Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

Which of the following is considered an appurtenance?

1. Fixtures

2. Fences

3. Divisional walls

4. Air rights

The correct answer is: Fixtures

An appurtenance refers to a right or privilege that is associated with the ownership of a property. In real estate, fixtures are considered appurtenances because they are items that have been permanently attached to the property and are typically included in the sale of the property. Fixtures can be anything from built-in appliances, shelves, and cabinetry to lighting fixtures; they enhance the value of the property and are harmoniously integrated into it. Fences, divisional walls, and air rights do play significant roles in property management and ownership but are not categorized as fixtures in the same way. Fences are tangible structures added to the property, while divisional walls serve as separations but do not inherently link to the notion of fixtures. Air rights involve a legal dimension concerning the exploration and usage of the space above the property, which falls into a different category of property rights. Thus, fixtures stand out as the primary choice for appurtenances, illustrating their direct connection to the property’s value and function in a manner consistent with real property law.