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
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