Which term refers to having legal or rightful title to property?

Ownership refers to the legal or rightful title to property, indicating that an individual or entity has complete control and the rights associated with that property. This includes the right to sell, lease, or alter the property, as well as the responsibility for any associated obligations, such as taxes or maintenance. Ownership is often protected by law, granting the titleholder exclusive rights and the ability to enforce those rights against others.

In contrast, custodianship implies the responsibility of care for property without necessarily having the legal title to it. Beneficial interest refers to the advantage derived from owning property, typically held by an individual who does not have legal title but benefits from it, such as a trust beneficiary. Possession, while it can indicate physical control over property, does not equate to ownership, as one may possess property without having the legal title. Thus, ownership is the most accurate term for having legal or rightful title to property.