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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in each of the Registration
Statements pertaining to the 1994 Renters Choice, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan
and the Amended and Restated 1994 Renters Choice, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan,
(Forms S-8 No. 33-98800 and No. 333-53471, respectively) of our report dated
April 24, 1998 (except Note 14, as to which the date is June 25, 1998), with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Thorn Americas, Inc.
included in Renters Choice, Inc.'s Current Report (Form 8-K/A) dated August 25,
1998.




                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

August 24, 1998
Wichita, Kansas
