Is it torn from the tenant? (4)
I believe the answer is:
rent
'the tenant?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'is it torn' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ren' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'from' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rent that I've seen before include "Landlord's due - that's torn it" , "Let out - torn" , "ruined" , "One due a letter" , "Landlord's income" .)