Common Area Maintenance
Learn about common area maintenance (CAM) in Canadian commercial real estate — what it covers, how it’s billed, and why it matters.
August 07, 2025
What is Common Area Maintenance?
Common area maintenance (CAM) refers to the costs associated with maintaining and operating shared spaces in multi-tenant properties.
Why Common Area Maintenance Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian commercial real estate, CAM charges are billed to tenants in proportion to their leased space to cover upkeep and management of common areas.
Examples:
- Landscaping and snow removal
- Security, lighting, and janitorial services
- Repairs and maintenance for shared facilities
Understanding CAM charges helps tenants and landlords budget and negotiate lease terms effectively.
Example of Common Area Maintenance in Action
The retail tenant reviewed the lease’s CAM clause to understand how shared maintenance costs would be calculated and billed.
Key Takeaways
- Covers maintenance costs of shared areas
- Billed to tenants based on leased space proportion
- Common in commercial leases
- Includes security, cleaning, and repairs
- Important for lease negotiations and budgeting
The 365-395 W Broadway site (yellow)is just a block away from Broadway-City Hall Station (blue). / Perkins&Will, Bonnis Properties
A ground-level rendering of the tower proposed for 365-395 W Broadway in Vancouver. / Perkins&Will, Bonnis Properties 
A ground-level rendering of the tower proposed for 365-395 W Broadway in Vancouver. / Perkins&Will, Bonnis Properties
Renderings of the tower proposed for 365-395 W Broadway in Vancouver. / Perkins&Will, Bonnis Properties
The 1485 Davie Street property in Vancouver. / Avison Young
A rendering of the 21-storey Davie & Nicola project that was planned for 1485 Davie Street. / WT Leung Architects 
An overview of the 2024 design (left) and 2025 design (right) for the Bristol project. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties
The phasing plan for the Bristol master-planned project. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties
Renderings of the Bristol 
Renderings of Tower Three, which will be delivered in Phase One. / SvN Architects & Planners, Bosa Properties 
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
PacificWest Conference 2024/Dylaina Gollub Photography
First-quarter new home sales over the past five years/BILD, GOHBA, Zonda Urban via the Missing Middle Institute
According to CMHC’s chart above, anything short of that keeps price-to-income ratios “near pandemic-era highs,” the agency warns, stressing that “increasing housing supply is the key to restoring affordability.”
