General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Limitation period

A limitation period is the time within which a claim must be brought. In England and Wales it is normally six years from the breach for a contract claim, or twelve years for a deed.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

Contracts can shorten the period for bringing claims, within limits of reasonableness.

In Scotland

In Scotland the equivalent rule is prescription: most contractual obligations are extinguished after five years under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.