So, I have been temporarily granted the Thane statues in Riften, but it is not official as I do not own the house. So after knocking out some quests etc, I bought the house and full upgrades. I went back to the Jarl and she makes no mention of being a Thane or getting my Housecarl... Can someone help me? Perhaps I have missed a piece of dialogue.?

Thanks

-le bump-

Go to your house, housecarl should be there.

The Jarl never gave me one. As I said, I have only been given a temporary status. I had to buy the house (which I did later) to become a real Thane. When I went back to the Jarl (to get my Housecarl) she makes no mention of anything.