It was a thing in NYC last time I rented an apartment there, though that was 15+ years ago. But, it was deeply ingrained enough at that time I can’t imagine it went away, unless it was legislated out of existence.

typical brokers fees in nyc are usually somewhere between 1 month's rent and 15% of annual rent (1.8 months rent)

Yup, that’s consistent with what I remember from back then. I remember having to give my new landlord a check for six or eight grand when I picked up the keys. Sounds about right for first + last + deposit + 1 mo broker’s fee.