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Old Debt: Is It Statute Barred?
Most debts become statute barred if 6 years pass since you last made a payment or wrote to the creditor (in England and Wales). If a debt is statute barred, you do not have to pay it. Be careful: making a payment or writing to admit the debt could reset the clock.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Time Limits
The Rules
For most debts, the time limit is 6 years since you last wrote to the creditor or made a payment. For mortgage shortfalls after repossession it is 6 years for interest and 12 years for the main amount. If you're in Breathing Space, the limit ends 8 weeks after it ends. source
What to Do
If your debt is statute barred you don't have to pay it. Write to the creditor saying "I don't admit any liability for your claim"; do not say you are unsure what you owe. Once there is a court order it is too late. If contact continues, complain to the creditor and then the Financial Ombudsman; the creditor would have to go to court to prove the debt is not statute barred. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksFinancial Ombudsman complaintsLender has 8 weeks for most complaints, then you have 6 months from the final response
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Work out when you last paid or wrote to the creditor.
Step 2 of 5
Do not pay or admit the debt until you are sure.
Step 3 of 5
Get free debt advice to check.
Step 4 of 5
Send a statute barred letter if it applies.
Step 5 of 5
Complain if the creditor keeps chasing.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
MoneyHelper Debt Advice
You are struggling with debt. Use the Debt Advice Locator to find free local advice.
Financial Ombudsman Service
After 8 weeks with no final response, or if you are unhappy with it. Refer within 6 months of the final response.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Scotland has different rules: check with a Scottish adviser.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/dealing-with-your-debts/check-if-you-have-to-pay-a-debt Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/dealing-with-your-debts/if-your-debt-is-statute-barred Checked 13 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/expect/time-limits Checked 12 October 2026