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 Illinois, 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 be actionable under Illinois law. For non-criminal conduct, such as annoying but not threatening behavior, a direct conversation may be the first step. However, if the conduct escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal behavior, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating local noise ordinances, law enforcement can be involved. In emergencies, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, victims may seek a restraining order, also known as an order of protection, 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 remedies tailored to the specific situation.