Personal property permanently attached to land is known as a

• A. chattel
• B. encumbrance
• C. fixture
• D. improvement

Answer: (C)

When something that started as personal property is attached in a way that it becomes a permanent part of land or a building, it is called a fixture. The key idea is that its attachment and intended permanence make it part of the real property that would typically transfer with a property sale, unless the contract says otherwise.

Determining a fixture often involves three checks: how it’s attached (is it physically fixed in place, cannot easily be moved without damage), whether it’s adapted to the space (built-in cabinets, installed lighting), and the intent of the person who installed it (was it meant to be permanent). If the item passes these tests, it’s considered a fixture.

Chattel refers to personal property that isn’t attached and can be moved. An encumbrance is a claim against the property, like a lien or easement, not about the nature of the item. An improvement is a permanent addition that increases value, but the specific term for something permanently attached to land is a fixture.