A licensing system has been proposed to tackle the growth of short-term let flats in Edinburgh like Airbnb.

The city council has raised concerns about their impact, saying they are eroding local communities and can lead to anti-social behaviour.

There are more than 9000 properties in Edinburgh listed on Airbnb and the growth of the industry is squeezing the supply of rented accommodation.

An estimated 10% of private rented homes are being lost to short-term lets.

A council report noted: "The majority of short-term lets are in tenemental properties, concentrated in areas of the city which already have high demand for housing.

"The concentration in certain areas is eroding the sense of community in some neighbourhoods.

"Regular use of any tenement flat as a short-term let is inconsistent with tenemental living, and often leads to anti-social behaviour and undue nuisance to other residents."

Edinburgh City Council will request extra powers from the Scottish Government to regulate the sector, saying other cities which are popular tourist destinations have capped the number of Airbnb-style flats.

Local authorities do not currently have specific powers to regulate short-term lets.

The licensing system would require that the operators of the properties should be "fit and proper."

It would allow the council to control the number of short-term lets in the city and consider whether they are in an appropriate area.

The system, which has been outlined in a new report by Edinburgh city council, would also impose safety standards such as checks on gas appliances.

A working group is being set up to explore a pilot project in the capital.

Housing convener Kate Campbell said the council would also set up adedicated team to deal with issues caused by short term lets.

She said: "We know that short term lets are having a detrimental impact on residents and communities and I see regulation of this sector as the way forward.

"Our new dedicated team, made up of experts from the council, will make best use of the powers we have available to us to resolve any complaints.

"Residents are suffering because of short term lets. Finding solutions for our communities is a priority for this administration."

Responding to the recommendations, Airbnb said its letting service provided a financial lifeline for families which could be threatened by a licensing system.

A spokeswoman said: "As visitors to Scotland continue to break records, Airbnb helps spread tourism benefits beyond hotels and generates new economies for local families and communities.

"The council's proposals threaten that economic lifeline and put the financial interests of big hotels - who account for the vast majority of tourists in Scotland - above local families.

"We firmly believe tourism benefits should be enjoyed by everyone - not just a wealthy few - and will continue encouraging the government to pursue progressive, evidence-based policies that support local families and promote healthy, sustainable tourism."

The report will go before councillors next week.