What warranty is included in a special warranty deed?

In a special warranty deed, the grantor provides a limited warranty that specifically covers defects in title caused solely by the actions of the grantor during their ownership of the property. This means the grantor is not liable for any issues that may have existed prior to their ownership or for any problems that arise from the actions of previous owners or other parties.

This limited scope is what distinguishes a special warranty deed from a general warranty deed, which would offer broader protections, including coverage for any defects arising from any party's actions throughout the property's history. By focusing on defects caused solely by the grantor, the special warranty deed ensures that the grantee can rely on the quality of title that the grantor has had, but it does not extend that assurance back to previous owners or to future claims against the title.