Which type of agency allows the agent to do only specific acts for the client?

In real estate and agency law, special agency is established when an agent is authorized to perform a specific task or act on behalf of the principal. This type of agency is limited in scope, meaning that the agent's powers are restricted to what is explicitly outlined in the agency agreement. For example, a real estate agent hired to sell a particular property on behalf of the owner operates under a special agency agreement; they have the authority to market the property and negotiate offers, but they cannot make decisions on behalf of the owner outside those defined actions.

This contrasts with general agency, where the agent has broader authority to act on behalf of the principal in a variety of dealings, and universal agency, which provides the agent with the power to act on behalf of the principal in virtually all matters. Express agency refers to any agreement—oral or written—that clearly delineates the responsibilities and powers of the agent, but it can encompass both general and special agency forms. Therefore, when discussing a situation where the agent is confined to specific acts, special agency is the fitting choice.