It is difficult to break a lease so it is very important that you read your lease carefully to be sure you understand the terms specified. Leases can be negotiated. If you would like to add or delete something you should discuss it with your landlord. Do not sign a lease with provisions you cannot obey because most provisions in a lease are legally binding. Also, anything agreed to orally with the landlord, such as laying down new carpet, must be written into the lease for it to be binding.
Most leases are for periods of one year, some less.
First of all, the lease should be in writing. A written lease could save everybody a lot of problems. It doesn't need to be a fancy document, but it should address all the issues that are important to both the landlord and tenant. These are typically long, wordy documents with lots of scary-looking legal language. Your best option is to go to the Student Legal Services on the 4th floor of the Talley Student Center and an attorney will review the lease for you.