How common are CAM overcharges?

Industry studies suggest 50-70% of commercial leases contain CAM calculation errors favoring the landlord. Most are not intentional — they result from complex reconciliation formulas applied inconsistently.

What does a lease audit cost?

Professional commercial lease auditors typically charge on contingency: 30-40% of amounts recovered. If they find nothing, you owe nothing. For a $25,000 recovery, the audit costs $7,500–$10,000 — leaving you with $15,000–$17,500 net.

Can I do a lease audit myself?

You can review the CAM statements yourself, but professional auditors know the calculation methodologies and common error patterns. Professional audits consistently recover more than self-audits.

What happens if a lease audit finds errors?

Present findings to the landlord in writing within the audit window. Most landlords negotiate rather than litigate. Typical resolution: credit against future CAM or lump-sum payment.

How far back can a lease audit go?

Audit rights typically cover 1-3 years of reconciliation statements, per the lease agreement. Some leases include a 'final and binding' provision for statements not challenged within the window.

Lease Audit: Finding Overcharges That Were There the Whole Time

What a Lease Audit Recovers: $22,500

50–70% of commercial leases contain CAM calculation errors that favor the landlord. Most tenants never find them. A professional audit typically costs nothing upfront — auditors work on contingency (30% of recovery) — and recovers the money you've already overpaid.

Where the Recovery Comes From

Typical Overcharge Recovery$25,000

Audit Cost (30% contingency)$7,500

Avg Net Recovery$17,500

What Most People Miss

The statute of limitations on audit rights. Your lease specifies how long you have to dispute CAM charges. Miss the window and the overcharge becomes permanent — even if you can prove the math was wrong.

Key Risks in This Scenario

Audit window is limited — typically 1-2 years after reconciliation statement
Landlord may retaliate through lease terms at renewal
CAM calculations are complex and landlord-favorable

How to Reduce Your Exposure

Calendar audit deadlines for every lease in your portfolio
Hire a commercial lease auditor — most work on contingency (30-40% of recovery)

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are CAM overcharges?: Industry studies suggest 50-70% of commercial leases contain CAM calculation errors favoring the landlord. Most are not intentional — they result from complex reconciliation formulas applied inconsistently.
What does a lease audit cost?: Professional commercial lease auditors typically charge on contingency: 30-40% of amounts recovered. If they find nothing, you owe nothing. For a $25,000 recovery, the audit costs $7,500–$10,000 — leaving you with $15,000–$17,500 net.
Can I do a lease audit myself?: You can review the CAM statements yourself, but professional auditors know the calculation methodologies and common error patterns. Professional audits consistently recover more than self-audits.
What happens if a lease audit finds errors?: Present findings to the landlord in writing within the audit window. Most landlords negotiate rather than litigate. Typical resolution: credit against future CAM or lump-sum payment.
How far back can a lease audit go?: Audit rights typically cover 1-3 years of reconciliation statements, per the lease agreement. Some leases include a 'final and binding' provision for statements not challenged within the window.