There is a sms exchange here [0] where he does in fact say he does require electricity, and if they cut it off, he will press charges for blackmail and damages.
Unfortunately it seems it will only be resolved with a lengthy eviction process.
It is also interesting that there problems within the first few days.
I wonder if a whole-house version of a lamp timer would be useful in this situation? Suppose there were a device that turned off power on a schedule, and which could only be reset from inside the apartment. Power would turn off automatically 12 hours after the lease terminates to "save power in an unoccupied unit."
That way, the owner isn't turning off power to constructively evict, but the power is off all the same.
"Pacific Heights", 1990 starring Melanie Griffith, Matthew Modine & Michael Keaton. SF based movie showing Michael Keaton abusing renters rights and even having the home owner arrested after turning off his electricity. Fantastic film, these guys (definitely scumbags) unfortunately might be in the legal right. Very unfortunate.
Harassment of a tenant, even a tenant whose tenancy is under dispute, is a crime in California. Disruption of power is specifically covered under the law.
Unfortunately it seems it will only be resolved with a lengthy eviction process.
It is also interesting that there problems within the first few days.
[0] http://www.businessinsider.com/airbnb-host-cant-get-squatter...