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. 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 violate local noise ordinances, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, legal action may be necessary. Victims can contact the police, especially in emergencies by dialing 911, to report criminal offenses such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping. For ongoing issues that may not rise to the level of a criminal offense, individuals can seek a civil remedy by obtaining a restraining order from the courts. It's important to document the harassing behavior as evidence for any legal action. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take based on the specific circumstances.