Boundary disputes sometimes arise when one neighbor intends to erect a fence or expand their garage. It may quickly come to light that they actually disagree with an adjacent property owner about where the boundary between the parcels falls.
After a few conversations that do not prove fruitful, the matter may quickly spiral into harassment and inappropriate conduct. One neighbor might put up abusive signs in their yard making cruel claims about another, violate noise ordinances or intentionally intimidate their neighbor.
In scenarios where a neighbor becomes abusive and engages in consistent harassment, property owners may need to take legal action.
Boundary disputes aren’t the only cause of neighbor harassment
Neighbor harassment often begins with a dispute about boundary placement that affects lawn maintenance or planned property improvements. However, one neighbor can initiate a campaign of harassment against another over a variety of different perceived slights.
Some of the most common reasons for neighbor-on-neighbor harassment include:
- Disputes about daily schedules
- Frustration over lawn maintenance
- Complaints about using a property for business purposes
- Leaving too many vehicles in the driveway
- Disrespect when parking on the street
- Issues with trees, bushes and other vegetation
- Mistreatment or neglect of pets
- Disagreements about access or easements
Boundary disputes are relatively easy to resolve when compared with many of those other sources of conflict. A survey or a quiet title lawsuit can be enough to either validate the placement of the boundary between the parcels or update the legal description of one property. A judge can prevent the installation of a fence at the boundary line, order the removal of an encroaching improvement or award one property owner financial damages.
Even if litigation resolves a boundary placement dispute, it may not actually end harassment. It might be necessary for a neighbor experiencing constant harassment to file a request for a civil harassment restraining order.
Proof of a familial or romantic relationship is not necessary for a restraining order if there is documentation of ongoing abusive behavior or threats. A restraining order can provide protection from continued misconduct, as one neighbor can call the police on the other if they return to their inappropriate habits.
Discussing a boundary dispute and the conduct of a neighbor with a real estate attorney can help people to better understand their options. The civil courts offer multiple forms of legal protection for those enduring harassment and abuse because of a disagreement with a neighbor.