diff --git a/src/multiuserchat.py b/src/multiuserchat.py
index 264f0e4a..ac910837 100644
--- a/src/multiuserchat.py
+++ b/src/multiuserchat.py
@@ -65,7 +65,10 @@ def leave_groupchat(xmpp, jid, own_nick, msg):
     """
     Leave the groupchat
     """
-    xmpp.plugin['xep_0045'].leaveMUC(jid, own_nick, msg)
+    try:
+        xmpp.plugin['xep_0045'].leaveMUC(jid, own_nick, msg)
+    except KeyError:
+        log.debug("WARNING: in muc.leave_groupchat: could not leave the room")
 
 def set_user_role(xmpp, jid, nick, reason, role):
     """