About iARELA
The International Association of Real Estate Lease Auditors (iARELA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in commercial real estate lease auditing through professional standards, education, certification, and ethical leadership.
Founded in January 2000 as the Association of Real Estate Lease Auditors (ARELA), the organization strives to be instrumental in shaping the modern lease audit profession. Today, iARELA continues that mission by pursuing three core objectives:
- Develop industry standards and best practices for commercial real estate lease auditing.
- Educate and train professionals seeking to build or advance careers in lease auditing.
- Certify qualified professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge, experience, and ethical commitment through the Certified Lease Auditor® (CLA) certification program.
Membership is open to both experienced professionals and individuals pursuing a career in lease auditing. However, professional certifications and designations are awarded only to candidates who satisfy iARELA's rigorous eligibility, examination, experience, and ethical requirements.
Collectively, iARELA's leadership and affiliated professionals have participated in tens of thousands of commercial lease audits, working with virtually every major landlord, property manager, tenant, lease structure, and commercial property type. This experience has contributed to the successful resolution of numerous complex landlord-tenant disputes and the continued advancement of professional lease auditing practices.
Through collaboration with leading commercial real estate organizations and industry stakeholders, iARELA is committed to strengthening the profession and promoting the highest standards of competence, integrity, and accountability in commercial real estate lease auditing worldwide.
International Association of Real Estate Lease Auditors
Educating and empowering commercial real estate lease auditors
Our focus is on topics relevant to the industry today
Our courses are developed by industry experts and certified lease auditors
High-quality video lessons are used to enhance courses and lessons
Professional audiolessons are used to augment instructional materials
Paths to Certification
CPA: Commercial real estate knowledge and at least two years of commercial lease audit experience.
Attorney: Commercial real estate and accounting knowledge, plus at least two years of commercial lease audit experience.
Administrator: Accounting knowledge, lease audit training, and at least two years of commercial lease audit experience.
Other Professionals: College degree, commercial real estate and accounting knowledge, lease audit training, and at least two years of commercial lease audit experience.
Successful candidates who satisfy iARELA's education, experience, examination, and ethical requirements earn the Certified Lease Auditor® (CLA) designation.
Certification Process
iARELA's certification process combines technical education with practical experience. Aspiring lease auditors may receive hands-on training through approved U.S. lease auditing organizations, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world engagements while demonstrating competence through supervisor evaluations and comprehensive assessment.
Our Objective
iARELA's mission is to elevate the commercial lease auditing profession by promoting professional standards, ethical conduct, best practices, and technical excellence throughout the industry.
Continuing Professional Education
iARELA provides continuing professional education to help Certified Lease Auditor® professionals remain current with evolving lease provisions, industry practices, analytical techniques, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies that support effective commercial lease auditing.