When creating or filling out a landlord reference form, it is crucial to respect the applicant's privacy rights and avoid any actions that may infringe upon their privacy. Here are some common examples of what can be considered an invasion of privacy when filling out a landlord reference form:   ᐅ Unauthorized Access to Personal Information: Requesting or accessing sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary to evaluate the tenant's suitability or using information for other purposes is typically against the law. Additionally, you need express written permission from the prospective tenant to access personal data. ᐅ Discriminatory or Unlawful Questions: Asking questions that violate fair housing laws, including inquiries about protected characteristics, is an invasion of privacy. There may be some exceptions for senior living establishments. ᐅ Invasive Background Checks: Conducting background checks without the applicant's consent or without following legal procedures is also a violation. Moreover, you must do these things equally for all tenants. ᐅ Unsecured Storage of Information: You must protect and securely store the collected tenant information. ᐅ Sharing Information without Consent: Sharing a tenant's personal information with third parties without obtaining proper consent, unless required by law or for specific purposes related to the rental application, is a significant violation of privacy rights. ᐅ Coercion or Pressure: Pressuring the applicant or references to provide information they are uncomfortable or unwilling to share, asking for information you do not have the express consent of the renter to obtain, or exerting undue influence to obtain confidential or private details is another form of invasion of privacy. Landlords must know applicable local and federal regulations governing tenant privacy to ensure compliance with privacy laws and maintain ethical practices. Always exercise discretion when requesting and handling personal information during the reference check.