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 New York, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For non-criminal behavior that is annoying but not threatening, such as minor noise complaints, it is often recommended to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication with the neighbor. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or excessive noise that violates local ordinances, the affected individual can seek assistance from law enforcement. In cases of emergency, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues that require legal intervention, the individual may seek a restraining order or order of protection from the civil courts to prevent the neighbor from continuing the harassing behavior. New York State law, including penal codes on harassment and disorderly conduct, provides a framework for addressing these issues legally. It is advisable to document incidents of harassment and consult with an attorney to explore legal options tailored to the specific situation.