Käyttövuokra

Käyttövuokra, often translated as usage lease or operating lease, is a type of rental agreement where the lessee gains the right to use an asset for a specified period without acquiring ownership. This contrasts with a financial lease, which is more akin to a purchase with financing. In a käyttövuokra, the lessor retains legal ownership of the asset, and the lessee pays regular installments for its use.

The primary benefit for the lessee is the ability to access and utilize an asset, such as machinery, vehicles, or real estate, without the substantial upfront cost of purchasing it. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses needing to upgrade equipment frequently or individuals who prefer not to own certain assets. The lessee is responsible for the maintenance and operational costs of the asset during the lease term.

At the end of the lease period, the lessee typically has several options. They may return the asset to the lessor, renew the lease, or sometimes, in certain types of usage leases, have the option to purchase the asset at its residual value. The accounting treatment of käyttövuokra differs from financial leases, as it generally does not appear as a liability on the lessee's balance sheet, reflecting the temporary nature of the usage rights. This arrangement is common in various industries and for personal use items.