How to Certify a Sober Living Home or Recovery Housing Program in Arizona with AzRHA 

How to Certify a Sober Living Home or Recovery Housing Program in Arizona with AzRHA 

If you’re planning to open or already operate a recovery residence in Arizona, pursuing certification is one of the most valuable steps you can take to enhance your home’s reputation, expand referral opportunities, and demonstrate a commitment to quality. While certification is not required by law, it plays a vital role in elevating trust with referral sources, families, state agencies, and the wider recovery community.

This guide offers a practical, step-by-step overview of how to certify a sober living home in Arizona, with specific insight into the state’s only recognized certifying body, the Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA).

👉 For broader context, see our hub article: Sober Living in Arizona

Why Sober House Certification Matters in Arizona

Arizona is among the few states that require licensure for supervised sober living homes, but certification remains a separate, voluntary process administered by AzRHA. Becoming AzRHA certified offers key advantages:

  • Recognition by state agencies and treatment providers
  • Exemption from certain ADHS inspections
  • Inclusion in statewide directories used by families and referral sources
  • Proof of adherence to nationally recognized recovery housing standards in Arizona

💡 Tip: For operators seeking to build a reputable, sustainable program, certification is strongly recommended.

Who Certifies Sober Living Homes in Arizona?

The Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) is the exclusive certifying agency for recovery homes in Arizona and the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). AzRHA evaluates homes based on NARR’s four-level framework and ensures alignment with best practices in safety, ethics, and peer-supported recovery.

📌 Point To Note: AzRHA’s certification complements—but does not replace—the licensing requirement from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Homes must be licensed by ADHS to operate legally, but AzRHA certification is a quality seal recognized statewide.

How to Certify a Sober Living Home in Arizona: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility and Readiness of Your Sober House

Before you apply:

  • Your home must align with NARR’s definition of a recovery residence (abstinence-based, peer-supported, and non-clinical).
  • You should either have your ADHS sober living home license or be in the process of applying.
  • You must attend at least two AzRHA monthly membership meetings (held in Chandler or online).
  • Read AzRHA’s Quality and Operational Standards and the NARR Quality Standards to understand expectations.

Step 2: Apply for AzRHA Sober House Operator Membership

Certification is only available to members. To join:

  • Visit myazrha.org and complete the membership application.
  • Pay the annual membership fee of $400 per organization.
  • Once approved, you gain access to member resources, committees, and communication platforms.

Step 3: Prepare for the Recovery Housing Certification Inspection

After becoming a member:

  • Pay the inspection fee: $100 per house.
  • Request the Pre-Inspection Checklist by emailing [email protected].
  • Prepare required documentation, including:
    • House Rules and Residency Agreement
    • Policies on drug testing, relapse, visitors, medications, and emergencies
    • Good Neighbor Policy
    • Grievance procedure and resident rights
    • Proof of general liability insurance
    • Emergency contact postings and Narcan access
  • Conduct a self-audit using the AzRHA checklist to identify and fix any deficiencies before inspection.

Step 4: Submit Sober House Certification Materials

To begin the process:

  • Email [email protected] with:
    • Subject line: “Inspection Requested for [Your Organization Name]”
    • Payment confirmation
    • Documentation packet (policies, proof of insurance, ADHS license if available)

🔔 Important: AzRHA will review your documents for compliance before scheduling the on-site visit.

Step 5: Complete the On-Site Inspection of Your Recovery Home

An AzRHA inspector will visit your property to assess:

  • Cleanliness, safety equipment, and furnishings
  • Occupancy levels and space requirements
  • Resident knowledge of rules and support services
  • Compliance with policies and emergency procedures

🎯 Bonus Tip: The inspector may interview the house manager or residents and provide feedback on any issues to correct.

Step 6: Sober House Certification Approval and Dues

If your home meets all criteria:

  • AzRHA will issue your certification upon payment of annual bed dues (e.g., $10 per bed for Level I/II).
  • You will receive a digital and printed certificate, and your home will be added to AzRHA’s public directory.

📌 Remember: Certification is valid for one year, with annual renewal required.

Recovery Housing Certification Benefits: More Than a Seal of Approval

Becoming AzRHA-certified opens doors to:

  • Increased referrals from courts, treatment programs, hospitals, and peer networks
  • Eligibility for public or private grants, such as the Recovery Housing Program (RHP)
  • Insurance savings and potential access to government contracts
  • Community trust, helping families feel confident in your home’s safety and quality

👉 Learn more about the certifying body in our article: Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) Information

Tips for Success: Insights from the Field

✅ Start early: The full certification process can take up to 60 days.

✅ Document everything: Policies, procedures, emergency contact sheets, and training logs should be complete and well-organized.

✅ Attend meetings: AzRHA values active participation. Use the network to stay up to date and learn from peers.

✅ Avoid common mistakes: Missing documentation, poor safety protocols, or lack of resident engagement are frequent pitfalls.

Ready to Get Certified in Arizona?

Pursuing recovery home certification in Arizona through AzRHA can transform your program’s trajectory—boosting referrals, partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve an existing home, Vanderburgh Sober Living can help guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today to begin your certification journey with confidence.