My neighbor’s basement keeps flooding, endangering valuable things that they have to keep down there.

We’re in a duplex and share the same landlord. They’ve told the landlord this is happening. But so far the landlord hasn’t done much about it. He’s also not fixed other small things in the neighbor’s apartment.

The neighbor probably can’t afford a lawyer, and they’re not very comfortable with confronting the landlord strongly, like threatening a complaint. They are very worried about losing their place for various personal and financial reasons.

I‘ve offered to bring up the issues with the landlord, but I also want to encourage my neighbor to go to experts who could be in their corner, like local non-profits or city agencies or something.

Is there anyone they can approach for help? Or what’s the best way to make a complaint with the city?

Any advice appreciated.