Everything you wanted to know about usufructs in Thailand

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papaguido
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Everything you wanted to know about usufructs in Thailand

Post by papaguido » February 29, 2008, 7:30 am

Found this on ThaiVisa, it was posted by the managing director of Issan Lawyers. The OP clarifies and defines the usufructs agreement and provides other pertinent information (source link at the bottom of page)


Everything you wanted to know about
usufructs in Thailand.

By Sebastian H. Brousseau, LLB, B.Sc.
Attorney-at-Law (Quebec, Canada)
Managing director of Isaan Lawyers.

==========================
Isaan Lawyers has recently registered usufruct agreements in more than 15 provinces of Thailand. The following text is aimed to give you objective and accurate information about this right included in the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (hereafter CCCT). Don't hesitate to communicate with us by email should you have any questions or inquiries.
==========================

As you probably know, foreigners are forbidden to own land in Thailand by the Land Code. There are few rare exceptions to this rule (investment of 40 million baht, BOI approval, etc.). This is why many foreigners are looking into ways to secure a real estate investment or at least, give them the right to enjoy a property even if they are not the "full" owner. A usufruct agreement can give you this right: to possess and enjoy a property without being the full owner. And it is perfectly legal.

HISTORY

A usufruct is a real right (real means in civil law = attached to a thing) that originates from Roman law. In Roman law, the wife wasn't entering legally in the family of her husband. At the death of her husband, the wife had no rights of inheritance in the estate. To bypass this injustice, Roman law created the right of "usufruct". This usufruct was giving the widow the possibility to enjoy the asset of her husband after his death even if she wasn't an heir. The asset was normally devolved to the children at that time.

By essence, the right of usufruct is temporary and has roots in family relationships.

WHAT IS A USUFRUCT AGREEMENT

Usufruct contracts are governed by sections 1417 to 1428 of the CCCT. A usufruct is a right granted by the owner(s) of the land/house in favor of a usufructuary whereby this person has the right to possess, use and enjoy the benefits of an immovable property (section 1417 CCCT). The usufructuary has the right to manage the property (sect 1414 CCCT). It can be on a piece of land, on a house or on both of them.

The holder of a usufruct, known as "usufructury", has the right to use, possess and enjoy the property, as well as the right to receive profits from the fruits of the property. The usufructuary could be a person or an entity (ex: a company).

In civil law, property is divided in three parts. They are called in latin "usus" (use), "fructus" (fruits) and "abusus" (abuse). The word usufruct is normally unknown in Commonwealth countries. It combines the two first parts of the property in civil law, the usus (use, or possession) and fructus (fruits, or as we will see, more or less the "profits"). In French, it is called "usufruit" and in Thai "See-tee-kep-kin". It is interesting and useful to know that Thai Civil Law was largely inspired by French Civil law. (see "the work of codification in Siam" by Rene Guyon, 1919.)

The owner who gives the usufruct is called in French "nu-propriétaire" or by literal translation in English "naked-owner". It means that the owner has nothing else than the ownership: He can't use his possession, even if he is the owner. Beside possession and enjoyment of the property, the usufructurary has also the legal right to use and derive benefits from the property that belongs to another person, as long as the property is not damaged. "Fruits" should be understood as its natural (fruits, livestock, etc) and/or its legal definition (rent, etc.).

If you would like to use this right for industrial purposes, be aware that some taxes might be required.

Let's see some examples of usufruct agreements.

EXAMPLES

Imagine that you have a usufruct on a piece of land, an orchard. The apples (natural fruits) will be your asset and do not belong to the 'real" owner of the land. But in our days, fruits are more or less the legal fruits, like a rent from a lease. Section 148 of CCCT defines what can be the legal fruits in Thailand: "legal fruits denote a thing or interest obtained periodically by the owner from another person for the use of the thing; It is calculated and may be acquired day by day or according to a period of time fixed."

Now imagine that you have a Thai girlfriend. She buys the land and gives you a usufruct on this land for free. It means that you can enjoy this property, even ask her to leave the property, can sublease and get the money from the rents, and this, until the end of your life. It is NOT restricted to 30 years maximum. On top of that, if you decide to build on this land, it is possible for you be the full owner of the buildings and constructions. It is really a strong right.

THE END OF A USUFRUCT CONTRACT

In Thailand, a usufruct can be created for a limited time (5 years, 10 years, etc.) or the LIFE of the usufructuary. (sect. 1418 CCCT). If no time has been fixed, it is presumed that the usufruct is for the life of the usufructuary. In any case, the usufruct ends at the death of the usufructuary.

THE USUFRUCTUARY CAN LEASE THE LAND/HOUSE

A usufructuary has the right to enjoy, use and possess the land. He is acting like the real owner but can not sell or destroy the property as he is NOT the full owner. However, he can transfer his rights on the land/house to a third party. Even if the usufruct will end at the death of the usufructuary the usufructuary can lease out the land to a third party and this second agreement will NOT end when the usufructuary will die as per the Supreme Court ruling 2297/1998: "the lessor does not have to be the owner of the property".

So the usufructuary can grant a thirty years lease to a third party. By this way, you could pass on your rights to your children or other relatives even after death if the lease was done before the demise. Do not forget that all leases over 3 years must be registered at the land department and taxes have to be paid.

REGISTRATION

By a decision of the Supreme Court of Thailand, all usufruct agreements must be registered to be valid (Supreme Court decision 6872/2539). Once you register a usufruct at the land department where the title deed is located, your name will be registered (written in Thai) on the title deed. After this registration, the land/house can only be sold provided the buyer respects this usufruct. This is why it will be difficult for the owner to sell the land/house after a usufruct is register: nobody wants to buy a property where they can't live. Be aware land departments in Thailand have different rules and requirements. Some will ask to see your visa, some will ask for the father and mother's name of the usufructuary, etc.

You can also get a yellow book which is a House Registration Certificate (Thor. Ror 13) with a usufruct but many other documents will be required.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT USUFRUCT AGREEMENTS

1) Usufruct can be done for maximum 1 rai

False. We registered usufruct agreements for more than 100 rai with one contract and multiple title deeds. Hovewer, the usufruct must be registered on EACH title deed separately.

2) Usufruct have never been tested by the Court

False, there are Court decisions IN THAILAND about usufructs (examples: Supreme Court of Thailand 2783/2516, 6872/2539, 2297/2541, 2380/2542, etc.). The land department has also published a small guideline about usufruct agreements.

Usufructs originate from Roman Law and they have been known in civil law countries for centuries. It has nothing to do with some old agricultural laws or customs. Remember that leases where mostly used in the 18th and 19th centuries by farmers as they were not rich enough to fully buy land.

3) Usufructs are NOT as safe as lease agreements:

False. There is no legal, historical or factual grounds for this affirmation. If a lease is safe in Thailand (section 537 and following), a usufruct is safe. Both of them are in the CCCT, just as a gift agreement (section 453 and following) or a loan contract (section 640 and following).

Unless the Thai law changes, foreigners are fully allowed to make usufruct agreements, just as they are allowed to purchase condominiums or to make a lease agreement. Some law firms prefer to register lease agreements as leases agreements are normally more expensive. If you can understand civil law, there is even some legal basis to say that a usufruct is stronger than a lease agreement.

4) You must pay taxes to register a usufruct agreement

True. If the usufruct agreement is done for an amount of money, taxes of about 1.5 % on the value of the contract will have to be paid. Some land departments don't like to register usufruct agreements for free as they see that their government is not making as much money as a lease agreement. On a lease agreement, you will also have to pay taxes on the value of the rents for the total agreement. Rents must be based on the assessed value of the property. Most of the time, it is cheaper to register a usufruct agreement than a lease agreement. If you register a usufruct agreement involving a company, the land department might ask for some value on the contract. They won't like to see it done for free. It is the discretion of the land officers to accept an agreement even if by law, it is clear and usufruct agreements for free CAN be done.

5) The owner can't borrow money or sell its property if a usufruct is registered

False. Even if you register a usufruct agreement on a title deed, the owner can sell his property to anyone. But in reality, nobody is interested to buy a property where they will have to maintain your right and won't be able to use this property until you die. This is why a usufruct is a good protection for you as it allows you to live there for the rest of your life, whatever happens. If you want this right to be passed to your heirs, it can also be done by a lease agreement might be a better option depending on your case.

6) It is possible to cancel or void a usufruct agreement

If you are NOT married to the owner granting you the usufruct, we believe it is not possible to cancel a usufruct and you are legally protected.

If you are legally married to the owner, Thai lawyers disagree on the application of article 1469 CCCT. This article mentions that all agreements made between spouses can be cancelled by the Court at the request of one party, unless agreements affect third parties. According to one interpretation, "publicity" or registration affect third parties and a usufruct can't be cancelled. According to the other interpretation, we have to search for the spirit of the law and it looks like Thai law wanted to end all relations between spouses in case of divorce, even usufruct agreements. A way to avoid the application of 1469 CCCT would be to have a second agreement (like a lease) affecting a third party before the Court could cancel your usufruct agreement.

7) I will be fully protected with a usufruct

False. Imagine that you bought a big house in a small village near the family of your girlfriend. Now, imagine that things go wrong with her and you decide to expulse her from this house. You have the legal right to do it. But do you really think your life will be nice and quiet near her family, in a big house, in the middle of nowhere? Usufruct will legally protect you but there are situations where even a legal protection won't have any authority in face of the reality.

8) Usufruct agreements can be done anywhere in Thailand

False. Usufruct agreements must be registered and you can register a lease or a usufruct only on title deeds equals or superior to Nor Sor Sam. It means that usufruct can be registered for Chanotte or Nor Sor Sam, but can NOT be registered in some rural areas without proper title deeds.

9) A usufruct agreement is a simple form.

False. It is a contract, like a loan or a lease. All contracts can be adapted or constructed around the situations of the parties. For example, some clients prefer limitations to their usufruct right for their own and personal use. However, others want to be able to transfer their rights without any prior notice or notifications (see section 1422 CCCT). Some usufructs are done for free, some for an amount of money. All clauses are possible if they are not against public order.

===========================

Usufruct agreements are a strong protection as they let you possess, use and manage a property in Thailand. We believe they will give you some piece of mind while you enjoy all the other aspects of Thailand. They can be a very good alternative to lease agreements, as they can be for your lifetime, with lesser taxes. Don't hesitate to consult a lawyer if you want to know your best options according to your needs and your personal situation.

===========================



DISPOSITIONS OF THE CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL

CODE OF THAILAND

TITLE VII: USUFRUCT

Section 1417
An immovable property may be subjected to a usufruct by virtue of which the usufructuary is entitled to the possession, use and enjoyment of the property.

He has the right of management of the property.

The usufruct of a forest, mine or quarry entitles the usufructuary to the exploitation of the forest, mine or quary.

Section 1418
A usufruct may be created either for a period of time or for the life of the usufructary.

If no time has been fixed, it is presumed that the usufruct is for the life of the usfructuary.

If it is created for a period of time, the provisions of Section 1403 paragraph 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

In any case the usufuct comes to an end on the death of the usufructuary.

Section 1419
If property is destroyed without compensation being paid, the owner is not bound to restore it; but, if he does so to any extent, the usufruct revives to that extent.

If any compensation is paid, the owner or the usufructary must restore the property so far as it is possible to do so, having regard to the amount of the compensation received, and the usufruct revives to that extent; but, if restoration is impossible, the usufruct comes to an end and the compensation must be divided between the owner and the usufructary in proportion to the damages suffered by the respectively.

The same rules apply mutatis mutandis in the case of expropriation as well as in the case of partial destruction of the property or of partial impossibility to restore the property.

Section 1420
When the usufruct comes to an end, the usufructuary must return the property to the owner.

The usufructuary is liable for the destruction or depreciation in value of the property, unless he proves that the damage was not the cause of his own fault.

He must replace anything which he has wrongfully consumed.

He is not bound to give compensation for depreciation in value caused by reasonable use.

Section 1421
The usufructary must, in the exercise of his rights, take as much care of the property as a person of ordinary prudence would take of his own property.

Section 1422
Unless otherwise provided in the act creating the usufruct, the usufructary may transfer the exercise of his right to a third person. In such case, the owner of the property may sue the transferee directly.

Section 1423
The owner may object to any unlawful or unreasonable use of the property.

If the owner proves that his rights are in peril, he may demand security from the usufructary; except in the case of a donor who has reserved to himself the usufruct of the property given.

If the usufructary fails to give security within a reasonable time fixed for the purpose, or if, in spite of the owner's objection, he continues to make use of the property unlawfully or unreasonably, the Court may appoint a Receiver to manage the property in his stead. Upon security being given, the Court may release the Receiver so appointed.

Section 1424
The usufructary is bound to keep the substance of the property unaltered, and is responsible for ordinary maintenance and petty repairs.

If important repairs or measures are necessary for the preservation of the property, the usufructuary must forthwith inform the owner thereof and permit them to be carried out. In case of default by the owner, the usufructuary may have the work carried out at the owner's expense.

Section 1425
All extraordinary expenses must be borne by the owner, but in order to meet these or expenses coming under the foregoing section he may realize part of the property unless the usufructuary is willing to advance the necessary funds without charging interest.

Section 1426
The usufructary shall, for the duration of the usufruct, bear expenses for the management of the property, pay taxes and duties, and be responsible for interest payable on debts charged upon it.

Section 1427
If required by the owner, the usufructuary is bound to insure the property against loss for the benefit of the owner; and if the property is already insured, he is bound to renew such insurance when due.

He must pay the premiums of the insurance for the duration of his usufruct.

Section 1428
No action by the owner against the usufructuary or his transferee in connection with the usufruct or vice versa may be entered later than 1 year after the usufruct comes to an end; but in any action by the owner who could not have known of the end of the usufruct, the prescription of 1 year shall run from the time when he knew or ought to have know of it.

--------------------

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php ... 171307&hl=



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Aardvark
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Post by Aardvark » February 29, 2008, 8:45 am

Wow, it's worth paying a good Lawyer if you want to go down this path. I certainly will when the time comes !

laphanphon

Post by laphanphon » February 29, 2008, 9:21 am

notice it talks about fees/taxes, lawyer cost, which i never used. when i had a 30 yr lease with ex-wife, we said 1000 baht a month rent, equal 360K over life of lease, and 3600, i think, had to be paid up front. lease only in effect for 3 yrs, so that was wasted money. fee to file lease was 100 baht or less. a fill in the blanks at land office, that they do for you, as it is on the computer.

gift of habitation, which i just did, cost 5 baht, paper charge. no fee per month charge so no taxes. as mentioned before on previous thread, and as above, 2 types, just use, or full use with right to do whatever you like, build, modify, if in argurment, knock down.

those 2, lease and GOH, you really don't need a lawyer for. the main thing would be, if you don't know how to tell, is to have lawyer make sure the land papers are the good type and afford you/wife/gf, every thing you want. there are 7 types i think, some not giving the same rights of ownership. so rest is way too easy to do by yourself, especially if trusting your partner. don't forget that will, in laws are nice, until money becomes a motive. and that power of attorney, so if it hits the fan, you have an option to sell, if possivle, as your partner will also have that option, but who would by if you have rights to live there.

please heed all these threads on advice that will protect you if it hits the fan. we all love and trust the one we are with, but sh*t happens. base this on past reletionships, your history, your gut feeling. for me, my relationships don't last long, as good as they feel when you are making decisions, try to base those important, expensive, hard to change decisions, on reality. SH*T HAPPENS.

unless you have way too much money, then continue to save the world, and throw alittle my way, thank you. 8) 8) 8)

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Post by LoveDaBlues » February 29, 2008, 9:45 am

laphanphon wrote:notice it talks about fees/taxes, lawyer cost, which i never used. when i had a 30 yr lease with ex-wife, we said 1000 baht a month rent, equal 360K over life of lease, and 3600, i think, had to be paid up front. lease only in effect for 3 yrs, so that was wasted money. fee to file lease was 100 baht or less. a fill in the blanks at land office, that they do for you, as it is on the computer.

gift of habitation, which i just did, cost 5 baht, paper charge. no fee per month charge so no taxes. as mentioned before on previous thread, and as above, 2 types, just use, or full use with right to do whatever you like, build, modify, if in argurment, knock down.
those 2, lease and GOH, you really don't need a lawyer for. the main thing would be, if you don't know how to tell, is to have lawyer make sure the land papers are the good type and afford you/wife/gf, every thing you want. there are 7 types i think, some not giving the same rights of ownership. so rest is way too easy to do by yourself, especially if trusting your partner. don't forget that will, in laws are nice, until money becomes a motive. and that power of attorney, so if it hits the fan, you have an option to sell, if possivle, as your partner will also have that option, but who would by if you have rights to live there.

please heed all these threads on advice that will protect you if it hits the fan. we all love and trust the one we are with, but sh*t happens. base this on past reletionships, your history, your gut feeling. for me, my relationships don't last long, as good as they feel when you are making decisions, try to base those important, expensive, hard to change decisions, on reality. SH*T HAPPENS.

unless you have way too much money, then continue to save the world, and throw alittle my way, thank you. 8) 8) 8)
In my opinion you are wrong on this. In Thailand the law allows either spouse to revoke a usufruct/lease. If it's just a GF then everything should be okay but not a legally married wife. There is currently a long-running thread on TV about this and my info is coming from the lawyer who wrote the original piece.

laphanphon

Post by laphanphon » February 29, 2008, 10:32 am

yes, leases can be cancelled by wifes after one yr of divorce, habitats, not sure, but don't think so (make sure it is habitat for LIFE).

simply one more reason to tell your girlfriend that you love her too much to marry her, because you never want to be divorced from her. :lol: :lol: 8) 8)

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Post by patriot » February 29, 2008, 3:47 pm

Well spotted Papaguido. Is it possible to make this a "sticky" as it is possibly the clearest interpretation of the Usufruct v Lease debate.

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Post by LoveDaBlues » February 29, 2008, 4:37 pm

laphanphon wrote:yes, leases can be cancelled by wifes after one yr of divorce, habitats, not sure, but don't think so (make sure it is habitat for LIFE).

simply one more reason to tell your girlfriend that you love her too much to marry her, because you never want to be divorced from her. :lol: :lol: 8) 8)
6) It is possible to cancel or void a usufruct agreement

If you are NOT married to the owner granting you the usufruct, we believe it is not possible to cancel a usufruct and you are legally protected.

If you are legally married to the owner, Thai lawyers disagree on the application of article 1469 CCCT. This article mentions that all agreements made between spouses can be cancelled by the Court at the request of one party, unless agreements affect third parties. According to one interpretation, "publicity" or registration affect third parties and a usufruct can't be cancelled. According to the other interpretation, we have to search for the spirit of the law and it looks like Thai law wanted to end all relations between spouses in case of divorce, even usufruct agreements. A way to avoid the application of 1469 CCCT would be to have a second agreement (like a lease) affecting a third party before the Court could cancel your usufruct agreement.

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Post by patriot » February 29, 2008, 8:20 pm

Thank you

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Post by AussieBoy » March 20, 2008, 11:02 pm

gift of habitation, which i just did, cost 5 baht, paper charge. no fee per month charge so no taxes. as mentioned before on previous thread, and as above, 2 types, just use, or full use with right to do whatever you like, build, modify, if in argurment, knock down.
Can you go to the lands office ask to have GOH put on title dead, or do you need some form of paper work, offical form or make up agreement between two parties in thai and present to the lands office
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Post by AussieBoy » March 23, 2008, 9:17 pm

Here is the basic translation of right to habitation it cost 5 baht for register form, 20 baht to have signiture witness, and 50 baht for paper work,

took about 40 minutes total very simple and easy not the 20,000 baht quoted by the local lawers/ socilitors, typical scum bags




ASSIGNMENT OF LAND CONTRACT ( NON OF EXPENSE ) ALL LIFE PERIOD




Both of assignor and assignee are hereby agree as following ;

1. The owner / assignor
Master Builder

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tingtongfalang
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Post by tingtongfalang » March 23, 2008, 11:16 pm

Good post. Great information. Thanks

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crimerk
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Post by crimerk » April 29, 2008, 10:52 am

Very good comments from the IsaanLawyers and AussieBoy...
i will complement these one with the attached link...a form of contract too
but it hs a more secure legal basis...

http://www.samuiforsale.com/Example_Contracts.htm

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crimerk
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Post by crimerk » April 29, 2008, 10:54 am

...and it isnt necesary to buy it... :D :cry: ...

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Post by isaanlawyers » June 25, 2008, 12:10 am

I just saw today that some of my writing were posted here. Thanks.

I would like to add something to what Aussie Boy wrote, if I may. The right of habitation doesn't apply to LAND but only to the houses, contrary to a usufruct. Also, a contract is a contract. You can add clauses, modify it, etc. So, the one you posted is not very good... simple. These are general forms...

And clause 3 in your post is clearly ILLEGAL. How can a foreigner has a right in land by a simple contract??? :D And the translation is not very good. (Assignor, Assignee...issued by 3 sets in same details... etc.) You can also add in a contract that the English is the first language, depending on the situation.

There are prenuptual on Internet and last wills quite cheap. They might be valid or invalid in Thailand,apply or don't fully apply to your case. I am not trying to sell anything. My original post was VERY informative as this information is almost nowhere in English in Thailand and we have experience on these contract.

Drafting a contract is cheaper than 20K baht. We normally charge 5K to 12K, depending on the contract (We cahrged 1K for a loan recently but a prenup is normally 12k because we have to verify the law of both countries). What makes it more expensive, is to register the contract, to spend one day sometimes more, to go at the land department with clients or with power of attorneys, at the amphur, in BKK at the ministry of foreign affairs to legalized some documents, to make an appropriate translation, to register a contract for you, with transportation, etc. Our fees are never as expensive as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and I was working for a well known Thai law firm having office in these cities. I know.

Last comment, I believe we can't CANCEL a lease or a registered usufruct even with article 1469 but opinions for Thai lawyers differ. However, nobody was able to show me ONE DECISION where a lease or a usufruct was cancelled by a wife. On the other side, there are document and precautions that can be done to avoid this situation.

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arjay
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Post by arjay » July 21, 2008, 7:59 pm

Does anyone know what happens with a lease or usufruct if the lessor/owner becomes bankrupt? Are you still protected? :?

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Re: Everything you wanted to know about usufructs in Thailan

Post by wayne747 » January 5, 2011, 6:22 pm

Good post

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