A Denver-area renter raised concerns online after spotting a “decibel-level recording device” that can’t record conversations in a lease provision. This raised questions about whether the technology could capture audio inside units.
The discussion originated from a Reddit post in r/Denver by user Magnumd—gchad. The post said they were reviewing an apartment lease before signing. The renter wrote that the clause initially made them uneasy. The language suggested a device that could potentially go beyond measuring noise levels.
Magnumd—gchad questioned whether devices can “record” a “level” without technically processing the audio stream. In the post, the renter questioned whether the rental company could remove the provision before signing. They also asked other users whether similar clauses were common or legally enforceable in rental agreements.
According to post, the company called it a “leftover stipulation”
The user later provided an update, stating that the leasing office at SENTRAL Union Station told them the language was a “leftover stipulation.” According to the post, the company said the units reportedly no longer include such devices. The renter added that the property management agreed to revise the lease language.
The post sparked discussion among Reddit users about noise-monitoring technology used in multifamily housing and how they function. Some commenters argued that devices designed to measure decibel levels can serve a legitimate purpose in rental properties.
Can my apartment legally install a microphone in my apartment?
by u/magnumdongchad in Denver
One user suggested that if a device only measures sound intensity and does not store audio, it could help document noise complaints while also protecting tenants from disruptive neighbors.
Others, however, expressed discomfort with the idea of placing any microphone-equipped device inside a private residence, regardless of its limited functions. A commenter noted that residents may find the presence of such equipment intrusive.
The commenter also noted that fully recording and processing audio across multiple units would be technically and financially impractical at scale. The continuous audio capture would require significant data storage and processing power, making widespread surveillance unlikely.
Meanwhile, Colorado is a one-party consent state for audio recording. However, where there is a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” wiretapping laws change. Landlords generally cannot legally install continuous audio capture inside a tenant’s private dwelling without explicit consent.
Similar devices are marketed to landlords
Devices that monitor apartment noise levels do exist and are already used in some rental properties. NoiseAware and Minut market similar products to property managers as tools that track decibel levels, detect disturbances, and send alerts without recording conversations. These systems typically rely on sound level measurement rather than audio storage, according to manufacturer descriptions.
SENTRAL Union Station has not commented on Magnumd—gchad’s post. Magnumd—gchad’s claims have not been independently verified. The views expressed in the social media post are solely those of the individual commenters and do not necessarily reflect the property management or technology companies involved.
