Inspecting a Bali villa from afar requires a focused set of questions that make the most of live video and supplied files. Clear, specific queries save time and reduce surprises when you arrive in person.
Use these questions to guide the host during a virtual tour and to request supporting documents and timed media. Keep answers written so you can compare properties objectively.
- Who is the registered owner and can you show ownership documents Ask for a photograph of the owner identity and a bill or certificate that ties the property to the owner, so names and addresses match.
- Can you run a live walk through showing every room and outdoor area Request a slow, uninterrupted video that pans ceilings floors corners and plumbing fixtures to reveal wear or water stains.
- What is the status of electrical and plumbing systems Have the host turn on all showers taps air conditioning units and kitchen appliances while you watch to confirm operation.
- How is pool and garden maintenance handled and how often Ask for recent service receipts or photos and for the host to show pool pump area and filter condition on camera.
- What security measures are in place and what is the neighbourhood like Request to see gates locks perimeter fencing and the immediate street so you can assess privacy noise and safety.
After the call summarize the answers and date stamp any videos or photos you received. Keep a short checklist that compares each property on the same points so you make a confident choice.
If any answer is vague or the host resists basic requests move on to another listing, and always keep written confirmation of any promises made during the inspection.
Documents and proof to request from the owner
Before committing to a monthly villa rental in Bali ask for clear documentation that proves ownership legal standing and recent upkeep. Requesting specific, verifiable files reduces risk and speeds up any follow up you may need to do on arrival.
Proof of ownership and identity
Ask for a scanned copy of the land certificate or title deed and a photo of the owner identity document. Confirm that the name on the title matches the person you negotiate with and note the parcel number so you can cross check with local records if needed.
Permits taxes and official receipts
Request recent property tax receipts and any local permits that apply to rentals. A valid tax receipt dated within the past year shows the owner is compliant and helps avoid disputes over unpaid obligations during your stay.
Maintenance records and inventory
Insist on recent invoices for pool service pest control and major repairs plus a simple inventory list for furniture and appliances. Photographs with dates of the condition of key items are useful when comparing properties and when documenting the handover condition.
When you receive documents save them in a dedicated folder and note the date you obtained them and consult monthly villa living in Bali for vetted listings. If anything seems incomplete ask for a short video showing the document next to the property or a live screen share so you can verify authenticity before signing a contract.
How to run an effective live video tour and checklist
Run a live video tour with a clear plan and focused questions so you get verifiable evidence of the villa condition. Keep the call short and structured, record or capture time stamped images, and compare each property using the same sequence.
Prepare the call and technical checks
Confirm a reliable time when daylight is available and ask the host to use a stable internet connection and a phone or tablet with good camera clarity. Request permission to record and to take photos while on the call so you have a permanent reference for negotiations.
Guided room by room walkthrough
Ask the host to walk slowly and to hold the camera at chest height while panning ceilings floors corners and under sinks. Require brief demonstrations of key fixtures and appliances so you see functioning not just static placement.
Bedrooms and living areas
Have the host open wardrobes drawers and cupboards and show mattress bases and window locks so you can assess storage and security.
Bathrooms kitchen and pool
Request that taps are run showers are turned on and the pool pump area is shown on camera so you can spot leaks scale or poor filtration equipment.
Checklist items to verify during the tour
Use a simple checklist and tick items as you confirm them on screen. Include water pressure power sockets AC operation and visible electrical wiring plus internet router location.
Outdoor and neighbourhood checks
Ask for a view of the street for noise assessment and to see gates fences and any neighbouring construction that may affect privacy or comfort.
End the call by summarising what you saw and by asking the host to send dated photos of any disputed areas. Keep all media and notes together so you can present a clear record if you proceed to book.
Checking utilities internet and maintenance remotely
When you cannot visit a Bali villa in person it helps to verify utilities and upkeep with specific requests and short demonstrations. Clear proof of working systems prevents surprises and makes negotiation straightforward. Ask for dated photos short live tests and receipts so you can confirm regular service and current condition.
Utilities and service verification steps
Request recent utility receipts and a photo of the meter showing the meter number and reading within the last three months. Ask the host to turn on mains power points water taps and any hot water unit while on camera so you can see flow pressure and whether breakers or switches trip.
- Internet and speed Ask the host to run a speed test during the live call and to share the result screenshot. Aim for sustained download speeds of at least twenty megabits per second if you plan video calls and a wired router location that you can verify on camera.
- Electricity details Request a clear photo of the circuit breaker box and recent electricity bill for the last full month. Confirm air conditioners and kitchen appliances are switched on during the tour so you can judge noise levels and startup behavior.
- Water supply and hot water Have the host run taps showers and outdoor hoses while you watch for steady pressure and temperature. Ask for the last water bill if available and a view of any storage tanks or filtration equipment.
- Routine maintenance records Request invoices or dated photos for pool cleaning pest control and garden work from the past six months. Note who performs the work and whether visits are weekly biweekly or monthly.
Save every file you receive and add dates to your notes. If a host cannot provide simple proofs move to another listing and report concerns to your booking contact. A short checklist you reuse for each property speeds decisions and protects your stay.
Verifying safety legal status and spotting red flags
When verifying a villa remotely focus on concrete proof and observable safety indicators so you do not rely on promises alone. First request clear scans of the land certificate or title deed plus a recent property tax receipt and a photo of the owner identity document to confirm names match. Ask for any local permits that affect rentals and for recent invoices for major maintenance such as roof repairs electrical rewiring or structural work.
During a live tour insist the host shows the circuit breaker box and meter numbers and runs every major appliance while you watch to reveal faulty wiring tripping breakers or inconsistent power. Check bathrooms kitchens and under sinks for signs of leakage staining or mold and ask the host to pan closely at ceiling joins and external walls for cracks. For safety request proof of pool fencing child safety gates and functioning pool equipment and ask to see fire safety items such as extinguishers smoke detectors and emergency lighting where relevant.
Red flags include inconsistent names across documents reluctance to share dated photos or receipts an inability to demonstrate running utilities and evasive answers about recent repairs. Also be wary when neighbours cannot be seen on camera or when the host refuses a short exterior street view because that can hide active construction or access issues. Insist on a written rental agreement that specifies deposit conditions maintenance responsibilities expected response times and an inventory of furniture with dated photos. Save every file and record your live call with permission so you have a time stamped record. If documents look altered or the owner cannot produce simple proofs move on and prioritise listings with transparent documentation and straightforward communication.
