property
trade fixture
A trade fixture is an item a commercial tenant attaches to leased space to operate a business, such as shelving, display cases, ovens, or salon chairs. Unlike ordinary fixtures, trade fixtures remain the tenant's personal property and may be removed when the lease ends, provided the tenant repairs any damage caused by removal. Items left behind after the lease expires may become the landlord's property through accession.
- Exam tip
- The common trap is treating a trade fixture like a regular fixture that stays with the building. Trade fixtures belong to the tenant and must be removed before the lease ends, or they may be lost to the landlord.
- Example
- A bakery tenant bolts commercial ovens to the floor. When the five-year lease ends, the bakery may unbolt and take the ovens but must patch the floor.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.
Last verified: 2026-10-23