Garage to Apartment Conversion

[Jeffrey McKee]

Hi all,

I made an offer on a property and the sellers agent just informed me that when the garage/storage unit was converted to a 2 bed one bath apartment the owner never pulled a city permit on the construction/ renovation.  The property is in dallas texas.  I was wondering if I would need to go through any formal steps when renting this out in the future.  I know it is important to make sure that the property is up to code for renters, but does not having an actual bid permit make any difference.  If it does what if any cost are associated with getting the permit.  The apartment is currently rented.