Landlords could be stopped from dividing family homes into flats for students under plans to relieve problems with neighbours.

A strategy for dealing with student housing is being drawn up to tackle a lack of accommodation for universitygoers and tensions with neighbours and the limitations on landlords is one option being considered.

A review of multiple-occupation houses, when family homes are converted to rooms for students, is under way.

Council leader Mary Mears said: "We have to look at reducing high concentrations of students in private houses.

"This strategy will give us practical ways of improving each area and developing purpose-built accommodation for students that would also improve communities."

The plan is being put together by a partnership, made up of Brighton and Hove City Council, universities, housing partners, primary care trust, businesses, landlords and estate agents.

An investigation into the growth of the student population and how it is affecting housing in Brighton and Hove was carried out by the council last year.

A series of public meetings were held to gather evidence from experts, students and other members of the community.

It emerged the number of offcampus student properties had grown from 2,000 to 3,000 since 2004.

Coun Mears said: "We have two thriving universities in the city and we all recognise the importance of working together.

"Our aim is to make sure there is adequate supply of good quality housing for students and that we deal with issues such as overcrowding and impact on other residents.

"The universities are working with each other and the council on student housing.

"This includes planning for purpose-built accommodation, property management, advice for students and dealing with any issues that may arise in the community."

A University of Sussex spokeswoman said: "The university is happy to be working with the city council on strategies for student housing."

A University of Brighton spokesman said: "We take these issues seriously and took a full and active part in the scrutiny committee.

"The university has appointed a community liaison officer who updates residents about what is going on at the university and seeks feedback on neighbourhood issues to improving relations with communities."