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 Kentucky, 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 police or code enforcement. More serious conduct such as threatening or abusive behavior, stalking, trespassing, or property damage could constitute criminal offenses under Kentucky law. Victims can report such behavior to the police, and in emergency situations, they should call 911. For ongoing issues that are not emergencies, victims may seek a restraining order, also known as an order of protection, from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to attempt a peaceful resolution before escalating to legal action. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take based on the specific circumstances.