The maximum duration of a standard residential lease agreement is one (1) year in Virginia. Leases longer than one year must be in writing in order to be valid.
Unlike some states, where oral lease agreements are valid for shorter durations, Vermont has different rules. If a tenant and landlord enter into an agreement without a written lease, the tenancy automatically has a duration of 12 months (VA Code § 55.1-1204(c)(2019)).
During this time, the parties can enter into a written lease agreement. Written leases are recommended because it is easier to confirm what was agreed upon if it is written down.
If there is no duration determined in a written lease agreement, the tenancy is month-to-month in most cases, except when rent is paid weekly.
The information for this answer was found on our Virginia Residential Lease Agreement answers.