I have been doing the quest after i bought benirus manor and all was going well until i went to find the man i bought it off. I asked around and they said ask the people in the count's arms but nobody is there. i then found him by accident in the king and queen's tavern in the elven gardens district. I talked to him and when i mentioned the manor all he says is "you bought it and i have nothing alse to do with it" or something. I already have the diary page but cant do anything else. HELP!!!

In the manor on the first floor just to the left when you first enter is a smashed vase on the floor take the note and the skeleton hand and go back to king and queen tavern and talk to him again.

You have to sleep in it first also.

Raise his disposition up with the persuasion mini game

and guys above: he was already passed the sleeping point

here is a handy guide:
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Where_Spirits_Have_Lease