JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

   1

                                                                       EXHIBIT 1

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

            This will confirm the agreement by and among all of the undersigned
that the Schedule 13D filed on or about this date with respect to the beneficial
ownership by the undersigned of Common Stock of CORT Business Services
Corporation is being, and any and all amendments to such Schedule may be, filed
on behalf of each of the undersigned. This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Dated:March 26, 1999


                                         CITICORP VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.

                                         By: /s/
                                             ----------------------------------
                                               Name:
                                               Title:


                                         CITIBANK, N.A.

                                         By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                             ----------------------------------
                                               Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                               Title: Vice President & Assistant
                                                      Secretary


                                         CITICORP

                                         By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                             ----------------------------------
                                               Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                               Title: Assistant Secretary


                                         CITIGROUP INC.

                                         By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                             ----------------------------------
                                               Name:  Xxxxx X. Xxxx
                                               Title: Assistant Secretary


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