Which deed provides assurances only for title defects occurring during the grantor's period of ownership?

A special warranty deed provides assurances specifically for title defects that occurred only during the grantor's period of ownership. This means that the grantor guarantees that they have not caused any defects in the title during the time they owned the property, but they do not provide any assurances about issues that may have existed before their ownership. This is a more limited form of warranty compared to a general warranty deed, which offers broader protections and covers the entire chain of title, including defects that originated before the grantor's ownership.

In contrast, a quitclaim deed does not provide any warranties or guarantees about the title at all. It simply transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property, if any, without asserting that the title is clear. A bargain and sale deed typically implies some degree of ownership but does not guarantee the extent of that ownership or include warranties against prior defects the same way a general warranty deed does.

Understanding the scope of assurance provided by a special warranty deed is essential for both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, as it clarifies the level of protection regarding title defects.