Mouse Problems Between Tenancies: Prevention and Treatment

Mice can enter a property through holes as small as 6mm, squeezing under doors, through cable openings, and along pipe runs in kitchens and lofts. Empty flats with residual food smells, open bin stores, and uncleaned cupboards attract rodents within days of the last tenant leaving. A thorough deep clean and proofing check before marketing the property prevents costly delays to re-letting.

Landlords should inspect lofts, under kitchen units, behind appliances, and around boiler cupboards during every void walkthrough. Steel wool combined with sealant can temporarily block small gaps, but permanent proofing with mesh, bristle strips, and professional materials delivers lasting results. Setting traps during void periods catches stragglers before new tenants arrive and complain.

Including a pest-free clause in your inventory and check-in report protects both parties and sets clear expectations. If mice appear mid-tenancy, determine whether poor housekeeping or structural defects caused the problem, as this affects responsibility for treatment costs. Leyton Landlord Certificates supports landlords across Leyton and London with between-tenancy pest checks—contact us on 0800 654 6211.