Which deed type provides the least assurance regarding the ownership rights of a property?

The quitclaim deed provides the least assurance regarding the ownership rights of a property because it conveys whatever interest the grantor has in the property, without providing any guarantees or warranties about the extent or validity of that interest. This means that if the grantor does not actually own the property, the receiver of the quitclaim deed has no recourse against the grantor. Essentially, the deed operates as a way to transfer any potential ownership interest, but it does not affirm that the grantor holds clear title to the property or that there are no encumbrances or claims against it.

In contrast, a general warranty deed offers extensive guarantees about the grantor's ownership interest, including that the title is free from defects and encumbrances, while a special warranty deed limits these warranties to the time the grantor owned the property. A bargain and sale deed often implies that the grantor can convey property title but doesn’t guarantee against any prior claims or issues with the title. Each of these alternatives provides a higher level of assurance than a quitclaim deed, which is primarily a tool for transferring property without any promise related to the quality of the title.