Eviction or Pay off Tenant

[Phil C.]

I am on the cusp of my first eviction. Tenant recently lost his job and is trying to get a subsidy to pay his rent. Even if he can get one month of rent off of the subsidy considering that he no longer has a job I believe an eviction to be imminent. Therefore I have looked into the cost of an eviction in Ramsey County MN and was surprised at the cost! $325 to file in Ramsey, $230 (quoted) to prepare, file and serve the complaint/summons. Then $200/hour attorney fee after that. Therefore to avoid the hassle of an eviction I could offer the tenant up to $755 to move out without having to evict. Of course I wouldn't offer that amount right away. My plan is to have the tenant sign something that says I will not file an eviction if he gives up the place within X number of days.... Has anyone ever done this before? What are your thoughts and concerns? Would you go ahead and just go the eviction route?

Thanks!