Q: Our neighbor lives in a fenced backyard with her three dogs. Other than that, we tried to be patient, but we need to sleep soundly. What can you do about this? – Graciera
A: Pet owners are legally responsible for their pet’s behavior, including destructive barks and noise.
Such disturbances can be viewed as legal “nuisances” that apply when animals continue to barge, show, or violate public peace.
The first step to addressing the issue is to talk to your neighbor and seek a resolution. They may not even know that it bothers you, and will fix the issue as soon as they know it is a problem.
Many planned communities should consider contacting the homeowner’s association for assistance, as they limit homeowners from leaving their pets outside. Your community property manager can talk to them or send you a warning letter. The threat of fines can produce better results than polite requests.
If you do not live in a planned community or if your previous attempt to resolve the issue has not proven to be ineffective, you may need to file a complaint with the local government.
Many towns and cities, like some associations, have rules regarding animals that remain outside. The complaint requires specific details, including a documented log of the incident, including the date and time when the interference occurred.
If the problem is bad, legal action can be taken against your neighbor to stop destructive behavior.
By filing a lawsuit, you can stop your neighbor from any trouble and in certain limited circumstances, you can seek financial compensation if you can prove the financial loss associated with the matter.
To succeed in such cases, you need to prove that despite prior requests, the nuisance persists and that it has greatly damaged the enjoyment of your home.
If the property is leased, the landlord must be included in the argument and later in the lawsuit.
The rules and local regulations governing these issues are frequently updated and vary widely, so make sure to check what applies to your situation before taking action.
Board-certified Real Estate Attorney Gary Singer writes about legal issues in the industry and the housing market. To ask him questions, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com or visit sunsentinel.com/askpro.
Original issue: May 22, 2025 5:38am EDT
