Rylands v Fletcher established the rule of strict liability for damage caused by the escape of dangerous things accumulated on land. This landmark case created a new tort principle that makes landowners liable for harm caused by hazardous substances kept on their property, regardless of fault or negligence.

The House of Lords held that there could be no liability under the rule in Rylands v Fletcher without an escape of the dangerous thing from the defendant's land, clarifying a key element of strict liability.

This House of Lords case established the modern requirements for the tort of strict liability under Rylands v Fletcher, significantly narrowing its scope. The court clarified that liability only applies to 'non-natural' uses of land and rejected claims for ordinary water supply infrastructure damage.

Cambridge Water concerned liability for environmental contamination where a leather manufacturer's chemical spillages polluted a water company's borehole. The House of Lords established that foreseeability of harm is required for both nuisance and Rylands v Fletcher liability, significantly limiting strict liability for environmental damage.

Nuisance liability requires damage beyond that affecting ordinary land use

Industrial activities causing multiple forms of interference can constitute nuisance.

Occupiers liable for continuing third-party nuisances they know about.

No nuisance claim for TV interference or without land ownership

House of Lords confirms positive covenants cannot bind successor landowners

Planning permission does not automatically provide defence to nuisance claims.

Proprietary estoppel may fail where equity has been satisfied by acquiescence

Proprietary estoppel can create an interest in land equivalent to an estate contract

Cricket club's right to play trumps homeowners' nuisance claims

Burden of positive covenants cannot run with freehold land at law or equity

Malicious noise-making constitutes actionable nuisance despite otherwise reasonable activity

Beneficiaries' occupation rights cannot override trustees' statutory sale powers

Landowners liable for natural land movements causing neighbour damage if prevention reasonable.

Contractual purchasers in actual occupation can claim overriding interests under Land Registration Act 1925.

Novus actus interveniens breaks chain of causation where negligent act is not foreseeable consequence

Uncertain terms granted to individuals take effect as 90-year tenancies under s.149(6) LPA 1925.

Exceeding permitted entry with intent to steal constitutes trespassory burglary.

Restrictive covenants can bind future landowners in equity despite lack of privity

An offeror may withdraw an offer at any time before acceptance, even if they promised to keep it open.

Easements must benefit land itself, not just provide personal commercial advantage

Cannot take benefit of deed without accepting corresponding burdens - mutual benefit and burden

Trespass for burglary can occur within buildings you're otherwise permitted to enter.