What is a 'Defect in Title'?

A 'Defect in Title' specifically refers to any irregularity or imperfection in the ownership rights associated with a property that can affect the validity of that title. This encompasses various issues, such as liens, encumbrances, errors in the deed, or any other claim against the property that challenges the owner's right to fully use or transfer their property. A defect puts the property's title into question, potentially leading to legal disputes or financial loss.

Understanding this definition clarifies why the provided answer correctly captures the essence of a defect in title, whereas the other options describe different concepts unrelated to the core issue of ownership rights. For instance, zoning issues pertain more to land use regulations rather than title ownership, while temporary restrictions relate to specific limitations on property use without challenging the underlying title. Finally, features of legal documents could involve various matters but do not accurately encapsulate the nature of a title defect.