Jane Sayner, a 75-year-old resident of St. Albans, Melbourne, faced a unique situation when her landlord, multimillionaire John Perrett, passed away. Unmarried and childless, John’s philanthropic legacy shone through as he donated AUD$18.6 million to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Nephrology Department. Jane, a tenant for over two decades, was left her two-bedroom apartment, now owned outright.

John’s altruism extended beyond monetary gifts. He encouraged Jane to personalize the space, providing her with his father’s old pots for gardening. Their relationship transcended the typical landlord-tenant dynamic; they were friends. Jane fondly recalls conversations about John’s father, occasional shared meals, and how he entrusted her with the property.

Despite the sorrow of John’s passing, Jane found solace in becoming the rightful owner of the home she had cared for as her own. With warmth, she reflects on her role in transforming the property into a cozy haven, illustrating a unique tale where landlord and tenant forged a lasting friendship.

John was not only childless and single, but he was also an only child.

It made sense that he had given Jane the unit since she had shown him friendship.