{"id":369341,"date":"2019-11-07T13:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T18:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/bad-neighbors-what-to-do-legally.html"},"modified":"2025-06-03T12:43:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T17:43:00","slug":"bad-neighbors-what-to-do-legally","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/bad-neighbors-what-to-do-legally.html","title":{"rendered":"Bad Neighbors: What to Do Legally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bad Neighbors: What to Do Legally<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If you’re dealing with a bad neighbor, start by communicating directly to resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, contact your homeowners association, local law enforcement, or consider mediation. For ongoing problems, legal options like restraining orders or nuisance claims may help stop the behavior.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What happens with difficult neighbors whose behavior amounts to harassment or illegal activity? Some bad neighbors are merely a nuisance, and others are downright dangerous.<\/p>\n

This article offers suggestions on things you can do to deal with bad neighbors<\/a>. Learn how to address legal issues with the people who live on your street. You’ll also find guidance on last-resort situations, with solutions to handle anything from noisy neighbors next door to disagreements over property lines.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re dealing with renters who enjoy late-night partying or neighbors who call animal control <\/a>every time your dog barks, this article explains your legal options. You can also contact a local attorney<\/a> if you need to take out a restraining order against your neighbors or need legal advice on the best way to regain peace on your property.<\/p>\n

Not So Neighborly: Types of Bad Conduct<\/h2>\n

Usually, you can deal with most issues directly with your neighbor. But there are other times when you need an attorney to protect your legal rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some common types of bad neighbor behavior include:<\/p>\n