Help! Lost apt despite passing board

My situation: I signed a lease with the owner of a coop unit. Board package submitted and i was interviewed with no issue to proceed. I was expecting to move in 2 days after the board interview. Instead of getting a move in date, I got the news that the owner was not able to provide a letter from mortgage bank (which was bankruped) for approval for the lease. So instead, the board ask for 12... [more]

My situation: I signed a lease with the owner of a coop unit. Board package submitted and i was interviewed with no issue to proceed. I was expecting to move in 2 days after the board interview. Instead of getting a move in date, I got the news that the owner was not able to provide a letter from mortgage bank (which was bankruped) for approval for the lease. So instead, the board ask for 12 months of maintenance from the owner in escrow. The owner refuse to do so but I am will to pay my years rent in advance to help on the escrow. Strangely the owner still refuse and supposedly that's the end of it. Questions: 1) do the owner has any legal obligations? I have a signed lease. I would not be able to get out if I want to, but how can the owner get out like that? 2) what about damages sustained by me? App/board fee, opportunity cost, etc? [less]