When I talk to the Jarl of Riften the option doesn't appear to buy a house. I'm assuming that I need to do something first before that dialogue option becomes available, can someone tell me what that might be or if I'm wrong then how can I get the house in Riften?

You have to do the skooma quest for the argonian woman. she hangs around on the docks.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Honeyside

Thanks for the help Aphaea

s'okay

I did it and the Jarl didn't allow me to buy the house ; he didn't even made me a thane of Riften although he had mentioned it when he gave me the quest.

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I will move this now.

wierd, ive never had a problem with it.

Nevermind, I'm replaying this part of the game anyway, arriving to Riften, etc.