I'm not sure Phil on the Job is correct about separate metering. However, I do think that it would be a good idea to check the certificate of occupancy and determine if you are living in a legal apartment.
I believe the Department of Buildings website can get you that info. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/bis.html
If the apartment isn't legal, if he is just renting out rooms illegally, you don't owe a penny in rent and all the rent you paid, and the fee you paid your broker, can and should be recovered.
A "guy" can't just chop a house into "apartments," even though "guys" often do that. Sounds as if your landlord is such a nut and moron that you may very well be living in such an illegal situation. If so, it may be unsafe as well, with inadequate fire exits.