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 Michigan, 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 may violate local noise ordinances, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, legal action may be necessary. For criminal offenses such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, contacting the police is appropriate, and in emergencies, dialing 911 is necessary. For non-emergency harassment that is persistent and disturbing, victims may seek a personal protection order (PPO) from the civil courts to prohibit the neighbor from engaging in specific conduct. It's important to document incidents of harassment as they may be required as evidence in court. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate legal response based on the specific circumstances of the harassment.