NEW CONCORDIA — Residents paying premium rent for historic downtown apartments learned this week that marble floors and renovated kitchens may conceal old plumbing, weak soundproofing and surveillance equipment dressed up as home décor.

The concerns surfaced after a maintenance call led to the discovery of a fake fire extinguisher inside a resident’s apartment. The black container carried no inspection tag and contained recording hardware instead of fire suppressant.

“I knew the walls were thin because I hear my neighbor sneeze every Tuesday,” tenant Robert Polk said. “I did not realize the building was also taking notes.”

Residents have complained for years about leaks, service interruptions and sound traveling between apartments. Management advertised the property as “refined urban living” and charged accordingly.

Fire inspectors are checking other decorative safety devices throughout the building. Tenants have been advised to report extinguishers that match the furniture, bear personal engravings, or look too fashionable to save anyone.