Guest Post by Sara Stanley, MCR, Managing Director, Commercial Tenant Services, Inc.

Remember when flying felt a little more inclusive? Not too long ago, Southwest proudly let you check a bag for free, American didn’t charge you to choose a seat, and Delta even served meals on longer flights - all included in the price of your ticket. Today, it’s all à la carte: baggage fees, seat selection, priority boarding, snacks - you name it, and it’s likely an add-on. Yet, somehow, we’re still paying premium prices.

Sound familiar?

It’s a trend we’re now seeing echoed in the Commercial Real Estate world.

Traditionally, “rent” was the amount landlords charged to make a return on their property. It was the main revenue line — straightforward and expected.  Tenants knew they’d also contribute to operating expenses, covering the fair cost of maintaining shared spaces and keeping the property running smoothly.

But lately, tenants are noticing more unexpected, sometimes opaque, charges creeping into their leases and billings. From administrative fees embedded into operating expenses to markups on maintenance services and additional charges for amenities or access — it’s starting to feel a lot like booking a flight.

And just like in air travel, the question becomes: Are we still getting what we’re paying for?

At a time when tenants are already navigating rising costs and shifting space needs, transparency and fairness matter more than ever. Clear communication about what’s included (and billed) is critical for building trust between landlords and tenants.

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, it’s important to ask: is your Lease Audit program keeping pace?  How effective is your current process?  Now may be the right time to engage an independent, conflict-free audit provider - one with deep expertise in building systems, shifting tax laws, and a proven track record of recovering funds for tenants through a more thorough review of pass-through expenses.

Relax, put your seat back and tray table down and trust a professional to help with your cost cutting efforts.  Ding!

Sara Stanley, MCR, is Managing Director at Commercial Tenant Services, Inc.