What type of deed warrants only against issues that occurred during the seller's ownership?

A special warranty deed specifically warrants that the seller is only responsible for any issues with the title that arose during their period of ownership. This means that the seller guarantees that they have not done anything to cloud the title or create any liens while they owned the property. This type of deed is commonly used in transactions where the seller wants to limit their liability, making it an attractive option for them, particularly if they are unsure about the property's history before their ownership.

In contrast, a general warranty deed provides the most comprehensive protection to the buyer, as it covers the entire history of the title, regardless of when issues arose. A quitclaim deed, on the other hand, provides no warranties at all and simply transfers whatever interest the seller may have without any guarantees. Lastly, a bargain and sale deed typically implies that the seller has ownership and the right to sell but does not guarantee against any defects in the title that may have occurred before the seller's ownership. Therefore, the distinction of a special warranty deed lies in its focused protection relating only to the seller's ownership period, making it the correct answer in this context.