Maintenance and Repair Clause VS CAM Clause: Differences

You finally find the right space. Then comes the lease—and suddenly you’re staring down terms like ‘CAM charges’ and ‘Maintenance and Repair Clause,’ wondering who covers what. Unfortunately, vague or poorly defined lease terms can lead to surprise expenses. Some tenants end up paying for roof repairs and parking lot striping—without ever realizing they agreed to it.

Even savvy tenants get tripped up by overlapping terms. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between the two clauses, so you know exactly what you’re responsible for—and what you’re not.

What is a CAM Clause?

A CAM clause—short for Common Area Maintenance—outlines your financial responsibility for maintaining the shared spaces in a multi-tenant property. These are the areas everyone uses: hallways, lobbies, elevators, parking lots, and the building’s exterior.

CAM charges typically cover:

• Landscaping and snow removal
• Janitorial services for shared areas
• General upkeep like lobby cleaning or lighting
• Parking lot maintenance and striping
• Building management fees
• Shared utility costs (such as water or exterior lighting)

You’re not footing the bill alone. In most cases, CAM costs are divided among all tenants in the building, usually based on the square footage of your leased space.

Some leases spell out each CAM item in detail. Others group them into a broader “Operating Expenses” section, which can make things harder to untangle. Either way, take the time to read through carefully—or better yet, ask a commercial real estate broker to clarify.

What is a Maintenance and Repair Clause?

Maintenance and repair clauses spell out who handles which repairs—and who pays for them. It’s one of the most important parts of a lease because it doesn’t just affect your budget. It affects how quickly things get fixed when they break.

This clause usually divides responsibilities between you and the landlord. You might be responsible for maintaining the interior of your space, while the landlord handles structural systems. But that breakdown isn’t always obvious. Some leases require tenants to maintain HVAC units, even if they’re on the roof. Others leave flooring, lighting, and plumbing entirely to the tenant.

Typical items covered include:

• Interior finishes (flooring, paint, fixtures)
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and cooling systems (HVAC)
  Roofs and structural walls

For example, the landlord might handle a leaking roof, but replacing a worn-out carpet or broken light fixture inside your suite could fall on you. Maintenance and repair clauses determine who gets called—and who pays—when something goes wrong. Always read it closely

Key Differences Between the Two Clauses

Understanding how these two clauses differ helps you see the full scope of your lease responsibilities.

CAM Clause

• Covers common/shared areas
• Applies to multi-tenant properties
• Paid by all tenants (shared cost)
• Focuses on ongoing upkeep of shared spaces
• Examples:
  • Snow removal
  • Landscaping
  • Janitorial services

Maintenance and Repair Clause

• Covers leased premises + building systems
• Applies to all leases
• Paid by either the tenant or the landlord, depending on the terms
• Focuses on repairs and upkeep of leased premises
• Examples:
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Carpet

Key Takeaway

The two clauses often appear side by side in commercial leases, but they address different needs. One covers shared building functions, the other zeroes in on your specific space. Together, they outline the full picture of what you’re expected to maintain—and what your landlord handles. Reading both clauses carefully can help you avoid double charges, delays, or costly surprises later.

Common Points of Confusion for Tenants

Even careful tenants can run into trouble when lease language gets murky. This is especially true for first-time tenants or healthcare professionals leasing office space for the first time.

One common issue is how CAM clauses are written. On paper, they may look like they cover maintenance—but they usually only apply to shared spaces. Repairs inside your suite, or to systems that serve only your space, often fall under a separate clause.

The Maintenance and Repair Clause, on the other hand, can leave a lot open to interpretation. Terms like “reasonable wear and tear” or “structural” aren’t always clearly defined. That’s often where misunderstandings happen.

You might assume the landlord is handling HVAC upkeep, only to find out you’re responsible for expensive repairs. Or you may not realize that hallway lighting is your expense—even though other tenants walk through it too.

The problem usually isn’t bad faith. It’s vague language. The more clearly your lease defines what’s shared and what’s private, the fewer surprises you’ll face after you sign.

How to Protect Yourself Without Burning Bridges

Most landlords aren’t trying to mislead you. But leases are written to protect their side of the investment—so it’s on you to ask the right questions. That doesn’t mean being combative. It means being clear.

There are several ways to protect your business without turning your lease negotiation into a battle:

• Ask for a detailed CAM breakdown before signing. This lets you see exactly what you’re being charged for and what might change later.
• Clarify repair vs. replacement responsibilities. For example, you might be expected to maintain the HVAC system, but who pays if it needs to be replaced?
• Understand what’s included in Operating Expenses—and how those charges are calculated.
• If it makes sense for your situation, ask about setting a cap on CAM increases from year to year.

These are routine parts of the leasing conversation. When you ask directly and early, you’re more likely to get honest answers and avoid problems later on.

Takeaways

• CAM clauses cover shared spaces like lobbies, parking lots, and hallways.
• Maintenance and repair clauses define who handles fixes inside your leased space.
• Costs are often split differently—CAM is shared, repairs may be yours alone.
• Lease language can be unclear, especially around structural vs interior obligations.
• Asking the right questions early can prevent confusion and unexpected costs.
• Speak to a commercial lease expert and broker to review your lease and protect your business.

How a Commercial Lease Broker Can Help

A commercial lease broker helps you make sense of complex lease language, spot hidden costs, and avoid signing terms that don’t fit your business. They understand what’s standard, what’s negotiable, and what may cause trouble down the line.

From reviewing CAM charges to clarifying repair responsibilities, a broker acts as your guide and advocate throughout the process. They also have access to market data and off-market listings that you might not find on your own. Working with a broker gives you the confidence to lease space that supports your goals—without costly surprises later.

Contact United Development Realty Today

With over 30 years in commercial real estate, United Development Realty helps business owners lease with clarity, confidence, and long-term strategy in mind. We work closely with each client to match their needs with the right space—then negotiate terms that support growth, not just occupancy. If you’re ready to get started or have more questions about your maintenance and repair clause in Maryland, contact United Development Realty today or call (240) 221-1976.