Q: A property owner has requested an appraisal report that I, a certified residential appraiser, prepared for a lender. May I give the owner a copy of the appraisal report?
A: An appraiser who receives from any party a request for a copy of an appraisal report must comply with the confidentiality section of the Ethics Rules of USPAP. That section states in part that an appraiser must protect the confidential nature of the appraiser-client relationship. Additionally, an appraiser must not disclose confidential information or assignment results prepared for a client to anyone other than the client and individuals specifically authorized by the client.