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 Oklahoma, 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 minor noise complaints, residents are encouraged to attempt resolution through direct communication with the neighbor. However, when the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or excessive noise that violates local ordinances, law enforcement can be involved. Victims can contact the police for immediate issues, especially in emergencies by dialing 911. For ongoing problems, individuals may seek a restraining order or protective order from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harassment. It's important to document incidents and, if necessary, consult with an attorney to explore legal options tailored to the specific situation.