Central London Property Trust Ltd v. High Trees House Ltd [1947]

[1947] KB 130 · King's Bench Division · England and Wales

Summary

Leading modern promissory estoppel case.

A landlord accepted reduced rent during wartime occupancy difficulties, then later sought full arrears.

Could a promise to accept less be enforced despite lack of consideration?

The landlord could not recover wartime arrears for the reduced-rent period.

A clear promise intended to be binding and relied upon may be enforceable as a shield through promissory estoppel.

Promissory estoppel can prevent a party from going back on a relied-upon promise.

Leading modern promissory estoppel case.

No related cases listed.

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.