RENT is basically about 8 friends (they are also considered bohemians) living in New York City’s East Village (Alphabet City) during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It takes place in the 1980’s-90’s (there’s no specific year) and it takes place over a year in the life of the 8 friends. During that year the group strives to survive in while enduring illness, AIDS, prejudice and poverty, and all the while they learn a lot about life and love. And of course about “no day but today”