Renting a villa: monthly versus yearly

Monthly and yearly rentals in Bali are effectively separate markets with separate pricing logic. Monthly rates are quoted per month and assume turnover; yearly rates are quoted for the full term, usually paid up front, and land 30 to 50 per cent lower on a per-month basis.

Inclusions vary enough that you should confirm each line rather than assume.

• Electricity — often excluded on yearly deals and metered separately; air conditioning makes this a real number.
• Water and internet — commonly included monthly, often not yearly.
• Pool and garden maintenance — usually included, but check the frequency.
• Cleaning — typically extra on a yearly contract.

Yearly contracts in Bali are frequently paid in full at signing, which is the single biggest cash-flow difference between the two models. If you are asked for the full year, negotiate the handover condition and the inventory in the same conversation.

Monthly gives you the option to leave; yearly gives you a lower rate in exchange for giving that option up. Ask specifically what happens if you need to leave early, and whether you are permitted to find a replacement tenant.