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 Hampshire, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or property damage, it may fall under the state's criminal laws regarding disorderly conduct, criminal threatening, or criminal mischief. New Hampshire RSA 644:2, for example, covers disorderly conduct which can include making unreasonable noise or disrupting the peace. For more severe cases, such as stalking or trespassing, RSA 633:3-a and RSA 635:2 respectively, may apply. If the conduct is threatening or abusive, victims can seek a restraining order, known as a protective order, under RSA 173-B for domestic violence cases or RSA 633:3-a for stalking cases. Local noise ordinances also provide regulations on acceptable noise levels, and violations can be reported to local law enforcement. In non-emergency situations, it is advisable to document the harassment and seek assistance from the police or an attorney to explore legal remedies such as a civil lawsuit or a restraining order.