Fresno officials are considering amending the city's condominium conversion law to better protect existing tenants.

A proposal calls for adding language that provides $600 in moving expenses plus two months worth of rent to residents when they leave an apartment complex that is being converted to condos, ensures life-time leases to disabled tenants and extends leases to those who are low income or have minor children, said Claudia Cãzares, interim manager of the Housing and Community Development Division.

The changes were proposed because some City Council members wanted to better protect the rights of tenants, many of whom are forced to move when new owners come in and sell their units.

"There are a lot of working poor in these apartment complexes, and they don't have the money for first and last month's rent (at a new complex)," said councilmember Mike Dages.

Such conversions were common when housing sales were booming and prices skyrocketing, but they have become nearly non-existent in this market. Dages acknowledges there is no rush, but says a revamped ordinance should be in place for next time.

"We need to fill in the gaps," he said.

The proposed revision must be approved by the Planning Commission before the City Council can act.