Common area maintenance: the monthly charge for running the shared parts of an office, mall or complex, such as lifts, security, housekeeping and common power. Usually billed per square foot of chargeable area, separately from rent.
How it works and what to check
CAM is usually quoted per square foot of chargeable area per month and covers shared services. It can be fixed, or actual cost plus a management fee shared out among occupiers.
Ask for the last year's CAM bills, whether diesel generator power and air conditioning are inside it, and how it escalates.
Common questions
Is GST charged on CAM?
Maintenance services are generally taxable under GST when supplied by a registered supplier. Check the invoice.