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

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

contract lawcontract lawequity law

Issue

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

Held

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

Exam use

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

Summary

Leading modern promissory estoppel case.

Facts

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

Issue

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

Held

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

Ratio Decidendi

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

Reasoning

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

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

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Reference to Central London Property Trust Ltd v. High Trees House Ltd ([1947] KB 130) strengthens a contract law answer because the case reflects the principle that A clear promise intended to be binding and relied upon may be enforceable as a shield through promissory estoppel. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Could a promise to accept less be enforced despite lack of consideration? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Significance

Leading modern promissory estoppel case.

Related Cases

No related cases listed.

Exam Tips

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

Revision Checklist

  • Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
  • State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
  • Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
  • Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.

Sources