cash for keys in NYC

[Amy Zhang]

I have a duplex in queens, NY and decided not to renew the lease because they are bad tenants and gave me too much headache. I gave them 60 days notice to move out.

Now they are saying they do not have money to pay rent and move out. They have told me a few weeks ago that if I want them to move out, I will have to pay 2 month rent for free. The rent is $2200/month. I don't want tenants blackmailing me. I spoke to a lawyer who says it will take about 6 month to evict tenants and lawyer fee will be $3000. I do not want to give 2 months rent for free $4400. SHould I do cash for keys and negotite for one month rent or should I just try to evict them if they do not leave? 

Another thing is I also have basement renovated which is not entirely legal. I am afraid that if they get angry, they can call 311 and I probably would get violation which could be several hundreds to thousands.