Witnesses to a rental contract.

[Muddle2000]

When LL and tenant sign a contract does it need to be witnessed
by a third party and if so who? eg solicitor

Anyone who is not related to the parties to the agreement. Each should have their own witness ideally - in practice not a big deal as landlord and tenant are unlikely to be together when the tenancy agreement is signed and they don't have to be either.

The witness is just confirming that they have seen the person sign the document. It doesn't need to be lawyer, accountant, teacher, etc. The witness doesn't have to have known the person for x amount of time although it's a good idea to have someone who knows you, rather than a random stranger, as your witness.

I just used work colleague. No probs.

I usually just make up details. It is all rather pointless. All it asks for (if I remember acurately is name, occupation and date).

That'll be useful if you ever need to prove you signed it.

wowfudge - never happens. Anyhow, your signature is proof enough.