As noted above, this is acceptable for leases, unless it is considered a remote contract (i.e. if they have not seen the property). For example, an independent “observer” (for example. B a lawyer) could observe signature and witness signs via FaceTime or Skype. This independent observer could provide additional evidence if the evidence were called into question. But if your tenant comes in today and you can`t find anyone as a witness, don`t worry. Your signature and the tenant`s signature will suffice. If you have any questions about the witness to a signature, you can contact LegalVision`s contract attorneys on 1300 544 755. However, it is important that a third party is a witness and that an agreement, such as . B an AST, to be signed to provide a level of security for both the landlord and the tenant. A party may refuse to sign the agreement; were forced to sign the treaty or that the signatures were falsified. But some other situations make it particularly desirable to have a witness.

One of them is when the owner rents at a different price than the market value. This usually occurs when the client is a relative or close friend. So if you have a nice agreement that everyone signed and testified, it will be conclusive, and no one will be able to deny it. Most contracts have only two rooms for signatures – that of the tenant and the landlord. There is therefore no place for the witness to sign his or her name. It is acceptable to be present only, provided that the witness can be reached in the future if necessary. But the whole idea is usually dealt with with agreements that are signed electronically, which is the most recent standard. This solves the same problem, as electronic signatures can be backed up using biometric data. They thus become more protective for both parties than by written agreements, the witness of which may no longer be traceable in hindsight since they do not sign.

Certain legal documents, such as legal declarations and sworn insurance, must be signed by an authorized witness. Leases are excluded from the 1997 Consumer Protection Regulation (repeal of contracts) but not the terms of a representative. If a broker visits the owner and urges him to sign terms and conditions of the real estate agent`s offices, retraction rights almost certainly apply. Other remotely signed contracts should be covered by the Consumer Protection (Remote Sales) Regulation 2000. Z.B. agents who send terms and conditions for signing by email, fax or mail. They should have a cooling-off period of 7 working days beginning from the date the agent confirms receipt of the signed contract. So why do my leases (and many others) provide for signing as an act? (This requires that the signatures be certified and the document to explain it in the form of a signed deed). There is no general rule that a family member or spouse cannot attend a person`s signature on a legal document until you are a party to the agreement or benefit in some way. In general, however, it is best to avoid it, as it may raise perceptions of bias and questions about your credibility as a witness. It may also lead a court to challenge the applicability of the legal document at a later date. It is therefore preferable, if possible, for an independent third party to be a witness.

However, the law requires that the witness not be involved in the facts. (Note that there are stricter requirements for certain documents such as wills). Signing a person on a legal document is an important step in ensuring that the document is valid and enforceable. The witness must confirm that the good part signed the agreement and that no fraud took place. B for example, someone who signed the agreement on behalf of another person.