CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges are fees commercial tenants pay on top of base rent to cover shared property expenses such as landscaping, parking, and building repairs. Calculated as each tenant’s pro-rata share of total building operating costs, CAM charges can add $2–$15 per square foot depending on property type. This guide covers what’s included, how to calculate your share, key protections to negotiate, and how to handle year-end reconciliation.

Commercial tenants who approach lease renewal negotiation strategically — starting 12–18 months before expiration and exploring competing alternatives — consistently secure better terms than those who simply accept the landlord’s initial offer. In Denver’s current high-vacancy market, renewal tenants are obtaining free rent, tenant improvement refreshes, and meaningful rent reductions. This guide covers the full timeline, negotiation tactics, and concessions available to tenants who know how to use their leverage.

Commercial lease term length is one of the most strategic decisions a tenant can make, directly affecting the size of concessions like free rent and tenant improvement allowances. Standard terms range from 3–10 years depending on property type, with longer commitments typically unlocking better deal economics. In Colorado’s current tenant-favorable market, SVN Denver recommends locking in 7–10 year terms with built-in flexibility clauses to capture historically generous concessions while protecting against business uncertainty.