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 Pennsylvania, harassment by neighbors is addressed under the state's criminal statutes and local ordinances. Harassment can include a range of behaviors such as yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, and property damage. If the behavior is not criminal but simply annoying, it is often best to attempt to resolve the matter through direct communication. However, if the conduct is abusive, threatening, or criminal in nature, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, the affected party can seek assistance from law enforcement. In cases of emergency, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues that are not emergencies, the local police department can be contacted. Additionally, victims of harassment may seek a civil restraining order, also known as a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania, which can prohibit the neighbor from engaging in harassing behaviors. It's important to document incidents of harassment as they may be required as evidence in court should legal action become necessary.