Especially since they're smokers, it will take time to clear that smell.It's also not your responsibility to determine if they can financially afford the 30-35% or not. 

How does everyone feel about smokers?

Luckily smokers and obnoxious people are not protected classes, so you still have some criteria. 

It’s common sense but some folks would rather spend that money each month on cigarettes and booze clothes eating out nikes etc, .

You'll burn up faster than a cigarette in the mouth of of a junkie getting questioned on Live PD.

The tenant that wants to stay is a smoker.

@Jim K.I have made an offer on a house where there has been a very heavy smoker living for a number of years.

No carpet, hardwood (unless it's already there) or cardboard/laminate.Don't rent to smokers. 

Says it gets in the way of his cigarette !!! 

And it looked like there had been some damage caused by a small fire plus the entire room was completely dark yellow and black due to many years of cigarette smoke plus multiple cigarette burns in the  carpet.