Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.

If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.

In Arizona, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or property damage, legal remedies may be available. For non-criminal annoyances, a direct but polite conversation with the neighbor is often the best first step. However, if the conduct escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal behavior, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, law enforcement can be involved. In emergencies, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, victims can seek a restraining order, known as an injunction against harassment, from the civil courts. This legal order requires the neighbor to cease the harassing behavior or face legal consequences. It's important to document incidents of harassment to support any legal action taken.