A long-running complaint about Duke University students in residential neighborhoods may be leading to tougher laws in Durham.

The fight has focused around the Trinity Heights area for a long time, and Thursday, Durham's City Council was presented with a proposal backed by residents.

The council isn't deciding anything yet, but seems to be leaning towards approving the ordinance.

Sometimes you really have to look closely to figure out which houses are homes, and which ones are rented to Duke students; but when there's a party, it isn't that tough to figure out.

"The ordinances as they exist now on the books don't have the teeth that it takes in order to ensure that law enforcement can actually take action," said Wanda Boone, Executive Director of Durham Together for Resilient Youth.

Boone presented the new proposal, asking that landlords be held responsible for so-called nuisance houses.

Duke officials say they've been calling for similar rules for a while.

"We believe that this is a shared responsibility and that the landlords and the property owners who are leasing houses to large groups of students be held responsible for, and accountable for, the use of those properties," said Michael Schoenfeld, Duke's Vice President for Public Relations and Government Affairs.

When she made her proposal Boone said it's not just protecting the neighborhood, but the students as well from alcohol abuse.

Council members haven't had a chance to review the proposal, but sounded optimistic.

"It's certainly something that in my opinion the city council needs to consider," said council member Howard Clement III.

Some Duke students who live in the area said it seems a little overkill -- but understandable.

"I haven't really heard much noise that seemed too much to me," said Duke graduate student Christopher Iacoboni. "As long as the noise restrictions aren't overbearing, like 'No laughing after six,' I can't say I have a problem with that."

Durham's city lawyer will review the proposal and get back to the council with a recommendation.