What is "usufruct" in Louisiana law?

Usufruct in Louisiana law is a legal right that allows a person to use and enjoy the benefits of another's property without owning it. This right is particularly significant in the context of property law within the Louisiana Civil Code, where it serves to balance interests between the usufructuary (the one who has the right to use the property) and the naked owner (the one who retains ownership of the property).

The usufructuary can derive benefits such as collecting rents, harvesting crops, or using the property in other ways while being required to maintain the property's value and conditions. This legal concept is rooted in the preservation of property rights but enables flexibility in how property can be utilized and enjoyed by different parties. Understanding usufruct is important in Louisiana law, as it reflects the unique civil law system that governs property matters in the state.