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 Pennsylvania, harassment by neighbors is addressed under the state's criminal statutes and local ordinances. Harassment can include a range of behaviors such as yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, and property damage. If the behavior is disruptive but not criminal, it's often best to attempt to resolve the matter through direct communication. However, when the conduct crosses into criminal territory, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, legal intervention may be necessary. Victims can contact local law enforcement, and in emergencies, dial 911. For ongoing issues that constitute harassment or threats, individuals may seek a restraining order or a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the behavior. It's important to document incidents and gather evidence when seeking legal remedies.