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 Utah, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or damage to property, it may fall under the state's criminal statutes for disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, or even stalking, depending on the severity and nature of the actions. Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-102 outlines disorderly conduct, which can include making unreasonable noises, especially at night, that can disturb the peace. Threatening behavior may be considered assault under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-102 if there is an attempt to do bodily injury to another or a threat accompanied by a show of immediate force. For issues such as trespassing or peeping, Utah's criminal trespass statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-206) and voyeurism laws (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-702.7) may apply. If the conduct is not criminal but still disruptive, residents may seek relief through civil remedies such as a restraining order, which can be obtained through the civil court system. Local noise ordinances should also be consulted, as they can provide specific regulations and remedies for noise-related issues. In non-emergency situations, a courteous discussion with the neighbor may resolve the issue, but for more serious or ongoing problems, contacting law enforcement or consulting with an attorney to explore legal options may be necessary.