Stanley was the registered owner of Redacre Estate. On the estate, there were three empty cottages (A, B and C). In 2014, he agreed to let Theresa stay in Cottage A for 200 pounds a year. Theresa moved in and started paying her rent. In 2017 Stanley invited Andy, a young artist friend, to occupy cottage B. "You can stay as long as you like, he wrote to him, "and I don't want any rent, as it will be reassuring for me to know that the cottage and garden are being looked after". Andy accepted the invitation and moved into the cottage. In 2019 Stanley agreed to let cottage C to Wendy for eight years. Wendy moved in. Last year Stanley sold Redacre to Arthur.

Arthur now wishes to know whether he is entitled to possession of cottages A, B and C.