Harassment, Surveillance & Defamation: When Neighbor Drama Turns Personal (Part 5 of 6-Part Series)

In Episode 5 of our 6-part Neighbor Dispute Series, attorney Michael Kushner explores the most emotionally charged—and legally dangerous—types of neighbor conflict: harassment, surveillance, defamation, and even physical assault or battery. If your neighbor is yelling through walls, filming through your windows or into your yard, spreading lies about you, or crossing the line physically, this episode will show you how to document it, stop it, and legally protect yourself. Michael explains what qualifies as civil harassment under California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6, how to challenge illegal surveillance under Civil Code § 1708.8 and Penal Code § 647(j), and when a false statement becomes actionable defamation. You’ll also learn the difference between assault and battery in civil law—and how to build a case with evidence that judges, HOAs, and law enforcement will take seriously. 🎯What You’ll Learn in this Episode: ✅ What qualifies as civil harassment under California law.✅ When you can get a restraining order against a neighbor.✅ How to challenge illegal surveillance and protect your privacy.✅ What counts as defamation—and what doesn’t.✅ How to respond when neighbor conduct crosses into assault or battery.✅ Why documentation is everything in these cases. If you’d like to download Michael Kushner’s free 20-page “Essential Guide to Neighbor Disputes in California,” then click here: https://mbkchapman.com/learning/ and scroll down to the correct Guide. Disclaimer:  This content constitutes attorney advertising. The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by listening to this podcast, submitting a question, or receiving a response. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation. MBK Chapman and Michael Kushner disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this podcast. This communication does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. About:  Michael Kushner is the attorney who pioneered this niche area of the law—representing homeowners in disputes with their HOAs—in California. He created and taught the systems now used by the biggest law firms in the state focused on HOA litigation. Through his firm, MBK Chapman, and now through HOA HELL, Kushner continues to give homeowners practical legal tools to fight back. #NeighborDisputes #CaliforniaDefamation #AssaultAndBattery #DavisStirlingAct #MichaelKushner #MBKChapman #BadHOA #HOALaw #LSCarlsonLaw 🔥 HOA Hell Attorney Michael Kushner, California’s #1 homeowner-side HOA lawyer, shares real legal tools to help homeowners fight back and win against Bad HOAs.👉 Got an HOA nightmare? Submit your question at [email protected]. Or learn more about your rights as a homeowner by visiting: https://www.mbkchapman.com/fact-sheets. 📲 Follow us on:Instagram: @mbkchapmanpc YouTube: HOA HellLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbk-chapmanFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MBKChapmanX:  https://x.com/MBKchapman Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/hoa_hell/