NYC Boroughs Eviction - Additional Advice and Feedback Wanted

[Chris Y.]

All feedback appreciated.  I am losing my mind dealing with a nightmare at this point.  Long story short, we gave the tenant a notice to quit about 3 months ago.   Mainly because they had young kids and we wanted to be 'nice' about it.  Month to month tenant and we just want the space back.  That was exactly what I told them.  But, apparently, they are being malicious about it (see below).

The city hpd just called me last about complaints phoned in by the tenant about 1 week after I gave them notice.  Those issues have been fixed as of today.  We weren't registered with hpd (private dwelling).  But, I think all violations and paperwork should clear up in the next week.  BUT, after I got to the office today, a few hours later -- city health department calls me and said the tenant complained about debris/dust left from the work (I cleaned and wiped everything down) ... and they were taking dust samples back to analyze.  So, at this point, I knew for sure they are being intentionally malicious about it.

I've already spoken to multiple attorneys and their advice is that no action can be taken till the notice to quit passes.  Which I'm fine with and understand the cost/time involved later.   One guy wanted a retainer fee right away before talking ... two other people gave me thorough consultation over the phone (fyi).

What additional steps can I take to protect myself at this point in regards to the tenant?