tenant offered to pay 12 months rent up front should i take it?

[Frank Mirando]

Thanks for taking a moment to read this post I could use some advice.

This potential tenant was formerly my landscaper who moved south with his wife a few years back.  Long story short, she became ill, medical bills turned them upside down and sadly ended up passing away.  He sold home to cover medical bills, and received a 6 figure death benefit after she passed.  To add more sadness to the story, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer which was under control until recently discovering it is back. 

Bottom line- he needs to come back to NY for treatment, needs a place to live with his 2 black labs and is willing to pay 12 months up front.  I am on the fence for obvious reasons.  

So far I know his landscaping business is still open, run by a partner however I do not know their agreement and his income just yet.  He claims to have over 100k in the bank now my concern is how long that will last.  Even with good insurance it could cost a fortune to be ill.  

The unit is 2 bed 2 bath detached cottage with private backyard and we are in the process of renovating it.  It will have new kitchen, new bathrooms and flooring with washer/dryer in the unit.  I have no doubt I will be able to get a good tenant in quickly in my market.   

What would you do?