Sober Living Resident Agreement Template [Free Download 2026]

A well-crafted sober living resident agreement is the foundation of a successful recovery residence. This legally binding document protects both operators and residents by clearly establishing expectations, responsibilities, and procedures from day one.

Whether you’re opening a new sober living home or updating your existing documentation, this comprehensive template will help you create a professional, compliant resident agreement that meets NARR standards and protects your organization.

Sober Living Rental Agreement vs Resident Agreement

If you’ve searched for a “sober living contract template,” “sober living rental agreement,” or “sober living rental contract,” you’ve likely noticed these terms used interchangeably across the industry. In practice, they all refer to the same core document: a written agreement between a recovery residence operator and a resident that outlines the terms of stay, financial obligations, house rules, and program expectations.

The term resident agreement is most common among NARR-certified homes and recovery housing associations because it reflects the supportive, program-oriented nature of sober living. Rental agreement and rental contract are more familiar to people coming from a traditional landlord-tenant background. Regardless of the label, the content matters far more than the title. The template below works whether you call it a sober living contract, rental agreement, or resident agreement — just customize the header to match your organization’s preferred terminology.

Why You Need a Written Resident Agreement

Operating a sober living home without a formal written agreement exposes you to significant legal and operational risks. Here’s why a comprehensive resident agreement is essential:

Legal Protection

A signed resident agreement provides documentation that residents understood and consented to your policies. This becomes critical if disputes arise over discharge decisions, rent collection, or behavioral expectations. Without written agreements, he-said-she-said situations become nearly impossible to resolve fairly.

Clear Expectations

Residents entering recovery often come from chaotic living situations. A detailed agreement provides the structure and clarity they need to succeed. When expectations are documented, there’s no confusion about what’s required for program participation.

Reduced Disputes

Most conflicts in sober living homes stem from misunderstandings about rules, fees, or procedures. A comprehensive agreement addresses common points of contention before they become problems, saving you time and protecting your recovery community.

NARR Certification Requirements

If you’re pursuing NARR certification, documented resident agreements are required. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences expects certified homes to have formal intake procedures that include signed agreements covering house rules, financial obligations, and resident rights.

Insurance and Liability

Your liability insurance may require documented policies and signed agreements. In the event of a claim, having proper documentation demonstrates you operated professionally and obtained appropriate consent.

Key Sections of a Sober Living Agreement

The following sections should be included in every sober living resident agreement. We’ll cover each in detail, then provide the complete template text you can customize for your facility.

1. Basic Information

The header of your agreement should capture essential identifying information:

• Facility name and address - Your legal business name and the specific property address
• Resident full legal name - As it appears on their government ID
• Date of birth - For verification purposes
• Move-in date - When residency officially begins
• Room/bed assignment - Specific location within the facility
• Emergency contact information - At least two contacts with phone numbers and relationship
• Primary care physician - Name and contact for medical emergencies

2. Financial Terms

Clear financial terms prevent the majority of disputes between operators and residents. This section should specify:

Rent and Fees

• Weekly or monthly rent amount
• Payment due date (e.g., every Monday, 1st of month)
• Accepted payment methods
• Where/how to submit payment

Security Deposit

• Amount required
• Conditions for refund
• Timeline for return after move-out
• Deductions that may apply

Late Fees and Penalties

• Grace period (if any)
• Late fee amount or percentage
• Consequences of continued non-payment

Additional Fees

• Drug testing fees (if applicable)
• Lost key replacement
• Cleaning fees
• Program fees

3. House Rules Summary

While you may have a separate comprehensive house rules document, your resident agreement should summarize key behavioral expectations:

• Sobriety requirement - Zero tolerance for alcohol and illicit substances
• Curfew - Times residents must be on premises
• Guest policy - When visitors are permitted, registration requirements
• Quiet hours - Times when noise must be minimized
• Chore responsibilities - Participation in house maintenance
• Meeting attendance - Required recovery meeting participation
• Employment/program participation - Work or school requirements
• Common area usage - Kitchen, living room, bathroom guidelines

Reference your full house rules document and require residents to acknowledge they’ve received and read it.

4. Drug and Alcohol Testing

Testing policies must be clearly documented to be enforceable:

Testing Procedures

• Types of tests used (urine, breathalyzer, saliva)
• Frequency of testing (random, scheduled, for-cause)
• Who administers tests
• Privacy provisions during testing

Consequences

• First positive test response
• Subsequent positive test consequences
• Refusal to test policy
• Diluted/invalid sample handling

MAT Accommodation

• Policy on Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Required documentation from prescriber
• How MAT medications are verified
• Best practices for MAT patients

5. Discharge Policies

Clear discharge procedures protect both parties and ensure fair treatment:

Voluntary Discharge

• Required notice period
• Move-out inspection process
• Security deposit return timeline
• Property removal procedures

Involuntary Discharge

• Grounds for immediate discharge
• Grounds for discharge with notice
• Appeal or grievance procedures
• Personal property handling after discharge

Relapse Response

• Distinction between discharge and treatment referral
• Re-admission policies
• Support resources provided

6. Confidentiality

Residents in recovery have significant privacy concerns. Your agreement should address:

• What information is collected and stored
• Who has access to resident information
• When information may be shared (emergencies, court orders)
• HIPAA applicability and limitations
• Photo and recording policies
• Reference and verification policies for future housing/employment

7. Liability and Insurance

Protect your organization while informing residents of their responsibilities:

Personal Property

• Facility liability limitations
• Recommendation for renter’s insurance
• Prohibited items and search policies
• Storage of valuables

Personal Conduct

• Resident responsibility for own actions
• Liability for damage to facility or others’ property
• Vehicle and transportation policies

Medical and Health

• Emergency response procedures
• Medication storage and administration policies
• Facility limitations on medical care

8. Additional Provisions

Include sections addressing:

• Grievance procedures - How to file complaints
• Non-discrimination policy - Protected classes and equal treatment
• Good neighbor expectations - Community relations requirements
• Probationary period - Enhanced restrictions for new residents
• Emergency procedures - Evacuation plans, lockdown provisions
• Program amendments - How policies may be updated

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Complete Sober Living Contract Template

Below is a copy-ready sober living resident agreement template. Replace all bracketed items with your facility’s information before use.

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SOBER LIVING RESIDENT AGREEMENT

[Facility Name] [Facility Address] [City, State, ZIP] Phone: [Phone Number] | Email: [Email Address]

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Resident Name: ______________________________ Date of Birth: ______________________________ Move-In Date: ______________________________ Room/Bed Assignment: ______________________________ Emergency Contact 1: ______________________________ Phone: ______________ Emergency Contact 2: ______________________________ Phone: ______________

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Section 1: Financial Terms

The Resident agrees to pay $[Amount] per [week/month] in rent, due on [day of week / day of month]. A security deposit of $[Amount] is required at move-in and is refundable within [number] days of move-out, less any deductions for damages or unpaid balances.

Late fees: A fee of $[Amount] will be charged for payments received more than [number] days after the due date. Failure to pay rent for [number] consecutive days/weeks may result in discharge from the program.

Accepted payment methods: [Cash, check, money order, Venmo, Zelle, etc.]

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Section 2: House Rules and Expectations

The Resident agrees to abide by all house rules, including but not limited to:

• Sobriety: Absolute zero tolerance for alcohol and illicit drug use on or off premises.
• Curfew: Residents must be on premises by [time] Sunday through Thursday and [time] Friday and Saturday, unless prior arrangements have been approved.
• Guests: Visitors are permitted between [time] and [time] only. All visitors must be registered with staff. Overnight guests are [permitted/not permitted].
• Quiet hours: From [time] to [time] daily.
• Chores: Residents must complete assigned chores as scheduled. Failure to do so may result in a fee of $[Amount] or other consequences.
• Recovery meetings: Residents must attend a minimum of [number] recovery meetings per week and provide verification.
• Employment/program: Residents must maintain employment, attend school, or participate in an approved program within [number] days of admission.

The Resident acknowledges receipt of the full House Rules document, which is incorporated by reference into this agreement.

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Section 3: Drug and Alcohol Testing

The Resident consents to random and for-cause drug and alcohol testing during their stay. Testing may include urine screens, breathalyzer tests, or saliva tests.

• First positive result: [Clinical assessment and potential increased testing / immediate discharge — choose your policy]
• Second positive result: [Discharge with referral to treatment resources]
• Refusal to test: Will be treated as a positive result.
• Diluted or invalid samples: Will require an immediate retest.

Residents receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) must provide documentation from their prescribing provider. Verified MAT medications will not be counted as positive test results.

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Section 4: Discharge Policies

Voluntary discharge: Residents must provide [number] days written notice before moving out. A move-out inspection will be conducted and the security deposit will be returned within [number] days, less any deductions.

Involuntary discharge — immediate: The following violations will result in immediate discharge with no prior warning:

• Use or possession of alcohol or illicit drugs on premises
• Violence, threats of violence, or intimidation
• Possession of weapons
• Theft or destruction of property
• Sexual misconduct

Involuntary discharge — with notice: The following may result in discharge with [number] days notice:

• Repeated house rule violations
• Non-payment of rent
• Failure to participate in required programming
• Disruptive or disrespectful behavior

The Resident may request a grievance review within [number] hours of a discharge decision by contacting [name/title] in writing.

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Section 5: Confidentiality

[Facility Name] will maintain the confidentiality of all resident information in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy laws. Resident information will not be disclosed without written consent except as required by law, court order, or in a medical emergency.

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Section 6: Liability and Personal Property

[Facility Name] is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property. Residents are encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance. Residents are financially responsible for any damage they cause to the facility or to the property of other residents.

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Section 7: Acknowledgments

By signing below, the Resident acknowledges and agrees to the following:

• I have read and understand this Resident Agreement in its entirety.
• I have received and reviewed the House Rules document.
• I voluntarily agree to comply with all terms and conditions.
• I understand that violation of this agreement may result in discharge.
• I consent to drug and alcohol testing as described above.
• I understand that this agreement may be updated with [number] days written notice.

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Resident Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Printed Name: ______________________________

Staff Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Printed Name and Title: ______________________________

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This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Have an attorney licensed in your state review this document before use.

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State-Specific Considerations

While this template provides a solid foundation, different states have varying requirements for sober living agreements. Here are key considerations for major markets:

California

California has some of the most developed sober living regulations in the country. Consider adding:

• Compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections related to alcoholism or drug abuse recovery facilities
• Reference to California Fair Employment and Housing Act protections
• Specific language regarding AB 3064 (Sober Living Home Operators) if certified
• Los Angeles or other municipal ordinances if applicable

Florida

Florida’s regulations through DCF (Department of Children and Families) may require:

• Reference to Florida Statutes Chapter 397 (if licensed)
• Specific language regarding Florida’s Patient Brokering Act prohibitions
• FARR (Florida Association of Recovery Residences) certification references if applicable
• Hurricane/emergency evacuation procedures

Texas

Texas considerations include:

• Reference to TARR (Texas Association of Recovery Residences) standards if certified
• Compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code
• Specific language regarding tenant rights under Texas Property Code Chapter 92
• Local ordinance compliance (Austin, Houston, Dallas may vary)

Other States

For any state, verify:

• Landlord-tenant law requirements for your specific arrangement
• State recovery residence certification requirements
• Local zoning and occupancy rules
• State-specific non-discrimination protected classes

How to Use This Template

Step 1: Customize for Your Facility

Replace all bracketed information with your specific details. Ensure amounts, timeframes, and policies reflect your actual operations. Remove any sections that don’t apply to your program and add any facility-specific provisions.

Step 2: Legal Review

Before using any resident agreement, have it reviewed by an attorney licensed in your state who understands both landlord-tenant law and recovery housing regulations. This investment protects you from costly legal issues down the road.

Step 3: Staff Training

Train all staff members on the agreement contents. Staff should be able to explain each section to incoming residents and answer questions. Consistency in how the agreement is presented builds trust and reduces confusion.

Step 4: Implementation

Use your admissions process to present the agreement:

1. Provide the agreement in advance when possible
2. Review key sections with the resident
3. Allow time for questions
4. Obtain signatures in a calm, unhurried environment
5. Provide the resident with a signed copy
6. Store the original securely

Step 5: Ongoing Management

Keep copies of signed agreements in secure resident files. Use sober living management software to track agreement dates, renewals, and amendments. Review and update your template at least annually.

Download Options

To receive a customizable Word document version of this template, including additional resources like house rules and good neighbor agreement templates:

Request Free Template Package - Enter your email and we’ll send the complete template package in Word and PDF formats.

Our Sober Living App also includes built-in agreement templates that automatically populate with resident information, generate digital signatures, and store completed agreements securely.

Related Templates and Resources

Building a complete documentation system for your sober living home requires more than just a resident agreement. Consider developing these additional documents:

• House Rules Template - Detailed behavioral expectations
• Good Neighbor Agreement - Community relations policy
• Grievance Policy - Formal complaint procedures
• Emergency Procedures - Evacuation and crisis response plans
• Medication Policy - Storage and administration guidelines
• Compliance Documentation - Regulatory requirement tracking

Get Help Managing Your Sober Living Home

Creating and managing resident agreements is just one part of running a successful recovery residence. Sober Living App provides a complete management solution that handles:

• Digital intake and agreements - Paperless onboarding with e-signatures
• Rent collection and billing - Automated invoicing and payment tracking
• Resident management - Progress tracking and case notes
• Drug testing documentation - Test scheduling and result recording
• Staff management - Scheduling, permissions, and communication

Start your free trial and see how Sober Living App can streamline your operations while keeping you compliant and organized.