EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) of Aaron Rents, Inc. of our report dated March 14, 1997, included in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Aaron Rents, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
of Aaron Rents, Inc. listed below of our report dated March 14, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Aaron Rents, Inc.
incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996.

o   Registration Statement No. 33-62536 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1990 Stock
    Option Plan
o   Registration Statement No. 33-9026 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Aaron
    Rents, Inc. Retirement Plan and Trust
o   Registration Statement No. 33-62538 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Aaron
    Rents, Inc. Retirement Plan and Trust


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 25, 1997