Vanessa Brossard, regional director of the Housing Foundation, is taking part in talks about rent control in the cities of Lyon and Villeurbanne. The current rent control policy is set to end in November unless renewed by Parliament. The discussions involve housing professionals and political figures, with 65% of residents in the area renting homes, including those in social housing. Brossard argues that rent control is essential for maintaining household purchasing power and challenges landlords who claim the policy hinders private investment. She points out that private investment in housing is declining due to factors like the high cost of construction. If the policy is not renewed, the foundation warns of an immediate price increase and a surge in rents for new leases by year-end. The president of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Véronique Sarselli, opposes extending rent control, prompting local associations to mobilize citizens instead of relying on institutional dialogue to ensure renters' voices are heard. Nationally, the focus is on the Senate and the government to secure at least a two-year extension, preventing the policy from ending entirely by November. Despite uncertainty in Parliament and unclear guidance from the ministry, there is some optimism, though concern remains strong among residents. Brossard notes that housing is still often seen as a commodity rather than a basic right, and political leaders struggle to grasp its complexities, contributing to cities becoming unaffordable for many people. An amendment proposing to transfer responsibility for rent control from metropolitan areas to individual municipalities could shift the balance of power in the Lyon region. This amendment was approved in the first reading by the National Assembly and will be considered by the Senate in October. If passed, it could give local governments more control over rent regulation, potentially leading to more tailored approaches to housing policy. The outcome of this legislative process could have significant implications for how rent control is managed in the region and how effectively it addresses the housing challenges faced by residents.