so l have never rented before so sorry if this is a dumb question, but was wondering if you as the renter can decide how long the lease is or do you have to get it in 6/12 month terms...

Most landlords want 12 months, but you can ask.

It really depends on the landlord/property management company. Some may offer only 6 and 12 month leases, while I've seen 9 and 10 month leases as well as 13 and 14 month leases.

Most landlords will give you the 6 or 12 month lease, but if you negotiate nicely, some may accomodate 3 or 9 month leases. There is also a month-to-month lease. But be aware that you will pay a much higher monthly rent if you choose shorter leases or the month-to-month, sometimes as high as 1.5 times more and you will not get any incentives the landlord may be giving such as one month rent free or free parking.

Most rental complexes will have at least a 6-month lease, after which u can either renew the lease or go month-to-month. Private landlords usually want a 12 month lease, because they r not geared for the turnover like a rental complex would be.

As an owner of 2 rental condos, l would not want to rent to someone who would not initially sign a 12-month lease. If they leave after 6 months, there will be a gap in the rental income (usually a month), & l would have to go through the advertisement & screening process all over again. That would be too much time & money for me to lose if it occurred more than once a year.

But, rental complexes have full time staff for reviewing applications, doing maintenance & restoration of apartments, etc., & they can handle the turnover a lot more seamlessly.

you and the owner would have to agree on the length of the lease. most leases start at 6 months and go up from there.

The lease term is decided by the landlord. If he ask for 12 months and you only want 6, you can ask, but he is under no obligation to grant your request.

It is always your right to negotiate this. The shorter lease means the landlord can raise the rent after 6 months. It also means more work for a landlord if they have to re-rent it in 6 months. Everything in real estate has a trade-off. Some good, some bad.
If you want a shorter lease, offer to pay a little more each month. you are buying your freedom..