Desktop audits review the reconciliation as-is. Forensic audits dig into the landlord's books. Start with a desktop audit and escalate if overcharges are found.
A desktop audit reviews the reconciliation statement and lease documents without requesting access to the landlord's underlying books and records. The auditor analyzes the numbers as presented, checking for mathematical errors, lease compliance, and obvious anomalies from the documents the tenant already has.
A full forensic audit examines the landlord's original invoices, contracts, general ledger entries, and supporting documentation behind every line item on the reconciliation. The auditor traces each expense from vendor invoice to tenant bill, verifying accuracy, lease compliance, and proper allocation.
| Dimension | Desktop CAM Audit | Full Forensic Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Documents reviewed | Reconciliation statement and lease only | Invoices, contracts, ledger, lease, reconciliation |
| Landlord cooperation required | No | Yes, must provide access to books |
| Typical turnaround | Hours to days | Weeks to months |
| Cost range | $200-$500 | $2,000-$15,000 (traditional), $79 (CAMAudit) |
| Detection depth | Surface-level errors and anomalies | Deep analysis of every expense source |
Desktop audits serve as an effective first pass to identify the most common and obvious overcharges. They catch math errors, pro-rata share mistakes, cap violations, and charges that clearly violate lease exclusions. Full forensic audits go deeper, catching vendor markup, internal cost allocation errors, and charges supported by inflated or fabricated invoices.
Neither is inherently worse for the tenant. Desktop audits miss things a forensic audit would catch, but they cost far less and require no landlord cooperation. The optimal strategy is to start with a desktop audit, and if it finds significant issues, escalate to a full forensic review using your lease's audit rights.
Upload two PDFs. 14 detection rules. Under 15 minutes. Free.
Upload two PDFs. 14 detection rules. Under 15 minutes. Free.
Next Best Step
Use a pricing and proof pass before you start an audit so the commercial case is clear.
Review the flat-fee audit model before you compare vendors any further.
See what the paid output looks like before you upload documents.
Run the free audit once you have enough proof to move.
Ready to skip the reading and document the overcharge directly?
Find My OverchargesThis page provides general educational information. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most current law in your state. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
