Rent Logger

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Manage blocks

A block groups properties that share a building. Use one when several lets sit under the same roof, then add the properties as in Add a property.

1. What a block is

A typical example is a converted house split into three self-contained flats. Each flat is let as its own property, but they belong to the same building, so they sit in one block.

In the app

  1. Properties
  2. View Properties
  3. Manage Blocks
  • Properties is a sidebar group. Open View Properties, then Manage Blocks.
  • A block needs a name. Description is optional. You can also open Manage Blocks from a property form, under Block assignment.

2. Building blocks

Leave This block is an HMO off when each unit is a whole property on its own tenancy, such as those three flats.

  • After you create the block, open each property, edit it, and choose the block under Block assignment.
  • HMO blocks do not appear in that list. They are only for rooms let individually.

3. HMO blocks

Tick This block is an HMO when rooms are let on separate tenancies. Each room is a property in Rent Logger, grouped under that HMO.

  • If the HMO sits inside a larger building you own, tick This HMO is part of another block and choose the building block.
  • Next, close Manage Blocks, choose Add Property, then HMO with individual rooms to let and pick the HMO. The steps are in Add a property.

4. Xero tracking

Tracking is how Xero keeps income and costs for a property separate. On an HMO it is set once for the whole block of rooms.

In the app

  1. Open a room
  2. Xero Setup
  3. Tracking Categories
  4. Manage
  • Open the primary room (it is labelled primary). Changes on Xero Setup apply to every room in the HMO. The block name is often used for the tracking option.
  • Self-contained flats in a building block each have their own tracking. Use the same option if those flats should be reported together.
  • How to create or link a category is in Xero tracking categories. There is no tracking control inside Manage Blocks.