# Limitation periods: Limitation Act 1980 overview

> **Key takeaway:** Contract 6y (s.5); tort 6y (s.2); PI 3y + knowledge + s.33. Deeds 12y (s.8). Latent damage s.14A/B. Fraud postponement s.32. Check claim-specific statutes. Issue stops time if valid.

- **Jurisdiction:** England & Wales
- **Practice area:** Civil Procedure
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-08-04
- **Interactive page:** https://kttclegal.info/library/notes/CivilProcedure/limitation-act-overview
- **Keywords:** limitation, Limitation Act 1980, date of knowledge, section 33, latent damage, accrual, personal injury limitation, six years

## What is this about?

Limitation bars stale claims. The Limitation Act 1980 sets primary periods (often six years for simple contract and many torts; three years for personal injury) with extensions for fraud, deliberate concealment, mistake, disability, and latent damage. Always identify the cause of action accrual date.

## What is the core rule?

Most simple contract claims must be brought within six years of accrual (LA 1980 s.5). Tort claims generally six years (s.2), but personal injury three years from accrual or date of knowledge (ss.11–14) with s.33 discretion to disapply. Latent damage in negligence not involving PI has a long-stop (s.14A/s.14B structure). Fraud/concealment/mistake can postpone running (s.32). Specialty (deed) claims generally twelve years (s.8). Issuing a claim form stops time if done properly; service rules remain critical thereafter.

## What are the elements or test?

1. What is the cause of action and when did it accrue?
2. Which statutory period applies (contract/tort/PI/specialty/statute-specific)?
3. Date of knowledge or latent damage postponement?
4. s.32 fraud/concealment/mistake?
5. s.33 PI discretion engaged?
6. Standstill agreement or acknowledgment/part-payment (ss.29–30)?

## Which authorities matter?

- **Limitation Act 1980 (especially ss.2, 5, 8, 11–14, 14A–14B, 32–33)** — Primary limitation code for most civil claims.
- **Haward v Fawcetts [2006] UKHL 9, [2006] 1 WLR 682** — House of Lords on date of knowledge in professional negligence latent damage contexts.
- **A v Hoare [2008] UKHL 6, [2008] 1 AC 844** — House of Lords overruled Stubbings v Webb: intentional trespass to the person claims for sexual abuse can fall within the s.11 personal-injury regime (and thus s.33 discretion), rather than only the non-extendable residual tort period.

## How does this apply in practice?

Many statutes set bespoke periods (e.g. contribution, defamation one year, judicial review promptly/3 months). Foreign law limitation may apply under Rome I/II retained rules in cross-border cases. Issuing protectively is often prudent.

## What are common pitfalls?

- Confusing accrual with damage discovery without checking s.14/s.14A
- Missing defamation's short period
- Assuming standstill always works without clear agreement
- Late service after protective issue

## When would a practitioner use this?

Pre-action audits, protective issue decisions, and strike-out/limitation trials.

## Quick reference

Contract 6y (s.5); tort 6y (s.2); PI 3y + knowledge + s.33. Deeds 12y (s.8). Latent damage s.14A/B. Fraud postponement s.32. Check claim-specific statutes. Issue stops time if valid.

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*Reference material from [KTTC Legal](https://kttclegal.info/), not legal advice. Work product supports instructing solicitors and barristers under their supervision. England & Wales.*