Käyttövalta

Käyttövalta is a Finnish legal term that translates to "right of use" or "usufruct" in English. It refers to a right to use and benefit from a property that belongs to another person. This right is typically established by law or contract and can be granted for a specific period or for the lifetime of the beneficiary.

The holder of the käyttövalta, known as the "käyttäjä," has the right to possess and utilize the property, as well as to enjoy its fruits, such as crops or rent. However, the core ownership of the property remains with the original owner, who is often referred to as the "omistaja." The käyttövalta does not grant the right to alienate, sell, or fundamentally alter the property.

Käyttövalta can be applied to various types of property, including real estate and personal property. For instance, a person might grant their child käyttövalta over a piece of land, allowing them to farm it and live on it, while still retaining ownership. Similarly, it can be used in inheritance planning to ensure a surviving spouse has the right to live in a family home while the children inherit the ownership. The specific rights and limitations of a käyttövalta are usually detailed in the agreement or legal provision that establishes it.