Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about South House, our admissions process, daily life, and what to expect during your stay.
Sober Living Admissions and Requirements
The admissions process begins with a phone call to discuss your situation and determine if South House is the right fit. We'll ask about your recovery history, sobriety date, treatment background, and goals. If it's a good match, we'll schedule a tour, review the house agreement, and discuss move-in details including the reservation fee.
Yes, 100% sobriety is required at South House. We require residents to have an established sobriety date before moving in. We also ask about recent drug use and whether you're in active withdrawal, as we may recommend completing detox first for your safety.
Yes, there is a $1,500 reservation fee to secure your bed. This fee is applied toward your first month's residency when you move in on the agreed date. If you need to cancel, you may receive a 50% refund if you provide at least 14 days notice before your move-in date.
There is no maximum length of stay at South House. Many residents stay for 6-12 months, though some stay longer. We believe recovery takes time, and we're here to support you for as long as you need.
South House is a self-pay sober living home. We do not accept insurance directly. Residents are responsible for any fees associated with outside agencies such as counseling centers or medical services.
Life at South House: Curfews & Daily Schedule
South House requires 20 hours per week of recovery activities. These may include 12-step meetings (AA, NA), one-on-one therapy, step work with a sponsor, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or aftercare programs. We also encourage 20 hours per week of life skill activities like exercise, volunteer work, paid employment, church/spiritual practices, yoga, or vocational counseling.
Curfew is 10:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday for all residents.
Absolutely! We encourage residents to maintain employment, pursue education, or attend outpatient treatment. Having purpose and structure supports long-term recovery and counts toward your life skill activity hours.
No overnight stays are allowed for the first 30 days of living in the house. After the first 30 days, overnights must be approved in advance.
Smoking is not allowed inside the house at any time. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
Sober Living House Rules & Guest Policies
Key rules include: 100% sobriety (routine testing), completing 20 hours/week of recovery activities, following curfew (10:30pm weekdays, 11:30pm weekends), participating in weekly cleaning duties, respecting common areas, no smoking indoors, and no violence or harassment. Full house rules are reviewed and initialed during the intake process.
Visitors are allowed only during designated visitor or family times. Male visitors are not allowed on the premises unless previously approved by staff. This policy helps maintain a safe, recovery-focused environment.
Intoxication of any kind is grounds for dismissal from South House, and residents waive their right to a refund. If a resident tests positive for alcohol (over .08) or any mind-altering substances, they will not be allowed to drive off the premises. Our priority is safety for all residents.
Properly prescribed medications, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), are permitted. All medications must be in their original pharmacy containers, not expired, accurately listed on your intake form, and kept in a locked container. Residents are responsible for self-administering their own medications as prescribed.
Amenities & Living
South House features private and shared bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living areas, laundry facilities, outdoor spaces including a backyard, and WiFi. We provide cooking supplies as well as household and cleaning supplies.
Each resident is responsible for their own meals. You'll be assigned storage space in the refrigerator and pantry. The kitchen is a common area, and we expect all residents to maintain cleanliness and respect shared spaces.
Yes, the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and backyard are common areas maintained by all residents. A weekly cleaning schedule is established with tasks assigned to each person. Rules of common courtesy, respect, cleanliness, and cooperation apply.
Recovery Support Services & 12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings count toward your required 20 hours per week of recovery activities. We strongly encourage AA, NA, or similar recovery programs. During intake, we ask for your sponsor's name and contact information if you have one, and our house manager can help you find local meetings and establish these connections.
South House has a house manager who provides support and ensures the home runs smoothly. While we're not a treatment facility with 24/7 clinical staff, we maintain a supportive environment. The management team assists each resident with finding and establishing contacts for recovery activities, therapy, and life skill activities.
South House is a sober living home, not a treatment center. We encourage residents to continue with outpatient therapy, counseling, or IOP programs as part of their recovery plan. These count toward your recovery activity hours. Any fees for outside services are the resident's responsibility.
Sober Living Costs, Rent, & Location Details
Rent is due 7 days prior to the renewal of the following month. There is a late fee of $25 per day after the due date
Bring personal clothing, toiletries, any prescribed medications in their original containers, and personal items that support your recovery. We provide bedding, cooking supplies, and household items. Staff may check belongings for drugs, alcohol, or weapons upon move-in.
Upon leaving, you'll inform staff and someone will observe as you pack. Personal property can only be retrieved during office hours from the house manager. If belongings are not picked up within three days, South House will dispose of the property.
