The Pot Calling The Kettle Black.. UPDATE!

On September 13, 2010 an article was written called “The Pot Calling The Kettle Black” which can be read at: www.slumlordsexposed.blogspot.com/2010/09/pot-calling-kettle-black.html

In it there was a post taken from

Merchants Circle

an online forum similar to a public version of an on-line better business bureau. Where parties can rate the good or bad of parties and business that they have had association with.

The post was from a Bob Foley of Altek Systems in Houston Texas. It stated:

 “Jonathan Huber Atty. - Non-Payment of Obligations Jonathan Huber has outstanding payables due to Altek Systems for Equipment Rentals. He has not responded to repeated inquiries

June 07, 2010 by Altek Systems, Bob Foley in Houston, TX “

It appears that Mr. Huber has responded to the allegations and states:

“Account Paid in Full

Mr. Foley failed to post a follow up blog that stated the account was paid in full. Mr. Foley also failed to state that the equipment he sold was defective and that the delay in payment was due to its defective nature. All payments were made as agreed by the parties, and cancelled checks are available for inspection to support this claim.

September 19, 2010 by Jonathan Huber in Arkadelphia, AR”

These postings may be viewed at: http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Huber.Jonathan.Atty.870-403-1034/review/list

Discrepancy in Mr. Huber’s version exists, in that Mr. Foley states that the debt was for “Equipment Rentals” and Huber states “equipment he sold was defective” [emphasis added]  As well it does not state as to when, the payment was made. Only that “Mr. Foley failed to post a follow up blog that stated the account was paid in full.” And that “All payments were made as agreed by the parties…” Obviously not if Mr. Foley had to take his argument to the web and made “repeated inquiries” which “He has not responded to…” Hmmm that sounds familiar where have I heard that???  O’ the White Elephant Apartment file!!!

Given Mr. Huber’s past performance and having been caught in numerous lies, Altek Systems has attempted to be contacted only to find that they have closed, most likely due to DEADBEATS not paying their bills. But we will diligently be seeking Mr. Foley to verify the statements of Mr. Huber.

Furthermore, if Mr. Huber would like to present copies of his contract with Altek Systems as well as canceled checks, etc or anything that he wishes to use to prove the allegation Mr. Foley claimed is false. Other than HIS word.  Then I would be more than happy to post them here for him to plead his case to the public.

Definition of a “Slumlord”

USLegal.com defines a “slumlord” as:

 “A slumlord is an unscrupulous landlord who milks a property without concern for tenants, neighborhoods or their own long term interests. Slumlords overcharge for property in poor neighborhoods that is kept in poor repair and allowed to deteriorate. Some indicators of property run by a slumlord include number of police calls, and city and county code violations on the properties.


The following is an example of a state statute defining slumlord property:


"Slumlord property" means residential rental property that has deteriorated or is in a state of disrepair and that manifests one or more of the following conditions that are a danger to the health or safety of the public:


a. Structurally unsound exterior surfaces, roof, walls, doors, floors, stairwells, porches or railings.

b. Lack of potable water, adequate sanitation facilities, adequate water or waste pipe connections.

c. Hazardous electrical systems or gas connections.


d. Lack of safe, rapid egress.


e. Accumulation of human or animal waste, medical or biological waste, gaseous or combustible materials, dangerous or corrosive liquids, flammable or explosive materials or drug paraphernalia."


In another example, one city defines slum property as having structurally unsound exterior surfaces, roof, walls, doors, floors, stairwells, porches or railings; lack of potable water, adequate sanitation facilities, adequate water or waste pipe connections; hazardous electrical systems or gas connections; lack of safe rapid egress; or accumulation of human or animal waste, medical or biological waste, gaseous or combustible materials, dangerous or corrosive liquids, flammable or explosive materials or drug paraphernalia.


The authority to designate a slum property rests with the city's building inspector. Slum property is subject to immediate inspection and to annual inspections for three years, with the inspection costs assessed to the property's owner. The city's law says that a slum property constitutes a public nuisance, and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal. If the property owner fails to comply with the notice and order, and does not appeal the notice, the inspector will file a certificate of designation as a slum property with the County Recorder's office. In the event the property is repaired, demolished, or otherwise abated, the building inspector will file a new certificate stating it is no longer a slum property.”


Now in retrospect Mr. Jonathan Huber of Huber Rentals located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas by definition outlined and defined above would be a “slumlord”. In regards to his numerous violation received by the city of Arkadelphia building inspector and more directly the fact that his property located on Frost Rd. in Caddo Valley lacks proper drinking water and waste removal (sewage).


“Lack of potable water, adequate sanitation facilities, adequate water or waste pipe connections”


“Accumulation of human or animal waste, medical or biological waste, gaseous or combustible materials, dangerous or corrosive liquids, flammable or explosive materials or drug paraphernalia."

This is very compelling evidence that would be indicative of the nature of a slumlord. Water lines that are in disrepair that the previous owner notified Mr. Huber of be for the purchase of the property. As well numerous tenants have informed him both of the water line issues as well open sewage lines that drain in to low lying areas after rain storms on the property in Caddo Valley, where children play.