What is a common area maintenance fee?
A common area maintenance (CAM) fee is a charge added to rent that covers the upkeep, repair, and management of shared spaces in an apartment complex, such as lobbies, hallways, parking areas, and grounds.
Common area maintenance (CAM) fees are charges that apartment residents pay monthly or annually to cover the operational costs of shared spaces within a complex. These fees support activities like landscaping, hallway cleaning, trash removal, parking lot maintenance, security lighting, and repairs to common elements like elevators, stairs, and exterior structures.
In Greater Dallas multifamily communities, CAM fees vary by property size, amenity level, and age. Newer or luxury complexes with pools, fitness centers, or gated entry systems typically assess higher CAM charges than older, smaller properties. Some properties bundle CAM costs directly into the advertised rent, while others separate it as a distinct line item on the lease.
It's important to understand whether a quoted rental rate includes CAM fees or if they will be added on top. Since these charges are not always immediately visible in rental listings, many prospective residents discover them during the lease-signing phase. CAM fees can range from modest monthly amounts to several hundred dollars per unit annually, depending on the property's maintenance standards and scope of shared amenities.