How long does the fiduciary duty of confidentiality last?

• A. It ends when the agency ends.
• B. It extends beyond the agency relationship.
• C. It lasts for five years.
• D. It ends when the property is sold.

Answer: (B)

The fiduciary duty of confidentiality lasts beyond the agency relationship. When you represent a client, you learn information about their finances, motivations, and plans that could affect negotiations if disclosed. This duty isn’t tied to how long the agency lasts or to the completion of a single transaction; it remains in effect after the relationship ends to protect the client’s interests. It can continue indefinitely, or until the information becomes public or the client waives it, or disclosure is required by law or authorized by the client. So, even after the agency ends or the property is sold, you’re still obligated to keep confidential information from the client confidential, unless there’s a valid exception.