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 Montana, harassment by neighbors is addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For non-criminal behavior that is annoying but not abusive, such as loud noises or minor disturbances, a direct conversation with the neighbor is often recommended. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, including stalking, trespassing, or property damage, the affected individual can seek assistance from law enforcement. In cases of emergency, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, local noise ordinances may provide specific regulations regarding acceptable noise levels, and violations can be reported to local authorities. Additionally, victims of harassment may seek a restraining order from civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important to document incidents of harassment to support any legal action taken.