Kiinnityssopimus

Kiinnityssopimus is a contract that creates a security interest, or lien, on specified assets to secure an obligation, most commonly a loan or other financial duty. It is used to give a creditor a priority claim on the debtor’s assets in case of default. The agreement can cover real property (kiinnitys kiinteistöön) or movable assets (esineet, inventory, or company assets).

The parties to a kiinnityssopimus are the debtor, who grants the security, and the creditor, who receives the lien. The document specifies the collateral, the secured obligations (amount, interest, and terms), the duration of the lien, and procedures for release or termination. It also outlines events of default and the consequences, including enforcement options.

Creation and enforcement typically follow formal requirements. For real estate, the lien is usually perfected by registration in the appropriate public registers, making it enforceable against third parties. For movable property or company assets, the lien may be created through the agreement and, where applicable, registrations in collateral registries or other competent authorities. Upon default, the creditor may enforce the lien by realizing the collateral to satisfy the secured obligations, subject to applicable legal procedures.

Termination occurs when the secured obligation is fulfilled or the lien is released by agreement or by registration of release. A kiinnityssopimus remains in effect only as long as the underlying obligation is outstanding, unless otherwise agreed. The instrument is a common tool in Finnish finance and corporate lending, providing a structured mechanism to secure debts.