Chattel

Detailed Definition

Chattel is a legal term used to describe personal property that is tangible and moveable. It differentiates from real estate or immovable property (such as land and buildings). Chattel is sometimes referred to as personalty or personal property. Historically, chattel also included slaves and livestock, but these uses are now obsolete and offensive.

Examples

Furniture: Items such as chairs, tables, sofas, and beds are considered chattel.
Automobiles: Personal vehicles including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles fall into the chattel category.
Jewelry: Items like rings, necklaces, watches, and earrings are examples of chattel.
Electronics: Personal devices like smartphones, laptops, and televisions are classified as chattel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chattel and real property?

Chattel is tangible personal property that is moveable, such as furniture and vehicles.
Real Property is immovable property, like land and buildings.

Can chattel be used as collateral for a loan?

Yes, chattel can be used as collateral for a loan. Such loans are often referred to as chattel mortgages or secured personal loans.

Are pets considered chattel?

Yes, in legal terms, pets are considered chattel as they are tangible personal property.

Is intellectual property considered chattel?

No, intellectual property is intangible and thus does not qualify as chattel.

How is chattel different from fixtures?

Fixtures are items that were once personal property (chattel) but have become permanently attached to real property, and are therefore considered part of the real property (e.g., a built-in stove).

Personalty: Another term for personal property, synonymous with chattel.
Real Property: Land and any permanent structures attached to it.
Chattel Mortgage: A loan secured by personal movable property.
Fixtures: Items initially considered personal property that, once affixed to real estate, become part of the real property.

Online Resources

References

Black’s Law Dictionary
Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
“Real Estate Law,” by Marianne Jennings

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Real Estate Law” by Marianne Jennings
“Property Law: Rules, Policies, and Practices” by Joseph William Singer
“Personal Property in a Nutshell” by William H. Roddewig
“The Law of Personal Property” by Michael G. Bridge

Real Estate Basics: Chattel Fundamentals Quiz

### Which of the following is considered chattel? - [ ] Land - [x] Furniture - [ ] House - [ ] Farm > **Explanation:** Furniture is a movable item and considered personal property or chattel. Land and houses fall under real property, and while a farm could include livestock (sometimes considered chattel), it depends on context. ### What is another term for chattel? - [ ] Fixtures - [ ] Unmovable property - [x] Personalty - [ ] Real Property > **Explanation:** Personalty is another term used interchangeably with chattel to refer to personal property. Fixtures become part of real property. ### Which item listed below is NOT an example of chattel? - [ ] Automobiles - [ ] Jewelry - [ ] Electronics - [x] Buildings > **Explanation:** Buildings are considered real property because they are immovable, unlike chattel which includes automobiles, jewelry, and electronics. ### Can intellectual property be classified as chattel? - [ ] Yes - [x] No > **Explanation:** Intellectual property is intangible and thus classified differently from chattel, which encompasses tangible, movable items. ### Which legal term is used to describe a loan against movable personal property? - [ ] Mortgage - [x] Chattel Mortgage - [ ] Lease - [ ] Deed of Trust > **Explanation:** A chattel mortgage is a loan secured by movable personal property, distinguishing it from typical mortgages which are secured against real property. ### Pets are classified as: - [ ] Real property - [ ] Fixtures - [x] Chattel - [ ] Intangible property > **Explanation:** In legal terms, pets are considered chattel, as they are tangible personal property. ### What differentiates chattel from fixtures? - [ ] Mobility - [ ] Size - [ ] Color - [x] Attachment to Real Property > **Explanation:** The key difference is that fixtures were once chattel but have become attached to real property and thus are considered part of it. ### What type of property is a car? - [ ] Real Property - [x] Chattel - [ ] Fixture - [ ] Intellectual Property > **Explanation:** A car is considered chattel because it is a tangible and movable personal property. ### True or False: Chattel can be used as collateral. - [x] True - [ ] False > **Explanation:** Chattel can be used as collateral in a loan, often referred to as a chattel mortgage or secured personal loan. ### A house is to real property, as a sofa is to: - [ ] Real Property - [x] Chattel - [ ] Fixture - [ ] Conduit > **Explanation:** A sofa is considered chattel, in contrast to a house which is considered real property.