Do I need a license to open a sober living home in New York?
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No. New York does not license sober living homes. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) offers voluntary certification under 14 NYCRR Part 860, and only a certified residence may call itself a Certified Recovery Residence. Local zoning and housing codes apply either way.
How do I get OASAS certification for a recovery residence?
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Email the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) with the subject line "Certified Recovery Residences" to request the application materials. Written applications go to the OASAS Bureau of Certification and your Regional Office, and staff may visit the residence before certifying it. Initial certification lasts up to one year and can be renewed.
What does 14 NYCRR Part 860 require of a certified recovery residence?
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Part 860 requires approved policies on admission, termination, finances, incident management, rights and grievances, good-neighbor rules, and medication for addiction treatment; a residence manager who earns the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential within one year; criminal history reviews for staff with unsupervised resident contact; naloxone on site with staff and residents trained; adapted facility standards; incident reporting to OASAS; and appeal rights before an involuntary discharge.
Can a certified recovery residence in New York restrict medication for addiction treatment?
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No. Part 860 requires a policy on medication for addiction treatment that allows all legally prescribed forms of it, and residences must keep medications in lock boxes.
Can a New York town use zoning to keep a recovery residence out?
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The federal Fair Housing Act bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude group homes for people with disabilities, including people in recovery, but residences still follow neutral zoning and housing codes. Reports can go to the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
How do I list my recovery residence in this guide for free?
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Request a free listing. You choose what it shows, such as who the home serves and its certifications. The street address is shown only if you want it to be. Listing never requires ARKHE software.
How do I find a certified recovery residence or sober living home in New York?
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As of October 2026, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is still accepting applications and says it will announce the first Certified Recovery Residences as soon as they become available. Oxford House lists open beds in its self-run recovery homes, and the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) can refer you to treatment and support.
Is a recovery residence in New York a treatment program?
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No. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) describes certified recovery residences as voluntary, substance-free, home-like shared housing with peer support. Moving in is a personal choice, not a clinical placement, and admission does not require a clinical screening.
What are my rights in a certified recovery residence in New York?
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Residents have the right to dignity, privacy, and freedom from abuse and coercion, copies of their agreements and house policies, notice of fees before admission or payment, notice before rules change, and the right to complain to the residence or OASAS without retaliation. A residence cannot make you sign over benefits or charge fees beyond the written rent. There is no maximum length of stay, and an involuntary discharge comes with a right to appeal. OASAS Patient Advocacy is at 1-800-553-5790.
Where can I get help for drug or alcohol use in New York?
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Call the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369), any time. It is free and confidential and offers treatment referrals, family support, and crisis help. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) provider search lists treatment programs by county, and you can dial 211 for other local services.
How do I apply for Medicaid in New York?
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Apply through NY State of Health, the state's official health plan marketplace, online or at (855) 355-5777. Low-income adults can apply for Medicaid or the Essential Plan at any time of year.