If an employer’s email system is hosted by a third party site, once the employee resigns does the employer have the right to request the password to shut down the email?

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If an employer’s email system is hosted by a third party site, once the employee resigns does the employer have the right to request the password to shut down the email?

Does it come down to a matter of who created the email address?

Asked on July 16, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Maryland

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

If it is the "employer's email system"--that is, they provided or paid for it--then they can shut down any emails on it at will. If it was the employee's private email (employee set-up it, paid for it [as applicable] etc.), then they can't--it belongs to the employee. 


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