The time limits at a glance
| Claim | Time limit (England and Wales) |
|---|---|
| Rectification (defects) period | As set by the contract, often 12 months from practical completion |
| Breach of contract (signed simply) | 6 years from the breach |
| Breach of contract executed as a deed | 12 years from the breach |
| Negligence (latent damage) | 6 years from damage, or 3 years from when it could reasonably be discovered, subject to a 15-year longstop |
| Defective Premises Act 1972, section 1 (dwellings) | 15 years for claims arising from 28 June 2022; 30 years for claims that arose before then |
For a contractor, the breach is often treated as occurring at practical completion. Scotland has different prescription rules.
Rectification period vs liability
The rectification period is a practical mechanism: the contractor returns to fix notified defects. It doesn’t usually end liability, so a client can still claim for defects found later within the limitation period. See what practical completion means.
The Defective Premises Act and building safety
Anyone taking on work for or in connection with providing a dwelling must do it in a workmanlike or professional manner so it is fit for habitation. The Building Safety Act 2022 extended the time limits, and the Supreme Court confirmed their reach in URS v BDW [2025]. Read our explainer and the key contract terms guide.
General information, not legal advice. What applies to you depends on your contract, the facts and where the work is, and the law changes. Check the sources below and take advice from a qualified professional before acting on anything that matters.
Last updated: 26 September 2026
