How to Buy a House in Riften

Last Updated: May 18, 2024 Fact Checked

To buy a house in Skyrim's Riften, you'll need to impress the Jarl by doing positive things for her citizens. Once you've won her favor, she'll make you Thane, which allows you to purchase a house for 8,000 gold coins. ^{[1]
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Steps

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Befriend the Jarl at Mistveil Keep. Mistveil Keep is a stone castle near the southern end of Riften. ^{[2]
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- If the Imperials are in control, you can win the newly installed Jarl’s favor by talking to them. The Imperial Jarl’s name is Maven Black-Briar.
- If not, Laila Law-Giver is the Jarl.
Your first task is to impress the Jarl is to get Wujeeta a potion to get her off of Skooma. After giving her the healing potion, intimidate her to find out where she gets her Skooma. ^{[3]
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The warehouse is on the west side of town, south of the fishery. Retrieve information on where the dealer gets the Skooma so you can report back to the Jarl.
When you report your findings to Jarl, she'll ask you to shut down the operation. Agree to the quest.
You'll have to kill at least 7 people, but there usually won't be that many people in the cavern at once. This means you'll have to return more than once to complete this part of the mission. ^{[4]
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This is needed to increase your reputation. After you've finished the 5th quest, you'll receive a new request to speak with the Jarl. ^{[5]
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She's the Jarl's mage, and will instruct you to complete retrieval quests in Winterhold, Ivarstead, and Windhelm. ^{[6]
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The jail is below Mistveil Keep (where the Jarl is). ^{[7]
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You'll find the steward standing outside of the jail (right next to the Jarl) after you complete the Lover's Requital quest. Agree to complete the request and then follow the instructions.
You’ll find him at the Meadery west of town. Once you complete this quest, you'll receive an objective to talk to the Jarl.
The Jarl will tell you that she'll make you Thane if you purchase a house in Riften. She'll have you speak to her steward, who will now walk you through buying the house.