How to Certify a Sober House with NYSARR (NARR) in New York

Your Complete Roadmap to NYSARR (NARR) Certification for Sober Living Homes in New York

If you’re operating or opening a sober house in New York, obtaining certification from the New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR) — the official New York affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) — is one of the best ways to build credibility, improve referrals, and demonstrate your commitment to quality. This complete guide explains exactly how to certify a sober house with NYSARR (NARR) in New York, fully optimized for sober living operators seeking nationally recognized recovery residence certification.

Why Certify with NYSARR?

While New York State does not require sober homes to be certified by law, NYSARR certification offers strong advantages:

Recognized national standards (NARR Standard 3.0)

Widely accepted by treatment providers, hospitals, courts, and probation departments

Increases referrals and professional credibility

Signals commitment to safe, ethical recovery housing practices

May strengthen funding applications with public or private grant makers

💡 Pro Tip: Certification with NYSARR demonstrates that your sober living home operates at the highest standard recognized across the country for recovery residences.

What is NYSARR (NARR) Certification?

The New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR) is a nonprofit organization authorized by NARR to implement NARR’s national recovery residence standards within New York.

NARR certification applies to non-clinical sober living homes focused on:

Providing safe, substance-free housing

Supporting peer-driven recovery

Offering structure and accountability

Promoting resident empowerment and long-term recovery stability

Unlike clinical treatment programs, NARR-certified recovery residences do not offer clinical services onsite but may support residents in accessing treatment externally.

NYSARR Certification Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Join NYSARR as a Member

Before applying for certification, your sober house must join NYSARR as a member:

Complete the online membership application on the NYSARR website.

Pay the annual membership fee (approximately $250/year).

Membership provides access to training, resources, and certification eligibility.

2. Submit Your Certification Application

Once you’re a NYSARR member, complete the Voluntary Certification Application, which includes:

Basic information about your sober house (address, number of beds, legal entity, etc.)

Designation of your home’s “Level of Support” (Levels 1-4)

Agreement to comply with NARR’s Code of Ethics and Standards

Upload required supporting documentation (see below)

Pay the certification application fee (approximately $300)

✅ Bonus Tip: Some applicants submit both membership and certification together as a package at a slight discount.

3. Prepare Required Documentation

You must submit written documentation demonstrating that your sober home complies with NARR standards, including:

House rules and resident handbook

Admission and discharge policies

Drug and alcohol testing protocols

Relapse response plans

Emergency and fire safety procedures

Grievance and complaint resolution procedures

Proof of property and liability insurance

Staffing roles, job descriptions, and training policies (for Levels 2-3)

Safety and sanitation checklists

Good neighbor policy (outlining community relations practices)

Sample intake forms, resident agreements, and consent forms

Documentation of peer support programs (e.g., house meetings, recovery activities)

🔔 Important: NYSARR may request additional documents or clarifications during their review.

4. Undergo Document Review

NYSARR will conduct a thorough document review to ensure your sober house meets NARR’s operational, administrative, safety, and peer support standards. If deficiencies are identified, you’ll have an opportunity to correct and resubmit materials before moving forward.

5. Schedule an On-Site Inspection (Site Visit)

Once your paperwork is approved, NYSARR will schedule an on-site inspection:

Trained NYSARR inspectors tour the entire facility.

Inspect bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and fire safety equipment.

Review resident files and operational logs (house meetings, chores, drug tests, etc.).

Interview staff and potentially residents to confirm practices match policies.

Ensure facility safety, cleanliness, occupancy compliance, and recovery-oriented environment.

🎯 Bonus Tip: The site visit is collaborative; minor deficiencies may be addressed on the spot or through follow-up corrections.

6. Receive Certification Decision

Following the site visit, NYSARR may issue:

Full Certification Approval: No or minimal findings, certification granted (typically valid for 1 year).

Conditional Approval: Minor deficiencies identified that must be corrected within a defined timeframe.

Deferred Approval: Significant issues identified; certification postponed pending corrective action.

🔔 Important: Certification decisions are based on full compliance with NARR Standard 3.0.

7. Maintain Certification and Compliance

Once certified, you must maintain ongoing compliance, including:

Adhering to all NARR standards

Reporting any significant changes (ownership, management, services)

Participating in periodic re-inspections or spot checks

Renewing certification annually (renewal applications typically simpler than initial certification)

📌 Point to Note: If complaints or concerns are raised, NYSARR reserves the right to conduct investigations and may suspend or revoke certification if standards are not maintained.

NARR Levels of Support Explained

NYSARR certifies recovery residences based on their level of structure and services:

Level	Description
Level 1	Peer-run sober living (Oxford House-style, democratically run homes)
Level 2	Monitored sober homes with live-in house manager (most common model)
Level 3	Supervised homes offering onsite recovery supports with trained staff
Level 4	Clinically managed residences providing treatment services (usually licensed separately)

Most non-clinical sober homes in New York apply for Level 1 or Level 2 certification.

Interested in learning more? Read our article on Understanding the NARR Levels of Care.

NYSARR Certification vs. OASAS Certification: What’s the Difference?

Many high-quality operators in New York pursue both certifications to maximize funding, credibility, and referral opportunities.


Feature	NYSARR Certification	OASAS Certification
Administered By	NYSARR (private nonprofit)	NY State Government (OASAS)
Based On	NARR National Standards 3.0	NYCRR Part 860 State Standards
Legally Required?	No	No
Recognized Nationally?	Yes (NARR network)	Limited to New York
Common Use	Private referrals, provider recognition	State funding and public contracts

The Value of NYSARR Certification for Recovery Residences

Certifying your sober house with NYSARR (NARR) in New York offers:

Alignment with nationally recognized recovery housing standards

Professional credibility with treatment providers and referral networks

Access to NARR training, resources, and professional community

Enhanced safety, structure, and quality for residents

A clear distinction from unregulated or low-quality sober homes

💡 Pro Tip: As the New York recovery housing landscape evolves, NYSARR certification positions your sober living home for growth, sustainability, and trust in the recovery community.