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                                   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 23, 1998, included in the
1997 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 23, 1998,
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, 1997.
 
- - Registration Statement No. 33-62536 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1990 Stock
  Option Plan
 
- - Registration Statement No. 33-9026 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Aaron Rents,
  Inc. Retirement Plan and Trust
 
- - 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 31, 1998