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 Virginia, 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 abusive, 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 violating noise ordinances, legal intervention may be necessary. Victims can contact local law enforcement, and in emergencies, dial 911. For ongoing issues, individuals may seek a restraining order or protective order from the civil courts to legally prohibit the neighbor from continuing the harassing behavior. It's important to document incidents of harassment as they may be required as evidence in court proceedings. Additionally, local ordinances should be consulted for specific regulations regarding noise and other disturbances.