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Quality Supermarkets has taken occupancy of a retail building and has a long-term lease. As part of their fit-up, they bolt to the floor their meat and dairy coolers, shelves, and check-out stands.
When Quality Supermarkets vacates the property at the end of the lease, will Quality Supermarkets be legally entitled to remove these fixtures?
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (150--250 words):
Trade fixtures are items of personal property installed by a commercial tenant for the purpose of conducting business (such as refrigeration units, shelving, or check-out counters). Even though they may be attached (bolted, wired, or plumbed) to the property, they legally remain the tenant's property as long as they are removed before the lease ends and without substantial damage to the premises.
A is incorrect: they are trade fixtures, but trade fixtures are removable by the tenant.
B is incorrect: appurtenances are rights or benefits that run with the land.
C is incorrect: attachment does not override the legal classification of trade fixtures.
Thus, the correct answer is D: Yes, if removed prior to the end of the lease.