Insee, France's National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, has been contacting households in the city of Saint-Étienne as part of a nationwide survey on rents and housing charges. The survey, which ran from Wednesday, September 30, to Saturday, October 24, aims to track changes in private sector rents across the country. Saint-Étienne officials issued a statement on September 30 to inform residents that Insee investigators might reach out to them as part of this effort. The survey selects housing units randomly across France to ensure a representative sample. According to Insee, the survey seeks to "measure the quarterly evolution of private sector rents in France." The data collected will be used to calculate a rent index, which reflects the average rent per square meter, assuming the quality of housing remains constant. This index helps track trends in rental prices over time and is used by policymakers, economists, and landlords to understand the housing market. Households selected for the survey will be notified in advance by Insee through a letter, email, or SMS. Once contacted, participants will be interviewed by telephone, online, or through a home visit. The information provided during these interviews is kept confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes, as emphasized by Saint-Étienne's city officials. This survey has been conducted in France since 1958 and is managed by the Directorate of Demographic and Social Statistics (DSDS), a government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing demographic and social data.