How to find a rental home in Bali remotely

Neighbourhoods, rents, annual lease and visa: the essentials for finding a long-term rental in Bali, even without being on site.

The Remoters editorial team

Published on

13 November 2024

Updated on

6 October 2026

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To rent a home in Bali long term, supply is concentrated in the south and centre of the island: Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Sanur, plus Jimbaran and the Bukit peninsula, as well as Umalas and Kerobokan, between Canggu and Seminyak. Most of what is rented there is villas, houses and a few apartments, often furnished.

On budget, a one-bedroom villa or apartment generally rents for between 500 and 1,200 US dollars (USD) per month on a long-term basis, and a two- or three-bedroom villa with a pool starts at around 1,200 USD. Leases are most often annual, with payment requested in advance, and you will need a visa suited to a long stay.

Searching remotely is possible, as long as you know these ground rules. This guide covers the neighbourhoods, rents, costs to plan for and precautions to take before paying.

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A market closely tied to tourism

In Bali, rental housing and tourist accommodation share the same villas. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, accommodation and food services accounted for 22.1% of the gross domestic product of Bali province at the end of 2025. Landlords therefore always compare a year-round rental with what they would earn from short-term rental, which puts pressure on rents in the most touristy areas.

French visitors are very present. According to Bali's statistics office (BPS Bali), 41,937 French visitors arrived on the island in August 2026, 20.42% more than the previous month, which puts France in third place among countries of origin, behind Australia and China.

Where to rent

Canggu

The most popular area with foreigners settling in: surf, cafés, coworking spaces and a high concentration of villas. Rents are high: expect from 2,000 USD per month for a two-bedroom villa.

Seminyak

Lively, with plenty of restaurants and beach clubs. It is one of the areas with the highest rents on the island.

Ubud

In the centre of the island, among rice fields and Balinese cultural life. Rents are more affordable than on the coast, in exchange for a more rural setting and longer trips to the beaches and the airport.

Sanur

Calm and family-friendly, on the east coast, with healthcare facilities and international schools. A good choice for a family that wants a quieter neighbourhood life.

Jimbaran and Bukit

On the southern peninsula, a residential atmosphere, beaches and moderate rents.

Umalas and Kerobokan

Quieter residential areas between Canggu and Seminyak, popular with families who want to stay near the coast without the bustle.

Together we will find your home

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How much a rental costs in Bali

Room in a guesthouse or flatshare: 250 to 400 USD per month
One-bedroom villa or apartment: 500 to 1,200 USD per month
Two- or three-bedroom villa with a pool: 1,200 to 2,500 USD per month
High-end villa: from 2,500 USD per month, and over 3,000 USD for the most prestigious properties

Bills are often added to the rent: electricity, water, internet, pool and garden maintenance, and a contribution to the banjar, the village's community organisation. Electricity, paid through a prepaid token meter (pulsa), is usually the heaviest item, especially with air conditioning.

Rules to know before you sign

The lease: it is most often annual, and many landlords ask for the year, or several months, to be paid in advance. Negotiate the payment schedule and get what is included in the rent specified.
The visa: for a one-year lease, you will need a suitable residence permit, such as the KITAS or the Indonesian Second Home visa. Check the conditions with the Indonesian immigration services before committing.
The legality of the property: Bali's authorities have tightened controls on accommodation. In February 2026, the governor asked booking platforms to remove unregistered villas, reminding them that all tourist accommodation had to be registered and pay its taxes by the end of March 2026. Ask the landlord whether the property is compliant, especially if it is also offered as a short-term rental.
The inventory: make a written, photographed inventory on move-in, noting the condition of the pool, the air conditioning and the equipment.

Searching remotely without getting caught out

Online listings raise three problems from a distance: photos that show neither the surroundings nor the real condition of the property, homes already rented or offered by the night, and payment requests before any visit. A few habits limit the risks:

Never send money for a home that nobody has seen for you.
Ask for a live video tour, by day and by night, to judge the noise and the lighting.
Check the landlord's identity and their right to rent the property before signing.
Have the contract translated if it is written in Indonesian, and specify in writing who pays which bills.
Visit outside the high season when possible: supply is wider and landlords are more open to negotiation.

Getting support

If you can't be on site, a Remoters home finder based in Bali can search according to your budget and neighbourhood, visit properties for you, check the landlord's documents and review the lease before you pay. The first conversation and the quote are free.