In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and

Australia’s economic recession, a Chilean restaurant in the city asked its

landlord for a rental reduction. The landlord agreed to a 50% reduction in

August 2020, and therefore the rent was reduced by 50% from September

2020. The Chilean restaurant, in reliance on the promise to reduce the

rent, installed a retractable front window (at its own expense) to provide for

socially distanced tables on the street front, and a new take away

food oven for preparing home deliveries.

In March 2022, the landlord notified the Chilean

restaurant owner that the rent would return to its original rate. In

addition, the landlord also stated that he wished to be reimbursed for

rent reduced between September 2020 and March 2022.

In relation to the promise to reduce the rent,

which of the following statements is likely