Kasutusõigust

Kasutusõigus is an Estonian legal term that translates to "right of use" or "usufruct" in English. It refers to a limited real right that grants a person, known as the usufructuary, the right to use another person's property and to derive income or benefits from it, without altering its fundamental nature. The owner of the property retains ownership, but their rights are restricted by the existence of the usufruct.

This right can be established over various types of property, including land, buildings, and movable objects. The usufructuary has the right to possess, use, and enjoy the property and its fruits or profits. For example, if a usufruct is established over agricultural land, the usufructuary can cultivate it and keep the harvest. If it's over a building, they might be able to rent it out and collect the rent.

However, the usufructuary is generally obligated to maintain the property in good condition, to use it in a manner that does not damage its substance, and to return it to the owner upon the termination of the right. The specific terms and conditions of a kasutusõigus are typically defined in a contract or established by law. The duration of the right can be for a specified period or for the lifetime of the usufructuary. Upon its termination, the property reverts to the owner with all its accretions and without any deterioration beyond normal wear and tear.