Think pretty much all the best ideas have been offered here... in my experience, having a huge mess is the best way to get people out of your space quick. I'm not talking a stinky mess like old food or anything health hazard-y, just clothes and papers and random 'living' shit all over, so the last thing they wanna do is walk through it and risk stepping on something. I've been present for 4 or 5 of these and my place has been a mess for all but one. That one time when things were clean, they covered a lot more ground. Path of least resistance thing? Usually they just look at you (you should look back kind of embarrassed/apologetic about the mess) and they usually say something like "hey - su casa es su casa!" They're usually just as embarrassed as they imagine you are - play your role! Also, make it look like that thing belongs in the room, and has a function. Wardrobe is your best bet, so put clothes all over and around it, like you dress there every morning in a hurry. As someone else said earlier "hide" it in plain sight.
Usually these inspectors are looking for big and obvious (like structural) problems and/or looking for some specific, usually new, code violations. 2 times ago, they went right for the kitchen and sink light switches and electrical outlets, and made sure the screws were plastic and not metal. All metal screws had to be replaced near water sources. This year it was a new rule that the front door had to shut automatically when left ajar - you now have to prop it open to stay open. That's all the lady really cared about even though the building is close to 100 years old.
As long as the smell is contained, you should be fine.
I'd like to think my landlords wouldn't care so much if they knew what I was up to... they're both really cool guys and probably smoke. Thing is, I'm sure that even if they don't care, they'd rather not know... just in case. So I treat it like I know they WILL care!