Landlords gift couple a rent-free week

PAY IT FORWARD: Tenants Sonja Saunders and Tyrone Gooch (left) were humbled by the generosity of their landlords Jodi Harris and Barry Gee.

Even though this time of year can be a "trying time financially", one Napier couple's kindness has made another's Christmas.

On Wednesday Sonja Saunders, 21, received a visit and Christmas card from her landlords who told her "not to worry about paying rent this week".

"I felt like it was so out of the blue ... I was just shocked by their generosity," Ms Saunders said.

Landlord Jodi Harris said that when her partner Barry Gee suggested the idea, she was all on board.

"We know Christmas can be a trying time financially, and sometimes that bit of extra money can make a big difference."

Ms Harris said she'd love for it to become a Christmas tradition. Though they'd had fabulous tenants before they hadn't been in a financial position to offer the rent-free week.

Ms Saunders and her partner Tyrone had only been renting the Napier Hill home since September but were good tenants who neighbours spoke highly of.

"Basically if they look out for us, we'll do our best to look after them," Ms Harris said.

Mr Gee's father had been a landlord and had given his tenants a week free when he was able to.

Ms Harris said: "It really seems to help the relationship between landlord and tenant."

People had done nice things for her and Mr Gee before, Ms Harris said, and they wanted to pay it forward.

Ms Saunders said she would be continuing the train of kindness but hadn't figured out how yet.

"We probably won't be doing it in the same way because we don't have that kind of money.

"I was so touched that someone could be so thoughtful."

She said it would be helpful to have the extra $245 for Christmas. "It was so amazing of them, I didn't know how to say thank you."