diff --git a/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c b/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
index 2414c37f3..c71b54d94 100644
--- a/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
+++ b/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
@@ -111,6 +111,7 @@ krb5_get_host_realm(krb5_context context,
 	} else {
 	    free (*realms);
 	    *realms = NULL;
+	    return KRB5_ERR_HOST_REALM_UNKNOWN;
 	}
     }