What is meant by ostensible agency?

Ostensible agency, often referred to as "apparent authority," occurs when a principal's actions lead a third party to reasonably believe that an agent has the authority to act on behalf of the principal, even if that authority has not been formally granted. This concept is important in agency law because it protects third parties who rely on the apparent authority of the agent.

The correct answer highlights the significance of the actions and behaviors of the principal that cause third parties to accept the agent's authority. For instance, if a principal allows an agent to present themselves in a way that suggests they have the authority to make decisions or enter into contracts, the principal may be bound by the agent's actions as a result of ostensible agency, even if there was no formal agreement in place.

In contrast, a formal written agreement directly represents a principal-agent relationship but does not encompass the idea of ostensible agency. Dual agency refers to a situation where the agent represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction, which is unrelated to the concept of authority perceptions by third parties. Lastly, a representation without written consent pertains to situations lacking formal agreements, but it does not necessarily imply that any belief or authority was created in the mind of a third party as ostensible agency