I am a single mother renting a basement apartment...........after 8 months of living there, the landlady decided to evict us because she said it's an illegal dwelling.................their lawyer gave me until November 14 to move which I am complying. However, between me and the landlord, he is willing to pay me $850 once I return the keys plus moving expenses. In other words, I am staying here rent free for 2 months (1 1/2 and counting) plus extra $850 is not bad..............but it's not in writing...............should I ask him to put the money on escrow? what if he changes his mind? what guarantee do I have now? Should I ask to be taken to court instead that way they could be forced to report their basement to housing authority?

