Landlord not holding up lease date

I signed a lease a couple of weeks ago to move into an apartment on Aug 1st and he told me that I can most likely move in before then and not pay the rent, but they needed to paint and carpet the place and ect. But all of it has been held behind and the 1st comes tomorrow, when I signed it he told me he would give me a copy of it but has yet to give me a copy. What can I do now that the carpet is still not done and the 1st is tomorrow? If this is the way my renting is going to be like I was mislead by thinking he was responsible and he also has a hard time returning my calls. What can I do? I also live in Iowa if that makes any difference. I don't want to pay for days that I'm not staying there.

You are entitled to a copy of the lease. Go to the office and ask for a copy to be made while you wait. Read the lease and see what it says about inability to deliuver the premises to you at move-in. Usually this says you are not responsible for the rent for that period.

Then negotiate with the LL to get a rent credit prorated for the days when you cannot take occupancy.