A free maintenance reporting service has been launched for landlords with up to four properties.

The plan from proptech platform Lettie allows tenants to report repairs through WhatsApp, with communications and actions automatically recorded in a time-stamped audit trail, from initial notification through to resolution.

Using government figures, Lettie estimates that 83% of landlords in England own four properties or fewer, and would therefore qualify for the free plan.

The launch follows the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May, with further reforms planned for the private rented sector, including the Private Rented Sector Database, a mandatory landlord ombudsman and the future extension of Awaab’s Law to privately rented homes.

The service also includes photographic fault analysis, a web dashboard and prioritised issue log, automated tenant onboarding, certificate tracking and a compliance evidence locker.

Photographs submitted by tenants can be analysed through the platform, which can also guide them through initial checks for common maintenance problems. Issues requiring landlord or professional attention can be escalated, with a structured summary and complete communication history provided.

Calum Hopkins, co-founder of Qualisync, the company behind Lettie, said: “The overwhelming majority of landlords in England own four properties or fewer, but they’re increasingly expected to meet the same standards of record-keeping and accountability as much larger property businesses.

“We wanted to remove cost as a barrier because good maintenance reporting and record-keeping shouldn’t only be available to landlords who can afford expensive property management software.”

Hopkins added: “Software cannot make a property safe or carry out a repair. What it can do is ensure a report isn’t lost, the right questions are asked promptly and there is a reliable record for the landlord, tenant or anyone later reviewing how an issue was managed.”

While the service is free for landlords managing up to four properties, additional properties can be added from £2.50 per property per month.