16yr old moving out - what do I need to do?

But would you actually pay her rent and related expenses? And if so, why would you do that? She needs to be able to live independently (she can't, how could she) or find a way to live at home or with another adult.

She would likely get put into a hostel if she declared herself homeless. She may even end up in the care system. Someone more knowledgeable may come along but I should think you would have to confirm that she is homeless which of course you wouldn’t? I think at 16 you would possibly be liable for social services involvement should you say she isn’t allowed to live with you anymore. You’re not considered an adult until 18! Likewise with rent, you would have to sign to be a guarantor but if you were prepared to do this (and could find a landlord willing) then I’m not sure it is believable that you don’t want her to leave.

Childline

It's quite funny, when you think about it. Take her seriously and ask her how much she thinks rent is, then ask about council tax and other bills. Ask her what kind of people she thinks live in really bad accommodation.

What does she think is wrong with her home? Is it that you disagree with her about things? Does she think that won't happen if she was living elsewhere? In exchange for her rent would she expect other tenants to agree with everything she says?

She will grow up, OP. It's a horrible age for so many parents and teenagers.

Unless sh has a job how will she pay rent? The council will say she has intentionally mad herself homeless so do not have a duty to house her. She sounds immature and entitled. Let her find out life doesn't owe her a free ride.

DO NOT indulge this by paying rent.
Is she allowed to leave school before 18?

What do you think is causing these feelings? Is she being bullied at school? MH problems?

NSPCC

And it’s not just rent is it, council tax, bills, food. You’d be looking at well over 1k a month. Hell would freeze over before I paid that for a stroppy 16yo who doesn’t want to do the washing up.

Sorry I have no experience and this is a crappy answer from the internet but I got this answer when I typed it in:
Yes, in the UK, a 16-year-old generally has the legal right to leave home without parental permission, as parents can't force them to stay
; however, parents remain responsible for their welfare, and a 16/17-year-old leaving without a solid plan or support risks homelessness, requiring local council housing help, but facing difficulties renting due to contract limitations, so seeking support from services like Childline or Shelter is crucial for planning.
Your Rights at 16+ (UK Context)

• Right to Leave: You can legally move out at 16 without your parents stopping you, and courts won't force you back if you're safe.
• Parental Responsibility: Parents must still ensure your safety and housing until you're 18, even if you leave.
• Housing Duty: If you're homeless at 16 or 17, your local council's housing/social services must help find accommodation as you're considered a "priority need".

• Contracts: You can't legally sign binding contracts (like rental agreements) until you're 18, making it hard to rent independently.
• Financials: You'll need a job and stable income to cover living expenses, which is challenging without references or rental history.
• Support Networks: Staying with friends (even temporarily) counts as being homeless if you lack a stable home, triggering council support.

• Childline: For advice and support (tel:0800 1111 0800 1111).
• Shelter: For housing advice (shelter.org.uk).
• Centrepoint: For homeless young people (tel:0808 800 0661 0808 800 0661).
• Local Council: Your housing or social services department.

looking at this I would contact your local council housing and social service. I would also contact the school by email so you have a log of it and paper trail and say the same as your post and ask for advice

good luck

Well she won't be able to will she? Its not as simple as deciding to 'go rent somewhere'. Who in their right mind would rent to a 16 year old? She could go down the council route but she's be seen as making herself homeless and probably end up in temporary accommodation. Probably a hostel. Not really the dream is it? I assume you have told her all of this...

Tell her to put herself on the council list for a flat, until then she can stay in a hostel. Of course she can carry on living with you if that doesn't sound appealing.

If she's that determined then let her work it out for herself.

Why on earth would you pay rent. She doesn’t sound in the slightest bit mature enough to live on her own. Don’t entertain this at all. She can present herself as homeless at the council if she really wants to.