What to do with bills for owner

Mulder00

We moved into a new place on 1 November and I only changed the name on the water account to mine on Saturday (online) as I was waiting to get a final water meter reading for our previous place (both are supplied by Thames Water).

In the meantime, three letters have arrived for the owner of the property from Thames Water. On the back is a little questionnaire, saying that if the bill is for a previous occupier, you can either change it the details online, phone them or fill in the form on the back of the envelope and return it to sender.

I've done this online now and given them an address for the owner of the property, but in the meantime, what do I do with the other letters? They all have the same thing at the back which make it seem like I don't have to bother forwarding it on?

Cardew

In the meantime, three letters have arrived for the owner of the property from Thames Water.

Addressed to 'Owner' or 'Occupier'? it is normally the latter.

I would send a letter/email to Thames telling them you moved in on 01 November and give them your meter reading and ask for confirmation in writing they have got your letter.

macman

Forward them to the owner or return them to TW marked 'gone away'?
You are only responsible for the account from 1/11.

Mulder00

Thanks. They are address to the owner (in name). I was hoping I would just bin them as TW gave "other" options at the back. The owners, despite not having lived there for over a year still gets so much post - so much so that I'm considering printing or writing out stickers with their address on!!

I'll just not be lazy and forward them on then...

spiro

If you know their new address you should write 'No longer at this address, please forward' and then put their new address. Don't obscure the old address and put it back in the post box. I would also consider writing to the old occupier and ask them to get their mail redirected.