I don't understand this. You appear to live in a block of flats. It is almost invariably the case that such blocks have one buildings insurance policy covering all of the flats. I can't believe that your flat does not have a buildings insurance policy covering it. Assuming it does, any claim for damage to the structure of the kitchen (walls, ceiling etc.), & to fixtures & fittings should be made on the buildings policy.
If you have been trying to claim on the owner's contents policy then I think you have been mistaken, other than for any damage to your contents - such as food etc. I have not come across the argument that there is no liability because the owner was not negligent, but it presumably arises from something in the wording of the owner's policy. [Incidentally, it is a bit odd for the owner to have a contents policy unless the flat was let furnished.] Have you found out whether the tenants have a contents policy? If they do, your claim for contents should be against that.