Villa Deposit in Bali: How a Mistake Turned a Dispute into a Criminal Case
Inadequate Landlord
Our client rented a villa in Bali for six months. She lived peacefully, paid on time. According to the contract, she had a deposit equivalent to a month's rent — 25 million rupiahs.
When the time came to move out, everything should have been simple: return the villa, recover the deposit. But instead, the owner suddenly accused her of damaging furniture and walls "due to humidity" and demanded additional payment for facade repairs.
What Was in the Contract
In the villa rental contract in Bali, signed by the owner and the tenant, it stated that all serious damages related to the building structure, construction quality, and normal wear and tear are the owner's responsibility.
This is common practice in the tropics, where the climate deteriorates walls faster than occupants. The notary who certified the deal also confirmed: these damages are not her responsibility.
What the Client Did
Angered by the owner's blatantly dishonest stance, instead of hiring a lawyer and resolving the issue legally, she chose the worst option: took part of the household appliances and a TV — "at least to get something back instead of the deposit."
At that moment, everything turned upside down. The owner immediately filed a theft report with the police. And now it's not him who looks problematic, but her. Even if the owner really breached the contract, the unauthorized removal of property is a completely different level of problem.
Why You Can't Do This in Bali
In Bali, it is very easy for a foreigner to get into trouble, even if they are initially right. Sometimes a single wrong reaction or phrase is enough to turn an ordinary dispute into a criminal story.
Therefore, if the owner breaches the contract, withholds the deposit, demands unwarranted money, or tries to shift their responsibility onto you, do not act on your own. Approach specialists to protect your interests legally — without risking losing not only the deposit but also your freedom.
