what laws protect our privacy when we have a apt. manager who gossips about wife beating, late rent paying, tenant's children criminal history, hiv status to other resident's in casual conversation.
2007-10-20 12:17:22 · 11 answers · asked by concerned 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Frankly your apt manager should not know about anything other then the late rent. The rest of it is just gossip and gossip is legal in the US. If you have suffered some sort of loss by the gossip you can try suing, but there are no gossip laws that pertain specifically to apartment managers.
2007-10-20 13:12:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. An apartment manager can not legally disclose any information about a tenant or even an applicant that isn't public information (like info on sexual predators) with out the written approval of the tenant or applicant. Some things you listed here (i.e. HIV status) can carry HUGE fines and could carry over to a very large lawsuit if you decided to take your case to court.
If it was me, i would see if the complex is a member of the local apartment board and if so file a complaint. Then i would seek legal council and see what legal options are available.
2007-10-20 14:22:22 · answer #2 · answered by wishmaker812 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand the late rent, but how would an apartment manager know about wife beating, kid's criminal history, and HIV status? This isn't the normal kind of stuff that goes on applications. Either this stuff was publically exhibited or you told him or someone else. Sounds like neighbors have a juicy gossip session.
To sue them for slander, you have to prove not only that they said it to others but that it isn't true. Truth is an absolute defense to slander.
2007-10-20 12:52:56 · answer #3 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People can sue for slander in court.
That's plenty of protection.
My advice would be to not beat your spouse, pay your rent on time, keep your kids under control. All these can affect other residents, and affect society. So they need to be concerned.
Talking about a resident's personal medical situation is never going to be necessary for others to know. That one is just plain bad manners.
Among Vikings, gossip was a capital offense...
2007-10-20 12:30:09 · answer #4 · answered by Boomer Wisdom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many apt. managers are incurable gossips, however, property management companies (and therefore their employees) are licensed with the state real estate board, and bound by the same code of ethics as realtors, which specifically states that client information is confidential.
If you are concerned, write a letter to your state real estate board, and follow up with a phone call.
2007-10-20 12:47:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think an apartment manager is any more less restricted from gossiping than anyone else. You can complain to the apartment's ownership, though.
2007-10-20 13:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your privacy rights should be outlined in the rental agreement you signed. You also have a great resource in your state's Housing Department. I would strongly recommend calling them and asking what rights you have. They can help you make a report for free.
2007-10-20 12:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by Sssaucy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to an attorney. Something has got to be done about this. That is not supposed to happen. Invading a person's privacy.
2007-10-20 12:26:40 · answer #8 · answered by peanut44 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slander and defamation only apply if a verbal statement is untrue.
If what is being said is the truth, there's not much that you can do.
2007-10-20 13:27:06 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's not much you can do, except move, unless you want to hire an attorney and sue him for slander.
2007-10-20 12:25:50 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋