What laws may I run into wholesaling?

[Ethan T Williams]

I am attempting to form a pipeline for leads in a nearby region of my state. I have contacted one utility district that happily supplied a 'Cut-Off' or 'Delinquent Accounts' list. After emailing, and now calling, two others notified me that this is against the law. I immediately thought this was a load of...something... mainly because if Codes Offices/Commissions are typically so fast to hand out public records requests for codes violations, I assumed public utility delinquency would fall under similar domain. 

In my research, at least here in TN, I believe that Public Utility Records are not protected under any Privacy Laws. However, to be fair it may violate the individual Util. Depts. Privacy Policy (that is another discussion to be had).

Also, I believe by this potentially falling under 'Public Records' (as long as it is a Municipla service, not Corp) then by denying my request for this data, they are actually. in the wrong.

Does anyone have any experience in this?

[Wayne Brooks]

@Ethan T Williams Many stars/counties/cities, when they actually have these lists available (public records access laws make the specific records available to you, but nothing requires them to “make a list”) have laws, and often make you sign a document, that the records can Not be used for commercial purposes. 

Of more concern to you should be your state licensing laws which may make advertising a property for sale that you simply have under contract, illegal.