How to Certify a Sober House in Massachusetts with MASH

Your Guide to Certifying a Sober House in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, sober house certification is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). As the state’s affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), MASH ensures that sober living homes meet strict standards for safety, support, and structure.

Learn more about MASH and their vital role in supporting sober living across Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH).

Certification with MASH not only validates the quality of a sober home but also makes homes eligible for state-funded referrals and builds trust with residents and families. If you’re planning to operate a sober house in Massachusetts, following the certification process is an essential step.

☑️ The Steps to Certifying a Sober House in Massachusetts

Step 1: Learn About Sober Living in Massachusetts

Review MASH Standards and Massachusetts Sober Home Law

Carefully read the MASH Certification Standards and Massachusetts Sober Home Law. Understanding how these standards apply to your home is crucial for passing inspection and maintaining certification.

Understanding and aligning your sober home’s operations with these standards is critical to succeeding in the certification process.

Review the Sober House Levels of Support

Learn about NARR Recovery Residence Levels of Support, specifically Level II, which applies to the type of sober homes MASH certifies. Make sure your sober home operates in line with Level II support, as defined by NARR. Level II homes provide a structured peer environment without onsite clinical services.

Please note: MASH only certifies NARR Level II sober homes. Read more about the NARR Levels here.

Step 2: Attend MASH Sober Housing 101 Training

You must attend the MASH Sober Housing 101 Training for Potential Operators before applying. This training provides an overview of operational standards, certification expectations, and regulatory requirements.

MASH schedules several Sober House 101 Trainings each year. They tend to reach capacity shortly after they are announced, so we strongly recommend registering to attend this training as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to get a seat.

Sober Housing 101 Training is currently offered for free.

This training can be done during your certification process while you prepare documents and get ready for your inspection.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Sober House for Inspection

Before MASH will certify your sober home, your property must pass a detailed on-site inspection. The inspection verifies that your home complies with MASH standards for safety, governance, peer support, and resident rights.

During the inspection, MASH reviewers will assess your home’s physical condition, review documentation, and interview you and/or your peer leaders to ensure that policies are being implemented as written.

Here’s how to prepare for each area of the sober house inspection:

Operational Standards:

- You must have a signed Code of Ethics from all operator staff (if any) and House Mentors.
- Residents must have a written agreement covering:
  - Resident rights
  - Financial obligations and agreements
  - Services provided
  - Recovery goals
  - Relapse and discharge policies
  - Property left-behind policies

Financial Systems:

- Maintain a documented accounting system showing all resident fees and payments, including third-party payments.
- Clearly inform residents about refund policies prior to admission.

Resident Orientation and Emergency Procedures:

- Provide residents with:
  - House rules
  - Emergency procedures
  - Grievance process
  - Communicable disease policy
  - Good Neighbor Policy
- Collect emergency contact information for all residents.
- Conduct documented fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers with regular documented inspections.
- Post emergency numbers, overdose response procedures, and evacuation maps in common areas.

Resident Governance and Peer Support:

- Residents must participate in house governance, such as weekly meetings.
- Residents must be allowed to contribute to house rules and offer feedback to leadership.
- Peer support among residents must be encouraged and modeled.

Staff Roles and Boundaries:

- Staff (including peer leaders) must maintain proper boundaries and self-care.
- Staff should have job descriptions signed and on file.
- Leadership must create a positive, supportive environment for peer leaders.

Community Environment: Common areas must support social interaction, including:

- A group meeting area large enough for all residents
- Dining spaces for shared meals
- Recreation or entertainment spaces

Recovery Support Activities: Residents should be connected to fellowship groups (e.g., AA, NA), community-based recovery activities, recovery advocacy opportunities, and resource directories and community event information.

Household Life: Encourage informal social activities like group meals or celebrations. Residents should contribute to house maintenance, share expenses, and participate in household decision-making (maintaining a “functionally equivalent family” environment).

Parking Policies: Establish and document parking rules for residents.

Naloxone Availability: Keep at least two doses of unexpired Naloxone (Narcan) on-site and ensure residents know how to locate and use it.

VSL Offers MASH Certification Support at No Cost

VSL Chartered Operators receive hands-on support, document templates, and pre-inspection checklists to make certification smooth and stress-free. Contact VSL for assistance today.

While our team offers hands-on support where needed, success ultimately depends on the operator’s initiative and commitment.

Step 4: Complete the MASH Certification Application

The next step in the certification process is completing and submitting the MASH Certification Application. This application collects important information about your home, your organization, and your commitment to meeting MASH standards.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

Your business entity name (or the name of your nonprofit), type, and founding date
Primary contact details (name, phone, and email)
Home name and address
Number of beds in the home
Mentor’s name (if applicable)
Monthly or weekly resident fees
Gender(s) served
Website and public contact information (for MASH Directory listing)

You will also need to certify and initial that you:

Follow all MASH standards and the MASH Code of Ethics
Maintain general liability insurance
Allow open admissions from multiple referral sources
Operate in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws

An electronic signature is required at the end of the application to certify your agreement to all standards and policies.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Required Documents

After completing your application, the next step is to prepare and submit a set of required documents to MASH. These documents demonstrate that your sober home meets the operational, safety, and governance standards necessary for certification. Here’s what you’ll need:

Completed MASH Certification Application: Discussed in Step 4 (above) with operator signature.
Proof of Insurance: Certificate of liability or policy declaration page showing the sober home’s address and coverage dates.
1. Learn more: Managing Insurance for Your Sober House: A Guide for Operators
Municipal Lien Certificate: Obtained from your local tax assessor’s office, confirming no outstanding taxes or liens.
Letter of Recommendation: From a community member, neighbor, nonprofit, or another MASH-certified sober home.
Resident Financial Agreement: Detailing resident expectations, responsibilities, and house rules, and must include rental/payment agreement, including rent amounts, payment terms, refund policies, etc.
House Rules: Covering curfews, guest policies, chores, prohibited items, etc.
House Policies and Procedures: Your internal policies covering property searches, relapse protocols, medication storage, and drug screen procedures.
Code of Ethics: Signed by operators and peer leaders, aligned with MASH standards.
Mission and Vision Statement: Stating the purpose and values of the sober home.
Grievance Policy and Procedure: Outlining the process for handling resident complaints and notifying residents of their right to contact MASH.
Manager or Mentor Job Description: Signed, detailing the responsibilities and expectations of the house manager.
Emergency Procedures: Including the house address, staff contacts, evacuation plans, and Narcan location.
Declaration of Non-Discrimination: Affirming compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Owner Permission Letter: If you rent the property, a signed letter or lease agreement authorizing sober home operations.
Resident Rights Document: Listing residents’ rights while living at the home.
MASH Standard 3.0 Compliance Document: Covering confidentiality, finances, infectious disease policies, neighbor communications, work policies, and safety standards; provided by MASH)

Need help with your MASH certification documents?

VSL Chartered Operators gain access to a full library of proven templates, policies, forms, and supporting documents — resources that have helped our members successfully and easily obtain MASH certification. Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator.

Step 6: Sober House Inspection by RHC

Once all of your required documents have been submitted and accepted by MASH, the next step is scheduling your on-site home inspection.

🔔 Important: MASH will not schedule an inspection until all documents have been received, reviewed, and approved. Make sure your paperwork is complete and organized to avoid delays.

What to Expect During the Sober House Inspection

Assignment of an Inspector: MASH typically assigns a third-party subcontractor to conduct inspections. Most inspectors are affiliated with Recovery Homes Collaborative (RHC), a professional network experienced in evaluating recovery residences.
Full Property Access: Inspectors will need to access all areas of the home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, common areas, kitchens, basements, and any storage areas. Ensure the entire property is accessible, clean, and ready for review.
Bedroom Measurements: Inspectors will measure bedroom sizes to confirm compliance with minimum occupancy standards. This ensures that bedrooms meet health and safety regulations.
Safety Compliance Checks:
- Functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Properly placed and operational fire extinguishers
- Clear and posted emergency evacuation plans
- Naloxone (Narcan) availability
- General property safety, cleanliness, and readiness
Verification of Policies and Procedures: Inspectors may also ask questions about your operational practices, peer support systems, resident orientation procedures, and emergency protocols to ensure your practices match your written policies.

Helpful Tips to Prepare for Inspection

Walk through your entire home ahead of time using the MASH On-Site Review Checklist.
Test all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
Label and clearly post all emergency evacuation information.
Ensure bedrooms are clearly defined, furnished, and not over-occupied.
Prepare to demonstrate that all areas of your home meet safety and operational standards.

Need support preparing for your inspection?

VSL Chartered Operators receive mock inspection templates, pre-inspection checklists, and coaching to ensure they’re fully prepared. Reach out to VSL for help today.

Step 7: Receive Certification Invoice and Pay Certification Fee

After a successful inspection, MASH will send you a certification invoice. As of July 1, 2024, the total certification fee is $425 ($375 for certification + $50 for the inspection). For updated information, please check with MASH directly. Payment of the MASH Certification Fee is required prior to your initial certification.

Why Certification Matters — and How VSL Helps

MASH certification is crucial for operating a reputable and successful sober house in Massachusetts. It opens the door to state agency referrals, builds your credibility in the recovery community, and ensures you provide residents with a safe, supportive living environment.

At Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL), our Chartered Operators receive extensive support to make certification and compliance easier, including:

Templates for policies and resident agreements
Pre-inspection readiness checklists
Ongoing compliance coaching
Hands-on support throughout the certification process

Interested in becoming a VSL Chartered Operator? Learn more about joining us here.

Certifying your sober house through MASH is a critical step toward offering a safe, structured, and recovery-focused home for individuals rebuilding their lives. By following this process carefully and staying proactive, you’ll lay the foundation for a sober home that truly supports lasting recovery.