Limitation Act 1980

The statute setting time limits within which civil claims must be brought in England and Wales. Most contract debts: 6 years (s.5). Tort: 6 years (s.2) or 3 years for personal injury (s.11). Mortgage principal: 12 years (s.20). Judgment debt enforcement: 6 years (s.24). Time runs from when the cause of action accrues.

The Limitation Act 1980 is the cornerstone of civil time limits in England and Wales. Different sections apply to different types of claim: simple contract (s.5 — 6 years); deed (s.8 — 12 years); tort (s.2 — 6 years); personal injury (s.11 — 3 years from injury or knowledge); mortgage principal (s.20 — 12 years for principal, 6 years for interest); statutory action (s.9 — 6 years); judgment (s.24 — 6 years). Time is paused by deliberate concealment (s.32) and acknowledgement (s.29). Once limitation expires, the debt or claim is unenforceable through the courts though may still be morally owed.

Official guidance

Related terms

Statute-Barred Debt

Related guides

Statute-Barred Debts: When You No Longer Have to Pay

Most consumer debts become 'statute-barred' after 6 years of no payment and no written acknowledgement. The creditor cannot then enforce the debt through the courts. But the rules are technical — a single payment or written admission resets the clock. This guide explains exactly how the Limitation Act 1980 works and what to do when an old debt resurfaces.

9 min

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