I'm not sure what happens in the US, but I think both renters and home-owners are screwed when they have bad neighbours.

See the Steve O documentary "Demise and Rise" about his drug addiction. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkvVcQr6JU4) See especially this bit (http://youtu.be/vRTrOF6lGzk?t=4m47s)