THe rental market changes week to week, it is below last year but better than last quarter and seems to be gaining more strength. But this varies by neighborhood, and even by building.
Location, Quality and Services sell.
I am seeing No Fees less, excpet for new buildings that need to fill up fast. Free Months going away--they really are only a ploy to get you to pay a higher rate, get used to that rate and then renew even higher.
IE you are paying $2400 with a free month, you see it as $2200 but your renewal will be based on $2400 and in a better market. Of course if you only need 1 year...

The NY Times had an article about the rental market in Manhattan last month.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/realestate/10cov.html

If you can locate a copy of The Real Deal , real estate news Vol.7 No.2 or visit their site therealdeal.com and check the archives there is a great section called "All eyes on Rentals" page 35. This article will interest you. I would also keep up with upcoming issues as this will be a very popular topic.