Q: "How does housing work in Bali for foreigners?"

So you've landed in paradise and want to find your own little island home? Awesome. Here's what you need to know before signing anything.

Can I own property in Bali?"

Not directly. Foreigners can't own freehold property here. But don't worry, you've got options:

• Lease a place (Hak Sewa) - This is what most expats do. Leases are usually long-term (5-25 years).
• Set up a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) - If you want more control and legal ownership via a "building rights" title (Hak Guna Bangunan).
• Planning to rent out on Airbnb? You'll need a Pondok Wisata license.

Tip: If it's just for living, leasing is way easier and much more common.

What should I know about rental contracts?

Always, always get your rental agreement written and notarized. That way, everyone's on the same page and you avoid drama later. Your contract should clearly say:

• How long you're renting
• How much and how you pay
• What's included (WiFi, electricity, staff, etc.)
• Renewal options
• Who pays property tax (sometimes it's the tenant — ask!)

Heads-up: Most rentals are paid upfront for the full term (yep, the whole year in advance is pretty standard). You can negotiate for split payments, especially with private landlords.

What about staff and house maintenance?

A lot of villas come with staff — like a cleaner, pool guy, and gardener. Sometimes their salary is included in the rent, sometimes it's separate. Ask what's what before signing.

Tip: A housekeeper usually works 6 days a week (Sundays off), but you can agree on something that works for you both.

Be careful when paying upfront for a year. If a pipe bursts and the landlord disappears, you might be stuck fixing it — or walking away from your money. Most landlords are great, but some... not so much.

What should I watch for when choosing a location?

• Ricefields: Gorgeous, but the monthly smoke from field burning? Not so lovely.
• Busy roads: Motorbikes can be loud, especially at night.
• Flood zones: If your villa's down a slope, check how it holds up during rainy season.
• Nearby construction: Bali's booming - and new projects can pop up fast. You can ask to include a construction clause in your contract in case a building site springs up next door.

What's the deal with open living?

It's dreamy — until the geckos, mosquitoes, and bats show up. Open-air villas give you a real "Bali vibe," but you'll be sharing space with nature. It also gets hot and sticky.

Tip: Closed living is cooler (literally), quieter, and less buggy — but not as Instagrammable.

What else should I expect when renting a villa?

Here's the stuff they don't always tell you:

• Mold happens - Bali is humid! A dehumidifier is your best friend.
• Green hair from pool chemicals? Yep, happens. Ketchup helps (seriously).
• Rainy season struggles - Clothes won't dry. Again, dehumidifier.
• Gecko poop? Constant. Just part of life here.
• Bats inside? Hang a dragon kite - they hate those.
• Flooding? Some villas get cut off. Make sure your road access is solid.
• Dishwashers are rare, but daily cleaning usually takes care of dishes.

Can I sublet my place?

Maybe. Check your contract first. Even if subletting is allowed, posting on Facebook or WhatsApp groups counts as "marketing" - and you technically need a special visa for that.

Truth time: People do it, but it's a legal grey zone. Just know the risks.

Where do I start house hunting?

Try these friendly agencies:

• Oasis Bali Real Estate - Whatsapp: +6282342198471 | oasisbaligroup.com/en
• Bali Treasure Properties - Long-term villa rentals, Berawa office | balitreasureproperties.com
• Kibarer Property - Leaseholds & sales | Whatsapp: +6288219082080 | villabalisale.com
• Bali Coconut Living - Great for families, Kerobokan | Whatsapp: +623618476727 | balicoconutliving.com

Or DIY :

• Facebook Groups: Canggu Community Housing
• Telegram: Find a home in Canggu
• WhatsApp Budget Rentals (under 10 million IDR): Join group

Finding the right place can take a little time, but once you're settled, it's so worth it. Ask around, take your time, and don't be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Bali has lots of homes, but only one you'll call home.

Who do I call when something breaks (or slithers) in my Bali home?

Welcome to island life - where geckos are roommates, ACs need love, and sometimes... there's a snake in your garden. Here's your local go-to list of trusted contacts for when home stuff gets real.

AC not cooling?

No worries, it's super common. Here are some solid guys who can clean and top up your freon. It's usually around 200K IDR.

• AC Guy (200k service): Whatsapp: +6285792438664
• I Wayan Ariantot (Tukang AC): Whatsapp: +6281337017594
• Donald (Dalung Pipa): Whatsapp: +628174720476
• Teknisi AC Karangsari: Whatsapp: +6281353817389

Tip: Try to get your AC cleaned every 2 months - it keeps it working well and saves electricity.

Need fresh water gallons delivered?

Yep, you can get it straight to your doorstep. Just WhatsApp these guys:

• Water Galon Guy: Whatsapp: +6282341776085
• Balian Water Guy: Whatsapp: +6281238305410

Tip: Leave a couple of empties out to swap when they deliver.

Want to paint or freshen up your walls?

• Deden Ditia: Whatsapp: +6281339175540

He's fast, reliable, and has helped lots of locals and expats with home refreshes.

Need help with your garden jungle?

Fajar is your guy: Whatsapp: +6287840589780 Whether it's mowing, trimming, or full garden TLC - he's great.

Looking for a cleaner or housekeeper (pembantu)?

Daily cleaning is the norm here, and it makes island living so much easier. Try:

• Cici: Whatsapp: +6282144305044
• Ayu Artama: Whatsapp: +6281236628660

Tip: Always agree on hours, tasks, and salary upfront. Most pembantus work 6 days a week, Sunday off.

Need a handyman (Tukang) for repairs?

Farid Tukang: Whatsapp: +6289634557666 Note: He can be slow to respond, so maybe message a couple of times if it's urgent. What if there's a snake in my garden (or... inside)? It's rare, but yep, it happens. Stay calm - and don't try to handle it yourself. These folks know what they're doing:

• Ron Lilley (Ubud-Sanur-Denpasar): Whatsapp: +6281338496700
• Dr. Herbert (Canggu/Bukit): Whatsapp: +6285333077787
• Pak Gusti (Ubud): Whatsapp: +6282236177249
• Lisa (Tanah Lot): +46 731506175 (not on WhatsApp)

Tip: Most of the time, it's just a harmless garden snake. Still — let the pros take care of it. Save this list, share it with a friend, and you're officially ready for whatever Bali home life throws your way — even if it crawls.