Can I Block My Neighbor’s Security Camera?

Everyone has a story about bad neighbors or two. Maybe they like to throw parties that go late into the night. Maybe they keep an impressive collection of junk cars and broken dryers on their front lawn. Maybe they’re the type who corners you for lengthy chats about their conspiracy theories every time you’re rushing to work.

Don’t ask.

But one particular bad neighbor stands out — the extra paranoid guy with the array of security cameras pointed in every direction. What exactly is he trying to keep an eye on? Is it you?

You’re probably wondering whether you can legally block your neighbor’s security cameras, or if their surveillance setup crosses any legal boundaries. Isn’t it an invasion of your privacy to be recorded by this weirdo every time you check the mail? We’re going to answer all of those questions and more, so don’t worry.

Let’s start with the legal question because that’s going to determine your next steps.

The Legality of Security Cameras

As uncomfortable as it might make you, your neighbor is well within their right to put up security cameras on their property, with a few exceptions. While the specifics vary by state and local ordinances, the general principle remains consistent across the U.S. It typically comes down to their purposes for having the cameras, and your reasonable expectation of privacy.

Your neighbor, just like you, is a property owner. They get to choose how they would like to protect their property from would-be thieves, just like you do. They might opt to build a fence or put in an alarm system; or they might outfit their doors and windows with smart locks and sensors. In fact, they might’ve just opted to put in a camera or two. As long as the primary purpose for the cameras is security, legally speaking, they’re free to do whatever they want.

The next issue is your expectation of privacy. Simply put, if you’re out in public, you have none. You can be recorded by anyone at any time, as long as it’s not in gross violation of your rights. That means all areas visible from public spaces — like your driveway or front yard — are considered fair game for recording. In those cases, you have very little ground to stand on if you choose to ask them to remove it.

As we mentioned, there is some gray area here. If your neighbor put a camera on a 10-foot pole to see over your fence and record what’s going on in your backyard pool, you have a bit more room to complain. This crosses into what courts typically consider “intrusion upon seclusion” — a type of privacy violation where someone intentionally intrudes on your private affairs. If you can demonstrate this type of overstep, you might be able to legally compel them to remove the camera.

So with that in mind, let’s discuss what you can do.

How to Block Your Neighbor’s Security Camera

Now that you understand the legality of your neighbor’s cameras, let’s talk about what you can do to rectify the situation. We’re going to start with the simplest solution first.

Talk to Your Neighbor

You might be rolling your eyes right now, but hear us out. Most people don’t want to be jerks, and your neighbor might not realize how uncomfortable their cameras are making you. Take a deep breath, prepare your talking points, and approach them during a reasonable hour.

Some advice, though: Don’t approach the situation with hostility. Instead, go on a fact-finding mission. Ask them why they’ve installed the cameras, and if they realize they’re pointed at your property. Let them know the situation is making you a little uneasy, and tell them you want to come to a compromise that makes everyone happy. If your neighbor is a reasonable person, this might be all you need to do.

Now, we give this advice knowing full well that some neighbors are going to be unreasonable. If the situation is delicate, or if you fear you might be unsafe speaking with your neighbor face to face, obviously skip this step. Move on to No. 2.

Block the Camera’s View

Take a look at where the camera is pointing, and try and get a sense of what it can see. Can you plant some hedges or extend your fence to prevent it from seeing onto your property? Maybe some better blinds could prevent it from  seeing into your living room? Creating these natural barriers can block your neighbor’s camera from seeing your property. Just make sure that whatever modifications you make are on your own property.

Seek the Help of a Mediator

If tensions are high between you and your neighbor, there might be community services available to help you mitigate the situation. Look into local conflict resolution and mediation services. Many communities offer free or low-cost mediation through local courts, community centers, or nonprofit organizations.3 These are often nonprofit organizations that seek to intervene in the early stages of a dispute to avoid escalation or the involvement of authorities.

Speak to Local Law Enforcement

If nothing else works, you might need to get in touch with your local police. Call the non-emergency number, and ask them what they recommend. Document any interactions with dates, times, and specific concerns before making the call. Keep in mind, though, that this will likely escalate tensions further between you and your neighbor, and unless they are doing something blatantly illegal, the police aren’t going to be able to help you.

Note this is just general advice. Since every situation is unique, it’s all about getting creative with the solution. Before we conclude, though, we need to tell you what not to do.

Don’t Do Anything Stupid

Regardless of how you feel about them, those cameras are your neighbor’s property. If you tamper with them, vandalize them, or destroy them, it’s your door the police will be knocking on. And guess what? Your neighbor is going to have plenty of evidence it was you.

The same goes with “hacks” you’re going to read about in online forums. Yeah, you can maybe blind an infrared sensor with a laser pointer or LED, but how exactly are you going to rig that up? How can you make sure it’s shining directly into the camera’s sensor? Do you want to set up a super powerful spotlight that shines directly onto your neighbor’s security camera at all times? Deliberately interfering with security equipment could be considered harassment or stalking in many jurisdictions.

And finally, no, you’re not going to somehow “jam” their security camera. Anyone trying to sell you a security camera “jammer” is probably a “scammer.” You can purchase Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular disruptors from sketchy sources. However even if they work — and that’s a big maybe — they’re likely not going to be powerful enough to do anything but mess up your own network unless you’re paying thousands of dollars for them. Oh, and they’re also super illegal. The FCC explicitly prohibits the use of jamming devices.4 So don’t even go there.

Final Thoughts on Blocking Security Cameras

So here’s the long and short of it. Unless your neighbor is deliberately trying to spy on you — and you can prove it — there’s probably nothing you can do to force them to take down their cameras.

Your best approach combines diplomacy with practical solutions. Start with a friendly conversation, explore legal privacy enhancements to your property, and document everything in case you need to escalate through proper channels. Remember, the goal is peaceful coexistence, not an arms race of surveillance versus counter-surveillance.