03/05/2026
11 am PT / 12 pm MT / 1 pm CT / 2 pm ET
*approximate length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Please make sure to sign up for Part 2 - https://www.irem.org/webinars/id-webfasw-0326hq04/billing_operating_expenses_part_2_%E2%80%93_grossing_up_recoverable_expenses_and_other_key_formulas
Presenter: Mike McConnell, CPM ®, RPA
This practical 2-part seminar introduces property managers to the fundamentals of the operating expense recovery process while reinforcing best practices for experienced professionals.
Accurate operating expense billing begins – and succeeds - with a clear understanding of the lease and Part 1 of this two-part series focuses on using the lease as your guide. Participants will learn how to interpret lease language, understand lease structures, and create the essential tools used in the operating expense recovery process. Real-world examples will help attendees gain confidence to administer recoveries accurately, consistently, and in accordance with lease provisions.
This session includes a detailed review of industry terminology, lease types, and key provisions that govern recoverable expenses. Developing a Tenant Database and creating Expense Pools, will be demonstrated to show how they are essential to the recovery process.
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Gain foundational knowledge to administer operating expense recoveries
- Understand and define key terminology, including Operating Expenses, CAM, Pass-Throughs, Reconciliations, Recoverable and Non-Recoverable Expenses
- Identify Gross, Net, and Semi-Gross lease types
- Identify lease relevant lease provisions and organize them into Expense pools.
Mike McConnell is a 35+ year veteran real estate manager. During his career he has managed and leased all property types and his specialty is in the commercial office arena. Mike is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management’s faculty and also instructs classes for BOMI.
After his recent retirement from Highwoods Properties where he served as the Orlando Director of Asset Management, Mike has provided operating expense consulting services and seminars to various associations and private groups. He holds the Certified Property Manager and Real Property Administrator designations and has published articles in the Journal of Property Management.