Embedded Files
Fixed - price property maintenance & repairs - Reliable service across South London
Real Croydon landlord job — March 2026
This case study covers a real top-floor rental-flat project completed by me in Croydon CR0. The private landlord lived in another city, so access was arranged directly with the tenants and the landlord received regular photographs, findings and progress updates throughout approximately 10–15 visits.
Project overview
Location: Croydon CR0
Property: Top-floor rental flat
Client: Private landlord
Work: Mould treatment, repairs, ventilation, insulation and property maintenance
Completed: March 2026
Guarantee: 6 months on mould treatment
5★ feedback from both landlord and tenant · coordinated access · photo updates · one point of contact
Finding the cause
Finding the cause
The bathroom had substantial mould growth across the walls and ceiling. Rather than simply painting over it, I investigated the conditions behind the problem.
The extractor fan was completely dead and had no effective ducting to outside. The bathroom sat directly beneath an uninsulated loft area and was not consistently heated. Condensation and high humidity were contributing, while broken roof tiles also created a potential water-ingress risk. I identified the damaged tiles and advised the landlord to arrange a roofer as soon as possible; I did not carry out roofing work.
Repairing the bathroom
Repairing the bathroom
Part of the ceiling was moisture damaged and bulging. The affected plasterboard was cut out and removed, moisture-resistant green bathroom plasterboard was installed, and the repaired area was filled and prepared. Loft insulation was also fitted above the previously uninsulated bathroom ceiling.
The failed extractor was replaced with a Vent-Axia Silent fan with humidistat control. Insulated 4-inch ducting was installed to terminate outside the property, and a dehumidifier was supplied to support drying. These improvements help control moisture, but no single measure can guarantee that mould will never return.
Treating the mould
Treating the mould
Affected bathroom surfaces received a fungicidal wash, with multiple treatment coats where required. Damaged areas were prepared and stabilised using Zinsser GARDZ and Zinsser B-I-N where appropriate, followed by two coats of Zinsser Perma-White anti-mould paint. The silicone around the bath was also replaced.
Six-month guarantee: The bathroom and the treated bedroom/sitting-room areas received a 6-month mould-treatment guarantee. The guarantee does not cover recurrence caused by future leaks, excessive humidity, inadequate heating, building defects or ventilation problems outside my scope.
Mould in other rooms
Mould in other rooms
Mould was also present in two bedrooms and the sitting room. The likely contributing conditions were a combination of poor ventilation, high humidity, insufficient heating, condensation and cold external walls. Roof leakage was not assumed to be the cause of mould in these rooms.
In one bedroom, wallpaper had been applied over a mould-affected wall. Removing it exposed significant surface damage. I removed the wallpaper where needed. I then treated all the affected walls and ceilings with fungicidal products, stabilised and stain-blocked them with Zinsser GARDZ and B-I-N where needed, and redecorated with Zinsser Perma-White anti-mould paint.
Additional landlord maintenance
Additional landlord maintenance
The kitchen work was a separate maintenance issue and was not the cause of the mould. During the same project, I removed damaged kitchen components, replaced a rotten section of worktop and a damaged kitchen unit, reinstated the sink area, resealed around the worktops and disposed of the resulting rubbish.
Handling these separate repairs alongside the mould project gave the landlord one point of contact for several outstanding maintenance issues.
Why diagnosing mould matters
Why diagnosing mould matters
Mould can result from condensation, failed ventilation, leaks, penetrating damp, cold bridging, inadequate heating, insufficient insulation or other building defects. I investigate the visible conditions and likely causes before deciding on a practical treatment and repair plan. This isn't a structural survey or a damp survey.
Related FixMate services
Related FixMate services
Mould Treatment · Landlord Maintenance · Painting & Decorating · Handyman Services
See more landlord projects: my Streatham SW16 between-tenancy and Norbury SW16 peeling paint case studies.
Mould or maintenance problem in a rented property?
Mould or maintenance problem in a rented property?
I provide mould treatment, repairs and landlord property maintenance across Croydon, Streatham and surrounding South London areas. Access can be arranged directly with tenants where agreed, with progress photos and updates provided throughout the work.
Managing the project for the landlord
Managing the project for the landlord
I photographed and explained each problem, recommended solutions, agreed any changes to the scope with the landlord and sent progress and completion photos.
Results
Results
Bathroom ceiling repaired
Loft insulation fitted
Effective extraction to outside installed
Mould-affected surfaces treated and rooms redecorated
Separate kitchen repairs completed
Landlord and tenant both left 5-star Google reviews
No further mould problems from the treated areas have been reported to me since completion.
Verified customer reviews
Verified customer reviews
“Really pleased with Fixmate Streatham. Detailed, timely, flexible and very good at communicating with customers informing them of changes or suggesting improvements.”
Kehinde O, landlord · 5★ Google review
“Brilliant service and friendly person... did a fantastic job at the bathroom repairs, our bathroom looks upgraded and so much nicer. Mould and damp free and ceiling repair is brilliant. Highly recommended with first class service.”
Habba D, tenant · 5★ Google review
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse