Find a long-term home that actually works, not just one that photographs well.
We search, check and negotiate a long-term rental on your behalf: off-market places from local contacts, internet tested at the property, the landlord checked and the lease read through with you before you sign.
Price: $400
- Search runs for up to 60 days
- Villas, hotels or a mix
- Up to 2 locations, e.g. Weligama then Kandy
- 2 in-person visits (up to 3 villas each)
- Book and pay securely online by card
The good places are rarely listed
Many of the best long-term homes never reach the big platforms. We use local contacts to find off-market options alongside listed ones.
Tested, not trusted
We speed-test the internet at the property and check the landlord before you commit, so there are no surprises after you move in.
Negotiated in the local language
We negotiate price and terms for you, and go through the lease with you, including utility and repair clauses.
Villas, hotels or both
Tell us you are open to both and we can switch between villas and hotels or serviced apartments. More places to choose from means better availability for your dates and an easier time staying within budget.
Two places, one search
Split your stay across two locations, for example a month in Mirissa and then a month in Ella, for the same fee. Want three or more? We will send you a custom quote.
Areas we have walked ourselves
The areas we search were chosen by visiting them in person, not from a map: we know where the fibre reaches, which roads are noisy and which spots flood in the monsoon.
What's included
- A proper brief on your budget, preferred areas and non-negotiables
- Villas, houses, hotels or serviced apartments — or a mix, switching between them to widen availability and stay within budget
- Up to 2 locations per search, e.g. 3 months in Weligama then 3 months in Kandy (3 or more locations by custom quote)
- Up to 25 properties presented in total, including off-market places from local contacts — and places you found yourself, where we contact the landlord and negotiate the price for you
- A search window of up to 60 days, or until you sign a lease, whichever comes first
- Internet speed-tested at the property before you commit to anything
- Landlord checked and the lease read through with you, including utility and repair clauses
- Negotiation on price and terms on your behalf, in the local language
- 2 in-person visits by our ground team, each on its own day: up to 3 villas per visit, all within a 10 km radius (up to 6 villas in total)
- Extra visits: $25 per villa, or $50 for up to 3 villas within a 10 km radius on the same day
- One re-scoped search if your requirements materially change
Accommodation during the search is not included; we can find you a short-term base through the Short-Term Rental Search. Rent, deposit and utilities are paid by you directly to the landlord. Where an agency or landlord offers an introducing referral fee, this will be transparently disclosed to you.
How it works
- Brief: Budget, preferred areas, non-negotiables and move-in date.
- Shortlist: Listed and off-market properties that match the brief.
- Visit: Our ground team visits your favourites in person: 2 visits, up to 3 villas each within a 10 km radius. Extra visits $25 per villa or $50 for 3.
- Check & negotiate: Internet tested, landlord checked, price and terms negotiated.
- Sign: The lease read through with you before you sign with the landlord.
Good to know
Do you guarantee you will find a property?
No. We search properly for up to 60 days, but availability, landlords and prices are outside our control. If you need longer, we can extend the search at a quoted price.
Can you mix villas and hotels?
Yes. Choose "Open to both" and we search villas, houses, hotels and serviced apartments, and can switch you between them: for example, a hotel while a villa you like becomes free. It widens what is available for your dates and helps you stay within budget.
Can I split my stay between two places?
Yes. Up to two locations are included in the same fee, for example one month in Mirissa and then one month in Ella. We present up to 25 properties in total across both locations. For three or more locations, choose "Three or more" in the form and we will email you a custom quote before anything is charged.
Who is the lease with?
The lease is between you and the landlord. You pay rent, the deposit and utilities directly to them. We are not a party to the lease. Where an agency or landlord offers an introducing referral fee, this will be transparently disclosed to you.
Where do I stay while you search?
Accommodation during the search is not included. Our Short-Term Rental Search ($75) can find you a sensible base near the areas you are considering.
Should a lawyer review my lease?
For a long or high-value lease, we recommend it. Our read-through is practical, not legal advice. A Lawyer Briefing can be added.
Start your rental search
Tell us what you are looking for, then pay the $400 fee securely by card on Stripe. We confirm your brief by email or WhatsApp within one business day and start the search. Email hello@liveinlanka.lk or WhatsApp +94 76 885 4419.
Browse our listings first: long-term rentals · luxury villas.