Use Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Use, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Use?

(n) Use is termed as taking benefit or pleasure out of the property. For deriving the benefit it is irrelevant whether the holder of the property has ownership in the property or not.

History and Meaning of Use

In legal terms, "use" refers to the act of deriving benefit or enjoyment from a property, regardless of whether or not the person enjoying the benefit is the legal owner of the property. The concept has been a part of the common law legal system for centuries and continues to be an important component of property law.

Under the law, a person who is allowed to use a property has certain rights, such as the right to occupy the property, cultivate it if it is land, or collect the rents or profits if the property is rented out. However, the user does not have the right to sell or transfer the property, as that right belongs to the legal owner or owners.

Examples of Use

  1. A tenant renting an apartment from a landlord is allowed to use the property for living purposes, but does not have the right to sell or transfer the property.
  2. An easement allows a person to use a portion of another person's property, such as a driveway or path, for a specific purpose.
  3. An owner of a piece of land may grant a right of use to a neighbor to allow them to access a nearby road or body of water.

Legal Terms Similar to Use

  1. Occupancy - refers to the act of living or residing on a property, typically as a tenant or lessee.
  2. Easement - a right granted to a person or entity to use a portion of another person's property for a specific purpose.
  3. License - an agreement that allows someone to use a property or product for a limited time and for a specific purpose.