Originally from Port Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to the south of England with Thomas Leer in the late 1970s, and became involved with the local music scene.

Robert Rental however released very little of his solo music, preferring to collaborate with Thomas Leer, as well as with Daniel Miller (as The Normal).

Another distinctive sound that Rental used was that of the EDP Wasp Synthesizer, which he introduced to Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle and William Bennett of Whitehouse.

He also made an acclaimed album with Thomas Leer called The Bridge which was released on Throbbing Gristle's Industrial Records.

Robert Rental toured with Daniel Miller as The Normal, supporting Stiff Little Fingers.