What is the Difference Between a Desktop Lease Audit and a Full Lease Audit?

Brian McCririe

10 Jan 2025 — 2 min read

In the world of commercial real estate, understanding your lease terms and expenses is crucial. If you suspect errors or overcharges in your lease, a lease audit can help you uncover them. But not all lease audits are the same. Here’s a simple breakdown of the two main types: desktop lease audits and full lease audits.

1. Desktop Lease Audit

A desktop lease audit is a high-level review of your lease and related documents. This type of audit focuses on identifying potential red flags without digging too deeply into supporting records. It’s quicker, less invasive, and more affordable.

Key features of a desktop lease audit:

Document Review: Examines the lease, amendments, and annual landlord statements.
Cost Verification: Checks if charges like operating expenses and CAM (common area maintenance) align with lease terms.
Efficiency: Provides a summary of potential issues to decide if further action is needed.

This is ideal for tenants who want to start with a cost-effective way to verify their lease without committing to a deeper investigation.

2. Full Lease Audit

A full lease audit is a comprehensive review of your lease, financials, and property records. This process goes beyond the surface to analyze detailed backup documents provided by the landlord. It requires more time, effort, and cooperation but delivers deeper insights.

Key features of a full lease audit:

In-Depth Analysis: Reviews invoices, receipts, property tax records, utility bills, and other supporting documents.
Detailed Findings: Pinpoints discrepancies and calculates potential overcharges.
Negotiation Support: Equips tenants with evidence to resolve disputes or request refunds.

This type of audit is best for tenants with significant lease expenses or who have identified complex issues requiring a thorough investigation.

Which One Do You Need?

Start with a desktop lease audit if you’re looking for a quick, low-cost way to ensure your lease charges are on track.
Opt for a full lease audit if you suspect significant errors, want a detailed understanding of your costs, or are preparing for a lease dispute.

Both types of audits are valuable tools for controlling costs and ensuring compliance with your lease agreement. By choosing the right approach, you can protect your bottom line and build stronger landlord-tenant relationships.

Need Help with a Lease Audit? If you’re ready to take control of your lease expenses, reach out to a professional today. Whether you need a desktop review or a full audit, our team can guide you every step of the way. Contact us to get started!

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