property

personal property

Personal property is anything that is movable and not permanently attached to land, such as furniture, vehicles, appliances that are not built in, and crops that have been harvested. It is also called personalty or chattel. Personal property is usually transferred with a bill of sale rather than a deed. An item can change status, becoming real property when it is attached as a fixture or turning back into personal property when it is severed.

Exam tip: Exams test the line between personal property and fixtures; use the tests of method of attachment, adaptation, and intention. A bill of sale transfers personal property, a deed transfers real property.
Example: A seller's freestanding sofa and patio table are personal property and do not pass with the house unless the contract says so.

1. Which item would most likely be considered personal property rather than a fixture?

Answer & explanation

Answer: A. Items easily removed without damage, like a plug-in refrigerator, are usually personal property. Carpeting cut to fit, built-ins and HVAC are adapted or attached fixtures.

Related terms & state variants

chattel fixture real property severance trade fixture

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23