T.H. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
My board consists of five members. I live in a 22-unit building. Recently, we were asked to provide names and telephone numbers for a contact person in case of emergency. The idea of this is fine. However, our information is on an online portal and is accessible to all five members on the board, as well as, the management company. Board members are elected or voted onto the board annually, and therefore, there may be one or two members that I personally did not vote for, but who were elected based on majority of votes. During the last election which was held two weeks ago, there were three new members elected, and two of these people have only lived in the building less than six months, and the other person for just about a year. I don’t even know two of these people.
My question is: should our personal information be accessible to EVERY board member? My opinion is this information should be made on a need to know basis which should be the Board president and a delegate, and not all five of the board members. What are my rights as an associate member to ensure the privacy of my personal information. I don’t think all five members should have access to my information especially in this day and age of social media.
Mister Condo replies:
T.H., I can understand your desire to protect your personal information but if the information is available to Board members, which only makes sense as they are the elected leaders of your association, then you should expect that they are not using the information inappropriately. If they do, you should then look at your legal remedies. In a small association like yours, I wouldn’t expect that to be a problem but I understand your concern. Honestly, in these modern times, there isn’t too much that people can’t find out about any of us. How they use that information makes them liable for their actions. Let’s hope no one abuses their privileges. All the best!