Windsor Mill, MD asked in Real Estate Law for Maryland

Q: Do I have to return mirrors that I took from the bathrooms in the house I just sold.

I just sold my home. When I left, I took 3 mirrors that were hung (not fixed) in bathrooms. They are decorative and I consider them personal property. I didn’t put any exclusions in the contract but the mirrors were also not listed as inclusions. The contract is silent on this. Is there a law that says I must give the mirrors to the home buyer?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Answered
  • Crownsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: The easiest solution is likely to simply ask the Buyer if the Buyer wants them. If not, take them. If so, leave them. Wading into a legal battle over whether bathroom mirrors (which typically stay in the bathroom when a house conveys) must convey or not seems unproductive.

The above is not legal advice but I hope it helps.

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
Answered
  • Potomac, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: The answer can vary by custom and jurisdiction, but, generally, if it is a fixture, i.e., attached to the house by screws or other fasteners, it conveys. If it is mounted on picture hangers, and the picture hangers are affixed, but the mirror is merely hanging on the picture hangers, it doesn't convey. They must be very expensive mirrors if you are ready to pay a lawyer to negotiate or litigate the result.

Reading an answer on the Internet does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are represented by me when we have both signed a retainer agreement (on paper or electronically) and some money has changed hands. Usually, you will have been asked specific questions about your situation and all potential conflicts of interest will have been resolved. Until then, you have no more right to rely on this answer than if you read it in a novel.

1 user found this answer helpful

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Unless they were fixtures, actually attached to the wall with screws or similar fasteners, and not just hanging on a hook, then you can take them. Only things that are fastened to the property are deemed fixtures and must convey.

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