N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-8.1
Cooperative sober living residences, requirements
Operative Text
5. The commissioner shall, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services, require cooperative sober living residences to: a. provide two operators who are certified as meeting qualifications, established by the commissioner, requisite to manage the operations of a cooperative sober living house, which include, but are not limited to, enforcing the rules of the cooperative sober living residence and assisting residents in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction in a manner to be determined by the commissioner and consistent with subsection c. of this section, one of whom shall be present on-site from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. when residents are present and at least one of whom shall reside in the residence and exercise some level of control over the operation of the residence and establishes the residence's rules; b. forbid possession or use of alcohol or illicit drugs within the residence and subject residents to random testing for alcohol and drug use; and c. encourage residents to: attend self-help programs that are centered on recovery from alcohol and drug addiction; participate in activities related to maintaining sobriety and continuing recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, including, but not limited to, on-site peer-led meetings; and receive off-site services deemed desirable or necessary to maintain sobriety. L.2025, c.60, s.5.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-8.1, New Jersey law sets out operational requirements for cooperative sober living residences, established by the Commissioner of Community Affairs in consultation with the Commissioners of Health and Human Services. These residences must maintain two certified operators—at least one of whom lives on-site and one of whom is present overnight when residents are there—and must prohibit alcohol and illicit drugs while conducting random testing. The law also directs residences to encourage participation in recovery-oriented activities, including self-help programs, peer-led meetings, and off-site support services.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of cooperative sober living residences in New Jersey should be familiar with the certification and staffing requirements set out in N.J.S.A. 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-8.1, which calls for two qualified operators—one residing on-site and one present overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. whenever residents are in the home. Compliant operators generally maintain and enforce written house rules prohibiting alcohol and illicit drug use, administer random testing programs, and actively support residents' access to recovery activities such as peer-led meetings and off-site services. Staying current with the qualifications and standards established by the Commissioner of Community Affairs is a key part of maintaining compliance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of cooperative sober living homes in New Jersey are protected by the operational standards established under N.J.S.A. 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-8.1, which requires that certified operators be present and accessible, including overnight coverage, and that the residence actively support recovery through meetings and off-site services. The law also sets clear rules around alcohol and drug prohibitions, meaning residents should be informed of testing policies as part of the residence's required practices. Residents who believe a cooperative sober living home is not meeting these standards may consider contacting the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs or a local tenant-rights or recovery-advocacy organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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