You are right about the landlords need some protection like a fair notice period. One month is the best a tenant can get. 2-3 months at max. But not the full year :)
Anyways, they did agree to sign a separate letter specifying conditions of breaking contract, with 1 month penalty in case of termination of employment and 3 months for any other reason.

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Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.