Domestic fixtures

In most cases, fixtures installed by a residential tenant are removable, within certain limits. Bookshelves, curtains, drapes, blinds, chandeliers, ceiling fans and satellite dishes are all examples of fixtures installed by tenants that can later be removed by the tenant. However, the landlord is usually allowed to charge for any damage that such installation or removal maycause to the leased premises.

Note that it is up to the tenant to remove such fixtures. If the tenant fails to remove those fixtures after the lease has terminated, those fixtures become part of the real property owned by the landlord through the process of accession .

This process, of course, does not apply to the tenant’s personal and other non-attached properties. Many states require the landlord to put leftover properties in storage, allowing the tenant to retrieve them for a fee for the landlord’s time, services and cost. A common exception, however, is with evictions, when the tenant’s property can be placed at the sidewalk.