Some neighbors can really test your patience with their most annoying habits. It can become very challenging to be all ‘neighborly’ with such people. But what makes it worse is that some of these super-annoying things your neighbors do are perfectly legal – which means you can’t even stop it.
Surprised? We were too! So, before you get all exhausted, we bring you a list of common things your neighbors can legally get away with.
Letting Their Trees Take Over Your Yard
Overhanging branches and rogue roots cracking your sidewalk are all fair game. Your neighbor isn’t required to trim trees that extend into your yard. You can legally cut them yourself (on your side), but anything beyond that could spark a property dispute.
Parking in Front of Your House Forever
The curb in front of your home is public property. Your neighbor can park there every day without breaking any laws. Even if they have a giant driveway, they can still claim “your” spot. The only real solution is to beat them to it.
Installing a Floodlight That Blasts Into Your Window
A well-lit yard is great for security. But what about when it feels like you’re sleeping under a stadium spotlight? Light trespass laws exist in some places, but in most areas, your neighbor can shine that floodlight wherever they want. Blackout curtains might be your best bet.
Running a Full-Fledged Business From Home
Too bad—your neighbor’s home-based business is legally allowed in many residential zones. They can run a personal gym, a daycare, or even a dog grooming service if they follow zoning laws. The extra noise and traffic are just part of the deal, and you will have to deal with them.
Setting Up Security Cameras That Catch Your Every Move
It might feel invasive, but if your neighbor’s security cameras point at your yard, driveway, or even your front door, it’s usually legal. As long as they aren’t recording areas with an expectation of privacy—like inside your home—there’s nothing stopping them from watching.
Painting Their House an Unbelievable Color
Neon green? Hot pink? If there’s no homeowners association (HOA) enforcing color guidelines, your neighbor can turn their house into an eye-catching statement—as colorful as they like. While this might tank your curb appeal, it’s their property, their rules.
Putting Up Massive Flags, Banners, and Signs
You don’t have to agree with your neighbor’s opinions, but you do have to look at them—especially when they hang giant banners or flags on their house. Unless restricted by local ordinances or an HOA, they can legally display whatever they want, no matter how bold (or tacky).
Smoking Outside, Even If It Drifts Into Your Yard
There’s not much you can do if the smell of cigarettes or cigars keeps wafting onto your porch. Smoking bans usually apply to indoor public spaces and not private yards. Your neighbor has every right to smoke outside even if it annoys you—just maybe not right next to your window.
Feeding Wildlife That Becomes Your Problem
Bird feeders might seem innocent, but once squirrels, raccoons, or even deer start showing up, you’ll wish your neighbor had never started. In many areas, feeding wildlife is legal, even if it leads to animals digging through your trash or invading your property.
Going Overboard with Holiday Decorations
If your neighbor turns their house into a glowing music-blaring sight during the holidays, you’re pretty much helpless. Their house can shine bright enough to be seen from space as long as they follow local noise and light ordinances.
Letting Their Dog Bark All Day
Occasional barking usually isn’t considered a nuisance. Some cities have strict noise ordinances, but unless the barking is excessive and repeatedly reported, authorities won’t do much. In short, you’re stuck listening to your neighbor’s talkative dog.
Building a Giant Fence That Blocks Your View
If zoning laws allow it, your neighbor can build a towering fence that blocks out the sun—or worse, your favorite view. As long as they stay within height limits, they can enclose their property however they like.
Hanging Laundry Outside for Everyone to See
Not everyone loves the sight of their neighbor’s socks flapping in the breeze. But in most places, it’s legal to air-dry clothes. Some states even protect “right-to-dry” laws, meaning even if it looks messy, your neighbor can turn their yard into a personal laundromat.
Keeping Chickens in Their Backyard
If you’ve chosen a pet-free neighborhood to avoid the hassle, you might be surprised to know that many cities allow backyard chickens (and sometimes even goats) as long as they follow basic zoning rules. That means you might wake up to a rooster’s crow instead of your morning alarm—and it’s totally legal.
Leaving Their Holiday Decorations Up All Year
If your neighbor keeps their giant inflatable Santa or glowing reindeer up year-round, there’s usually no law against it. Some HOAs regulate decorations, but in most cases, they can deck the halls—forever.