EstatePass
Laws Of Agency Fiduciary DutiesAgency_types_and_creationMEDIUM

A California licensed property manager is retained under a written management agreement to oversee a 20-unit residential building for an indefinite term. The agreement authorizes the manager to collect rents, enforce lease terms, hire and pay vendors, and approve routine repairs up to $500 without prior owner approval. Under California agency law, how is this property manager classified?

Correct Answer

C) General agent, because the manager has continuing authority to conduct a range of business activities on the owner's behalf

A general agent is authorized to transact all business of a particular kind or in a particular place on behalf of the principal on a continuing basis. A property manager operating under an ongoing management agreement — with authority spanning rent collection, vendor contracts, lease enforcement, and maintenance decisions — fits this definition precisely. Unlike a special agent, whose authority is confined to a single transaction, the property manager's authority is continuous and covers a defined category of business (property operations). California courts and agency law treatises consistently classify property managers in this role as general agents.

Answer Options
A
Special agent, because each repair or lease decision is a discrete, individual act
B
Universal agent, because the manager acts across all aspects of the property's operation
C
General agent, because the manager has continuing authority to conduct a range of business activities on the owner's behalf
D
Ostensible agent, because the manager's authority arises from tenant perception rather than an express agreement

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

general_agentproperty_managerbroad_authorityongoingB&P_Code_10131

Related Concepts

In real estate, a client is someone to whom the agent owes fiduciary duties through an agency relationship, while a customer is a third party to whom the agent owes only honesty and fair dealing.

An arrangement where a brokerage assigns separate agents within the firm to represent the buyer and seller in the same transaction, allowing each client to have dedicated representation.

A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing