I would probably want to have some type of resolution on this incident prior to considering a purchase. 

It covers conflict resolutions, contracts and lots of other topics that will help in your RE business. 

So your resolution may not lay with the title company but with who has been maintaining/not using the stairwell.Good luck and hope it works out.

I hope this moves toward resolution in an orderly way.

But depending on what you're looking at for resolution it's probably not worth your time.

If you do an LLC together you need to make sure there is a resolution agreement in place in the event things go very bad.Also know what the expectations are for both of you up front. 

Create clear resolutions for each independent transaction specific to the particular property (as legally described) and the particular party the series is selling to or buying/borrowing from.  

They'll help you figure the correct direction you need to take and possibly send out inspectors to verify the house is unfit, but you need to follow correct procedures, which usually means something  like filing formal complaint and paying your rent to the city to hold until resolution.  

Report the issue to them and see if they can help with resolution.

We are both relatively calm, logical people and we will just communicate our concerns as they arise and work toward a resolution that makes sense for everyone.