Crossword Genius

Lousy rent — raise various amounts paid in advance (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

retainers

'various amounts paid in advance' is the definition.
(fees paid in advance to retain someone's services)

'lousy rent raise' is the wordplay.
'lousy' is an anagram indicator.
'rent'+'raise'='rentraise'
'rentraise' anagrammed gives 'RETAINERS'.

(Other definitions for retainers that I've seen before include "Money deposits or servants to nobility" , "Financial inducements" , "Family servants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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