In Rhode Island, a standard residential lease can be up to one (1) year in duration. Oral leases are valid for shorter durations, but leases of one year or longer must be in writing.
Regardless of duration, we recommend that all lease agreements be in writing. It is easier to prove a written agreement.
If there is no term defined in the lease, the tenancy is assumed to be on a month-to-month basis in most cases. The tenancy can be on a week-to-week basis if rent is paid weekly (RI Gen L § 34-18-15(d) (2019)).
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The information for this answer was found on our Rhode Island Residential Lease Agreement answers.