Agents and agencies
(for all nations)
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Often when you buy goods and services you are not dealing directly with the person selling the goods or services but with an agent or agency. Examples include travel agents, estate agents, auctioneers, insurance brokers. The basic rule in contract law is that an agent is authorised to bring about an agreement between you (the third party) and the person/business they are acting for (the principal).
The agreement made is a contract between the principal and the third party, and it is they who have legal rights and responsibilities to each other and can sue each other. However, there is a duty for agents to ensure that the advice they give you is correct. You should also be aware of specific laws that may apply such as the Consumer Credit Act, the Estate Agents Act, and the Property Misdescriptions Act.
