Regulating Sober Living can impact other uses too

[Karen Margrave]

Rep. Darrell Issa from CA is proposing regulations to curtail Sober Living homes. Proposed Regulations to Sober Living

I can understand both sides of this equation. I currently have my home in Redding rented out to a women's sober living home. It's basically women that have had some issues with substance abuse, and/or have been in abusive situation and have gone through treatment; are now involved in programs or counseling and are subleasing room space while they get back on their feet. 

Co housing or Shared Housing is becoming a growing niche in the market, especially in states like California where the cost of living is out of reach for many. It's also a popular way for seniors wanting to downsize, and be around people of their generation, but are not sick or incapable of living on their own, etc.; and of course the most well know, by students sharing homes. Co housing or Shared Housing can consist of homes in a planned neighborhood, apartments in a building, or rooms in a home. As you can see in the links below, it is a growing segment of the market.

QUESTION:  What do you think of regulations that would limit property owners ability to use their real estate for such uses? Would regulations affect you? 

Hubhaus joins Co Housing

Co Housing

[Chris K.]

@Karen Margrave

To realistically get this done, Rep Issa would need to: 

• Convince enough politicians to repeal or amend FHA;
• Convince enough politicians to repeal or amend ADA;
• Convince the Ninth Circut to overturn it precedent on the basis of repealing/amending the FHA and the ADA;
• Repeat the same process for similar language found in the state law and/or the state constitution. 

I have a hard time seeing that happening. Also even if it all the above passed, I could see some variations on the sober house idea that would pose interesting constitutional challenges. 

Disclaimer: While I’m an attorney licensed to practice in PA, I’m not your attorney. What I wrote above does not create an attorney/client relationship between us. I wrote the above for informational purposes. Do not rely on it for legal advice. Always consult with your attorney before you rely on the above information.