What is the main feature of an estate at will?

An estate at will is characterized primarily by the absence of a specific initial term or duration. This type of tenancy exists when a tenant is allowed to occupy a property with the landlord's consent but without a formal lease agreement specifying a set duration. The agreement can be terminated at any time by either the landlord or the tenant, provided reasonable notice is given.

This flexibility is what distinguishes an estate at will from other forms of tenancy, such as a fixed-term lease, which has a defined beginning and end. Similarly, an automatic renewal feature is more typical of tenancy agreements such as month-to-month leases, where the term automatically rolls over unless notice to terminate is given. Written contracts, while often preferable for clarity, are not a requirement for establishing an estate at will, as this arrangement can be verbal and still legally binding in many jurisdictions, including Rhode Island.