Solution for 15 June cryptic crossword clue

Exactly how rent is paid? (2,3,6)

Solution – To the letter

This is one of the rare "literally so" clues.  Where the whole thing can point to the answer as well as different parts of the clue separately.

The question mark at the end is a warning that things may not be totally correct or might be unusual.  In this case it is "letter" being used where "landlord" would be more usual.

So you pay rent to the "letter" of premises

But also if you do something "to the letter" it can mean that you are doing it precisely or exactly.

For more explanation of different clue types, see the sidebar under the list of popular posts.