A fixture is a once-movable item that, by virtue of its attachment to realty, reflects the intention to permanently improve that realty. Unless otherwise agreed, a tenant must not remove a fixture, even if the tenant installed it.
Fixtures pass with ownership of the land.
First, the landlord and tenant's express agreement on the matter is binding. In the absence of such an agreement, a tenant may remove an item that they have installed as long as removing it does not cause substantial damage to the premises. If removing the fixture causes significant harm, then the tenant, in objective judgment, has demonstrated the intention to install a fixture. As a general matter, the fixture must stay put. The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory is the most complete, trusted source for identifying qualified legal counsel.