--- title: FAQ - What is the Difference Between Owner-Based and Unit-Based Violations? description: This article explains the difference between Owner-Based and Unit-Based violations in Smartwebs, including if violations will or will not transfer, when a property changes ownership. --- [Skip to content](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/en-us/smartwebs-solutions/faq-what-is-the-difference-between-owner-based-and-unit-based-violations#main-content) English - United States Show submenu for translations ![Logo-FullColor HOA management Platform-1](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/hubfs/Logo-FullColor%20HOA%20management%20Platform-1.svg) - [Smartwebs Solutions Home](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/) - [Contact Us](https://share.hsforms.com/2VBrljHAiSeCkcUy_-IEe_Aq0yoc) - [Manage Tickets](https://support.smartwebs.com/tickets-view) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Smartwebs Solutions Home](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/) - [Contact Us](https://share.hsforms.com/2VBrljHAiSeCkcUy_-IEe_Aq0yoc) - [Manage Tickets](https://support.smartwebs.com/tickets-view) - English - United States Show submenu for translations - [Contact Us](https://share.hsforms.com/2VBrljHAiSeCkcUy_-IEe_Aq0yoc) [Contact Us](https://share.hsforms.com/2VBrljHAiSeCkcUy_-IEe_Aq0yoc) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. 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[Setup and Configuration](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/en-us/smartwebs-solutions/violations?hsLang=en-us#setup-and-configuration) July 21, 2026 # FAQ - What is the Difference Between Owner-Based and Unit-Based Violations? ## This article explains the difference between Owner-Based and Unit-Based violations in Smartwebs, including if violations will or will not transfer, when a property changes ownership. ### **Overview** Smartwebs supports two violation types: - **Unit-Based Violations** – tied to the **property (unit)** - **Owner-Based Violations** – tied to the **specific owner** The selected violation type determines **whether violations remain visible or transfer when a new owner takes possession of a unit**. ### **Unit-Based Violations** Unit-Based violations are associated with the **property itself**, not a specific owner. **Closed Violations** - A **new owner will NOT see closed violations** created under a previous owner. - Closed violations **do not appear in Resident view**, including when selecting **Show History**. - **Management users with proper permissions can still see the violation history.** **Open Violations** - If a violation is **still open when ownership changes**, the **new owner will see the open violation(s)** because they remain associated with the unit. ### **Owner-Based Violations** Owner-Based violations are associated directly with the **owner record**. When a property changes ownership: - **Open violations automatically close** when the previous owner moves out. - The **new owner will NOT see any violations from the previous owner**, including: - Open violations - Closed violations - Violation history when selecting **Show History** in Resident view This ensures violations tied to a specific resident do **not transfer to future homeowners**. ### **Closed Violations After Ownership Changes** When ownership changes: - **Closed violations from a previous owner are never visible to the new owner**, regardless of whether the violation was **Owner-Based or Unit-Based**. Closed violations remain accessible only to **management users with appropriate permissions** for historical records. ### **How to Configure the Setting** The **Owner-Based or Unit-Based violation setting** is configured within the **CC&R Subcategory settings**. **Navigation Path:** **Violations → More → CC&Rs → Edit Subcategory** Within the **Edit Subcategory** screen, locate the **Change violation type** section where you can select: - **Unit-based** - When ownership changes, **active violations transfer to the new owner**. - **Owner-based** - When ownership changes, **all active violations automatically close and do not transfer to the new owner**. ![unit based](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/unit%20based.png?width=670&height=302&name=unit%20based.png) This setting allows HOAs and management companies to determine whether violations should **remain tied to the property or stay tied to the specific owner responsible for the violation**. *End of user guide* - [Accounting](https://solutions.smartwebs.com/en-us/smartwebs-solutions/accounting?hsLang=en-us#main-content) - 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