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 Michigan, 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. For criminal offenses such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, contacting law enforcement is appropriate, and in emergencies, dialing 911 is advised. Victims of harassment can also seek civil remedies, such as a personal protection order (PPO), which is a type of restraining order that prohibits the harassing neighbor from engaging in certain behaviors. To obtain a PPO, the affected individual must file a petition with the court, and if granted, the order can provide legal protection against further harassment.