Council data protection responsibilities.

exitroute?

Hi all. I live in a Housing Association house and am trying to move via exchange. I applied for registration on the local authority property exchange list which was done online. The list of properties for exchange gives details of tenant names and their property number. Last night, a man knocked my door just before 9pm, referred to me by my name, said he had seen my details on the list and asked me where I wanted to move to. I didnt answer as that infromation is on the list. He told me where he lived and I said I didnt want to move to that area. He then questioned me why not and again I didnt answer. I told him I wanted to move out of the town where I am now and he left. I have checked the online application form and there is nothing to say that by applying, you are giving your consent to your information being put up for pubic viewing. There are no personal access codes and anyone can view it. There is no need to name tenants or give their property number if a contact number is provided which is the case with them all. Is the local authority breaking any laws by putting this information on public view?

carefullycautious

Hi, I live in a LA property. We use an online homechoice scheme whereby you can post your property for exchange and anyone who logs into the website can see details.

However, it is up to you how much detail you include. So you may wish to put your phone number but not your name. Or include both of these. The house number is not on but the street name is.

I would be really freaked out if someone turned up at the door. I prefer to have people telephone me first to discuss.

You need to see just what info is being displayed and edit it for you privacy. If you cant then I would be inclined to put an advert into your local paper which will/and does get a much bigger response as every one sees it.

Hope you get this resolved, I would tell the housing association what has happened as in this day and age you can never be too careful

exitroute?

Hi Thanks for your response. I am advertising for an exchange in many places but this is a Local Authority property exchange advertising facility and you have to complete a form, with the necessity to give your name and address for your tenancy to be verified. The LA are putting all applicants online with their full details. It isnt a case where some have names and some dont or some have property numbers and some dont etc...every single one has been listed with a full name and address and a list of contact details. There are hundreds! I have emailed the LA to advise of what happened re someone knocking my door and commented that it is not necessary to add names and property numbers and that I believe this is putting tenants at risk. It remains to be seen if I get a resonse.

clutton_2

have you read the terms and conditions of the website ? you may have inadvertently given your permission for these data publications