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 Oregon, 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 disrupt peace especially at night, threatening or abusive behavior, or damage to property, and it rises to the level of violating local noise ordinances or constitutes a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or invasion of privacy, legal intervention may be warranted. Victims can contact the police for immediate assistance, especially in emergencies by dialing 911. For ongoing issues, individuals may seek a restraining order from civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important to document incidents and gather evidence when seeking legal remedies. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take based on the specific circumstances.