Short-Term Rental in Jakarta: Is It Worth It for Expatriates?

For many expatriates relocating to Jakarta—especially those tied to multinational companies—the idea of opting for short-term rentals might seem convenient at first. Flexibility, fully furnished units, and no long-term commitments sound appealing. But is this really the best model for expatriate housing in Jakarta?

Let’s break it down.

The Illusion of Flexibility

Short-term rentals have gained popularity since 2018, thanks to online booking platforms and social media ads promising “instant-ready” living spaces.

But the reality isn’t always as smooth.

While they do offer quick move-ins, many expatriates report hidden costs, unclear landlord agreements, and unexpected service limitations, especially here in Indonesia, focused on big city like Jakarta.

In Jakarta’s rapidly growing property market, flexibility often comes at the cost of security and comfort—two non-negotiables for foreign professionals settling in an unfamiliar city.

Issue With Safety-Precautions

Short-term rentals that having a security is hard to find, since not all landlords register their units officially or follow legal leasing frameworks. This exposes tenants (especially foreigners) to potential issues, including last-minute eviction threats or refusal to renew contracts due to sudden price hikes.

It’s important to know that short-term rental regulations in Jakarta for foreigners are still evolving. Many units operate in legal grey areas, and without local guidance, expats may unknowingly breach visa-related stay regulations or property laws. That’s a risk no company or HR department wants to take.

Location vs. Livability

If you’re working in Sudirman, Kuningan, or SCBD, it might be tempting to pick furnished apartments near Jakarta business districts. While some short-term options do exist here, they often come with a steep price—and not always justified by the amenities or neighborhood quality.

Moreover, many of these properties prioritize “daily stays” over long-term tenant well-being, meaning you could end up surrounded by constant turnover of guests, noise, or lack of community feel—which is critical for anyone staying more than a few months.

What Are Corporates Choosing Instead?

Most HR teams and expatriate managers prefer corporate housing options in Jakarta for business travelers that offer consistency, safety, and long-term value. That’s where trusted property partners like Richwell Property come in.

We’ve worked with leading multinational corporations to provide tailored housing solutions for their expatriate staff—solutions that strike the right balance between comfort, security, and strategic location.

Our apartments are not only fully furnished but also vetted for safety, legality, and long-term livability. We understand that corporate staff need more than a roof—they need a reliable home that integrates into their Jakarta lifestyle seamlessly.

Why choosing us ?

While short-term rentals might work for tourists or weekend visitors, expatriates deserve more. At Richwell Property, we simplify the entire housing journey:

• Verified listings across Jakarta’s prime residential and business hubs
• Transparent contracts designed for foreign tenants
• Long-term support and concierge-level service throughout your stay
• A deep understanding of what international clients truly value in a home

If you’re a relocation consultant, HR manager, or an expatriate yourself—don’t gamble your Jakarta experience on a short-term fix.

Visit our listing here to explore long-term housing offers built for professionals like you.

Final Thought

Short-term rentals in Jakarta may seem like a quick solution, but when it comes to expat housing, quick doesn’t always mean smart. Between legal uncertainties, lack of support, and questionable living standards, it’s often a bad idea for anyone staying beyond a few weeks.

Choose security, reliability, and local expertise. Choose Richwell Property.