How to Audit Your CAM Fees
Introduction
Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees are essential for keeping commercial properties running smoothly. These fees fund the shared services that all tenants benefit from, but when they are unclear or poorly managed, they can become one of the biggest sources of tension between landlords and tenants. At Jonasvar, we believe CAM management should be transparent, accurate, and fully documented so that every charge can be clearly understood and justified.
Understanding CAM Fees
CAM fees generally cover janitorial services, sweeping, landscaping, snow removal, HVAC maintenance, lighting, fire protection, insurance, and administrative costs. The challenge is that landlords often assume these fees are automatically due, while tenants want to see proof that the charges reflect actual services rendered. Disputes typically arise when lease language is vague, costs are inconsistently reconciled, or supporting documentation is missing.
Why CAM Auditing Matters
Annual CAM audits are essential for ensuring accuracy and compliance with lease terms. They confirm that expenses are billed correctly, costs are allocated fairly among tenants, and that what is being charged truly matches the work being performed. Without regular auditing, small inconsistencies can accumulate, leading to overcharges or missed recoveries that affect both owners and tenants.
How Jonasvar Ensures CAM Transparency
At Jonasvar, we maintain accurate accounting and provide detailed, itemized reports of all CAM expenses. Every charge is compared against vendor contracts, service logs, and lease language to confirm accuracy. Our open-book accounting system allows tenants and owners to review reconciliations at any time. When discrepancies appear, we resolve them quickly, ensuring every CAM dollar is validated and supported by documentation.
Open Communication and Documentation
Transparency builds trust. Jonasvar provides owners and tenants with itemized statements and keeps clear records of all maintenance and shared costs. We maintain an open-door policy for questions, provide tenants with access to supporting documents upon request, and ensure every fee is traceable back to verified service records. By doing what we say we will do and documenting it thoroughly, we foster trust and eliminate unnecessary disputes.
Where Other Managers Fall Short
Many management companies fail to conduct regular CAM reconciliations or maintain proper documentation. Without structured accounting, discrepancies go unnoticed, and tenants lose confidence in the billing process. Jonasvar eliminates this risk by performing annual CAM audits, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring every charge aligns with the lease and building operations.
Real-World Value
Our CAM audit process has helped owners recover overlooked expenses and prevent overbilling, while giving tenants confidence that fees are fair and accurate. In one case, our detailed review identified duplicated vendor charges that were corrected before billing, saving the owner money and strengthening tenant trust. When tenants see that CAM charges are carefully reviewed and documented, they recognize that the property is managed with integrity and accountability — and that transparency often leads to long-term lease renewals.
The Jonasvar Difference
Auditing CAM fees is about more than balancing books. It is about accountability, fairness, and maintaining strong relationships with tenants. Jonasvar combines detailed accounting with transparent communication to ensure that every charge is fair, accurate, and well-documented.
The Bottom Line
Accurate CAM audits protect both owners and tenants. Regular reconciliations, open-book accounting, and clear documentation ensure fairness, prevent disputes, and build trust that lasts.
Let Us Help
At Jonasvar Inc., we manage your property like it’s our own by maintaining transparent CAM accounting, detailed documentation, and open communication that ensures fairness for everyone.
Wondering if your CAM fees are accurate and properly audited?