Why Landlord Communication Determines CAM Audit Outcomes

CAM audit season gives tenants a detailed view of operating expenses billed for their space. It allows them to compare actual charges against lease terms and confirm whether allocations were applied correctly.

This is often when discrepancies become visible.

Incorrect calculations.
Missed expense allocations.
Charges without complete supporting records.
Costs billed beyond lease provisions.

These findings help tenants understand where clarification is needed.

However, identifying a variance is only one stage of CAM audit. The next step involves presenting those findings to the landlord so they can be reviewed against supporting records and lease language.

This interaction allows the audit process to move forward.

Where CAM Audit Moves from Review to Resolution

A CAM audit requires coordination between tenant and landlord to review expenses and supporting documentation.

Each discrepancy must be supported with clear information so it can be evaluated accurately.

ScenarioRole of Communication
Incorrect calculationsAllows review of billed amounts
Missing invoicesEnables collection of supporting records
Lease exclusionsConfirms alignment with lease terms
Allocation questionsClarifies expense distribution
Ownership transitionsHelps locate historical data

Providing structured information helps ensure each item can be reviewed in context.

When CAM Audit Lacks the Records Needed for Validation

Supporting records are not always included with reconciliation statements. Missing backup can limit the ability to validate certain expenses.

To complete the review, additional information may need to be requested, including:

  • Expense invoices
  • Billing summaries
  • Prior period CAM records
  • Clarification on specific charges

In situations where landlord contact details are outdated, industry databases such as CoStar help identify current ownership or management contacts.

This allows the audit review to continue without interruption.

When Property Ownership Changes Leave CAM History Behind

Property ownership changes can affect access to prior CAM documentation. New ownership may not always receive detailed historical billing records from the previous landlord.

Completing an audit in these cases may involve additional coordination.

SituationCommunication Purpose
New landlord without full historyObtain prior CAM documentation
Missing historical invoicesValidate previous charges
Limited transferred recordsFill documentation gaps
Legacy expense questionsProvide billing clarity

Accessing complete records helps ensure the audit reflects accurate expense information.

What It Takes to Bring CAM Audit to a Close

After discrepancies are identified and supporting information is gathered, the findings are shared with the landlord for review.

This process typically includes:

  • Preparing variance analysis
  • Referencing relevant lease clauses
  • Providing supporting documentation
  • Communicating through email or calls
  • Addressing follow-up questions

These steps allow each item to be reviewed and clarified based on available documentation.

Mohr Partners supports tenants through CAM audit services, helping review expense recoveries, coordinate landlord communication, and provide visibility into operating costs.

A CAM audit provides insight into expense accuracy and helps ensure charges align with lease agreements.

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