Do I need a license to open a sober living home in South Carolina?
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No. South Carolina has no recovery house license, and uncertified homes may operate. Under Act 160 of 2024, though, state agencies, their contracted substance use vendors, courts, and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services can't place people in uncertified housing (since November 20, 2025). Certification comes from the South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR), the certifier approved by the state. Local zoning rules apply either way.
How much does SCARR certification cost?
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The South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) lists a $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $200 certification fee plus $5 per bed over 10 beds. The certification fee is due before SCARR issues the Certificate of Compliance.
How do I get a recovery house certified in South Carolina?
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Review the South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) pre-certification requirements, apply online, and send the documents SCARR asks for. SCARR checks them against its standards and National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) Standards 3.0, visits the house to interview management, staff, and residents, and issues a Certificate of Compliance after fees and training are complete.
What standards do certified recovery houses in South Carolina follow?
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S.C. Code 44-49-330(C) bases them on national models, including the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and Oxford House. They cover ethics and financial honesty, no alcohol or drugs, a peer role in staffing and governance, access to all evidence-based treatment including medication for addiction treatment, resident rights, and help with employment and relocation.
What happens if a South Carolina house says it's certified when it isn't?
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Act 160 of 2024 sets a penalty of $100 to $500 per occurrence for falsely claiming certification.
Can a South Carolina town use zoning to keep a recovery house out?
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The federal Fair Housing Act bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude homes for people with disabilities, but houses still follow neutral local rules. Complaints can go to the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission within 180 days, or to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year.
How do I list my recovery house 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 house or sober living home in South Carolina?
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Search the South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) certified listings by ZIP code, or filter by medication for addiction treatment and populations served. SCARR is the certifier approved by the state. For Oxford Houses, search Oxford House Vacancies.
Can a court or probation officer in South Carolina send me to an uncertified sober living home?
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No. Since November 20, 2025, courts and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services may not make uncertified recovery housing a condition of sentence, bond, probation, or parole, and state agencies and their contracted substance use vendors may not refer people to it.
How do I find an Oxford House in South Carolina?
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Oxford House Vacancies lists open beds in Oxford Houses, which are self-run, self-supported recovery homes. You can filter by state and apply online. The state's Office of Substance Use Services points to the same site.
Where can I get help finding services in South Carolina?
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SC 211 is free, confidential, and open 24/7: dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 211-211. You can apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid online through the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
What should I ask a South Carolina recovery house before moving in?
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Ask about costs and what they include, house rules, whether medication for addiction treatment is allowed, how residents take part in running the house, how to file a grievance, and whether the house is certified by the South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR).
What can I do about housing discrimination in South Carolina?
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Contact the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission at (803) 737-7800 within 180 days of the discriminatory act, or file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year.