By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Business Litigation & Transactions | Shin Law Office
CAM Fees in Commercial Leases Loudoun & Fairfax County | Lease Review Help
If you’re leasing commercial space in Loudoun or Fairfax County, you’ve probably seen those three letters—CAM—buried deep in the lease.
CAM stands for Common Area Maintenance, and it’s one of the most misunderstood (and most expensive) parts of many commercial leases.
So, what exactly are CAM fees?
And how can they quietly drain your business budget?
Let me break it down in plain English—and show you how to protect yourself before signing on the dotted line.
What Are CAM Fees?
CAM charges are supposed to cover the cost of maintaining shared areas in a building or shopping center.
This might include:
- Parking lot maintenance
- Landscaping and snow removal
- Hallway lighting and cleaning
- Property management fees
- Security and exterior repairs
That sounds reasonable, right? But here’s where it gets tricky—some landlords pad the bill.
The Hidden Costs Inside CAM Clauses
I’ve reviewed leases across Loudoun and Fairfax County that buried extra costs inside CAM, including:
- Legal fees for disputes unrelated to tenants
- Capital improvements (like roof replacements or lobby renovations)
- Marketing expenses that only benefit the landlord’s brand
These costs add up fast, and you may not even know they’re coming until you get hit with a year-end reconciliation.
How to Protect Yourself from CAM Surprises
Here’s what I advise every business owner to do when reviewing a lease with CAM fees:
✅ Ask for a Detailed Breakdown
Don’t accept vague language. Request a clear list of what CAM covers—and what it doesn’t.
✅ Negotiate a Cap
You can often set a maximum annual increase (e.g., 3% per year) or negotiate a flat CAM fee to simplify your budgeting.
✅ Request Audit Rights
Ensure you have the right to review CAM calculations and invoices on an annual basis. I’ve helped clients recover thousands just by checking the math.
✅ Watch for Admin Fees
Some landlords add administrative fees on top of actual costs, sometimes 15% or more. Try to limit or remove those markups.
Loudoun & Fairfax County: Why Local Matters
Commercial leases vary widely, but the local real estate market shapes how hard you can negotiate.
In Loudoun County, tech offices and new developments may offer more flexibility. In Fairfax, long-standing shopping centers might be stricter, but still open to negotiation if you know what to ask for.
That’s why having a local lease attorney matters.
I know what’s typical in this area, what’s overreaching, and where you have leverage.
Don’t Let CAM Fees Drain Your Budget
If you’re signing or renewing a lease in Loudoun or Fairfax County, don’t assume CAM is just a minor detail.
It could be one of the most expensive parts of your lease if you’re not careful.
Let’s Review Your Lease Before You Sign
I’ll help you break down your CAM clause and fight for terms that protect your business.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
