Notary - Done.  Found one close to the office. Decy came in town, joined me after work.  We relaxed a bit then did the paperwork.  Home at 730pm .... total time 3.5 hours ... but the sequence and content was much better. Thanks luv !!!

Palm House - previous note I said "its not in my control" ... but funny thing about Indonesia ... conflict and conflict resolution is a challenge.  So .... we have inspectors saying ... do A, B, C, D, .... the owner agrees to do all but C (for example) ..... now its time to finalize the lease and sign it ... I look at it and ask "so what about C ... its on the list by the owner says no?"  I get blank stares.

So, its back into my control.  Time to utilize my skills ... phone call here ... phone call there ... couple of clarifications and confirmations .... bingo .... have everything lined up ... I think ... all going well (ha ha ha) we should execute the lease on Friday the 6th ... and a target move-in date next weekend (~13th) ... assuming security guards are in place and we get get the beds moved in during the week (remember this is Ramadhan month).

So what were the key issues and how were they resolved?

1.  Company insisted on a backup generator of 45 KVA (cost ~$5k).  Owner said no, but he has a small, older one.  Solution - Company to provide

2. Company insisted on an electrical stabilizer system for the house (cost ~$7k).  Owner says not needed and that Company has provided it for other expat houses.  Solution - Company to provide

3.  Company suggested 100 liter hot water tank (vs 80) in addition to 250 liter solar tank that is already in place.  Owner says not necessary.  Solution - I agree to 80 liter and if not sufficient for the house will revert/discuss with Owner at a later time.

4.  Company suggested 400 W water pump (vs 250).  Owner says not necessary as water pressure is already more than sufficient.  Solution - I agree to 250 as a test.  If it is not sufficient Owner will upgrade.

5.  Company insists on upgrade to the house alarm system, including 3 new detectors.  [I know I can't fight security on this one].  Owner says that system is not his and that previous renters put it in.  Solution - get agreement that one of the detectors is not necessary if the door has a lock ... as for the rest of the upgrades on the system ... its in the lease ... and I push back on the Owner request that he address/pay ... based on my working all 4 items above on his behalf.  I think I will win this one ... and I won't let it stop the lease ... its just a matter of "who pays" and we are probably talking about $500 for the upgrade.

This whole leasing process is a bit ingenious to the owner and renter.  We are told to find a home within budget, negotiate price, furniture, upgrades.  Then we turn it over to the company for inspections ... with each inspection there is a list of (say) 10-15 "to do items" ... and as you can see some are quite costly ... its ok for small items ... but I believe it is unrealistic to expect owners to have security systems, electrical stabilizers, and back up generators (at the cost of >$10k) just to meet the company standards ....

But, this leasing process is a new process (we are the 2nd family to do this) ... there is a learning curve and as the results come in, I expect the company to adjust the program ...

enough for now ... ciao ciao