Imagine finding out that the house you have been renting for years is now officially yours. It’s the kind of news that brings both relief and joy. That’s exactly what happened to 75-year-old Jane Sayner from St. Albans, Melbourne, Australia.
For over two decades, Jane called a two-bedroom apartment her home, paying AUD$250 a week to her landlord, multimillionaire John Perrett. The rent remained unchanged throughout the years, giving Jane a sense of stability in her life. But when John passed away in September 2020, Jane received news that would change her life forever.
Instead of leaving the apartment to someone else or selling it, John had a different plan in mind. He wanted to honor the friendship he had developed with Jane over the years. In a surprising phone call, John informed Jane that he was leaving her the unit. It was a gesture that left her speechless.
Jane recalls the moment vividly: “Then one day he just rang me and said, ‘My solicitor’s here, can you please give me your full name, because I’m leaving you your unit.’ 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.”
It’s clear that John and Jane had a special bond, more than just a landlord-tenant relationship. John would often share stories about his father, and Jane would cook for him occasionally. They were friends.
Over the years, Jane has made the apartment her own, adding a personal touch to the space. She planted a beautiful garden out the back, filling it with plants and flowers that still thrive today. John even contributed to the coziness by bringing old pots from his father for Jane to use. It truly became a place they both called home.
Jane’s story is a reminder that kindness and friendship can transcend the boundaries of landlord-tenant relationships. Sometimes, life surprises us with unexpected blessings, and for Jane, that blessing came in the form of a beloved home.
So, the next time you hear a heartwarming tale like Jane’s, remember to share it with your friends and family. It’s a reminder that even in our later years, we can still find joy and security in unexpected places.
