Bania: The New Seinfeldian Character in My Life
Aug 12th, 2008 by Nola
The first call I got from Bania was the day before the lease was signed. I had been warned he was talkative. I was not warned he’d assume I knew him by just his first name. After 30 minutes of almost constant talking, Bania said with authority, “Go take care of your baby,” even though I had been trying to get off the phone to tend to a crying Sun for the full 30 minutes. I didn’t know what had just happened.
Bania initially asked questions about the house–could he paint the wooden parts of the outside of the house? Of course, he explained, he’d use the same colors and the cost would be his. And could he install ceiling fans in all four rooms? At his cost and to be left in the house when he vacated, which he didn’t plan to do for a really long time. Oh, and he had access to some top-notch marine paint—black—could be also paint our wrought iron fence?
But as the call progressed, his questions turned to statements. Of course ceiling fans are needed, and the painting of shutters and porches and fences were completely logical. So his tone suggested. My guard went up. And I doubted the authenticity of Bania. I kept asking, “Is this guy for real?” The Realtor assured me his credit check was clear; that he had retired at a young age and was, in her opinion, harmless.
Then I Googled him and ran his name through Westlaw. There were a few minor mentions of him. And in his talkative fashion, the things I’d unearthed, he’d volunteered when we spoke on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He’d taken to calling me every day. Usually he called to ask a question about yet another improvement he wanted to make on the house–could he install a dishwasher? other new cabinets in the kitchen? replace the light on the front porch? mend the wooden privacy fence?—and to thank me for leasing the house to him; he kept saying he was home. It warmed my heart that the house I love so much was apparently being equally loved by its new tenant.
But the doubt continued. Why would someone who owned a home in Mississippi (unaffected by Katrina) and had previously owned other homes not want to buy a house in New Orleans? I’d learn that he had his reasons. I can’t say that I agree with his reasons, but I am certain that he has total confidence in his convictions.
So as each day passes and Bania ticks off the jobs he wants done on the house before he officially moves in, my doubts recess. The new marine paint on the wrought iron fence does indeed look nice. And the ceiling fans work and have not caused a fire. And he has not asked for a reduction in rent in exchange for his work and improvements.
Can this be a case that ISN’T too good to be true? Will Bania prove to be just what he presents himself to be? Can I have been that lucky? Is it the lawyer in me or am I just cynical? When will I trust that someone is NOT out to get one over on me? What would your gut have told you about Bania?
hmmm. It does seem like this could turn into a Seinfeld episode (remember the English guy that Elaine dated that ended up with the suit….) That’s what Bania looks like to me….
It’s surprising that someone would want to do that kind of stuff and NOT ask for a rent decrease in exchange. I can’t even guess his motives. If he’s got enough money to go around making improvements, and has owned other houses, why is he renting? I’m immediately suspicious but, then again, I’m usually a suspicious person.
Maybe the fact that I question his motives says more about me than about him.
(Observe how my comment on your post has turned into my own navel-gazing. It’s like a superpower, sometimes.)
Sharon’s last blog post..One piece
I’m the kinda girl that always questions everything, and I find more often than not, my gut proves to be right (which then I hit myself for not listening to it). Go with what will make you sleep better at night!
As someone who had the worst (and I do mean the WORST) landlord ever in New Orleans, go with it…. we might have been that nice if our landlords hadn’t been scummy dirtbags. We loved that house so much. I’m sure it has fallen into horrible disrepair.
Daisy DUke’s last blog post..Naturally Addicting
Wow. Sounds like he could turn out to be a dream renter. I hope everything stays on the up and up.
shannanb aka Mommy Bits’s last blog post..Just Call Him the Potty Master
I’m a bit skeptical. Sounds nice but I’d keep my guard up.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Wisteria Manor
Good luck with this one… I’m naturally cynical, but he could be for real.
Tara R.’s last blog post..Random Wednesday ~ anger
I’m with you, Nola, but I often wonder if legal training just makes one ridiculously cynical, what with the whole “anticipating the worst possible outcome so you can protect yourself against it” mindset! But, I guess what it comes down to is if you’re getting your money and you have a good lease, he’s no more of a risk than any other tenant. (I say this as a former landlord and knowing there’s only so much recourse you have against a bad tenant!)
Good luck..I hope your worries are completely unfounded!
suz’s last blog post..Ahh, Sweet Relief
He is a Seinfeld character. I’m sure of it.
When he asks if he can have a better drain for his bathtub so to cook in it, then you know something is up…
Katie’s last blog post..Unvalentine’s Day 2008
I would keep your guard up.. but I am from NY.. I don’t trust anyone.. lol
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