: rosborn
A seven month contract is not attractive to most landlords as he pays the agent a commission too. Contract are for generally for a year.
Options I see:
a) Most rental contracts have a diplomatic clause which states something like if your company is terminating you and you have to leave the country then you can terminate the contract. Do note you have to show evidence for this and getting your deposit refunded will be difficult as the landlord can stall knowing you are leaving Singapore on a certain date.
b) Sign a contract for one year with option by both sides to terminate with one months notice after six months stay. There is a slim chance that a landlord might bite and rent out. This route is however not fair to the landlord but its an option.
c) Openly state that you want a seven month contract. It is allowable for private
property but landlords usually sign such contracts because they are going overseas for a while or there is construction going on in the neighborhood. Posting on property forums will get you some responses.
All the best. Have done (b) & (c) before.