You may reach the final walkthrough expecting to see the same built-in items that were there when you agreed to buy the home. Then you notice that the seller removed lighting, built-in appliances or plumbing fixtures you thought would stay. That matters if your deal included these items as part of the sale.
If your purchase agreement says certain items stay with the home, removing them could create a contract dispute before closing. To understand the problem, you first have to know whether an item counts as a fixture and what your agreement says about it.
Start with what comes with the home
A fixture is an item that has become part of the home or land rather than remaining separate personal property. California law looks at more than how an item is attached when deciding whether it is a fixture. How the item relates to the property and whether it was meant to remain there can also matter.
Your purchase agreement helps settle what comes with the home. Some items remain personal property, such as a freestanding appliance. Your agreement may still require the seller to leave an item even if it does not count as a fixture.
What removal may mean for your contract
If the seller takes something the agreement says will stay, the home no longer matches the deal you signed. That removal might violate the purchase agreement. Your contract may also explain what options you have before the sale closes.
The final verification of condition gives you a chance to spot that kind of change before closing. You may compare the home with what you agreed to buy and record anything that no longer matches. The walkthrough does not change the terms you already accepted.
Keep a record before closing
A missing fixture can matter during a home purchase when your agreement says the item comes with the property. You may want to photograph what changed and save any messages about the missing item. It could also help to compare any proposed solution with what your signed agreement requires.
