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 Texas, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For behaviors that are annoying but not criminal, such as minor noise complaints, a polite conversation is often the best first step. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal actions, such as stalking, trespassing, or excessive noise that violates local ordinances, legal intervention may be necessary. Texas law allows for the filing of a complaint with local law enforcement, and in emergency situations, calling 911 is appropriate. For ongoing issues, victims may seek a restraining order or protective order from the civil courts to legally prohibit the neighbor from continuing the harmful behavior. It's important to document incidents and, if possible, gather evidence such as recordings or witness statements to support any legal action taken.
