What should I do first when a CAM reconciliation arrives?

Document the receipt date, pull the lease language that governs CAM and dispute timing, and run a fast first-pass screening for spikes, fee changes, and denominator shifts.

Why is the receipt date so important?

Because most dispute windows run from when the reconciliation is delivered, not when the tenant gets around to reading it carefully.

Should I start with invoices and backup immediately?

Usually start with the lease and the statement itself first. If the first-pass screen shows real issues, then list the backup you need and request it quickly.

What are the fastest CAM red flags to check?

Large year-over-year jumps, management fee changes, denominator changes, capital-sounding line items, and a big unexplained true-up amount are the most useful first-pass indicators.

When should I use a calculator or audit tool?

As soon as you have the statement date, likely dispute window, and basic reconciliation numbers. The goal is to preserve time while the issue is still actionable.

CAM Reconciliation Just Arrived: What to Do First

TL;DR: The first day matters more than tenants think. Confirm when the statement was received, preserve the dispute window, pull the lease and amendments immediately, and do a quick error screen before anyone files the reconciliation away as "just another bill."

30-180 daysis the typical range tenants see in lease-based CAM dispute windows once the reconciliation is delivered

CAMAudit reconciliation workflow, 2026

40%of reconciliations contain material errors, which is why the first response should be organized, not casual

Tango Analytics, 2023

First 24-hour task	Why it matters
Save delivery evidence	Proves when the dispute window began
Pull lease language	Tells you what is actually challengeable
Compare prior year	Highlights obvious spikes fast
Calendar the response date	Prevents deadline drift
Flag support needed	Lets you ask for backup before time gets tight

CAM Reconciliation Just Arrived: What to Do First

CAM Reconciliation Just Arrived: What to Do First

Fast red flags

Frequently Asked Questions