Can I tell duplex tenants that their neighbors are on vacation?

Question

Residents in one unit are on vacation and informed me ahead of time (as required by lease). A few weeks into the vacation, the residents in the other unit asked if their adjoining neighbors are on vacation. Is it okay to let them know that? Do I need to abide by any privacy or safety concerns before letting them know that? Do I need to get the permission of the vacationers? While these particular residents are fantastic and probably just asking out of concern from not seeing their neighbors in weeks, I am asking here so that I can understand what the standard practice is for others who have faced this. Thanks in advance.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Jibu V.

If they didn’t tell the neighbors I would not disclose it.

Steve Lynch · Answer

Although I agree with the general feedback provided, tenant communications like this can be of great assistance in flagging potential issues. In general, such an inquiry would merit a response such as "in order to respect the neighbors privacy, I'm not in a position to provide such information. If you have specific concerns, please let me know". There's always a potential of tenants abandoning the property, in which case the sooner you are aware, the quicker you can document and take the necessary action. Also, if the neighbor tenant is elderly, doing a wellness check call (or requesting local police to do a wellness check if no reply) can reinforce your role as a responsible / caring LL. This goes a long way in keeping good tenants long term and in my experience reduces vacancy time as tenants often refer friends or family.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

You don't need to tell them anything. If they wanted the neighbors to know, they would have told them.

Jibu V. · Answer

@Steve Lynch, agree 100%. This sounds like the right balance.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I agree with Chris. If they didn't tell the neighbours they were going away, you shouldn't. Just tell them they are fine and leave it at that.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

I make sure to stay out of "tenant relationships." I would simply respond that 'all is well and like all of us, they lead busy lives.' I have found that a seemingly innocent question doesn't reveal motive so I prefer to avoid it. I do know that some of my clients have responded with "why do you ask" - to have wished they had acted deaf and mute. I have some ready to use responses in my arsenal so I don't have to come up with something on the spur of the moment. Fun, huh?

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Jibu V.

Well if they don’t have their cell number they cannot be close with them, so if they ask just politely via email I just wouldn’t respond if it was verbal and someone asks if they are on vacation I would reply noting I am not sure - if they push my comment would be like “ I don’t keep tabs on them”, if you are that concerned then reach out to them.

Sounds like a nosey neighbor.

Jibu V. · Answer

Thanks @Chris Seveney, that sounds like the right answer. What would be a diplomatic response to provide to the concerned neighbors in the adjoining unit?

Can I tell duplex tenants that their neighbors are on vacation?

Can I tell duplex tenants that their neighbors are on vacation?

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