Does FHA Require a Minimum Credit Score for Non Purchasing Spouse?

Does FHA require a minimum credit score for non purchasing spouse? FHA does not have a required credit score for the non-purchasing spouse.  The non-purchasing spouse's credit history is not to be considered a reason for credit denial .   FHA guidelines states that non-purchasing spouses do not have to sign the mortgage note (only the security instrument).    Signing the security instrument does not make the non-purchasing spouse a co-borrower.  However, the debts of the non-purchasing spouse must be included in the borrower's qualifying ratios if the borrower resides in a community property state, such as Texas or the property to be insured is located in a community property state.

A credit report must be obtained for the non-purchasing spouse only in order to determine the debt-to-income ratio and /or the debts that may impact the mortgage in a community property state.

FHA has a minimum credit score requirement only for the actual borrower.  A minimum score of 580 is needed for a 3.5% down payment;  otherwise the borrower must have 10% down payment.  However, just because FHA allows credit scores below 580, doesn't mean lenders will lend to those borrowers.  There are very few lenders that will underwrite those low credit scores.  The reality is,  most lenders require a minimum score of 640 and some will accept a 620.