Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes a tenant's rights regarding fixtures?

1. They can sell fixtures without landlord approval

2. They can remove fixtures before lease termination

3. They have no rights to fixtures once attached

4. They can improve fixtures with landlord consent

The correct answer is: They have no rights to fixtures once attached

A tenant’s rights regarding fixtures are best described by the idea that once fixtures are attached to the property, they typically become part of the landlord’s property. This understanding is rooted in the legal principle known as "fixtures doctrine," which dictates that items that are permanently affixed to the property (such as light fixtures, sinks, and shelving) are considered a part of that property. In most lease agreements, when a tenant installs fixtures, they do not retain ownership of those fixtures upon termination of the lease. Therefore, the tenant has no right to maintain ownership or remove those fixtures. This principle ensures that the landlord maintains the integrity and value of the property, which could be compromised if tenants were allowed to remove fixtures arbitrarily. The other options imply rights that tenants typically do not have concerning fixtures. For instance, selling or removing fixtures without the landlord's permission, or making alterations to fixtures without consent, would generally violate lease agreements. Therefore, option C aligns best with standard legal interpretations of tenant rights regarding fixtures.