Chattels and Fixtures
Some items that you will come across when purchasing or selling your home include chattels and fixtures. I get many questions asking what they are and what the difference is. As defined:
Chattel: an article of personal property, as opposed to real property; a thing personal and moveable; it may refer to animate as well as inanimate property; personal property which has no connection to real estate (Black’s Law Dictionary).
Fixture: an article in the nature of personal property which has been so annexed to the realty that it is regarded as a part of the land (Black’s Law Dictionary).
The big difference between the two is that chattels are MOVEABLE. So, for some examples:
chattels – fridge, stove, washer, dryer, furniture, free standing shelving/bookcases, drapes
fixtures – window covering hardware, mounted shelves, cabinets, mirrors, light fixtures.
It is important to note that in any real estate purchase CHATTELS are not included unless specified in the contract. Conversely, any FIXTURES are to be included in the purchase unless otherwise stated.
