Sober House Certification in New York: OASAS & NYSARR Recovery Homes Explained

Your Guide to Certifying a Sober House in New York

For operators, understanding how to certify a sober house in New York is a critical part of building trust, accessing funding, and receiving referrals. While New York historically had no formal licensing for non-clinical sober homes, the landscape is evolving quickly with the introduction of both state and national certification pathways. This guide explains exactly how sober house certification works in New York, including the two primary voluntary certification options: OASAS and NYSARR/NARR.

Do You Need Certification to Operate a Sober House in New York?

In New York, sober living homes that do not provide clinical treatment are not required by law to obtain certification. However, while certification is technically voluntary, it is rapidly becoming a practical necessity for operators who want:

Access to state and federal grant funding

Referrals from hospitals, courts, or treatment providers

Third-party verification of quality and safety

Competitive advantage in a crowded market

💡Tip: Certification demonstrates your commitment to resident safety, ethical operations, and compliance with recognized industry standards.

Two Paths to Certification in New York

There are currently two major certification options for sober living homes in New York:

OASAS Recovery Residence Certification
Administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

NYSARR Certification (affiliated with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences – NARR)

✅ Bonus Tip: Both certifications are voluntary and independent of each other. Many reputable sober homes choose to pursue both.

Option 1: OASAS Recovery Residence Certification

In 2024, OASAS launched New York’s first formal state certification program for non-clinical recovery residences. This program operates under 14 NYCRR Part 860, creating standards for sober homes that focus on peer support, not clinical treatment.

Key Features of OASAS Certification

Administered by New York State

Voluntary (not legally required)

Focus on non-clinical recovery residences

Required for access to certain state funding (e.g., opioid settlement grants)

What OASAS Certification Covers:

Facility safety and code compliance

Occupancy limits and sleeping arrangements

House rules and resident rights

Drug testing and relapse protocols

Staff qualifications and training (for house managers)

Policies on medication, emergencies, and grievances

Good neighbor relations and community engagement

Benefits of OASAS Certification:

Eligibility for OASAS funding programs

Listed in the public OASAS directory of certified recovery residences

Increased referrals from state agencies and treatment providers

Demonstrates compliance with state-recognized standards

How to Apply for OASAS Certification:

Form your business entity (LLC or nonprofit)

Secure your property and ensure code compliance

Prepare written policies and house rules that meet OASAS standards

Obtain required insurance coverages

Complete the OASAS application and submit documentation

Participate in an on-site inspection

Address any deficiencies and receive contingent or final certification

🔔 Important: Certified homes will be reviewed regularly and must maintain ongoing compliance with OASAS standards.

Option 2: NYSARR / NARR Certification

The New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR) is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), which provides nationally recognized standards for sober living homes.

Key Features of NYSARR Certification:

Administered by a private nonprofit organization

Voluntary (not legally required)

Based on NARR National Standards 3.0

Accepted by many treatment providers, courts, and insurance carriers

What NYSARR/NARR Certification Covers:

Facility health, safety, and habitability

Resident screening and intake policies

Peer support programs and recovery-focused culture

Staff roles, training, and oversight

Ethical operations and governance

Good neighbor policies

Levels of Support:

NYSARR certifies homes according to four levels of support, depending on the services offered:

Level 1: Peer-run sober houses (Oxford House style)

Level 2: Monitored sober living with house managers

Level 3: Supervised sober homes with recovery support services

Level 4: Clinically managed residences (typically require treatment licensing)

Benefits of NYSARR Certification:

Recognition under national NARR standards

Listing in the NYSARR public directory

Enhanced referrals from courts, hospitals, and providers

Strengthens grant applications for private and public funding

Demonstrates commitment to ethical, high-quality operations

How to Apply for NYSARR Certification:

Join NYSARR as a member ($250/year)

Submit your certification application with documentation

Pay certification fees (approximately $300)

Undergo document review and an on-site inspection

Address any deficiencies identified during the site visit

Receive certification if standards are met

📌 Point to Note: Certification is valid for 1 year initially, with renewals and periodic re-inspections required for ongoing compliance.

Which Certification Should You Pursue?

Both OASAS and NYSARR certifications offer distinct advantages:

Feature	OASAS Certification	NYSARR Certification
Administered By	NY State Government	Private Nonprofit (NYSARR/NARR)
Required By Law?	No	No
Required for State Funding?	Often Yes	Sometimes helpful
National Recognition?	Limited to NY State	Yes (NARR affiliate)
Primary Benefit	Access to public funding & state referrals	National standards & private referrals
Ideal For	Operators seeking state grants and formal state recognition	Operators wanting national credibility and provider referrals

Many operators in New York choose to pursue both certifications to maximize funding, referrals, and credibility.

Certification Will Strengthen Your Recovery Home

While sober house certification in New York remains voluntary, it is quickly becoming the industry standard. Certification demonstrates to residents, families, funders, and referral partners that your home operates with safety, integrity, and accountability. As New York continues to expand oversight of recovery housing, certified homes will likely have significant advantages in the years ahead.