How mice move between flats
In a block or a converted house, flats are connected by voids and service routes: gaps under floorboards, pipe boxing that runs between floors, risers, ceiling voids, and gaps around soil stacks and heating pipes. Mice use these as corridors. Treat one flat and the mice from the others move in.
Victorian conversions
Many flats in Peckham, Camberwell, Brixton, Brockley and similar areas are in converted Victorian houses. Floors and ceilings between flats are often timber with open voids, and old chimney breasts and alcoves hide gaps. Mice move freely between floors.
Purpose-built blocks
In post-war and newer blocks, mice travel through service risers, bin chutes and the ducts that carry pipes and cables. Ground-floor flats near bin stores often see the most activity.
What works
- Treat the affected flat and, ideally, the flats around it at the same time
- Seal the gaps in each flat, especially around pipes under the sink, behind the boiler and in kitchen plinths
- Ask the managing agent or freeholder to include risers, bin stores and communal areas
- Keep food sealed and kitchens clean in every flat
Talking to neighbours and your managing agent
Let your neighbours know, and report the problem to your landlord or managing agent in writing. If several flats are affected, a block-wide treatment is the most effective option. See pest control for blocks of flats.
Questions and answers
Who is responsible for mice in a block of flats?
Inside your flat it depends on your tenancy or lease. Communal areas are usually the freeholder's or managing agent's responsibility.
Why have the mice come back after treatment?
Usually because they are coming from neighbouring flats or communal voids that were not treated or proofed.
Can you treat several flats on the same day?
Yes. Coordinated treatment of neighbouring flats gives the best results.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.