According to the [broken link removed] yes it is true. As you were the owner on 1st January you are liable. See below.
When do I become liable to pay the household charge?
As set out in the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011, liability to pay the charge is determined on the basis of ownership of the property in question on a single day each year. This date, which is called the "liability date", is the 1st of January. The charge must be paid within three months (31st March) of the liability date in order to avoid late payment penalties.