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 North Dakota, harassment by neighbors is addressed under various state statutes and local ordinances. If the behavior includes yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, it may constitute a criminal offense or a civil nuisance. For criminal conduct such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, residents can contact law enforcement. In emergencies, dialing 911 is appropriate. For non-emergency situations that violate local noise ordinances, contacting local police or code enforcement may lead to resolution. If the harassment is severe, a victim may seek a restraining order from the civil courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, to attempt a peaceful resolution before escalating the matter. An attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate legal remedies based on the specific circumstances.