Can you pay a few months' advance rent to a private landlord (e.g. look for short term rentals, pay for 3-6 months upfront)? Or just move into a house with room

Can you pay a few months' advance rent to a private landlord (e.g. look for short term rentals, pay for 3-6 months upfront)? Or just move into a house with roommates for the first year or two?