@Nikki612 , thanks for the tag @Alex,
Sorry for the delayed response. I would try to create a listing now that the old owners deactivated their listing. See if you are able to post. If it blocks you then contact customer service and have all the documentation ready. It appears that they sided with the older listing so denied your approval. They could not allow a duplicate listing until one was deleted and they probably should have told you this (if this is how their system is works).
Maybe their algorithm is getting better because I swear I have seen duplicate listings (for the exact same listing) as some owners were trying to see what appeals more in terms of the listing heading and write up. It is against the Airbnb terms and conditions though so maybe they have been cracking down on it more.
Try again and let us know how it turns out.