Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm (i) under the caption "Interests of
Named Experts and Counsel" and (ii) under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-XXXXX) pertaining to the United
Rentals, Inc. 2001 Stock Plan and related Prospectus of United Rentals, Inc. for
the registration of 355,588 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation
by reference therein of our report dated February 23, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of United Rentals, Inc. included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                      /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

MetroPark, New Jersey
May 3, 2001