A Massachusetts release deed is a document that conveys property without any language that protects the buyer against title issues (liens, easements, etc.). In most other states, this type of deed is referred to as a “quit claim deed.” Due to the lack of covenants and warranties, settling third-party claims becomes the responsibility of the grantee (buyer) upon the signing of the deed form. Furthermore, the transferor (grantor) offers no promise that they have the right to convey the title, and therefore, there’s no guarantee that the transfer is valid in the first place.

It is recommended that, prior to signing anything, the grantee investigates the title with the local registry of deeds to ensure there are no third-party claims encumbering it.