting up a limited company or SPV. The right structure depends on your income, your plans, and how much tax you're currently paying. We've worked with landlords managing everything from a single flat in Roath to a dozen houses across the valleys, so we understand the practical side as well as the tax side. ### What's included - Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping for rental income and expenses - Preparation and filing of self-assessment tax returns - Capital gains tax advice when you buy, sell or transfer property - Guidance on property business structures and incorporation - VAT advice if your rental income crosses the threshold - Inheritance tax planning for property portfolios - Support with HMRC enquiries and compliance checks We're based in Cardiff, so we know the local rental market. We've worked with landlords in Cathays, Pontcanna, Whitchurch, Penarth and beyond. Whether you're renting to students, professionals or families, we understand the income patterns, the maintenance cycles, and the questions HMRC tends to ask about South Wales properties. Most of our landlord clients come to us after a tax bill they didn't expect, or because they've outgrown a high-street accountant who doesn't specialise in property. If that sounds familiar, we'd be happy to review your current setup and show you where we think we can help. ### Ready to get started? Book a free consultation and we'll talk through your properties, your plans, and how we can help. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) ### While you're here - [Limited Company Buy-to-Let Setup Advice](/services/limited-company-buy-to-let-setup-advice)→ - [Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Advice](/services/stamp-duty-land-tax-sdlt-advice)→ - [Property Capital Gains Tax](/services/property-capital-gains-tax)→ ## You might also need Property & Landlord Accounting ### Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) Tax Returns We prepare and file Furnished Holiday Let tax returns, checking qualifying days, allowable expenses and allowances, so your HMRC figures are correct and on time. [Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) Tax Returns→](/services/furnished-holiday-let-fhl-tax-returns) Property & Landlord Accounting ### Property Portfolio Accounting Rental income and expense accounting across multiple properties, with clean records, profitability by property, and HMRC-ready figures for returns and planning. [Property Portfolio Accounting→](/services/property-portfolio-accounting) Property & Landlord Accounting ### Buy-to-Let Tax Returns Buy-to-let tax returns prepared and filed with clear guidance on rental income, allowable expenses and HMRC deadlines, so you stay compliant and pay the right tax. [Buy-to-Let Tax Returns→](/services/buy-to-let-tax-returns) ## Before we start Here are the questions we hear most often from landlords in Cardiff and across South Wales. Do I need an accountant if I only rent out one property? You don't have to, but most landlords find it pays for itself. We'll make sure you're claiming every allowable expense, filing on time, and not overpaying tax. Even with one property, the savings often cover our fees and then some. How much do your landlord accounting services cost? It depends on the size of your portfolio and how much bookkeeping support you need. We offer fixed monthly fees starting from around £50+VAT, with no surprises. We'll give you an exact quote after a quick chat about your properties. What records do I need to keep as a landlord? You'll need proof of all rental income, mortgage statements, receipts for repairs and maintenance, agent fees, insurance, and any other costs. We can help you set up a simple system so everything's in one place when tax return season comes around. Should I set up a limited company for my rental properties? It depends on your income, how many properties you have, and your plans for growth. A limited company can be more tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers, but there are setup costs and ongoing compliance. We'll run the numbers and talk you through the trade-offs. Can you help with capital gains tax when I sell a property? Yes. We'll calculate your CGT liability, help you use allowances and reliefs like private residence relief or lettings relief, and advise on timing to minimise the bill. The earlier you speak to us before a sale, the more options we have. Do you work with landlords outside Cardiff? Absolutely. We support landlords across South Wales, including Newport, the valleys, and the Vale of Glamorgan. Most of our work is done online or over the phone, so distance isn't an issue. What happens if HMRC opens an enquiry into my tax return? We'll handle it. If HMRC has questions about your property income or expenses, we'll respond on your behalf, provide the records they need, and make sure everything's resolved as quickly as possible. How often will we need to speak? That's up to you. Some landlords prefer monthly check-ins, others are happy with quarterly reviews and an annual meeting before the tax return deadline. We're flexible and we'll always get back to you within one working day if you need us. ## Let's talk about your rental properties Book a free consultation and we'll review your current setup, answer your questions, and explain exactly how we can help. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting)