I had the same problem, half the places I looked at wanted one year non-renewable leases. This is the latest tactic to get past the rent cap. I agree for most people 1 year guaranteed tenancy is way too short. If they aren't willing to do a renewable lease perhaps ask for a non-renewable lease term of 2 years which gives you a better buffer zone. I've heard the 5% rent increase cap only applies in the third year of the lease, thereafter the landlord can push it up to around the market rates (and RC will let them).