What kind of relationship did you prefer to have with tenants?

There's no way you can stop neighbors of your new tenant from talking about you. Of course if the tenant is smart, they'll take what they hear with a pinch of salt. The important thing is that you earn your tenant's trust . . . and respect. Should you get their trust you needn't worry about what the busybodies/gossipers/etc will be doing.

 

I like to keep it as professional as possible, I let them know at an early stage that while I'm a pretty cool and easygoing guy, I'm not their buddy and my rules are to be followed.
As long as they follow the agreement and pay their rent on time, I keep the place fixed up and don't have to kick them out.