eta: For example, if you usually don't get each other anything, it could be a nice bonus for them. However, if it can be interpreted as, "she gave me her cast-off and bought herself a shiny new toy" because you usually put a lot of thought into the gift, that could end up making you look tacky.

Well, my BFF's husband's birthday is coming up. He and I do not exchange presents (though she and I do) He is an avid TV watcher. (For their wedding, I got them digital cable for a year.) If I buy the new Tivo, not only will I have my current tivo, I still have my first 40 hour series one as well! He would really love to have a tivo, but I don't want to look like an asshole. Hmm, maybe if I didn't couch it as a birthday "gift", just "hey, do you want my old tivo" coincidentally at birthday time.

I think not calling it a gift is a good idea. Personally -- and this is really, truly my personal opinion -- I think that any gift that would require someone to sign up & pay for service themselves is a not a good idea.

OK - someone check me on this:

We have a few tenants that are supported by the county human services. Some for physical disabilities, some for emotional, some for mental.

A "caseworker" just called me asking for the address of one of such tenants, yet I don't have his name anywhere on my paperwork or in my tenants file. It wasn't out of line of me to ask the caseworker for some sort of proof that he is my tenants caseworker before releasing the address, right?

I think that any gift that would require someone to sign up & pay for service themselves is a not a good idea.

that's a good point.

It wasn't out of line of me to ask the caseworker for some sort of proof that he is my tenants caseworker before releasing the address, right?

not at all. I'd ask for him to fax me a letter on county letterhead before I release any info.

Not out of line at all, Aims.

Ok, I didn't think so, but he got kind of shirty with me! Like if I had just called up calling myself the landlord, he wouldn't have an issue giving me information! Hmph.

Yay validation.

I'd ask for him to fax me a letter on county letterhead before I release any info.

And then I'd call the county office back through the switchboard to make sure the person who wanted the information actually worked there - not just call the number he gave me.

ABSOLUTELY. Of course, I think everyone is trying to con me, first. Too much L&O at a formative stage, maybe.

A "caseworker" just called me asking for the address of one of such tenants, yet I don't have his name anywhere on my paperwork or in my tenants file. It wasn't out of line of me to ask the caseworker for some sort of proof that he is my tenants caseworker before releasing the address, right?

You are absolutely in the right, Aims. Without verification of identity and authority, to give out such information could be construed as a violation of the Privacy Act.

He could be a collection agent, a PI or some unsavory character looking to settle a debt. Like erika, I have seen too much L&O.

Double check, there, Aims. A legitmate person wouldn't get techy over you wanting verification of who they are.