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 Minnesota, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. If the behavior is annoying but not abusive or threatening, it is often best to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. However, if the conduct includes yelling obscenities, loud noises that may violate local noise ordinances, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, legal action may be necessary. Minnesota law allows individuals to seek relief through law enforcement if the behavior constitutes a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping. In emergencies, calling 911 is appropriate. For non-emergency harassment that is persistent and meets the legal definition under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.748, individuals can seek a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) from the civil courts. An HRO can order the harassing party to stop the harassment and stay away from the victim. It's important to document incidents of harassment to support any legal action taken.