käyttöoikeusomaisuus

Käyttöoikeusomaisuus, often translated as usufruct in English legal contexts, refers to a legal right that allows a person to use and enjoy the benefits of property owned by another. This right does not grant ownership of the property itself, but rather the right to use it and derive income or other advantages from it. The owner of the property retains legal title, but their rights are limited by the existence of the usufruct.

Typically, a usufruct is established for a specific period or for the lifetime of the usufructuary, the person holding the right. Upon the termination of the usufruct, the property reverts to the full ownership of the original owner or their heirs. The usufructuary has a responsibility to maintain the property in good condition and not to impair its value or substance.

This concept is common in inheritance law, where a surviving spouse might be granted a usufruct over the family home, allowing them to live there while the children inherit the full ownership. It can also be created through contracts or wills. The specific rights and obligations associated with a usufruct can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the terms under which it is established. It is a way to balance the needs of immediate use and enjoyment with the long-term ownership of an asset.