Renting a villa in Bali for a month or longer brings freedom and comfort but also responsibility. An inventory and condition report creates a clear record of the villa state at move in so both renter and owner know what is expected and what is already worn or broken.
Beyond simple fairness this document is a practical safeguard. It protects your security deposit prevents disputes speeds up problem resolution and documents issues that can worsen quickly in a humid tropical climate.
- Protect your security deposit: Keep a dated photographic and written record of existing marks stains and appliance faults so deductions at checkout are limited to new damage only.
- Prevent avoidable disputes: A room by room checklist with signatures from you and the owner or manager removes ambiguity about who is responsible for repairs and cleaning at the end of the stay.
- Document utilities and meters: Note electricity and water meter numbers and take close up photos to avoid arguments over usage charges especially after load shedding or meter swaps.
- Spot safety and maintenance risks early: Record loose wiring non functioning locks pool issues and pest signs so urgent repairs can be requested before a minor problem becomes costly.
- Provide evidence for insurance and repairs: Detailed photos serial numbers and short video walkthroughs are essential if a theft flood or appliance failure needs a claim or professional invoice.
Make the report systematic and timestamped. Walk through every bedroom bathroom kitchen living space and outdoor area list fixtures and furniture note stains cracks and missing items and always capture clear photos of meters and serial plates.
Agree the final copy with the owner or agent and obtain a dated signature or a dated email confirmation. Keep at least two backups one on your phone and one in the cloud and share a copy with balivillahub.com if you used their monthly stay options so it is easy to reference if a dispute arises.
Essential items to record room by room and for outdoor spaces
Creating a reliable inventory starts with a consistent room by room approach. Below are practical items to note in every space so you can prevent misunderstandings and protect your deposit during a month long stay in Bali.
Bedrooms and living areas
Note the condition of mattresses pillows and bedding as well as bed frames and slats. Photograph mattress tags and any visible stains or sagging. Record the state of sofas chairs cushions and upholstery including seams stains and loose legs. Check windows doors hinges and locks for smooth operation and any cracked glass or damaged screens. Test lighting outlets fans and air conditioning units and keep a photo of any control panels or remote serial numbers. Make a short video walkthrough of each room focusing on scratches scuffs or paint chips on walls and ceilings and capture baseboards and switch plates where damage often appears.
Kitchen and utilities
List every appliance by type model or serial if visible and take close up photos of control panels and energy labels. Test refrigerator freezer oven stovetop microwave dishwasher and water heater and record whether they heat cool or cycle normally. Inspect plumbing under the sink for leaks loose fittings and water stains and photograph the condition of taps drains and splashbacks. Note the presence and condition of a gas cylinder regulator and photograph the meter box and any visible utility meters to establish baseline readings. Check sockets switches and the circuit breaker for burn marks and keep an image of the breaker labels or arrangement.
Outdoor areas pool and garden
Describe decking terraces patios and balcony flooring noting cracks warping or loose tiles and capture photos from multiple angles. For pools record water clarity level pump noise and filtration equipment serials and note any algae staining or tile damage at the waterline. Photograph pool ladders lights and safety covers and test gates and locks on pool fences. Note garden furniture barbecue grills and umbrellas for rust broken slats or torn fabric and check irrigation systems for leaks or blocked nozzles. Also capture photos of boundary walls gates and external lighting to confirm overall exterior condition.
Finish the report with timestamps signatures or a dated email confirmation from the owner or manager and save copies in multiple locations. Keep high quality photos and short videos and present the file when requested by the owner agent or balivillahub.com to resolve any questions quickly and fairly.
How to document damage and utility meters with photos and video
When documenting damage and utility meters for a monthly villa in Bali be methodical and visual so the record is indisputable if questions arise later. Start with wide angle photos of each room to show context then take close ups of any marks stains cracks or scratches and include a common object like a phone or coin for scale so size is clear. Photograph appliance serial numbers control panels and model plates without cropping the image so identifying details remain visible. For utility meters take a clear straight on photo of the full meter face showing all digits and any identifying meter numbers then photograph the surrounding installation and the meter box so its location cannot be disputed. Record a short video walkthrough of the property from the same start point to the same end point each time when you move in and when you move out and narrate the main points out loud naming the room and calling attention to existing faults and to the meter readings you recorded. Use the camera timestamp and keep the original files without heavy editing because metadata helps prove when an image was taken. Name files with the booking date the room and a brief descriptor for example 2025 07 bedroom mattress stain and avoid file names that hide the date. Back up files in two places one local copy on your phone or laptop and one copy in the cloud then email a copy to the owner or manager and to your personal account so a dated sent message exists. If the owner or agent is present ask them to initial a printed checklist or to reply to your email confirming they received the photos and videos and save that confirmation. If you booked through balivillahub.com forward the documentation so their support team can assist in resolving disputes quickly and fairly.
Agreeing the report with owners agents and protecting your deposit
Agreeing the inventory and condition report with the owner or agent is the most important step to protect your security deposit and avoid later dispute. A mutually accepted record creates a shared starting point so any deduction at checkout is measured against documented evidence rather than memory or assumption.
Presenting and signing the report
Arrange a joint walkthrough when possible so the owner or agent can observe the same issues you recorded. Present the written checklist together with dated photos and a short video walkthrough and request either a physical signature on a printed copy or an emailed confirmation that references the attached files. If the owner is not present arrange a live video call while you walk through the villa and share screens so both parties see the same images and meter readings in real time.
Deposit terms and acceptable deductions
Clarify the exact deposit amount and the conditions under which deductions will be made. Request that the owner or agent lists typical charges such as deep cleaning for excessive dirt replacement cost for broken items and repair estimates for structural damage. Keep the agreed thresholds concise and written so small normal wear is not treated as damage.
Examples of agreed deductions
Specify fixed fees where appropriate for routine issues such as lost keys or excessive cleaning and ask for a local repair quote for larger items before taking money from the deposit. This prevents subjective decisions and ensures charges reflect market costs in Bali.
Record keeping and dispute resolution
Retain multiple copies of the report on your phone laptop and cloud storage and keep the originals unedited to preserve metadata. Email the final signed report to the owner agent and to balivillahub.com if you booked through them so there is a dated trail. If a dispute occurs request written estimates for repairs and present your original photos and video to support your position.
Finalizing the inventory with clear signatures timestamps and communication protects both parties and simplifies checkout. A concise agreed report saves time and stress and helps ensure you recover your deposit promptly when you leave the villa.
Tools templates and professional inspectors to streamline the report
Preparing a thorough inventory and condition report is easier when you use the right tools and templates and when you engage a professional inspector for complex properties. A clear system reduces mistakes saves time and gives you greater confidence that every item was recorded accurately before you move in.
What to use and when to hire a professional
Start with a reliable checklist that covers bedrooms bathrooms kitchen living spaces outdoor areas and utilities. A checklist keeps you focused during the walkthrough so you do not miss small but important details like appliance labels wiring access panels and pool equipment.
Consider hiring an inspector when the villa is large has complex systems or when you anticipate a high value deposit dispute. A professional brings local knowledge of repair costs typical wear and safety issues and can produce a signed report that both parties respect.
- Digital checklist apps Use an app that lets you attach dated photos and short videos to each line item so records stay organized and searchable. This reduces the risk of lost images and preserves timestamps from the device.
- Printable templates Keep a concise printable template as a backup for areas with poor internet. Fill each room section with item descriptions serial numbers and meter readings then sign and date the document together with the owner or agent.
- Photo and video protocol Capture a wide angle image for context then close ups for defects and serial plates. Record a brief video walkthrough naming rooms and meter numbers to create an audio verified record that complements still images.
- Professional inspection services Engage a local inspector for an independent report when you need formal evidence. Ask for itemized notes repair estimates and a timestamped photo set to attach to your main file.
Save all files in at least two locations one local device and one cloud backup and email a copy to the owner agent and to balivillahub.com if you booked through their platform so there is a visible dated exchange. Using a checklist template a simple photo protocol and professional inspection when needed prevents disputes and ensures your move out is smooth and fair.