Statute
Civil Code
Article
Art. 579
Topic
Rights of the Usufructuary
Status
In force
Book
BOOK II PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS
Title
TITLE VI USUFRUCT
Chapter
CHAPTER 2 Rights of the Usufructuary
Formerly
Art. 487 of the old Civil Code
Year
1949
Cited by
Multiple Supreme Court decisions

The provision

The usufructuary may make on the property held in usufruct such useful improvements or expenses for mere pleasure as he may deem proper, provided he does not alter its form or substance; but he shall have no right to be indemnified therefor. He may, however, remove such improvements, should it be possible to do so without damage to the property. (487)

Intellegal Wiki · In plain terms

Lets a usufructuary (someone with the right to use and enjoy another's property) make useful improvements or purely ornamental additions, as long as they do not alter the property's form or substance. The usufructuary has no right to be reimbursed for these, but may remove them if it can be done without damaging the property.

An editorially maintained plain-language explanation of this provision — not legal advice.

Cases applying this article

Related provisions in this Chapter

Civil Code, Art. 579 is found in CHAPTER 2 Rights of the Usufructuary of TITLE VI USUFRUCT of BOOK II PROPERTY, OWNERSHIP, AND ITS MODIFICATIONS of the Civil Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 386).

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Reviewed by the Intellegal Legal Team for currency against amending laws and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Research aid — not legal advice. Verify the current text against the Official Gazette. Provisions may have been amended or repealed. Using this page creates no attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a Philippine lawyer.