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 Oregon, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. If the behavior is annoying but not abusive or threatening, it is often best to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. However, if the conduct includes yelling obscenities, loud noises that disrupt peace especially at night, threatening or abusive behavior, or property damage, legal action may be necessary. Oregon law allows for the filing of a complaint with local law enforcement, especially if the behavior violates local noise ordinances or constitutes a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or invasion of privacy. In cases of emergency or immediate threat, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues that may not be criminal but are seriously disruptive, individuals may seek a civil restraining order from the courts to legally prevent the neighbor from continuing the problematic behavior. It's important to document incidents and gather evidence when considering legal action.