<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM 
AARON RENT'S QUARTERLY REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED JUNE 30, 
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                              96
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,405
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0<F1> 
<INVENTORY>                                    139,230<F2>
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0<F3>
<PP&E>                                          27,586<F4>
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0<F3>
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 180,247
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0<F3>
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           10,766
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      85,370
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   180,247
<SALES>                                         29,155
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               132,303
<CGS>                                           21,231
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  119,137
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,496
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                131,166
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,093
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,073
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,073
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .41
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .41
        
<FN>
<F1> The allowance for doubtful accounts is netted against total accounts 
     receivable in the Accounts Receivable balance.
<F2> Rental merchandise has been classified as inventory for purposes of this
     schedule. Rental merchandise has been shown net of 57,483 accumulated
     depreciation.
<F3> The financial statements are presented with an unclassified balance sheet.
<F4> PP&E has been shown net of accumulated depreciation.