Massachusetts neighbours ordered to pay $3.7 million after 18-year dispute over oceanfront home construction

In 2008, Margaret Reichenbach and her husband bought oceanfront land in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with plans to build a new home. But what should have been a straightforward construction project turned into an 18-year legal saga after neighbours repeatedly tried to stop or delay the work, interfered with contractors and allegedly trespassed on the property.

On July 29, 2026, the Massachusetts Appeals Court upheld a jury verdict awarding the couple $3.7 million in damages and affirmed a permanent injunction against further interference, as per records on Findlaw.com.The case, Reichenbach v. Haydock, is a striking example of how far a property dispute can go when neighbours turn a boundary disagreement into a prolonged campaign of obstruction.

The jury found that Timothy Haydock and Susan Moss violated the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, committed trespass and intentionally interfered with the couple’s construction contract, conduct the appellate court said was supported by ample evidence.