Impress the Landlord.
If you find a great apartment, fend off likely competitors by being prepared: check your own credit history and bring along a current credit agency report; if possible, ask your previous landlord to write a favorable letter of reference; and also ask your employer, co-workers, and friends if you can use them as character references (bring a list with names and telephone numbers).

Fees and Deposits.
Find out exactly how much you are expected to pay up-front to rent the apartment. Note: security deposits may not be more than one month's rent in stabilized units; fees to superintendents or doormen, commonly called "key money," are illegal.

Ask for a Lease.
Leases provide many important protections for unregulated tenants such as a fixed rent for the duration of the lease. Unless you have a lease, your landlord can also evict you without giving any reason (after 30-days written notice). However, if you want the flexibility of moving on short notice, you may not want a lease.

Read your Lease.
It is important that you examine your lease carefully. Once you and your landlord sign it, the lease is considered executed and you have in effect agreed to every provision inside it. Check for the following:

Does the lease state the correct rent, address, and landlord?

Does the lease mention all the amenities agreed upon? Be sure to write down any oral agreements.

Check your lease to find out the due date for your rent each month, as well as what late charges apply if you miss the deadline.

Check to see if utilities are billed separately or are included in your monthly rent.

Are there any special building rules? Find out if your new building is: pet-friendly, has limits on guests, has restrictions on running a home business, etc.

What happens at the end of the lease term? Can you renew automatically? What happens if you break the lease? Can you sublet or assign (transfer) the lease?