A nuisance is a condition or use of property that interferes with adjoining landowners’ (neighbors) use and enjoyment of their properties; or endangers the life, health, enjoyment, or safety of others; or is offensive to others. Loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal or immoral activities (such as prostitution or illegal drug activity) on a property are common examples of nuisances.

Trash, litter, uncut grass or vegetation, untrimmed trees, graffiti, and abandoned motor vehicles and tires are also common subjects of nuisance abatement efforts—often undertaken by a city or town’s code compliance or code enforcement department or division.

Abatement is generally the act of stopping, eliminating, or nullifying some condition or activity. Nuisance abatement or abatement of a nuisance generally includes stopping or eliminating a noise, odor, unsightly condition, or other nuisance—or repairing or demolishing a home, apartment complex, or other building the owner has failed to maintain and that endangers the life, health, safety, or life enjoyment of persons in the neighborhood.

State laws (statutes) often provide local governments with certain nuisance abatement powers to compel the owner of a property to fix or remedy the conditions creating a nuisance—and if the owner fails to do so, the local government may do so, such as by demolishing or razing a building.

Under some circumstances the local government may choose to repair or rehabilitate the nuisance condition—or remove, remediate, transport, and dispose of materials or property on the premises that are creating the nuisance.

Local governments may also have the right to prohibit access to the premises by some or all persons, and to control access to the premises.

In Pennsylvania, nuisance laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals to enjoy their property without undue interference from others' use of their own property. A nuisance can be anything that interferes with the use and enjoyment of property, endangers life, health, or safety, or is offensive to others. This includes loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal activities such as prostitution or drug dealing. Local governments in Pennsylvania have the authority to enforce nuisance abatement, which involves taking steps to eliminate or mitigate the nuisance. This can include requiring property owners to clean up trash, cut overgrown vegetation, remove graffiti, or deal with abandoned vehicles. If property owners fail to comply, the local government may intervene directly, potentially by repairing, rehabilitating, or even demolishing buildings that pose a danger to the community. Additionally, local governments may restrict access to properties that are deemed a nuisance to prevent further issues. These powers are typically outlined in state statutes and local ordinances, which provide the legal framework for addressing nuisances and protecting the welfare of the community.