DAYTON — Some of the city’s Hispanic residents are victims of landlords who refuse to make basic repairs or return security deposits, according to a preliminary investigation by Dayton’s Human Relations Council.

“This is a social justice issue. We shouldn’t be denying basic human rights to people just because they are immigrants,” Vernellia Randall, a member of the council, said.

The Rev. Francisco J. Pelaez-Diaz, the Hispanic missionary pastor at College Hill Community Church and a member of the council, said the study into housing discrimination began more than a year ago with a focus group of Hispanic residents and agencies that provide services to them.

“One of the most common complaints is that something goes wrong with the rental apartment or house, and the landlord doesn’t get it fixed,” Pelaez-Diaz said. “If the tenant makes expensive repairs, it isn’t counted as part of the rent.”

The council found immigrant tenants often don’t have written leases and language is a barrier.

“Because of their immigrant status, they feel they don’t have rights,” Pelaez-Diaz said.

A perception that all Hispanics are undocumented adds to the problem.

“I have heard stories where tenants are threatened by landlords if they have a complaint. It’s not always expressed openly in those exact words,” Pelaez-Diaz said. “In many cases the tenants prefer to move.”

The next step for the council is to talk with property owners.

Catherine Crosby, deputy director of the Human Relations Council, said further investigation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

“Until we investigate and have findings, these are just allegations,” she said.

Joanna Lindberg, executive director of the Greater Dayton Apartment Association, said her members abide by a code of ethics.

“Members receive extensive training in the areas of fair housing and are committed to the practices and principles of equal treatment and housing opportunities,” she said.

Pelaez-Diaz, a native of Mexico, said he felt an obligation to speak out on behalf of Hispanics.

“Many Hispanics in this area are from Mexico, so I’m very familiar with their culture and mind-set on these issues,” he said. “We have a culture of keeping silent. We can empower people to speak out and make their rights respected.”

There are an estimated 3,172 Hispanics or Latinos living in Dayton, according to the latest figures from the U. S. Census Bureau.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2362 or josmith@ DaytonDailyNews.com.