IS A VERBAL CONTACT LEGAL

While many oral contracts are legally enforceable, there are certain kinds of contracts that must be evidenced by a writing pursuant to what is called the Statute of Frauds.  Any contract regarding a transfer of land is one of those kinds of contracts that must be evidenced by a written document.  So your supposed transfer of this land is probably not legally enforceable.  Did you believe that you were the new owner of this property?  Obviously that would require a transfer of title to be filed with the land records.  I notice that you tagged your inquiry under "landlord and tenant" rather than under real estate, so that leads me to believe that perhaps you acknowledge that you were only renting the property or using it temporarily, rather than taking ownership.  Another issue in any contract is what we call legal consideration, which means that both parties must receive something of value in the transaction.  If he just gave it to you as a gift, that is possible, but the donative intent would have to be clear. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.