Fixtures

Fixtures are items of personal property that have become permanently attached to real estate, such as a building or land, and are considered part of the property itself. This attachment can be through methods like screws, nails, cement, or any other means of permanent installation. Once affixed, fixtures generally pass with the real property during a sale, and their removal would damage the structure or significantly reduce its value. Legal disputes often arise over the classification of an item as a fixture, depending on the nature of its attachment, its intended purpose, and the intentions of the parties involved. They differ from chattels, which are movable personal property.

Fixtures meaning with examples

• The kitchen cabinets, being securely bolted to the walls, are considered fixtures and automatically transfer with the house sale. Their permanent installation is the determining factor, so the new owners benefit from the pre-existing storage. Buyers often expect this level of pre-installed convenience when purchasing a home.
• In a commercial building, the integrated HVAC system and built-in security systems are typically considered fixtures. The fact they are attached to the building and improve the tenant's overall experience classifies them as permanent, and an essential component of the property, increasing the building's value.
• A homeowner installed custom bookshelves that were screwed into the walls; they are fixtures. The bookshelves are built-in and directly contribute to the overall appearance and functionality of the home. They are treated as being part of the house when the property is sold. The buyers may not be aware of the significance.
• The heavy chandeliers, securely suspended from the ceiling, would be considered fixtures. The removal of the chandeliers would likely leave significant damage or a hole, which would affect the market value of the structure, thereby permanently attaching them to the home.