The normal is 1 year, but we asked for 3. That way the increase every year for those 3 years is fixed. Mind you here a Contract is just a piece of paper and doesn't mean a great deal.
Perhaps in the US it is easier to move, but here it is a nightmare. There are no proper 'removal' vans, the norm is an open backed flat bed truck where everything is piled on with a couple of guys to help you load and unload. Of course there is no insurance so anything that is broken, well it is just tough.
You should see my present apartment at the moment, we have started dismantling the spare beds etc and packed things in boxes, it is an absolutely tip.