The short answer
A halfway house in Texas usually means a residential reentry facility for people leaving prison, often under contract with the state or federal system, where living there is part of the terms of release. A sober living home is a private residence where people in recovery choose to live together under house rules, pay rent, and support each other's sobriety.
| Halfway house | Sober living home | |
|---|---|---|
| Who places you | Usually a corrections agency or court | You choose it (sometimes a court or probation officer recommends it) |
| Main purpose | Reentry supervision after incarceration | Recovery: a sober, structured place to rebuild |
| Who pays | Often the contracting agency, sometimes with resident fees | Residents pay rent from wages, benefits or family help |
| Rules | Set by the agency; violations can affect your release | Set by the house: sobriety, curfew, chores, meetings, testing |
| How long | Usually a set period | Usually as long as you follow the rules and pay rent |
Can you live in sober living while on probation or parole?
Often, yes. Many men move into sober living while on probation or parole, and some officers see a structured sober home as a strong plan. Check your conditions and talk to your officer first. A good house will ask about your conditions, review your situation individually, and, with your signed release, keep your officer informed.
Licensing and certification in Texas
Texas doesn't require sober living homes to hold a state license the way treatment centers do. Some homes choose voluntary certification through the Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Certification means the home was reviewed against published standards. Ask any home you're considering about its standards, even if it isn't certified yet.
Which is right for you?
If your release terms require a specific reentry facility, that decision is made for you. If you're choosing where to live while you build your recovery, a structured sober living home gives you freedom to work and rebuild, with rules and people who keep you honest.
Merit is a sober living home for men. We work with officers and courts and review every application individually. See how referrals work or apply here.
Published September 30, 2026 by Merit Sober Living. This guide is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.