Replying to Length of Lease in Whis.

Alright...I'm leaving in Jan for the winter in Whis..everyplace is going for a 12 month lease - what is the play on this (i.e. what does everybody do).

Do these landlords seriously expect a 12 month commitment? The ones I have talked to don't want to hear that I'm leaving in April - I guess they'd rather hear I'm staying a year, and then let me break lease, and lose a months rent in April?

Is that my best option - break lease, and if so, is that the deal, that I lose my last months rent or do these places charge security, etc.. also ?