What is confidentiality in USPAP?

• A. Client information must be kept confidential and only disclosed with consent or legal obligation.
• B. Information can be shared with any third party.
• C. Confidentiality applies only to non-public data.
• D. Confidentiality means never updating the client.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality means that information obtained in the appraisal process is protected and may be disclosed only with the client’s consent or when required by law. In USPAP, appraisers must guard confidential information and share it only with those who have a legitimate need to know for the assignment or when a legal obligation or regulatory requirement permits or requires disclosure. This protects client privacy and maintains trust in the appraisal process.

Disclosing information to arbitrary third parties isn’t allowed, and confidentiality isn’t limited to non-public data—the obligation covers information obtained during the assignment. It also doesn’t mean you can never share updates with the client or others who are entitled to know under consent or law.