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MIL collections letter - not my debt - what next?

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Hi all,
I live in a rented property, recently moved in (early Mach). Received a letter today which was addressed to 'Owner Occupier'. Wasn't sure if i should open it but did. It was a debt collection letter for Shell Energy from MIL collections. I haven't had an account with Shell Energy, and neither to my knowledge did the previous occupiers as I switched the account from SO Energy. 
I'm not sure what to do about this letter now? There's no name against the debt and it's not mine - i do not want debt collectors turning up at my door trying to collect debt, should i call them up to tell them that whoever's debt it was no longer lives here? Any advice gratefully received. Thanks
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Comments

  • E&OE : When you purchased the house from the previous owner, your solicitor should have got an undertaking from them covering any debts or bills that pre-dated your purchase in relation to the property. I'm not suggesting that the previous owners won't pay up if its a debt owned by them, just saying that it would have been a lot easier. 
  • DiamondLil
    DiamondLil Posts: 733 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    E&OE : When you purchased the house from the previous owner, your solicitor should have got an undertaking from them covering any debts or bills that pre-dated your purchase in relation to the property. I'm not suggesting that the previous owners won't pay up if its a debt owned by them, just saying that it would have been a lot easier. 

    Op states he/she is in rented accommodation
  • hannahkaty
    hannahkaty Posts: 50 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    E&OE : When you purchased the house from the previous owner, your solicitor should have got an undertaking from them covering any debts or bills that pre-dated your purchase in relation to the property. I'm not suggesting that the previous owners won't pay up if its a debt owned by them, just saying that it would have been a lot easier. 
    I am renting the property.  

  • MEM62
    MEM62 Posts: 5,316 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    E&OE : When you purchased the house from the previous owner, your solicitor should have got an undertaking from them covering any debts or bills that pre-dated your purchase in relation to the property. I'm not suggesting that the previous owners won't pay up if its a debt owned by them, just saying that it would have been a lot easier. 
    Quote "I live in a rented property"
    OP: I would send the letter back stating that you have no liability for this debt.  
  • Malkytheheed
    Malkytheheed Posts: 657 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    So, debt collectors don't just turn up demanding things. 
    Dont call them. never call them. they will use tactics to cause you a great deal of anxiety. Send them a letter saying they have the wrong person. 
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 31,527 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    Ignore it, it’s not your name on the letter, so not your problem.
    You will not have a knock at The door, this company don’t use doorstep collectors.
    You are not liable for this debt, but if you get involved, they may try to pin it on you, as they are not bothered who pays as long as someone does, you could open a real can of worms here, similar posts to this in the past we’re advised to ignore, they chose not to, and we’re inundated with calls and letters.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • ZaSa1418
    ZaSa1418 Posts: 651 Forumite
    500 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    Put it safely in the recycling bin 
    LBM Debt Total : £48,326.50

    Pay All Your Debt Off By Xmas 2023 - #50  £1,495.29 / £12,000.00
    Saving For Christmas 2023 - £1 a day challenge - #6 £100/£1095.00
  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 18,252 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    OP - either 'do nothing' or pass the letter to the Letting Agent stating that you expect them to resolve this issue that is not yours to deal with.  Do not contact the debt collection company whatever you do.
    They cannot take a court order or send bailiffs as that requires a name.  The Courts do not accept "Shell Energy v Owner Occupier XYZ"
  • Ignore it, it’s not your name on the letter, so not your problem.
    You will not have a knock at The door, this company don’t use doorstep collectors.
    You are not liable for this debt, but if you get involved, they may try to pin it on you, as they are not bothered who pays as long as someone does, you could open a real can of worms here, similar posts to this in the past we’re advised to ignore, they chose not to, and we’re inundated with calls and letters.
    100% agree, definitely do not contact them, MIL collections are a particularly nasty set of debt crawlers who if they get hold of your number you'll never hear the last of it.
  • PRAISETHESUN
    PRAISETHESUN Posts: 4,870 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 17 July 2020 at 10:32AM
    I had a similar thing happen to me - I just forwarded it onto my letting agent, who presumably passed it along to the previous tenant or the owner of the house. As above, unless they start sending correspondence in your name then I'd ignore the letters - do not get in touch. Companies like these just buy debt at a fraction of it's value and then try to collect on it - they don't really care who pays as long as someone does. Contacting them will give them someone they can then start hassling. If they do start sending letters to you, then you need to start taking steps to show the debt isn't yours, but you don't need to worry about them just rocking up at your door demanding money at this stage.
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