This guide will walk you through the different types of leases, key legal considerations, and official documents specific to New York. Your lease is a contract between you and your landlord.It contains important information about your apartment. Owners must use this form to offer a renewal lease to their rent stabilized tenants living in New York City. When you are signing a lease for a NYC apartment, make sure the rent and the dates are correct. Check you're not being overcharged for the security deposit. If you leave your apartment or other rental home before your lease ends, your landlord must make a good-faith effort to fill the vacancy. A rental application is a form that provides the information necessary for a landlord or property owner to determine a tenant's creditworthiness. Leases are generally legally-binding contracts between two parties: the lessor and the lessee. Renting an apartment in New York is no easy task.