What type of deed provides the least protection for the grantee?

A quitclaim deed provides the least protection for the grantee because it conveys whatever interest the grantor has in the property without any warranties or guarantees. This means that the grantor is not promising that they have a clear title or even a valid interest to convey. The grantee receives no protection against future claims to the property or any existing encumbrances, making this type of deed the riskiest option for buyers.

In contrast, a general warranty deed offers comprehensive protection for the grantee, including guarantees against defects in title, even if those defects occurred before the grantor owned the property. A special warranty deed provides some level of assurance but only for the time that the grantor owned the property, and a grant deed typically includes certain warranties about the property being free from encumbrances. Thus, the quitclaim deed stands out as the least protective for the grantee involved in a real estate transaction.