Renting an Apartment in South Jakarta: Expat Guide

24 September 2026, updated 6 October 2026

Renting an apartment in South Jakarta as an expat

South Jakarta is a top choice for many expatriates working in the city. It is close to the business districts of Sudirman, Kuningan and TB Simatupang, and offers apartments from studios to family units.

This guide covers what to know before you sign a lease.

Choose an area based on your daily route

Travel time in Jakarta depends more on the route than on the distance. Before viewing units, decide where you work and where your children go to school.

Kuningan and Setiabudi suit people working in Mega Kuningan, Rasuna Said or Sudirman.
Kota Kasablanka and Tebet suit those who want to be near malls, with access to Kuningan and Casablanca.
Kebayoran Baru and Senopati suit those who value restaurants and a residential atmosphere.
Pondok Indah and Kebayoran Lama suit families whose children attend international schools in the south.

Understand how rent is paid

Many owners in Jakarta ask for several months of rent paid upfront, even a full year. Monthly payment units exist, but there are fewer of them. Ask these questions from the start:

How many months must be paid upfront?
How large is the security deposit and when is it returned?
Does the price include the service charge and building management fees?
Who pays for electricity, water, gas and internet?

Prepare your documents

Owners and building management usually ask for a copy of your passport, your KITAS (limited stay permit) or other residence permit, and an employment letter. For a lease in a company's name, also prepare company documents and a letter appointing the occupant.

Building management will register the occupant for an access card.

Inspect the unit before you sign

Visit the unit in person or ask for a video tour. Check the air conditioning, water heater, water pressure, kitchen appliances and windows.

Note every small defect with photos and attach them to the handover record, so they do not become deductions from your deposit when you move out.

Fully furnished or semi furnished

A fully furnished unit suits expats staying one to two years, because you can move in with just your suitcases. A semi furnished unit is usually cheaper, and fits if you bring your own furniture or plan to stay longer.

How Best Property Jakarta can help

Our team supports the process from the start: finding units that match your budget and daily route, scheduling viewings, mediating negotiations with the owner, and handing over the keys. One of the areas we handle most is Casa Grande Residence in Kota Kasablanka, with rental units starting from around Rp 12 million per month. Prices can change, so please ask us to confirm the current figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of South Jakarta is best for expats?

It depends on your route. Kuningan and Setiabudi suit those working in Mega Kuningan, Rasuna Said or Sudirman, while Pondok Indah and Kebayoran Lama suit families with children at international schools in the south.

Do I have to pay the whole year of rent upfront?

Many owners ask for several months upfront, even a full year. Monthly payment units exist, but there are fewer.

What documents do I need to rent?

Usually a copy of your passport, your KITAS or residence permit, and an employment letter. Company leases also need company documents and a letter appointing the occupant.

Should I choose a fully furnished apartment?

Fully furnished suits stays of one to two years. Semi furnished is usually cheaper and fits if you bring your own furniture or stay longer.

What should I check before signing?

Check the air conditioning, water heater, water pressure, kitchen appliances and windows, and record any defects with photos in the handover record.