Property maintenance can be one of the most demanding parts of managing rentals. Every gas safety inspection, boiler breakdown or leaking tap takes time to arrange and follow up on. For small landlords and growing agencies, this often means juggling spreadsheets, chasing contractors over the phone and trying to keep tenants updated.
Paying for a software solution can feel like an unnecessary expense at first, especially if your portfolio is small or you are just starting out. That is why trying a free property maintenance software is so valuable. It allows landlords, agents and managers to experience the benefits of automation without the upfront cost.
However, not all free plans deliver the same value. Some are restricted trials, while others, such as the Sorto Starter plan, provide real, long term functionality you can rely on.
What You Should Expect From Property Maintenance Software
Not every tool offers features that can match your requirements. If you are considering a property maintenance software platform, it should give you access to the essentials.
Repairs Logging and Tracking
The ability to record maintenance requests, attach details such as urgency and photos and follow progress until the job is closed.
Work Orders and Job Assignment
A system that allows you to create structured work orders and send them to contractors or in house staff with clear deadlines.
Tenant Reporting Access
Tenants should be able to report issues online at any time, ideally with the option to upload photos or clips.
Compliance Reminders
Scheduling safety checks such as gas, fire or electrical inspections, with automated reminders so nothing is forgotten.
If the software you are looking at does not include these elements, it may not save you time or reduce administration compared with spreadsheets.
The Problem With Most Free Trials
Many providers advertise free property maintenance software, but what you actually receive is a trial, usually lasting seven to thirty days. After that, you are locked out unless you upgrade.
Even when trials are available, they often restrict functionality. You might only be able to log jobs but not assign them, or tenants might be excluded from using the portal. This makes it difficult to see how the software would work in real property management.
Why Sorto Offers One of the Best Free Property Maintenance Software Options in the United Kingdom
Sorto takes a different approach. The Starter plan is free with no expiry, giving landlords, agents and property managers access to real features rather than a watered down trial.
With the Sorto free plan you can:
- Manage up to fifty properties and ten users at no cost.
- Track repairs from start to finish with full visibility.
- Provide tenants with a self service repair portal that is available at any time.
- Create and assign work orders to your team or contractors.
- Schedule preventive maintenance tasks with automated reminders.
- Store digital records of every job for compliance.
Unlike short trials, the Sorto Starter plan is designed to be genuinely usable for small landlords and growing agencies.
Sorto Compared With Other Free Options
| Feature | Sorto Free Starter Plan | Typical Competitor Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs and Work Orders | Full logging, assignment and tracking. | Often limited to logging only. |
| Tenant Portal | Twenty four seven tenant access with photo and clip uploads. | Rarely included. |
| Preventive Maintenance | Automated scheduling with United Kingdom compliance reminders. | Basic support or not available. |
| Contractor Management | Assign jobs in a few clicks with live updates. | Contractors usually work outside the system. |
| Reporting and Records | Portfolio dashboards with history logs. | Minimal reporting or features behind a paywall. |
| Duration | Free for as long as you need it, up to fifty properties. | Seven to thirty days, then an upgrade is required. |
Property maintenance software is becoming essential for landlords and managers in the United Kingdom. Paying upfront can be difficult, especially for small landlords or those testing new tools. A free, full featured option makes a real difference.
With the Sorto Starter plan you are not limited to a demonstration. You can manage repairs, tenants, compliance and reporting at no cost, and upgrade only if your portfolio grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Sorto free plan
You can manage up to fifty properties and ten users. The plan includes repairs tracking, tenant portal access, preventive maintenance scheduling and compliance reminders.
Is the Sorto free plan really unlimited
Yes. Unlike time limited trials, the free Starter plan has no expiry. It is suitable for long term use.
Can I upgrade later if I need more
Yes. You can move to a paid plan at any time if you need to manage more than fifty properties or want advanced features.
Is the free plan good for small landlords
Yes. It has been designed specifically for smaller portfolios, giving you access to professional tools without cost.
How does the Sorto free plan compare to competitor trials
Most competitors limit free access to around thirty days or restrict important features. The Sorto plan is free for as long as you need it, with full access to the most important tools.