How Long Can You Legally Be Chased for a Debt in the UK?

Most unsecured debts in the UK can be chased for six years from your last payment or written acknowledgement. Mortgage shortfalls can be pursued for 12 years. Council tax arrears remain enforceable for up to 20 years in England and Wales. Some HMRC tax debts have no time limit at all. Falling behind on payments creates stress and confusion. You worry about phone calls, letters, and legal action. Understanding time limits helps you know your rights and plan your next steps.

Debt collectors contact people across London every day about old debts. Many residents don’t know when creditors must stop chasing payment. We’ve helped thousands navigate these rules over two decades. The law protects you once certain deadlines pass.

This guide explains exactly how long creditors can pursue different debts. You’ll learn when debts become unenforceable and what actions restart the clock. We’ll show you how to check your debt status and respond correctly.

Legal Time Limits for Chasing Debt in the UK

The Limitation Act 1980 sets strict deadlines for debt collection in England and Wales. These rules protect consumers from endless pursuit of old debts. Different debt types follow different timelines based on their legal classification.

Limitation Periods for Unsecured Debts

Unsecured consumer credit like credit cards, personal loans, and store cards follow a six-year limitation period. Creditors must take court action within six years of your last payment date. The clock also resets if you send a written acknowledgement of the debt. After six years with no contact or payment, the debt becomes statute-barred debt.

Time Limits for Mortgage Shortfalls

Mortgage shortfall debts have longer enforcement windows than standard loans. Lenders can chase the capital amount for twelve years. They can pursue interest charges for six years. This secured debt twelve-year limit applies after property repossession and sale.

Deadlines for Chasing Benefit Overpayments

Benefit overpayments and social fund loans typically follow the six-year rule. The Department for Work and Pensions can pursue these debts for six years. Student loans exceptions exist because government-backed education debt has special recovery powers.

Council Tax Arrears Collection Periods

Council tax arrears in England and Wales can be enforced for up to 20 years. Local authorities have extended powers compared to private creditors. They can use bailiffs and deduct money directly from wages or benefits.

HMRC Tax Debts with No Time Restriction

HMRC tax debts often have no limitation period, especially involving fraud or deliberate avoidance. The tax authority can pursue unpaid income tax, VAT, and corporation tax indefinitely. This unlimited enforcement power makes tax debts particularly serious.

When Does the Debt Limitation Period Start in the UK?

The limitation clock begins on a specific legal date called the cause of action. This starting point determines when the six-year countdown begins. Understanding this date helps you calculate whether your debt is still enforceable.

Understanding the Last Payment Date as the Clock’s Starting Point

Your last payment date typically marks when the limitation period starts. The six years begin from the day you last paid anything toward the debt. Even small payments reset the entire timeline back to zero.

Impact of Written Acknowledgment of Debt

Sending a written acknowledgement restarts the limitation period completely. Letters, emails, or signed documents admitting you owe money reset the clock. Creditors often request written confirmation to extend their enforcement window.

What Is the Legal Cause of Action Date?

The cause of action date is when the creditor first had the legal right to sue. This usually occurs when you miss a payment and breach your credit agreement. The limitation period runs from this breach date, not from when the account opened.

What It Means When a Debt Becomes Statute Barred in the UK

A statute-barred debt cannot be enforced through court enforcement after the limitation period expires. The debt still exists legally, but creditors lose their power to sue. This status provides significant protection for consumers facing old debts.

Is Statute-Barred Debt Still Enforceable?

Statute-barred debts remain on your records but cannot be taken to court. You have no legal obligation to pay them. Creditors cannot obtain a CCJ (county court judgment) once the limitation period passes. The debt becomes unenforceable but doesn’t disappear completely.

Can Creditors Still Contact You After the Time Limit?

Debt collectors’ rights allow them to contact you about statute-barred debts. They can send letters and make phone calls requesting payment. However, they cannot threaten legal action or court proceedings. National Debtline guidance recommends informing creditors in writing that the debt is statute-barred.

Conclusion

Understanding debt limitation periods protects you from unfair collection practices. The six-year rule applies to most consumer debts in London and across the UK. Council tax and mortgage shortfalls have longer enforcement windows. HMRC tax debts can be pursued indefinitely in certain cases.

We are a trusted Debt Collection Agency serving London with over 20 years of experience. Our team understands both creditor rights and consumer protections under UK law. We help businesses recover legitimate debts while respecting legal boundaries and treating people fairly.

Contact Frontline Collections – London Office (Debt Collection) for professional advice on debt recovery or consumer rights. We provide clear guidance based on your specific situation. Our experts help you navigate complex limitation rules and find practical solutions.