I know I saw a similar thread but can't seem to find it. Sorry to start a new one, but I'm kinda lost. I completed the Skooma quest in Riften, According to UESP, I also need to help some residents of Riften before the house becomes available for me to buy. Anyone know if there are any specific ones that unlock the house? Or should I just talk to the people, do some quests, and check back occasionaly with the Jarl? Thanks.

Pretty sure you just wander around town helping everyone with their problems, then return to the Jarl and become Thane. Though for me I guess my game got bugged, I became Thane that way but still couldn't buy the house. =/

_{Wow, sorry to hear it's bugged for you. I kinda figured I'd have to wander around and help the peeps. Thanks}

Well I managed to dodge the bug that would prevent me from buying Hjerim, so I'm still happy. =3

List of what you could do:
1. Help the court wizard with a vampire problem, all you need to do is clear a cave full of them. Easy as that.

2. Help the blacksmith collect fire salts, which can be easily bought from most potion stores

3. Bring ice wraith teeth to the meat seller

4. Do a delivery for Bolli (easiest one)

5. Do a pickup job for the woman who works at the potion shop (also very easy)

6. Bring gems to the Argonian who runs the Bee and the Barb

7. Bring certain materials to Madesi (can't remember what they are)

Do any five of these, and you should be good.

Isn't there an easy one about clearing someone's debt? I forget his name, but it just involved a persuasion or bribe.

Also the Madesi's quest with the gems is hard as hell, I couldn't find the last flawless sapphire to save my life.

here is the list of quests you can do to gain access;

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:I_Done_Got_Thaned!

as you can see not all quests contribute to it and its not just from riften its generally helping anyone in the Rift.

- Visiting Honeyside for the first time before becoming named Thane of Riften may prevent you from ever being able to be named Thane of Riften. After purchasing the house, immediately speak with the Jarl to avoid this bug.

Also...

Help the "waitress?"/"barmaid" of the bunkhouse (kind of amusing, actually).
Bring Alchemy Ingredients to Ingun Blackbriar (This will also net you enough gold to buy the Alchemy Lab/Enchanting Lab and a handsome rooster for your new garden).

Shadr is the fellow in debt. He works at the Stables.

Awesome! Thanks a lot for the help.

Why yes, there is. It's the stablehand I believe that needs his debt cleared.

Edit: Ignore number 1. That was a solitude thane quest, my bad. If you're still interested, the Riften court wizard asks you to go collect items she left lying around skyrim.