Security deposit dispute

[Richard Delano]

I'm currently having a dispute with my landlord over damages covered by
a security deposit. My dog did some damage to the apartment, which I
know I am responsible for. However, my landlord had his contractor come
in and look at it. I'm going to have two more contractors come in and
give estimates. My landlord says that no matter what, he'll only use
his contractor to do any work. What I want to know is: if my estimates
are significantly lower than his, do I have to pay his amount? I've
tried finding some web sites that list info about Massachusetts tenant
rights, but nothing addresses this specific question. Anyone?

I've already made a mistake by being an honest person. The landlord
originally refused to give me a copy of his contractor's estimate, but
agreed to give me a copy after much complaining. If I had said nothing
and he didn't give me a copy of anything, I could have recouped all of
my security deposit (regardless of damage). It just doesn't pay to be
honest sometimes :)

Rich
Boston Univ.