Deposit transparency from property management companies

[Kurt K.]

How do most property management companies handle security deposits? Do they give you (property owner) a choice to receive the deposit after a tenant has entered a rental agreement or do they hold them in an escrow until a tenant moves out and gets deposit back if entitled? If they do hold them, should they provide full transparency such as a separate statement regarding security deposit deposits and withdrawals into that account?

Another question. Is it appropriate to ask your property management company for a copy of the leases that have been signed? I'm thinking if requested, they should send you a copy of every new lease.