Summary of Time Limits
The ordinary time limits allowed by the act are set out below. These limits may, in some cases, be extended or altered. Most of the time limits run from the day after the accrual of action, which is "the earliest time at which an action could be brought". If the potential claimant was not at least 18 or did not have a sound mind at the time of the accrual of action, time will not run until he is at least 18 and has sound mind. Where there has been fraud or concealment, or the action is for relief from the consequences of a mistake, time will not run until the fraud, concealment or mistake is discovered or could with reasonable diligence be discovered.
| Type of claim | General limitation period | |
|---|---|---|
| Trusts | Fraudulent breach of trust | No limit |
| Recovery of trust property and breach of trust | 6 years | |
| Land | Recovery of land | 12 years |
| Recovery of money secured by a mortgage | 12 years | |
| Recovery of arrears of rent and consequential damages | 6 years | |
| Contract | Speciality | 12 years |
| Simple contract | 6 years | |
| Statute | Sum recoverable by virtue of statute | 6 years |
| Tort and personal injury | Tort: general rule | 6 years |
| Personal injury | 3 years | |
| Fatal Accidents Act 1976 claims | 3 years | |
| Consumer Protection Act 1987 claims for personal injury or property damage | 3 years | |
| Conversion of goods | 6 years from first conversion | |
| Claims for personal injury, death or damage against ships or owners | 2 years | |
| Defamation and malicious falsehood | 1 year | |
| Contribution | Contribution under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 | 2 years |
| Contribution under the Maritime Conventions Act 1911 | 1 year | |
| Human Rights Act 1998 claim against a public authority | 1 year |
Read more about this topic: Limitation Act 1980
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