1



                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1









                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form 8-K/A of our report dated March 19, 1998 relating to
Central Rents, Inc. included in Commission File Number 0-25370 for Renters
Choice, Inc. It should be noted that we have not audited any financial
statements of Central Rents, Inc. subsequent to December 31, 1997 or performed
any audit procedures subsequent to the date of our report.


                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Los Angeles, CA
August 3, 1998







                                       15