Can I get an FHA loan without my spouse?

Asked by: Brook Harris  |  Last update: July 30, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (55 votes)

Under the law in community property states, each partner has liability for the other spouse's debts. In such cases, the non-purchasing spouse would need to submit to a credit check; however bad credit reports on a non-purchasing spouse can't be used to deny an FHA mortgage to a qualified borrower.

Can an unmarried couple get an FHA loan together?

FHA loans for couples operate similarly to individual FHA loans, considering both partners' credit scores, income, and debts. However, eligibility is based on the lower of the two credit scores, and both parties must meet the FHA's requirements.

Can I take out a loan without my spouse?

If you can qualify on your own from an income standpoint and your spouse is not on title, you can qualify for a loan and get a loan without your spouse however he or she would have to sign a quit claim deed. If your spouse is on title you can get a loan on your own if you can qualify however...

Can a married person get a mortgage without their spouse?

It is possible to purchase a home while married without having the other spouse on the title or mortgage. Assuming you are financing the home, you would need to make sure the financial institution is willing to give the mortgage without the other party's name on the title and mortgage. Some will, but many won't.

Does FHA require a separation agreement?

A copy of the signed divorce decree, separation agreement, maintenance agreement or other legal order is required to document the payment and the number of remaining payments.

The BIG PROBLEMS with FHA Loans

21 related questions found

Can I buy a house when separated but not divorced?

While it's possible to purchase a house during the divorce process in California, it's important to consult with your attorney to ensure you don't give the appearance of attempting to dispose of assets before equal distribution through extraordinary expenditures.

Can my wife get an FHA loan if I already have one?

If you're already financing a primary residence with an FHA loan, you may be able to co-sign an FHA loan for a family member. Just keep in mind that the second FHA mortgage becomes your responsibility if your relative fails to make their monthly payments.

Can I buy a house alone without my wife?

The short answer is yes, though you want to understand the pros and cons of getting a mortgage without your spouse.

Can I get an FHA loan if my spouse has bad credit?

When the non-purchasing spouse must submit to a credit check FHA loan rules dictate that bad credit reports on the non-purchasing spouse can't be used to deny an FHA mortgage to the borrower, but the credit check is required nevertheless.

Can a married couple buy a house with only one name?

While it's common for married couples to combine financial responsibilities, it might make more sense to only have one spouse's name on your mortgage. For instance, if you have excellent credit but your spouse has poor credit, you may be eligible for a mortgage alone, but not with your spouse as a co-borrower.

Can a married man buy a house without his wife?

We often get asked: “Can I apply for a mortgage without my spouse?” The short answer is yes. Sometimes a married home buyer may want only to have their name on the mortgage. Applying for a mortgage without a spouse is perfectly acceptable and could be a better option for some buyers. Let's answer some FAQs.

What are my rights if my name is not on a deed but married?

For a community property in California, it depends upon when and how their spouse acquired the property. The law asserts that all property purchased during the marriage, with income that was earned during the marriage, is community property.

Can I apply for a home equity loan without my spouse?

If you are creditworthy, you can get your own mortgage or home equity loan based on your own qualifications, and a lender or broker generally can't require your spouse to co-sign the loan.

Does FHA require spouses' debt?

FHA requires the debt of a non-borrowing spouse (NBS) to be included on the URLA and included in the qualifying debt ratios if: The NBS currently resides in a community property state; or. The property being purchased is located in a community property state.

Is it better to buy a house, married or unmarried?

Is it better to be married when buying a house? Marital status doesn't influence whether you qualify for a mortgage, so there is no benefit to being married during the home buying process. However, married couples have more legal protections than unmarried couples in case they separate.

Can a girlfriend be on title on an FHA loan?

Yes, the FHA allows non-occupying co-borrowers. This means you can have a co-borrower on an FHA loan who doesn't make the home their primary residence.

What will disqualify you from an FHA loan?

You may be denied for an FHA loan if you have declared bankruptcy but you have not had the bankruptcy discharged. You may be denied if you are delinquent on federal taxes or otherwise owe money to the federal government but without an approved payment plan.

Can I get a personal loan without my spouse?

FALSE. Married couples are not required to apply for credit jointly. You can still apply for individual accounts without your spouse co-signing or being otherwise involved. If one partner has higher credit scores, applying individually – not jointly – for an account may be one option.

What is the lowest credit score you can have for an FHA loan?

Credit score: While the FHA has set the minimum credit score at 500, many FHA-approved lenders require higher minimum FICO scores of at least 620. Down payment: Obtaining an FHA loan requires you to make a down payment.

Can I buy a house with my girlfriend without being married?

Partners who are unmarried and buy a house together can set up the legal benefits of marriage, it just may require the time and expense necessary to create a legal agreement that protects both partners.

Can my wife use my income for a loan?

Your wife can use your income for a personal loan only if you agree to become a co-borrower on the loan application. That gives you equal ownership of the funds, but also equal responsibility for paying back the loan. How your wife manages her loan payments can affect both your credit scores — for better or worse.

Can I buy a house without telling my wife?

If you decide to keep your spouse's name off a deed, you should know that you will likely need your spouse's consent. Many lenders will require your partner to sign a quitclaim deed, a document that “disclaims” any interest in the property.

What is the 75 rule for FHA loans?

If you're currently in the market looking to buy a triplex or fourplex with FHA financing, you need to see if the property's rents pass the Self-Sufficiency Test. To be “self-sufficient” means that 75% of the property's rents need to cover the monthly payments.

What is the FHA 100 mile rule?

To use rental income from your current home to qualify for another FHA loan, your new home must be at least 100 miles away. This rule ensures FHA loans are used for homes you live in, not for creating rental properties nearby.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.