55. WHEN DOES APPRAISER-CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY END? (NEW)

Question: I performed an appraisal assignment for a lender client who has subsequently gone out of business. Now the borrower is requesting a copy of the appraisal report from me since the company is defunct and there is no way to contact them. Does my obligation for appraiser-client confidentiality end since the client no longer exists?

Response: No. USPAP has no provision for terminating appraiser-client confidentiality. An appraiser is required to comply with the requirements of the section of the ETHICS RULE, regardless of the status of the client.