Law / Poland - Temporary Residence card - Karta pobytu - required documents [142]

Hello everyone!

I am also in the process of applying for a karta pobytu and I have two questions that have not been answered.
First, my passport expires in January 2013. Do I need to first renew my passport before applying?
Second, I am currently living in an apartment in Warsaw. My landlord did not provide me with a contract; how can I make a meldunek if I do not have a contract with the landlord? Is it possible to have a friend write that I my legal residence is with them?

Thanks for any advice!