in some countries, notably france and belgium, a "syndic de copropriété" (dutch "syndicus") is an important figure in millions of lives, elected by owners of condominiums to represent property owners in the management of the co-owned building or property. while the profession is regulated, fees are not, and complaints of overcharging are frequent. the "association des responsables de copropriété" (arc) reported that fees rose by 4% in 2016, though the rate of inflation was only 0.2%, and since 2014 three of the largest "syndics" in paris have raised their fees by amounts ranging from 26% to 37%.