What does joint and several liability mean?

If you sign a tenancy agreement jointly with flatmates, "joint and several liability" means every tenant is individually responsible for the whole rent and any damages - not just their own share.

In practice: if one flatmate stops paying, the landlord can legally pursue any or all of the remaining tenants for the full amount. The same applies to damage - landlords aren't obligated to work out who specifically caused it.

Why this matters especially in flatshares with people you don't know well: you're financially tied to your flatmates' reliability, not just your own. Before signing a joint tenancy, have an honest conversation about what happens if someone falls behind.