If fixtures are not removed properly at the end of a lease, what happens to them?

When fixtures are not removed properly at the end of a lease, they generally become the property of the landlord. Fixtures refer to items that are physically attached to the property and are usually intended to remain with the property. This principle is based on the idea that fixtures are considered part of the real estate.

When a tenant installs fixtures—like cabinetry, lighting, or built-in appliances—they may have the right to remove those fixtures during the lease, provided they do so correctly and within the lease's term. However, if they fail to remove these fixtures when vacating the premises, ownership typically transfers to the landlord. This ensures that the property is returned with its integral parts intact, preventing future complications regarding ownership of those fixtures.

Therefore, the understanding of real property law recognizes that unremoved fixtures left at the end of a lease automatically become the landlord's property unless otherwise agreed upon in the lease agreement.