Can my landlord legally give out my phone number to other tenants?

Question

I got a phone call from the people who live below us our number is not published so the only way that they could have gotten the number is from our landlord, they didnt even know our names they just asked if this was "upstairs". Is this legal can she give out our number? Thanks!

Answer 1

No, your landlord can not legally give out your phone number to anyone. There are certain privacy rights he has to follow. However, your problem will be in proving he did give it out. It is possible he did not.

In this day and time of information available from the internet it is very easy to find any kind of information, including an unlisted phone number, from a number of sources. In many cases all someone needs is a name and address. If you live in an apartment complex that is as easy to get as looking at the community mailbox list.

Also, it is possible that your neighbors could have gotten your number from some mail of yours that they received in error. I received my neighbors phone bill by mistake one day and could have gotten her number and the numbers of people she calls long distance.

Answer 2

1. The landlord is generally NOT allowed to give out personal information without your permission.
2. 'Not published' means your number is not in the phone book. 'Unlisted means the phone company does not give it out if you call and ask them. These are 2 separate options.
3. Give my your address and I can get your name and phone number on-line for under $20.
4. Assuming you are in the same telephone exchange as they are, I could call EVERY number in the exchange in less than 2 days.

Answer 3

It is not as a rule illegal to give out someone's private telephone number.

Answer 4

No. Unless a clause in your lease says so

Answer 5

Not without your permission but you need proof, not assumptions.