Multiple tenants

[Manoj N.]

I am signing my first lease with three unrelated tenants this Sunday. It will be a joint and several lease. I have a few questions. Thanks for your time.

1. Should I make three separate leases or just one ?

2. If three leases are made, should I divide the security deposit and rent by three and put those figures on individual leases ?

3. How do I make sure that everyone is responsible for the damage - even if it was caused by one tenant/pet ? Would the clause "joint and several" is enough ?

4. The lease starts on Oct 1st, and we sign the lease on this Sunday. One of the tenant is away and will send her lease/check by mail. Other two will give checks post dated to Oct 1st. Is this OK ?

Thanks