How negotiable are UWS rents currently?

Everything's negotiable these days. Most LLs ask a little higher than they are willing to take to allow downward wiggle room, especially in this climate. That said, you are more likely to have luck in getting the broker's fee dropped (ie: paid by LL), and a free month's rent or two than you are in getting a large cut in the rent itself.

Why? because a landlord wants to retain a decent base rent on the unit so he can increase accordingly when your lease is up for renewal. A 4% increase on a $4K unit is better for the LL than the same on a $3.5K apt.

Thx...so how do I approach it with the broker initially?

Try all three options: ask for the landlord to pay the fee, ask for a drop in rent of 10% or so, and ask for a month free on 12 month and 2 on 24 month. Have a friend who just rented a 2/2 a little north of 96th in a good building and they got all three - not the norm, but can't hurt to ask.

Just be blunt and say 'In this market more and more units are no fee" and that you will pay the fee only if the LL deducts that from the first (or second) month's rent PLUS you would be willing to sign a longer term lease if they lowered the rent. If they do not lower, ask for two months free on an 18 month lease or something similar.

Well, first do a little research on comp rents. If, for example, this is a fully renovated, good-sized 2-bed, 2-bath in a doorman building close to transportation and stores, then the $4800 ask is within reason and you may not be able to expect much of a drop.

If it's on a low floor with no light, old, crappy appliances, non-attended lobby, then I'd say there's a good amount of room to negotiate the rent itself.

When approaching the broker, you can say something like this: "The apartment fits my needs, but the price is higher than I'd expect to pay for this unit. Is the landlord offering any incentives? How negotiable is the price?"

This will at least open up a dialogue.