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 Idaho, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various laws depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, or disruptive activities, it may violate local noise ordinances, which are typically enforced by local law enforcement agencies. For more serious offenses such as threatening or abusive behavior, stalking, trespassing, or property damage, these actions could constitute criminal offenses under Idaho state law. Victims can contact the police for immediate assistance, especially in emergencies by dialing 911. In cases where there is a pattern of harassment or a credible threat to one's safety, individuals may seek a civil protection order (restraining order) from the courts to legally prohibit the neighbor from continuing the behavior. It's important to document incidents of harassment and report them to the authorities to build a case for any legal action that may be necessary.