Losing a landlord can be an uncertain and challenging time. The question of what happens to your lease and where you’ll live can be looming over your head. But for 75-year-old Jane Sayner, the story took a heartwarming turn.
Jane had been living in St. Albans, Melbourne, Australia, for over twenty years. She rented a cozy two-bedroom apartment from a multimillionaire named John Perrett. Their landlord-tenant relationship was more than just a business transaction – it was a friendship.
At AUD$250 a week, Jane had been paying the same amount ever since she moved into the house. But after working at her previous job for twenty-five years, Jane was ready to retire and enjoy her golden years without the worry of rent.
Tragically, John Perrett passed away in September 2020. Even though he had amassed a significant fortune, he never got married or had children. Instead, he decided to leave a lasting legacy by donating a substantial portion of his wealth to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Nephrology Department.
Surprisingly, Jane was one of the fortunate recipients of John’s generosity. He had left her the very apartment she had been calling home for all those years. The news came as a surprise to Jane when John personally called her and asked for her full name, as his solicitor had arrived for the purpose of ensuring she received the unit.
Jane fondly remembers her conversation with John, “I thought I hadn’t heard it right. Surely not. For the whole time I had known him, (leaving all his money to charity) was always what he was going to do.” John’s act of kindness didn’t just secure Jane a home; it solidified their friendship.
Over the years, Jane had made the rented apartment her own. She planted a beautiful garden in the backyard, filling it with plants and flowers. John, recognizing Jane’s love for gardening, even brought her old pots from his father, encouraging her to nurture even more greenery.
Beyond their landlord-tenant relationship, John and Jane formed a genuine bond. They would spend hours conversing, and Jane even cooked for him from time to time. As an only child and a single man himself, it seemed natural for John to leave the unit in Jane’s care, given the friendship they had developed.
Losing someone is always difficult, and Jane was undoubtedly devastated by John’s passing. However, amidst the grief, she found solace in knowing that the house she had called home for so long was now officially hers.
This heartwarming story reminds us that kindness and friendship can appear in unexpected places. It’s a testament to the power of human connection, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
So, if you ever find yourself feeling down about the challenges that come with renting, remember the story of Jane and John. Share this heartwarming tale with your friends and family and spread a little warmth in a sometimes cold world.
