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 Maryland, a special warranty deed is a type of deed where the grantor (seller) guarantees the title only against defects that may have arisen during their period of ownership. The grantor of a special warranty deed does not warrant against any issues in the title that existed before they acquired the property. This means that the grantor is only responsible for ensuring that there are no claims, liens, or encumbrances that occurred while they held title to the property. The special warranty deed is less protective than a general warranty deed, which provides a full warranty of title against all past claims. Maryland law requires that all deeds, including special warranty deeds, be in writing, signed by the grantor, and legally delivered to the grantee. The deed must also be recorded with the land records office in the county where the property is located to provide notice to subsequent purchasers or creditors of the property's transfer.