15. What can I do if I lose the suit?

If you lose, you may have to pay the owner's costs of going to court, including attorney fees. You also are allowed to "appeal." This means you can ask a higher court to rehear your case. But you will still have to move unless the court grants a "stay" or delay, until the case is finally decided. If you do not appeal, there is not much you can do, except move. Otherwise, the owner can get a "writ of possession." This is a paper that orders the sheriff to move you out. If you are in the apartment, he will put you on the sidewalk. What if you move out but leave your belongings behind? If your things are worth less than $300, the owner can keep or sell them or throw them out. If they are worth more than $300, the owner must give you 15 days (18 days if the notice comes by mail) to take them away. If the owner puts your things into storage during that time, you may have to pay storage charges