If you are looking for an apartment in New York, you may be asked to sign an Agency Disclosure Form and an Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form before or during the rental process.
We understand why this might raise questions.
Many renters worry that signing a form means they are applying for the apartment, agreeing to pay a broker fee, signing a lease, or being locked into working with a broker.
That is not what these forms do.
These are disclosure forms. They are meant to inform you, not pressure you.
What Are These Forms?
The Agency Disclosure Form explains the role of the real estate broker or agent involved in the rental process.
It helps clarify whether the broker represents the landlord, the tenant, or both sides with proper disclosure and consent.
The Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form explains fair housing protections under federal, state, and local law.
It reminds renters, landlords, brokers, and agents that housing discrimination is illegal.
These forms are part of New York’s real estate process.
Why You May Not Have Seen These Forms Before
Some renters are surprised when they are asked to sign these forms.
But in New York, these disclosures are part of the required real estate process.
If you have rented apartments before and were never shown these forms, that does not mean the forms are unusual.
It may mean the disclosure step was skipped.
If you have not seen these forms before, that may actually be a cause for concern, because these disclosures are required as part of the real estate process in New York.
These forms exist so renters understand who the broker represents and what fair housing protections apply during the rental process.
What These Forms Are Not
Signing these disclosure forms does not mean you are applying for the apartment.
It does not mean you are signing a lease.
It does not mean you are agreeing to pay a broker fee.
It does not mean Destination Real Estate is your exclusive agent.
It does not mean you are required to rent an apartment.
It does not mean you are required to move forward with us.
It does not mean you are making any payment commitment.
When you sign these forms, you are simply acknowledging that the required disclosures were provided to you.
Is There a Fee to Complete These Forms?
No.
There is no fee to complete the Agency Disclosure Form or the Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form.
These forms are not payment agreements.
They are not broker fee agreements.
They are disclosures required as part of the real estate process in New York.
Why Does Destination Real Estate Ask for These Forms?
New York requires real estate professionals to provide certain disclosures during the rental process.
We follow that requirement.
We also want renters to understand what they are signing before they sign it.
Apartment searches in New York can feel stressful. Renters are often asked to move quickly, provide documents, and make decisions under pressure.
That is why we try to be clear upfront.
Our goal is to make the process easier to understand.
A Simple Way to Think About It
Signing these disclosure forms means:
“I received the required information.”
It does not mean:
“I agree to pay a broker fee.”
It does not mean:
“I am applying for this apartment.”
It does not mean:
“I am locked into working with this company.”
It does not mean:
“I am agreeing to rent this apartment.”
It does not mean:
“I am making Destination Real Estate my exclusive broker.”
Why These Forms Matter
These forms are meant to protect consumers.
The Agency Disclosure Form helps you understand the role of the broker or agent.
The Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form helps remind everyone involved that renters have fair housing rights and must be treated lawfully.
This matters in New York, where the rental process can move quickly and where renters deserve clear information before making decisions.
What Should You Do If You Have Questions?
If you are unsure about any form, please ask us before signing.
We would rather explain the document clearly than have you feel uncertain.
You should always understand what you are signing during the rental process.
Questions?
Contact our team anytime.