Under English law, a landlord agreed during a crisis to accept half rent from a tenant. When the crisis ended, the landlord claimed full rent for the future. Which doctrine applied, and with what effect?

Correct answer: D) Promissory estoppel; the landlord could not recover the full rent for the crisis period but could revert to full rent on reasonable notice once the crisis ended

Explanation

In Central London Property Trust v High Trees House, promissory estoppel prevented the landlord from going back on a promise, relied on by the tenant, to accept reduced rent during the war. The doctrine is suspensory: once the conditions ended, full rent could be claimed for the future. It acts as a shield, not a sword.