Not related to the smoke smell, and totally unsolicited advice, but if he knows that he is going to lose his deposit, make sure he doesn't bounce the last month or two of rent payments. Happened to my father. He had a seemingly well off person rent his place, do a ton of damage and then screw him for the last months rent knowing he was not getting his deposit back.
I lived in rental houses for a long time. I don't get why people treat them badly...

You seem convinced he won't screw you even after he outright lied to you.