Worried you might have missed your chance to claim for an injury or housing problem? This article explains the claim time limit in clear, simple terms, showing exactly how long you have to take action, common exceptions, and when you could still be eligible. Whether it’s a hidden injury, long-standing damp, or landlord neglect, we break down the rules, share real-life examples, and give practical steps so you don’t miss out. Get the clarity you need to protect your rights today.
Worried you’ve missed the claim time limit for your injury or housing disrepair case? Learn how long you really have, key exceptions, and when you can still claim.
One of the most worrying questions people ask before contacting a solicitor is:
“Do I still have time? What if the claim time limit already passed?”
Most people delay reporting injuries or housing issues because life gets overwhelming. Maybe you hoped the pain would go away. Maybe you trusted your landlord to fix things. Maybe you didn’t want to make a fuss.
The truth is this:
Most people discover they still have time once they get proper advice.
Understanding the claim time limit can take away fear and help you stop suffering in silence.
What Is the Claim Time Limit?
The claim time limit is the legal period you have to start your claim. Missing it can be stressful, but knowing the rules — and the exceptions — can make the process easier.
The general UK rules are:
- Personal injury: 3-year claim time limit
- Housing disrepair: 6-year claim time limit for property issues
- Medical-related issues from housing: 3-year time limit for illness or injury caused by disrepair
But the reality?
Life isn’t that simple — and neither is the claim time limit. You might still qualify even if you think you’re “too late.”
Housing Ombudsman – Landlord responsibilities and tenant rights
https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/residents/
Personal Injury Claims: Your 3-Year Claim Time Limit
If you’ve been injured — at work, in public, or on the road — the standard claim time limit is:
Three years from:
- the date of the accident, or
- the date you first realised your injury was caused by negligence
There are major exceptions:
Children
Their claim time limit doesn’t start until they turn 18, meaning they can claim up to age 21.
Delayed symptoms
Many injuries develop slowly — back pain, repetitive strain, hearing loss, psychological trauma. Your claim time limit starts when your symptoms are properly linked to the accident.
If you’re unsure whether your claim time limit has passed, don’t guess — get advice. You may still have a valid case.
Housing Disrepair Claims: Your 6-Year Claim Time Limit
Tenants often believe they’ve “waited too long,” but the claim time limit for housing disrepair is much more generous.
You typically have up to 6 years to claim for:
- mould and damp
- heating or boiler failures
- leaks and water damage
- broken windows and doors
- electrical hazards
- pest infestations
- structural damage
Read more about Winter Emergency: When Your Landlord Must Fix Heating Immediately
Medical issues from disrepair
If the disrepair caused health problems — asthma, rashes, headaches, anxiety — the injury part follows a 3-year claim time limit, while the property damage part remains 6 years.
This means you can often claim for both health and home, even if the problems built up over several years.
Ready to Begin? Start Your Claim in One Minute.
Why People Miss the Claim Time Limit — And Why You Might Still Be Safe
It’s very common to delay claiming because:
- You trusted your landlord or employer to fix the issue
- You didn’t know you were entitled to compensation
- You were scared of legal costs
- You didn’t realise symptoms were caused by negligence
- You felt overwhelmed or embarrassed
These feelings are normal.
But they shouldn’t stop you from finding out whether your claim time limit still allows you to get justice.
Most people are still eligible when they finally speak to a solicitor.
How Claim Today Helps You Beat the Claim Time Limit
At Claim Today, we make sure you don’t miss your chance. Our team:
- Confirms your claim time limit based on the details of your case
- Gathers evidence quickly so your claim is protected
- Guides you through each step with zero pressure
- Works on a No Win No Fee basis
- Offers a free eligibility check in under a minute
FAQs About the Claim Time Limit
What if I don’t know when my claim time limit started?
This happens often. The claim time limit may start from when you first realised the problem was caused by negligence — not the day the damage happened.
Can I still claim if the landlord ignored me for years?
Yes. In housing disrepair, the claim time limit allows up to 6 years, and delays by the landlord often strengthen your case.
What if my injury or symptoms took months to appear?
Then your claim time limit typically starts from the date you were diagnosed or made aware of the cause.
Do children have more time to claim?
Yes. Their claim time limit doesn’t begin until age 18, meaning they can claim until age 21.
Can I claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes. Claim Today offers No Win No Fee for personal injury and housing disrepair cases.
