Question:

I have been asked by my client’s business associate for information relating to an appraisal report I prepared for my client.  Can I disclose the results of an appraisal assignment to parties other than the client?

Response:

You can, but only if you receive authorization from the client before sharing confidential information with the client’s associate. The Confidentiality section of the ETHICS RULE states, in part:

An appraiser must protect the confidential nature of the appraiser-client relationship.

Appraisers may disclose information relating to an assignment to:

…the client and persons specifically authorized by the client; state enforcement agencies and such third parties as may be authorized by due process of law; and a duly authorized professional peer review committee except when such disclosure to a committee would violate applicable law or regulation.