Which of the following is not typically a covenant found in a general warranty deed?

• A. Covenant of quiet enjoyment
• B. Covenant of encumbrances
• C. Covenant of mortgage lien
• D. Covenant of seizin

Answer: (C)

General warranty deeds protect the buyer’s title through several covenants that guarantee the grantor truly owns the property, has the right to convey it, and that the title will be defended against future claims. Seizin is the promise that the grantor actually has the estate and the authority to transfer it. The covenant against encumbrances ensures there are no undisclosed liens or other encumbrances that could burden the title. Quiet enjoyment guarantees the buyer won’t be disturbed by someone with a superior claim to the property. The covenant of further assurances obligates the grantor to take steps to fix any defects in the title that later arise.

A covenant of mortgage lien isn’t typically included because a mortgage lien is a type of encumbrance. The covenant against encumbrances already covers that possibility, making a separate mortgage lien covenant redundant.