I have my brother in law call the realtor listing the property to do some detective work.

I also use an infrared camera I have to detect changes in temp however these are also pretty expensive.If insurance will cover it I would go that route. 

I detected an accent that I believe is middle eastern. 

----------------------------In a dwelling unit occupied under the terms of a rental agreement or under a month-to-month tenancy, (1) at the time of each occupancy, the landlord shall provide smoke detection devices and, if the dwelling unit is a qualifying dwelling unit, carbon monoxide detection devices; the devices must be in working condition, and, after notification of any deficiencies by the tenant, the landlord shall be responsible for repair or replacement; and (2) the tenant shall keep the devices in working condition by keeping charged batteries in battery-operated devices, if possible, by testing the devices periodically, if possible, and by refraining from permanently disabling the devices.

I operate a water works company and specialize in fire hydrant inspections and maintenance,  water leak detection, and back flow device testing. 

Guardian's system's provide leak and tamper alert detection. 

@Chris CondeMake sure to read up on this code for starters, MINIMUM STANDARDS OF FITNESS FOR HUMAN HABITATION (STATE SANITARY CODE, CHAPTER II)http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/regs/105cmr410....Notes: Be wary with numbers of electrical outlets, ceiling height of rooms, wary of fire codes as a code compliant fire detection or extinguisher system may be required. 

Continued smoking is very simple to detect.

Residents who wish to be "grandfathered" and continue smoking will be allowed to do so; however, if odors from someone's smoking can be detected in another unit or common area, then the Board can permanently remove the "grandfathered" exception for that owner.  

I wonder if they can detect problems from there end.