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 Alabama, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various laws 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, such as stalking, trespassing, or property damage, Alabama law provides recourse through law enforcement and the legal system. Residents can report criminal behavior to the police, and in emergencies, they should call 911. For ongoing issues, individuals may seek a restraining order or protection order from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. Additionally, local noise ordinances are in place to address disruptive noises, and violations can be reported to local law enforcement. It's important to document incidents and gather evidence when seeking legal remedies.