Abstract: Automated rental system comprising: —an object for rent which is provided with an identification code, —an auxiliary element functionally associated with the object for rent and comprising a remotely activated activation/deactivation system, —a portable device, such as a mobile telephone, comprising a wireless telecommunication interface, —a central unit comprising means for bidirectional communication with said auxiliary element and said portable device; said central unit further comprising means for processing said identification code, means for acting on said activation/deactivation system, means for recording the duration of use of the object for rent, and means for managing the accounts of the persons using said object for rent.