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 Maryland, harassment by neighbors that includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, or property damage can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity of the conduct. For non-criminal annoyances, a polite conversation is often the best first step. However, if the behavior is abusive, threatening, or criminal in nature, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, residents can seek help from law enforcement. In emergencies, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, residents may file a complaint with local police. Additionally, victims of harassment can seek a peace order or a protective order from the civil courts, which can prohibit the neighbor from engaging in certain behaviors or require them to stay away from the victim. It's important to document incidents of harassment to support any legal action taken. Maryland's legal framework is designed to protect individuals from harassment and to provide remedies through both criminal and civil law.