When evaluating commercial space, the quoted base rent is only part of the total occupancy cost. Many commercial leases also require tenants to pay a proportionate share of the expenses associated with operating and maintaining the property’s common areas. These expenses are commonly known as Common Area Maintenance, or CAM, charges.

CAM charges may include landscaping, snow removal, parking lot maintenance, common-area utilities, cleaning, security, trash removal, exterior lighting, and other shared expenses. Because every lease defines CAM differently, tenants should carefully review what is included, how their share is calculated, and how annual reconciliations are handled.

Before committing to a property, request recent CAM statements and current-year estimates. Comparing historical charges can help identify cost trends, improve budgeting, and provide a more accurate comparison between competing properties.

At Godino & Company, Inc., we help clients evaluate the complete economics of a commercial lease—not just the advertised base rent.