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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 3Pt. 4Ch. 1Art. 2§ 2304 Agent Authority Limits

§ 2304 Agent Authority Limits

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2304 Agent Authority Limits

This law says that a person can let someone else act for them in most things they could do themselves, but they can't delegate tasks that require their own personal attention.

Key Takeaways

  • •An agent can do most things the principal could do.
  • •The principal must handle tasks that require their own personal attention.
  • •Authority can be given for everyday decisions, not for personal judgment calls.

Example

A homeowner hires a property manager to collect rent and fix minor repairs.

The manager can handle rent collection and small repairs because the homeowner could do those tasks, but the manager cannot decide on a major renovation that requires the homeowner's personal decision.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2304 Agent Authority Limits

An agent may be authorized to do any acts which his principal might do, except those to which the latter is bound to give his personal attention. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

agentprincipalpersonal attention

Related Statutes

  • § 2315 Agent Authority Scope
  • § 2316 Agent'S Actual Authority
  • § 2317 Agent'S Apparent Authority
  • § 2318 Agent Authority Limits
  • § 2320 Agent Disobedience For Principal'S Benefit

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 2304.
View Official Source