AIBU to want to ban the phrase "as soon as possible"?

[AngusAndElspethsThistleWhistle]

We've moved into a new house. Long list of issues including keys that didn't work, issues with power, issues with access to the property and a washing machine that hasn't worked for three weeks.

When we contact our letting agent we are told this will be fixed "as soon as possible". What does this mean? Is is not possible to fix a washing machine in under three weeks?

My blood boils when I hear the phrase. It's lazy and vague. Give me an estimated date. Ball park. ASAP could mean anything from in the next half hour to the end of eternity.

AIBU to refuse to accept an "as soon as possible" answer ever again?

Well, why not ask the letting agent what it means?

Demand a date "so that will be by Tuesday then?"

Icimoi: that was my very next email. My rant is more about why do people use the phrase in the first place when it's so meaningless.

I don't think it is meaningless, to me it means that there are sorts of factors influencing when the date may be and it's impossible to give a meaningful timescale.

I agree!

Fair enough they may not know exactly but, based on their experience, surely they could give a more concrete answer like - "it could take a week to ten days".

But then maybe they are scared tobe honest because they know the timescale that they will not be acceptable! (Based on how rubbish they have been so far)

Exactly Harverina

I am a reasonable person and don't expect things instantly. I do want my expectations managed though. If I was told "we need until Friday due to X, Y, Z" that's fine. Or "we should manage it by Monday unless X happens but we'll keep you updated". They are all far more informative that "as soon as possible".