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Real property

special warranty deed

A special warranty deed is a deed transferring or conveying ownership of property in which the grantor (seller or transferor) promises (covenants) to defend the title only against other defects, liens, encumbrances, or claims made by the grantor or by someone claiming by or under the grantor.

In other words, a special warranty deed provides a limited warranty of title and does not warrant against claims or defects in the title that existed before the grantor took possession of the property.

In Washington State, a special warranty deed is a legal document used to transfer property ownership with limited guarantees. Unlike a general warranty deed, which provides a full warranty of title, the special warranty deed only assures the buyer that the seller (grantor) has not done anything to encumber the property during their ownership period. The grantor of a special warranty deed only defends the title against claims that arose during their period of ownership. This means that any issues or defects in the title that existed before the grantor acquired the property are not covered by this type of deed. Special warranty deeds are often used in commercial real estate transactions where the grantor is willing to stand behind their own actions but does not want to be responsible for problems that originated before their ownership.

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Real property

special warranty deed

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Real property

special warranty deed

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