Chattel
Personal property that is movable, as distinguished from real property (land and buildings).
Encyclopedia entry: Chattel
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Got it!
chattel
Chattel is a catch-all category of property associated with movable goods . At common law , chattel included all property other than real property . Examples include leases, animals, and money. In modern usage, chattel usually only refers to tangible movable personal property.
In the field of property law, separate bodies of law developed to handle chattel property and real property. For example, the tort of conversion is only applicable to chattel property, not real property.
[Last reviewed in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
Wex
Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
Related terms
More legal terms starting with C
Looking for citation help? How to cite law · Citation methodology
See also: Full glossary index
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.