16 year old lodger - legal?

The_Goatreich

I've had a lodger at my house now since last august and all's gone fine. Some ups and downs but nothing major and I desperately need the cash so it's a necessity as far as I'm concerned.

When she moved in she told me she was 18 and I had no reason to disbelieve her. I put her on the electoral role and told the council tax people etc and all's been fine. However a few weeks ago I found out she is actually only 16! To me personally this makes no difference whatsoever, I just wish I knew why she decided to lie about her age.

However, more importantly, are there any legal implications with this? Does it affect council tax etc?

poppysarah

You could ask why she's lied. Was she not 16 in August?

The_Goatreich

She was 16 in August, she will be 17 soon. I only found out from people she works with, and she doesn't know that I know.

I will address it of course, but I just wondered whether there are more serious legal implications, or more importantly am I paying too much council tax?

poppysarah

You might have been - I can only see being over 18 as the definition of adult on the sites I've just looked at.
Ring them and ask...

EDIT: Is she paying the council tax?
It could be easier to leave it if you don't want to ask her for proof of age - and thus let hew know you know

mchale

One reason why you should always sight some form of ID, what would you do if she did not pay any rent & done a runner.

The_Goatreich

In hindsight ID would have been an idea yes.

She isn't directly paying the council tax herself no, I pay all the bills and she pays a fixed amount per month towards them, council tax included.

I'll phone the council and find out what the score is.

Thanks for your advice guys.

poppysarah

I wouldn't bother rocking the boat if you are worried how she'll react knowing you know she's lied about it.
If she's contributing it doesn't really matter.

The_Goatreich

My thoughts exactly, as long as I'm not inadvertently breaking the law it's all cool.

MX5huggy

Contact the electrol register, I think you could have commited all sorts of offences put someone under 18 on there.

The_Goatreich

Yes, will do.

Robert_Sterling_3

Even now have you seen her birth certificate which will tell you her age.
She told you she was 18.
So how do you know exactly how old she is?