Do I need a license to open a sober living home in Texas?
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No. Texas has no license for recovery houses. Accreditation under Health and Safety Code Chapter 469 is voluntary, but since September 1, 2025, a recovery house that isn't accredited may not receive state money. Local zoning rules apply either way.
Who accredits recovery houses in Texas?
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) may approve only the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) or Oxford House, Inc. as accrediting organizations. NARR's Texas affiliate, the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN), certifies recovery housing to NARR Standard 3.0.
How much does TROHN certification cost?
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The Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) lists certification at $1,000 plus $15 per bed. That covers the online application, document review against the NARR standard, a virtual interview, and an onsite review of all properties.
How do I get a recovery house accredited in Texas?
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For NARR certification through the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN), complete the Recovery Housing Administrator Curriculum, submit the online application and self-assessment, and pass the document review, an interview, and an onsite review. The home must be at least 50% occupied for at least 60 days.
What are the rules for accredited recovery houses in Texas?
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Chapter 469 bars personal care services, requires a trained responsible party (except in Oxford Houses) and notice to the accreditor within 30 business days of a change, and bans paying or accepting payment for patient referrals and false or misleading advertising. An accreditor can suspend accreditation for up to six months during an audit, then require corrective action or revoke it.
Can a Texas city 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 Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division within one year, or to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but not both.
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 accreditation. The street address is shown only if you want it to be. Listing never requires ARKHE software.
What's the difference between a recovery house and a treatment facility in Texas?
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Texas law defines a recovery house as a shared, peer-centered living environment free from alcohol and drug use that connects residents to recovery supports. Accredited recovery houses may not provide personal care services, and licensed chemical dependency treatment facilities can't be accredited as recovery houses.
How do I find a certified recovery house or sober living home in Texas?
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Search the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) directory by city or county. For Oxford Houses, search Oxford House Vacancies. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recovery residence page also lists Project HOMES for homes that support medication for opioid use disorder, and an email for asking about state-funded options.
Where can I get help finding substance use treatment in Texas?
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Call the Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) program for your region any time for confidential help, or dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905. You can apply for Medicaid and other benefits through Your Texas Benefits.
How can I tell if a Texas recovery house is really accredited?
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Texas law bars a recovery house from claiming accreditation it doesn't have. Check the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) directory, or ask Oxford House, Inc. about an Oxford House.
What should I ask a Texas 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, who the responsible party is, how to file a grievance, and whether the house is accredited through the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) or Oxford House.