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Time limits for consumer claims

Most consumer claims have a six-year limit. Some deadlines are much shorter.

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On this page: The time limits Shorter practical limits A letter does not stop the clock When to get help The law Enquire

In short

  • Most consumer claims have a six-year limit. Some deadlines are much shorter.
  • Domestic building work: 10 years from the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection (15 years for some cladding claims).
  • Car purchase cooling-off: 3 clear business days after signing, before delivery.
  • Sending a demand or a complaint does not extend a legal time limit.

Key numbers

6 years

For most claims under the Australian Consumer Law, and for breach of contract.

10 years

For domestic building work, from the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.

28 days

To ask VCAT to review a Guarantee Fund decision.

The time limits

Claim Time limit
Damages or compensation under the Australian Consumer Law (including misleading conduct) 6 years from when the cause of action arose (usually when the loss is suffered)1
Breach of contract 6 years from the breach2
Domestic building work 10 years from the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection (15 years for some cladding claims)3
Car purchase cooling-off 3 clear business days after signing, before delivery4
Guarantee Fund claim No fixed limit, but a claim can be refused for unreasonable delay5
VCAT review of a Guarantee Fund decision 28 days5
A bundle of envelopes tied with ribbon, beside a pencil

Shorter practical limits

  • The right to reject faulty goods ends after a reasonable time, which depends on the goods.6
  • A dealer’s used car warranty lasts 3 months or 5,000 km.7
  • Insurance and warranty schemes often require notice within set periods.

A letter does not stop the clock

Sending a demand or a complaint does not extend a legal time limit. If a deadline is close, the claim itself may need to be filed.

When to get help

If the problem started some time ago, or a deadline is close.

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The law

  1. ACL ss 236(2), 237(3).
  2. Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic) s 5(1)(a).
  3. Building Act 1993 (Vic) s 134.
  4. Motor Car Traders Act 1986 (Vic) s 43.
  5. Motor Car Traders Act 1986 (Vic) ss 77(2), 79(2).
  6. ACL s 262(1)(a), (2).
  7. Motor Car Traders Act 1986 (Vic) s 54(2B).

Home Warranty claims must be made within 12 months of becoming aware of the defect (Building (Statutory Insurance Scheme) Regulations 2026 (Vic) reg 28(b)).

Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian and Commonwealth law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.

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