New London Wants More Regulation on Sober Living in Connecticut

New London Wants More Regulation on Sober Living in Connecticut

New York City Proposes Licensing and Inspection Requirements for Sober Living Homes

NEW YORK CITY — In an effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis and protect individuals in recovery, New York City is considering a groundbreaking ordinance that would, for the first time, require sober living homes to be licensed and inspected annually.

The proposed legislation, now under review by the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, aims to bring the city’s estimated 35 sober houses under the same regulatory standards as hotels, rooming houses, and convalescent homes. If passed, the ordinance would require sober homes to submit to regular inspections by the fire marshal, building inspector, and health officials.

Addressing the Lack of Oversight in Sober Living Homes

According to Jeanne Milstein, Director of Human Services and one of the ordinance’s key authors, the current lack of oversight places vulnerable residents at risk. “We’ve been devastated by the opioid crisis,” said Milstein. “Sober homes are an important and integral part of recovery. But tragically, the world of sober houses is not all that transparent.”

Currently, sober homes in the city operate without defined oversight because they do not offer addiction treatment and therefore fall outside state regulatory jurisdiction. Residents of sober homes are considered disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act, making zoning and regulatory enforcement challenging.

A Local Response to a National Problem

Mayor Michael Passero expressed deep frustration with the lack of state action on the issue and believes the city is both legally justified and morally obligated to intervene. “Why aren’t people in sober homes getting the same protection as residents in boarding houses?” Passero asked. “We believe we have an obligation to people who are in good faith seeking out this service.”

The city’s emergency services have been overwhelmed by the crisis. In 2017, over 1,000 people in New York City died from drug overdoses, many in or near unregulated sober living homes. Officials cite cases of fatal overdoses, unsafe building conditions, and unscrupulous landlords as key motivators for the ordinance.

What the Proposed Ordinance Would Do

  • Define “sober house” in the city code

  • Require annual inspections for health, building, and fire safety

  • Mandate a licensing and application process

  • Enable the city to deny or revoke licenses for noncompliant landlords

The ordinance would create a formal channel for accountability while still respecting the civil rights of individuals in recovery.

Community Response and Public Engagement

City Councilwoman and Public Safety Committee Chair Alma Nartatez emphasized that the goal is not to restrict or limit sober living homes, but to ensure they are safe and sanitary. “The goal is to bring these operations out of the shadows,” said Nartatez. “We are not trying to prohibit anything. We’re trying to protect people.”

The city plans to hold a public hearing on April 23, giving residents, advocates, and landlords the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed law.

Protecting Recovery Through Accountability

The ordinance is part of a broader city effort to provide transparency and structure in a field that has long operated without regulation. While voluntary certification programs exist—such as those launched by nonprofits like Community Speaks Out—advocates argue that formal municipal oversight is long overdue.

Milstein cited alarming examples including:

  • Two overdose deaths in the same unregulated home

  • Three homes condemned for unsafe conditions

  • Sober homes with no safe exits in the event of a fire

These examples underscore why the ordinance is necessary to protect not only residents but also emergency responders.

“It’s completely irresponsible for the state to let them operate with absolutely no regulations,” said Passero. “The bodies are piling up.”

Finding Safe and Certified Sober Living

Choosing a sober living home is a critical step in recovery. While certification and appearance matter, it’s equally important to ask the right questions and dig deeper. Visit our Sober House Directory to explore homes that meet high standards of care and compliance.

Interested in Opening a Sober Living Home?

If you’re exploring how to open your own sober house, Vanderburgh Sober Living is here to help. We’re the first organization in the U.S. offering sober living charters, providing the structure, tools, and support to help you succeed.

Visit www.vanderburghhouse.com to get started. Recovery is a journey—take it one day at a time.

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