Privacy policy.

RDOS Appraisals & Consulting
Effective Date: June 15, 2025
Last Updated: June 15, 2025

1. Introduction

RDOS Appraisals & Consulting ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected through our website https://www.rdoscommercial.com/ and in the course of providing commercial real estate appraisal services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Contact Information:

  • Name and business title

  • Company or organization name

  • Mailing address

  • Email address

  • Phone and fax numbers

  • Professional credentials and affiliations

Property-Related Information:

  • Property ownership details

  • Financial information related to properties

  • Transaction history and pricing information

  • Property characteristics and condition details

  • Lease agreements and rental information

Professional Service Information:

  • Service requirements and specifications

  • Communication preferences

  • Billing and payment information

  • Professional references and relationships

Website Usage Information:

  • IP address and device information

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages visited and time spent on site

  • Referral sources and search terms

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.2 How We Collect Information

Information is collected through:

  • Direct communication (phone, email, in-person meetings)

  • Service engagement forms and contracts

  • Website contact forms and inquiries

  • Property inspections and site visits

  • Third-party sources (with consent or as legally permitted)

  • Public records and databases

  • Professional networks and referrals

3. Purpose and Use of Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery:

  • Conducting property appraisals and valuations

  • Preparing appraisal reports and documentation

  • Communicating with clients throughout the engagement

  • Coordinating property access and inspections

  • Providing ongoing client support and follow-up

Business Operations:

  • Processing payments and maintaining billing records

  • Managing client relationships and service history

  • Improving service quality and efficiency

  • Complying with professional and regulatory requirements

  • Maintaining professional liability insurance

Communication and Marketing:

  • Responding to inquiries and service requests

  • Providing information about our services

  • Sending relevant industry updates and insights

  • Maintaining professional relationships and networks

3.2 Professional and Legal Requirements

Personal information may be used to comply with:

  • Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP)

  • Appraisal Institute of Canada professional requirements

  • Court orders, subpoenas, and legal proceedings

  • Regulatory investigations and audits

  • Professional liability insurance requirements

  • Tax reporting and business record obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Authorized Disclosure

We may share personal information with:

Intended Users of Appraisals:

  • Clients who engage our services

  • Lenders and financial institutions (with client consent)

  • Legal counsel and litigation parties (as authorized)

  • Government agencies (as required or authorized)

  • Insurance companies (for legitimate purposes)

Service Providers:

  • Professional consultants and specialists

  • Technology service providers

  • Administrative and clerical support staff

  • Professional liability insurance providers

  • Legal and accounting professionals

Professional Requirements:

  • Appraisal Institute of Canada (for regulatory compliance)

  • Court-appointed receivers or trustees

  • Regulatory bodies conducting investigations

  • Peer review and quality assurance programs

4.2 Disclosure Limitations

Personal information is not sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties except:

  • With explicit consent

  • As required by law or court order

  • For professional compliance requirements

  • To protect our legitimate business interests

  • In connection with business transfers (with notice)

4.3 Third-Party Restrictions

Third parties receiving personal information are required to:

  • Use information only for specified purposes

  • Maintain appropriate security measures

  • Respect confidentiality obligations

  • Comply with applicable privacy laws

  • Notify us of any unauthorized access or breaches

5. Data Security and Protection

5.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures including:

Physical Security:

  • Secure office facilities with controlled access

  • Locked filing cabinets for physical documents

  • Restricted access to client files and records

  • Secure disposal of sensitive documents

Electronic Security:

  • Encrypted data transmission and storage

  • Password-protected systems and devices

  • Regular software updates and security patches

  • Firewall and antivirus protection

  • Secure backup and recovery procedures

Administrative Security:

  • Staff training on privacy and confidentiality

  • Access controls based on job requirements

  • Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors

  • Regular review of security procedures

  • Incident response and breach notification procedures

5.2 Data Retention

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for:

  • Completing the purpose for which it was collected

  • Meeting professional record-keeping requirements

  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations

  • Defending against potential legal claims

Retention Periods:

  • Active client files: Duration of engagement plus 7 years

  • Appraisal reports: Permanent retention for professional compliance

  • Financial records: 7 years from last transaction

  • Website analytics: 2 years maximum

  • Marketing communications: Until unsubscribe request

5.3 Secure Disposal

When personal information is no longer required, it is securely disposed of through:

  • Shredding of physical documents

  • Secure deletion of electronic files

  • Wiping of storage devices and media

  • Certificate of destruction when required

  • Verification of disposal by service providers

6. Website Privacy and Cookies

6.1 Website Information Collection

Our website may collect:

  • Technical information about your device and browser

  • Usage patterns and navigation behavior

  • IP address and geographic location

  • Referral sources and search terms

  • Form submissions and contact requests

6.2 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings

  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns

  • Improve website functionality and user experience

  • Provide relevant content and information

  • Measure the effectiveness of our communications

Types of Cookies:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality

  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site

  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

  • Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

6.3 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

  • Browser settings and preferences

  • Opt-out tools provided by third-party services

  • Privacy settings on your device

  • Clearing cookies and browsing data

  • Using private or incognito browsing modes

Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Information Rights

You have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we have about you

  • Request copies of your personal information

  • Understand how your information is being used

  • Know who has received your information

  • Request information about our privacy practices

7.2 Correction and Update Rights

You may:

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Update your contact information and preferences

  • Add missing information to your records

  • Challenge the accuracy of information we hold

  • Request verification of corrected information

7.3 Withdrawal and Restriction Rights

Subject to professional and legal requirements, you may:

  • Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information

  • Request restriction of processing for specific purposes

  • Opt out of marketing communications

  • Request deletion of information no longer required

  • Limit disclosure to third parties

7.4 Complaint and Challenge Rights

You have the right to:

  • Challenge our privacy practices and decisions

  • File complaints with privacy regulatory authorities

  • Seek resolution through internal complaint processes

  • Request independent review of privacy matters

  • Pursue legal remedies for privacy violations

8. International Data Transfers

8.1 Cross-Border Transfers

Personal information may be transferred outside Canada when:

  • Cloud storage or computing services are used

  • Professional consultants are located internationally

  • Legal proceedings involve foreign jurisdictions

  • Business operations require international communication

  • Technology service providers operate globally

8.2 Transfer Safeguards

International transfers are protected through:

  • Contractual privacy protections with service providers

  • Selection of providers with adequate privacy safeguards

  • Encryption and security measures during transmission

  • Compliance with applicable international privacy laws

  • Regular monitoring of international privacy practices

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

9.1 Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect:

  • Changes in privacy laws and regulations

  • Evolution of our business practices

  • Introduction of new technologies or services

  • Feedback from clients and stakeholders

  • Recommendations from privacy authorities

9.2 Notification of Changes

Significant changes will be communicated through:

  • Updated posting on our website with revision date

  • Email notification to active clients

  • Notice in our regular client communications

  • Direct notification for material changes affecting rights

  • Opportunity to review and provide feedback on changes

9.3 Continued Use

Continued use of our services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms, unless you specifically object or withdraw consent where permitted.

10. Third-Party Websites and Services

10.1 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services that have their own privacy policies and practices. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

10.2 Social Media Integration

If our website includes social media features or plugins, these services may collect information about your visit and interaction with our content according to their own privacy policies.

10.3 Professional Networks

We participate in professional networks and associations that may have access to certain business contact information for legitimate professional purposes.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are designed for business and professional use and are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

12. Contact Information and Complaints

12.1 Privacy Questions and Requests

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

RDOS Appraisals & Consulting
Website: https://www.rdoscommercial.com/

Response Timeline:

  • We will acknowledge receipt of privacy requests within 5 business days

  • Most requests will be completed within 30 days

  • Complex requests may require additional time with notification

  • Urgent privacy concerns will be addressed immediately

12.2 Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns about our privacy practices:

  1. Internal Resolution: Contact us directly to discuss your concerns

  2. Formal Complaint: Submit a written complaint with specific details

  3. Regulatory Complaint: Contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or British Columbia Information and Privacy Commissioner

  4. Legal Action: Seek legal counsel for potential privacy law violations

12.3 Regulatory Authorities

You may file complaints with:

Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Website: www.priv.gc.ca
Phone: 1-800-282-1376

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia
Website: www.oipc.bc.ca
Phone: 250-387-5629

13. Professional Standards and Ethics

13.1 Professional Obligations

As a professional appraiser, we are bound by:

  • Appraisal Institute of Canada Code of Ethics

  • Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP)

  • Provincial professional conduct requirements

  • Confidentiality obligations inherent in the appraisal profession

13.2 Balancing Privacy and Professional Duties

In rare cases, professional obligations may require disclosure of information that would otherwise remain confidential. Such disclosures are made only when:

  • Required by professional standards or law

  • Necessary to protect public interest

  • Ordered by a court or regulatory body

  • Essential for professional liability defense

14. Effective Date and Acknowledgment

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above. By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.