You will be lucky if you will be dealing directly with the home owner him/herself. 90% of the times its the middle men or the real estate agents who hike up the rent almost double the original amount or charge you a months rent as a commission.

The house rents are on monthly basis with usually 12 post dated cheques and a 13th cheque as a security deposit which is refunded when you are vacating the place.

Do not pay for a full year in advance to the real estate agents or middle men unless you are dealing directly with the home owner. And make sure that you take a recipt from them.