How to Get Rid of a Deadbeat Tenant???

[Craig Simak]

I have a (not legal) duplex in the Town of Babylon. Tenant stopped paying in December. She is a single woman in her 40s that lost her job due to mental issues and exhausted her savings. She was on a month-to-month lease so I terminated the lease in writing and have since given her a written notice to vacate by the 15th of February which she is ignoring. I offered to forego the 3 months rent if she leaves this month but she has stated that she's not leaving until being (legally) evicted. I have been avoiding taking her to court because the apartment isn't legal and I have concerns that the town will be notified which will open a can of worms. The idea of giving her cash for keys is eating me up and she has shown no signs of being rational or reasonable. What to do??? 

[Theresa Harris]

Hire an eviction attorney. She's told you she won't leave unless she's evicted and is betting on your not going that route.  Other option is cash for keys-give her $X to leave by a set date and leave the home in good condition.  No money is handed over until you get the actual keys and check on the place.