My landlord owns several hotels and the agreement was that I could live in the home that was in disrepair in exchange for landscaping his hotels. I did the work and then he told me I had to go without the demanded 30 notice of eviction in writing. He also cut off the power and water to force me out. I also spent like 3000 on repairs to make the house livable. I believe in virginia that he should have at the least given me the 30 day written notice. The cost of the landscaping to me on my part was enough to carry me for over 2 years of rent which he sat at 600 a month. Am I wrong ?

Yes, a written lease is not required. He is required to give you legal notice. Second, cutting off the utilities constitutes an illegal eviction. I would consult with an attorney as you would appear to have grounds for a nice lawsuit against him.