Sledmore v Dalby [1996]

Facts

• The Sledmores owned a house, and represented to his son and daughter-in-law (The Dalbys) that the house would belong to them
• The Dalbys expended money improving the house, and lived in the house rent-free for many years
• Following Mr Sledmore’s death, Mrs Sledmore sought sole possession of the house

Issue

• Could Mrs Sledmore be estopped from acquiring sole possession?

Decision

• No

Reasoning

• Although an equity by way of proprietary estoppel had been established, its value had been exhausted by the free accommodation provided
• Mrs Sledmore’s dire financial situation and the Dalbys’ rare use of the house could be taken into consideration