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 Missouri, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, it may fall under Missouri's harassment laws, which define harassment as knowingly engaging in a course of conduct that alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.090). For noise-related issues, local noise ordinances typically set specific decibel limits and quiet hours. If a neighbor's conduct is threatening or abusive, it may also be considered assault or stalking, which are criminal offenses. Victims can contact the police for immediate threats or emergencies by dialing 911. For ongoing issues that are not emergencies, victims can seek a restraining order, also known as an order of protection, from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the behavior (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 455.035). It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to attempt a peaceful resolution before escalating the matter. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate legal remedies based on the specific circumstances.