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 California, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various laws depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For non-criminal behavior that is annoying but not abusive, such as loud noises or minor disturbances, it is often recommended to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or property damage, California law provides recourse through both criminal and civil actions. Victims can contact the police, especially in emergencies by dialing 911, to report criminal offenses. Additionally, victims may seek a civil harassment restraining order under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 527.6 if they experience unlawful violence, a credible threat of violence, or a pattern of conduct that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses them and serves no legitimate purpose. Local noise ordinances also provide a mechanism for addressing disruptive noises, and violations can be reported to local law enforcement or code compliance officers.