This should be clear cut because they caused the damage and the property is inhabitable.

Since then I've been obsessed in finding a way to make it happen given my situation, I believe it isn't a typical situation..I currently live in affordable housing tied to my employer and the city.

I would reiterate the point Nathan made in regard to developing a plan to have capital in the deal, no money down or tying up all of your money up in equity is typically not a good play.

Cut them some slack and open up your wallet.

When I approached the same major bank currently handling my mortgage, they told me I'd easily be approved for a 150k loan, cutting my monthly payment in half, and locking me in a 15 year rate of 2.8- 2.9% instead of my current terrible 5.5% rate.

That owner would just billed them directly for the heat and cut it 3 ways. 

I don’t want to tie up all my cash here so I’m not interested in doing that.

"Votes" don't cut it. 

I'd get a task rabbit or your PM to take a picture outside every month to help ensure the yard is maintained...watered, weeded, cut.   

If it is all hardscape, then saw cutting the hardscape, removing and filling back is an added cost as opposed to if it is soft scape.3.