Rent application and SSN

[Andrea Campo]

Hi Everyone, 

My wife and I will move from Italy to Pittsburgh in May and we are looking for a house to rent. I'm Italian, she is from the US.

We noticed that all the rent applications require to provide the SSN. Is it safe to give it? Is there a way to avoid it?

Moreover, if I apply under my name, I can show the salary I will get in Pittsburgh but I'm not sure what my credit score is (I just got my SSN and opened a bank account, but I haven't found a way to check my credit score from Italy without a US phone number). On the other hand, if she applies, her credit score is excellent but her income is very little.

How does this work? Is the income/credit check only on the person that applies or on the household?

Also, if we asked a real estate agent to look for properties for us, could (s)he help with the application process? Is the agent paid by us or by the landlord?

I'm sorry but this is completely different from the procedures in Italy and I'm a little confused.

Thank you for your help!