A special warranty deed differs from a general warranty deed because it only warrants against defects during which period?

A special warranty deed is a type of deed that provides a limited guarantee regarding the condition of the title. It specifically ensures that the grantor is only responsible for any defects or claims that arose during their ownership of the property. Therefore, if any issues or claims originated prior to the grantor taking ownership, they are not protected under a special warranty deed.

In contrast, a general warranty deed offers broader protection where the grantor guarantees the title against all defects, regardless of when they occurred, even before the grantor's ownership. By knowing that the special warranty deed covers only defects that occurred during the grantor's ownership, it becomes clear why this choice is the correct answer. The limitations of the warranty make it essential for buyers to understand the risks involved with this type of deed when acquiring property.