What should families check before signing a long-term villa lease in Bali?

Start with the paperwork. Ask to see the land certificate and confirm the person signing the lease is the actual owner, not a manager or relative signing on someone else's behalf. Many villas sit on leasehold land themselves, so check how many years remain on that underlying lease, since your rental can't outlast it. Have a notary draw up or review the agreement, and make sure it exists in both Indonesian and English. Confirm the building has proper permits and sits in a zone where renting to tenants is actually allowed. Skipping this step is how families end up losing a lease with no recourse.

Walk through the practical details before you sign, not after you move in. Ask about the water source, since many villas rely on well water that can run low or change in taste during dry season, and find out if there's a backup. Check the electrical capacity against what your family needs, especially if you'll run air conditioning, a washing machine, and a home office together. Test the internet speed at the property itself, since it varies street by street. Get it in writing who covers repairs, pool and garden upkeep, and whether staff like a cleaner or gardener come with the rent or cost extra.

With kids in the house, check pool fencing, stair railings, balcony height, and window screens, since older villas weren't always built with small children in mind. Ask about the access road too: some routes flood or get hard to pass in heavy rain, which matters for school runs. Read the termination clause closely. Find out what happens if the owner sells during your lease, what notice you get if something goes wrong, and how much prepaid rent you'd recover if you need to leave early. A clear exit clause protects your family as much as the move-in terms do.