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 Washington State, 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 threatening, such as loud noises or minor disturbances, a polite conversation is often the best first step. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or property damage, residents can seek help from law enforcement. In cases of emergency, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, residents may file a police report or contact local law enforcement for non-emergencies. Additionally, individuals can pursue civil remedies by seeking a restraining order or anti-harassment order from the courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. Noise ordinance violations can also be reported to local authorities, as most municipalities have regulations regarding acceptable noise levels and times.