Start Eviction Process or take Tenant's word

[Jarrett Harris]

So I'll try to make a long story short. I have a tenant that I inherited when I bought the property back in October. They have never paid in full or on time. Their lease runs out the end of this month and I told them about 3 weeks ago I was not going to renew it. I offered them $250 cash to be out by March 15th if they paid what was owed for this month and last month. They only made a partial payment. I told them deal was off and they need to be out by the 28th of Feb. They say they won't be able to move until the 15th of March. I have talked to my lawyer and it is going to cost $902 to evict them. (more than half of that is cook county IL court fees and such).

My question, do I wait and see if they will really leave by the 15th of next month or simply pay the $900 to start eviction now (which will still take about 6 weeks to get them out) I am concerned that if I pay the $900 and then they leave 2 days later. I am out $900 for nothing.