While it's true that you have rights as a tenant, it does not make you immune from respecting your neighbors and adhering to the laws and ordinances pertinent to your community. As soon as you move into your apartment or house, take a few moments and introduce yourself to your neighbors. Give them your phone number and let them know they should feel free to contact you if they have any concerns. It's a lot easier to have your neighbor call you or stop by your house when they have a concern, then to have the police respond. Make sure that you take care of the simple day to day things that can have a big impact on your relationship with your neighbors.
Communication is the key to any relationship.
As a tenant you need to make sure that you have a signed copy of your lease, before you move in. Your lease should spell out what the tenant must do and what the landlord must do. It should also detail the rules and regulations for that property. A good rule of thumb for working with your landlord is to get every promise in writing. Any time your landlord says something will be fixed, have him or her put it in writing.