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 Kentucky, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various laws depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, or disruptive activities, it may violate local noise ordinances, which are typically enforced by local police or code enforcement. For behavior that is threatening, abusive, or constitutes a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, Kentucky law provides for criminal charges and the possibility of obtaining a restraining order, also known as an order of protection. Victims can report such conduct to the police, and in emergencies, they should call 911. For non-emergency situations that still require legal intervention, victims may seek a restraining order through the civil court system to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to communicate concerns to the neighbor in a non-confrontational manner before escalating to legal action. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take based on the specific circumstances.