SIL walked out after 5 months marriage

What a very sad situation NannieKath, I really feel for you, and everyone involved.

Wise counsel from above posters.
Can your DD get the rental agreement put in her name only, and should she consider changing the locks for security reasons?
I assume he's liable for half the rent whilst his name is on the agreement whether he is living there or not.

Sadly where mental illness is involved behaviour is sometimes totally irrational, I hope he gets the professional help and support he clearly needs too.

If he is a good person and now he is mentally ill,then I don't think you should think negatively and abandon him. It is good that his parents are supporting him in this situation.

Each spouse needs the permission of the other spouse before taking items used by the family in the family home. Even if when one spouse is the only owner of the movable item, this spouse can't take it out of the home without the agreement of the other spouse or the authorization of a judge.Ideally, the spouses should try to reach an agreement when they separate. When this is impossible, each spouse can ask a judge for exclusive use of the family's movable property.

Good luck with all this Nanniekath, you're doing great

Well done Nanniekath

It's not that long ago that another poster was advised to do this, but never seemed to get round to it or take the advice they asked for.

So again, good on you for being proactive.

Thank you all. Going to Citizens advice tomorrow. Today, my SIL text my daughter ( everything is by text) to say he's got a flat and wants items from the house and that he won't pay his half towards the rent, as he needs money for his new place! He was the main earner as daughter only working 16 hours a week, as she's main carer for GS who is disabled and has lots of appointments with medical professionals.
She's been in touch with local council re housing benefit etc, so should be ok financially in that aspect. But as SIL name is still on the rental agreement, can the agency just chase my daughter for the rent if housing benefit isn't forthcoming.

My SIL is now accusing her of cheating on him ( amongst other things). None true. All getting out of hand, and now her in laws are distancing themselves from her and her son. Possibly to put on a supportive front for their son, but all very upsetting.

iam that is very wise advice.

It sounds as if this man might be in the grip of a mental breakdown and therefore he needs consideration and support too. Good that he is getting it from his parents. They must be going through hell too.

But Kath your focus needs to be on your daughter, grandson and yourself. You have all my sympathy. You have to "play the long game" and take things day by day.

Do get legal advice in the short term. Yes, things might improve but they might not. Your SiL does not need to know that you have taken legal advice, but you and your daughter do need to know how the law stands on all these issues.

Look after yourself in all of this, or you'll be worn out. Your daughter needs legal advice about the contents of her home and maintenance for her son. Depression is a dreadful thing, it sounds as though his behaviour is out of character. It's good to read that his parents are supporting him, and it seems wanting to support your daughter. Final decisions about relationships are probably best avoided at the moment. Your daughter is devastated, scared and angry, she's been abandoned so soon after their wedding. Things may change, she loved him 3 months ago and if he gets appropriate medical help, things may improve. Do take care of yourself and whilst supporting and empathising with your daughter, try not to be too negative about her husband. Things may change.