What does the covenant against encumbrances guarantee?

The covenant against encumbrances guarantees that the property is not encumbered except as noted in the deed. This means that the seller (grantor) asserts that there are no additional liens, easements, or other rights that could affect the buyer's (grantee's) use of the property other than those explicitly mentioned in the deed. This covenant provides assurance to the buyer that they will not face unexpected claims or restrictions on the property that were not disclosed during the transaction.

Understanding this covenant is crucial because it protects the buyer's legal interest in the property, ensuring that they can enjoy it without interference from undisclosed encumbrances. This is particularly important in real estate transactions, where buyers expect clear title and free use of their property unless otherwise specified.