What Is A Fixture?

Generally  speaking,  a fixture is  anything that is screwed or fastened to the house in one way or another. A good rule of thumb many real estate agents use is if an item requires a screwdriver or set of tools to be detached from the house, it is most likely a fixture.

Why Are Fixtures Important?

1. Refrigerator

While  t is customary for individuals to leave a refrigerator when selling  a  home,  it  is not considered a fixture. This might come as   a   surprise   to   some   people,   but  sellers  are  under  no obligation to provide buyers with a refrigerator.

2. Washer And Dryer

Another  appliance  that  many  people may, at first, think to be a fixture is a washer and dryer duo. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and sellers are free to take their washer and dryer with them when they leave.

3. Above Ground Hot Tub/Swimming Pool

If a hot tub or pool is above ground and can be hauled away without breaking any concrete or digging into the earth, then the seller is free to take it with them when they sell the house.

4. Fish In Fish Pond

Although  this may seem like an odd item to some, sellers are well within their legal right to take with them any fish they may have in an outdoor fish pond.

Items That Are Considered Fixtures

1. Counter Tops

One  of  the  main  items  people replace when re-doing a kitchen is the countertops. Counter tops have caused some confusion in many  cases,  but  at  the  end of the day they are considered fixtures. Even if the homeowner has spent a decent amount of money on  installing new countertops, they are considered a fixture and cannot be disassembled and taken with them unless specifically started in the purchase agreement, writes Henry Rolls, a writer at Origin Writings and Britstudent.

2. Underground Hot Tub Or Swimming Pool

While  it  is  true that any hot tub or swimming pool that sits freely on top of the ground can be removed from the property during a sale,  one's  that  are  placed  into  the ground cannot. This has created some confusion in the past, especially when it comes to hot tubs set into a deck or patio.

3. Attached Awnings

In  warmer  clients,  it is not uncommon  for  homeowners to install some kind of  awning  to protect them from the sun. Typically, awnings that have been attached to the house as permanent items are considered fixtures and are not to be uninstalled and removed in the event of a home sale.

4. New Windows

In  colder  climates, window installation can be a major investment. Not only does it help to keep cold air out, but good windows also serve to keep warm air inside the house. In fact, new windows are one of the most common expenses homeowners incur and they are not cheap. Because of this, some individuals may be tempted to take newly installed windows with them when they leave. Unfortunately, unless it is explicitly stated in the purchase agreement, new  windows  are  considered  fixtures  and  cannot be removed.

5. Sinks

Like  windows,  it  is  very common for people to replace old/outdated sinks when they buy a house. Unfortunately for them, these items are considered fixtures and cannot be removed and taken away upon sale.