When a landlord dies, tenants usually face one of two outcomes: the new owner keeps the lease, or the tenant is asked to move on. For 75-year-old Jane Sayner, however, life took an unexpected turn.

Jane had lived in a modest two-bedroom apartment in St Albans, Melbourne, for over 20 years, paying just AUD$250 a week—the same rent since the day she moved in. After working for 25 years, she was ready to retire, but the thought of rising rents made that feel impossible.

Her landlord, multimillionaire John Perrett, passed away in September 2020. Single, childless, and deeply grateful for a kidney transplant that extended his life, John left most of his fortune—around AUD$18.6 million—to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Nephrology Department. But he made one remarkable exception.

Years earlier, John had called Jane unexpectedly. His solicitor was with him, and he needed her full name. Only then did he tell her the truth: he was leaving her the apartment. Jane could hardly believe it. She had always known John planned to donate everything to charity.

Though heartbroken by his passing, Jane felt immense relief knowing the home she had lovingly cared for was now hers. Over the years, she had treated the apartment as her own, planting flowers, building a garden, and filling the space with warmth. John encouraged it—he even gave her his father’s old pots to use.

Their relationship went far beyond rent and repairs. They talked often, shared meals, and kept each other company. With no close family, John found friendship in Jane. In the end, it was that bond—not wealth—that shaped his legacy.