Type A vs Type B assisted living in Texas: what is the difference?

The difference between a Type A and Type B assisted living facility in Texas is the residents they can serve. Type A residents must be able to evacuate without staff help and need no nighttime attendance. Type B residents may need evacuation assistance or overnight care — so Type B requires awake night staff and stricter building standards.

Written by Erika Crossley, senior living operator — not an attorney · Information last verified June 2026

This is general information, not legal advice. Erika Crossley is not an attorney. Texas law here turns on your specific property, your recorded deed restrictions, your city, and your individual residents — and municipal ordinances change without notice. Every document she prepares is a first draft for review and signature by your own licensed Texas attorney before it is used with a resident. No outcome, including license approval or permit approval, is guaranteed. Do not buy a property in reliance on this page. Take it to a Texas attorney first.

What each type can serve

—Type A: residents who are mobile or can evacuate on their own and do not need attendance through the night.
—Type B: residents who may need help evacuating, may need overnight care, and can include memory care (with Alzheimer’s certification).
—Both are licensed for up to 16 residents at the "small" level; 17+ is a "large" facility with heavier requirements.

How the requirements differ

—License fee: identical — $300 base + $15 per bed, capped at $2,250 for 3 years. The cost is not what separates them.
—Night staff: Type B must have awake staff on duty; small Type A staff may sleep but must be immediately available.
—Bedrooms: Type A minimum 80 sq ft single / 60 shared; Type B minimum 100 sq ft single / 80 shared.
—Memory care: only Type B can be certified for Alzheimer’s/dementia (adds $300 to the license).
—Sprinklers: REQUIRED for a new small Type A (26 TAC 553.215) and for Type B at any building age. NFPA 13D residential-grade is the cheapest compliant option for a 1-story house. Only pre-August-2021 facilities are exempt.

Compare both side by side →

Common questions

Is Type A or Type B cheaper to license in Texas?

The license fee is the same for both ($300 + $15/bed, capped at $2,250). Type B costs more to operate because it requires awake night staff and larger bedrooms.

Which type do I need for memory care?

Type B. Only a Type B facility can be certified for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, which adds $300 to the three-year license.

Can a Type A resident who declines stay in my facility?

Only while they still meet Type A criteria. If a resident comes to need evacuation assistance or overnight care, they require a Type B facility.

Related license types

Type A ALF →Type B ALF (memory care) →