Termination of Agency
11) Termination of agency | | | 1. | By agreement | | | | | | a. | On the basis that an agency relationship is created by agreement between the principal and the agent, such a relationship can also be brought to an end by mutual agreement between the parties, either in writing or orally. | | | b. | Termination by agreement may also occur if the agency relationship is terminated pursuant to the provisions of the agency agreement itself. The following situations may arise in this context: | | | | i. | If the agreement provides for the appointment of the agent for a specified period of time, the agency will come to an end automatically when that period of time expires. | | | ii. | If the agreement provides for the agency to terminate upon the occurrence of a specified event, the agency will come to an end upon the happening of the specified event. | | | | 2. | By act of the parties | | | | | | An agency may be terminated by the acts of either the principal or the agent, as illustrated below: | | | | | | a. | Performance by the agent | | | | If an agent is appointed to accomplish a particular task or for a specific purpose, when the task is accomplished by the agent or the specific purpose is attained, the agency will terminate. | | | b. | Revocation by principal | | | | i. | The authority of an agent may be revoked at any time by the principal. However, unilateral revocation otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of the agency agreement may render the principal liable to the agent for breach of the agency agreement. | | | ii. | Any word or conduct of the principal inconsistent with the continued exercise of authority by the agent may operate as revocation of the agency. | | | iii. | Revocation of the agent's power by the principal may not automatically discharge the principal from liability to a third party who is entitled to