Covenant
National Real Estate Exam glossary · Transfer Of Title
Definition
A promise or assurance written into a deed or contract. In a general warranty deed the grantor makes covenants—of seisin, against encumbrances, and of quiet enjoyment among them—guaranteeing the quality of the title conveyed.
Covenant in plain English
A covenant is just a formal promise written into a legal document like a deed (the paper that transfers a house). When someone sells you property with a "general warranty deed," they make several covenants that back up their promise that the title — your legal ownership — is solid. For example, they promise they actually OWN it and have the right to sell (called seisin), that there are no hidden debts or claims attached to it, and that no one with a better claim will show up later to kick you out (quiet enjoyment). It's like buying a used phone from someone who guarantees in writing it's truly theirs, fully paid off, and not stolen — so you can use it in peace.
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