Common Area Maintenance, commonly referred to as CAM, is a term used in commercial real estate leases that is meant to address the cost of building operations that all tenants benefit from and will pay for. Tenants usually pay a portion of CAM as determined by the negotiated agreement, but often times it is the tenant’s pro rata share. What’s included in CAM costs varies, but common CAM items may include janitorial services, landscaping, common area electricity, security, trash removal, and snow removal.