What is the doctrine of fixtures?

The doctrine of fixtures in Kansas is an important principle in property law that states that certain tangible personal property, or "fixtures," may become part of the real estate to which it is attached. This doctrine generally applies when property, such as a kitchen appliance or a furnace, is permanently attached to a structure, such as a house. The question then becomes whether the property is considered a fixture or merely personal property. Generally speaking, a fixture is something that has been installed or attached to a property in such a way that it cannot easily be removed without causing damage to the property. For example, a refrigerator that has been built into the kitchen would likely be considered a fixture, while a freestanding refrigerator could easily be taken away without any damage to the house. In Kansas, property is usually considered to be a fixture if it was installed by the owner or tenant and intended to become an integral part of the house. Generally, fixtures remain the property of the owner of the house, even if the tenant is the one who installed them. If the tenant does not remove the fixture at the end of the lease, the owner may be allowed to keep the fixture or sue for its value. This is known as the doctrine of fixtures.

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