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 North Dakota, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or property damage, it may fall under local noise ordinances or state laws prohibiting disorderly conduct. North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 12.1-31-01 outlines disorderly conduct, which can include making unreasonable noise and engaging in abusive or harassing behavior. For more severe cases, such as stalking (NDCC 12.1-17-07.1) or trespassing (NDCC 12.1-22-03), state law provides criminal penalties. Victims can contact local law enforcement for immediate issues, especially in emergencies by dialing 911. For ongoing problems, individuals may seek a restraining order or protection order from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harassing behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to attempt a courteous discussion to resolve the issue before escalating to legal action.