Many Bali property owners wonder: should I lease my villa long term or manage it for short term rentals? The answer often depends on experience—but few stories are as detailed or honest as this one.
Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista. In this episode of Bali Business Review, I spoke with Yetty Kuhn, the owner of a villa in Pecatu, who transitioned from long-term rentals to a short-term model managed by Bukit Vista. After one year, she’s doubled her initial revenue targets—and shared powerful insights about trust, maintenance, and the real costs behind each model.
👉 Watch the full episode on Bali Business Review YouTube to hear Yetty’s full story and see how this model could work for you.
Long-Term Rentals Look Easy—But Hide Bigger Risks than Short Term Rentals
Before working with Bukit Vista, Yetty leased her property on a long-term basis for three years. On paper, the income looked stable. But in reality, it came with frequent repair costs and a surprising amount of property damage. Tenants often treated the villa like a personal home—repainting walls, modifying interiors, and checking out with broken items.
The problem wasn’t just behavior—it was lack of accountability. Long-term tenants didn’t report damage, and when they moved out, the owner faced the full cost of restoration. “They never told us anything was broken until they left,” Yetty explained. “By then, it was too late. We had to replace everything.”
This model also prevented regular cleaning and maintenance. With no visibility into the condition of the property for months at a time, Yetty was forced into expensive, reactive fixes. The flat income came at the cost of asset degradation.
Short-Term Rentals Increased Revenue and Protected the Property
Switching to a short-term model introduced more frequent turnover—but also more control. Yetty found that guests staying just a few nights tended to be more respectful. “They’re checking out tomorrow, so they want to leave the place clean. They treat it more like a hotel.”
Importantly, every checkout became a checkpoint. Daily and weekly cleanings allowed for early identification of problems—paint damage, leaks, minor wear—so that issues were resolved immediately. “It stays clean all the time,” she said. “I don’t wait a year to repaint anymore.”
The revenue story was even stronger. Despite paying for cleaning and utilities, Yetty found the income from short-term rentals to be higher overall. Her villa reached double the original contract value by leveraging dynamic pricing and seasonal rate adjustments—something long-term contracts could never offer.
Trusting the Property Management Team Made It Hands-Off
A key to this success was Yetty’s willingness to let go of day-to-day decisions. Initially skeptical, she occasionally made direct arrangements with guests, but quickly realized the value of structure. “The team reminded me: remember our agreement? You just focus on the guest experience—we’ll handle the pricing and marketing.”
That reminder reshaped her role. Instead of micromanaging bookings, she focused on maintaining the villa and occasionally greeting guests to create a personal touch. “It’s actually very simple. I travel a lot. With BV Go, I check everything from anywhere. It feels hands-off, but I still feel in control.”
She emphasized that Bukit Vista’s transparency by providing one stop app called BV GO made a big difference. All transaction details were visible, cash flow was predictable, and she received detailed spending reports regularly. “Other agents hold your money and send it monthly,” she said. “But with Bukit Vista, the money keeps coming. It’s much better for managing operations.”
Also read: BV GO by Bukit Vista
Hospitality Is Built Through Human Connection—Not Just Systems
While dynamic pricing and property management created a strong operational base, Yetty believes hospitality is still personal. “I don’t have a strict standard—I just greet guests like family,” she shared. “Some want privacy, some want to talk. I adjust.”
Her long-time housekeeper—affectionately referred to as the nanny—adds a layer of warmth. “She’s been with me for eight years. She knows my standard, and the guests love her. It’s organic—not scripted.”
Yetty occasionally checks the property, helps with gardening, and surprises guests with fruit. These small gestures help differentiate her villa from sterile hotel experiences. “That human connection makes guests stay longer,” she said. “And they often come back.”
Want to learn more about Bali’s rental strategies? Watch the full interview on Bali Business Review YouTube and subscribe for more insights from real property owners.
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