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 Mississippi, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For behaviors that are annoying but not abusive or threatening, such as loud noises from parties, it is often best to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or property damage, legal intervention may be necessary. Mississippi law allows for the filing of a peace bond under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-3-7 if someone fears injury or property damage from another. Additionally, local noise ordinances may provide specific regulations and remedies for loud and disruptive noises. In cases of criminal conduct, contacting law enforcement is appropriate, and in emergencies, dialing 911 is imperative. For ongoing harassment, victims may seek a restraining order or an order of protection from the civil courts to legally prohibit the neighbor from continuing the offending behavior.