<prompt> Human: Im going to sign a year lease most likely for a single family home and split the rent with 7 other housemates all college students, including myself . One of the housemates is pooling all the funds so it can be submitted to the landlord altogether. Whats the best manner to pay my housemate? Technically, the landlord did say they can receive up to 5 checks for each months rent. Should I just forgo the housemate and pay the landlord directly? This would ease my worries, I dont really know the other housemate too well. I only met him once. For the security deposit, all the housemates seem to have agreed on cash app but I have a feeling thats not secure at all and that there is a better digital method of paying him. Wire transfer maybe? Any ideas?  <response>: Absolutely not cashPaper trail paper trail paper trail Check Cashier check Pay pal Anything that leaves documented proof you paid him I would also demand some sort of proof from landlord rent was paid each month. That is a lot of people put out if rent is not paid. You would have to sue him for any monies owed you. Also if you sign the lease , read if you are only liable for your 17th or all if it. 