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August 10, 2019
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Moved into new property and I owe previous tenants bill, why?

  • August 10, 2019
  • 113 replies
  • 48746 views

I have previously moved into a new property supplied by OVO and as now the legal occupier I opened a letter to them sending debt collectors round because the previous tenants hadn’t paid their bill!

I was mortified that they are doing this! I tried calling and couldn’t get through to them at first. When I did the gentleman was very reassuring and told me he would rectify the bill and did the sale pitch to which I decided to stay with them.

Received the new statement and they are still trying to charge me!! I’ve had it with this company already! Painful is an understatement! Plus my new email as a new client states they are open Saturday they are not!

Not at all happy and want to go back to Bulb Energy even though they are slightly more expensive. Customer service was second to none.

Best answer by Amy_OVO

Updated on 07/09/26 by Ben_OVO

 

Sorry for any confusion caused by the debt notification letters you’ve received since moving home - you won’t be responsible for any energy used by a previous tenant.

 

Sounds like we’re currently supplying the energy to your new home and have sent letters addressed to ‘The Occupier’, as we don’t currently have an account set-up for you. You’ll need to set up an account with us, which you can do online here. 

 

Once you put in your new address details the website will recognise we already supply your new home and give you a quote based on the usage figures we have for the property. 

 

Even if you’re planning on switching suppliers you’ll need an account to cover the period before you leave. When we create your account we’ll check the date you moved in and the opening meter readings. There’s more advice on this process in the guide below:

 

 

Once you’ve created an account any letters addressed to ‘The Occupier’ can be ignored - they may have been posted out before your account was created, or relate to a time that you’re not responsible for. The charges showing on these letters won’t have an impact on your account.

 

We’ll contact you with your first statement (via post or email depending on your chosen method) within 4 weeks of you creating an account. You’ll know it’s your statement as we’ll address it to you, rather than to ‘The Occupier’. The easiest way to keep an eye on your new account is by logging in to your online account or downloading our app (available for iOS and Android). This tutorial collection contains all the info you’ll need to manage everything online:

 

 

 

OVO customer but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today.

Interested but not yet an OVO customer? - Check out our plans.

 

113 replies

Show previous replies
Newcomer
Hemiola
Newcomer
October 6, 2026

My questions don’t appear to be answered in your guidance ​@Nukecad 

Nukecad
Super User
NukecadSuper User
Super User
October 6, 2026

1- Yes, if you want the debt collectors to stop sending you letters then you have to give your details and proof of when you moved in.

(Otherwise how do they know that it isn't your debt, and you are telling porkies?).

I can understand your reluctance  but if they don't have your details then how can they rule you out?

2- No, once a company has told debt a debt collection company to chase a debt they then leave it up to the DC company to chase the debt - if the debt collectors are chasing the wrong person then you have to sort that out with the debt collectors. The company are not going to tell rhe DC to stop because someone still owes them.

The form does not ask if YOU were the tenant, it asks if the property was tenanted. It's really a question for the landlord, how are you supposed to know how long it may have been empty before you moved in?

“The period in question” means the period during which the debt arose.

I see though that it's only a yes/no option - it should really have a ‘don't know’. Personally unless you know it was empty then I'd put “yes”, you are not saying that you occupied the premises, just that a previous tenant was.

I would then put in the space for notes that you are unsure if the property was tenanted before you got your tenancy and if they want to know then it's their job to find that out, it's not your job.

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Nukecad
Super User
NukecadSuper User
Super User
October 6, 2026

1- Yes, if you want the debt collectors to stop sending you letters then you have to give your details and proof of when you moved in.

(Otherwise how do they know that it isn't your debt, and you are telling porkies?).

I can understand your reluctance  but if they don't have your details then how can they rule you out?

2- No, once a company has told debt a debt collection agent to chase a debt they then leave it up to the DC afent to chase the debt - if the debt collectors are chasing the wrong person then you have to sort that out with the debt collectors. The company are not going to tell rhe DC to stop because someone still owes them (but not you) and still needs chasing.

The form does not ask if YOU were the tenant, it asks if the property was tenanted. It's really a question for the landlord, how are you supposed to know how long it may have been empty before you moved in?

“The period in question” means the period during which the debt arose.

I see though that it's only a yes/no option - it should really have a ‘don't know’. Personally unless you know it was empty then I'd put “yes”, you are not saying that you occupied the premises, just that a previous tenant was.

 

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd