Which covenant assures the grantor that the title is free from claims arising before transfer?

• A. Covenant of seizin
• B. Covenant of encumbrances
• C. Covenant of further assurance
• D. Covenant of quiet enjoyment

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how deeds protect the grantee by ensuring the title can be made whole and free of problems. The covenant of further assurance is the obligation that the grantor will take any necessary steps to perfect the title and cure defects that may arise, including addressing claims that existed before the transfer. This makes it the best fit for guaranteeing that the title is free from pre-transfer claims because it creates a duty on the grantor to fix and defend against those issues after the transfer if they’re discovered or asserted later.

By contrast, covenants of seizin focus on the grantor actually holding the title and having the right to convey it at the moment of transfer, and covenants of encumbrances assure there are no undisclosed encumbrances at transfer. The covenant of quiet enjoyment protects the grantee’s possession from third-party claims to the title, but it doesn’t require the grantor to take steps afterward to clear pre-existing claims.