diff --git a/zerver/tests/test_subs.py b/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
index 49ee6a080e..1212928596 100644
--- a/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
+++ b/zerver/tests/test_subs.py
@@ -485,8 +485,7 @@ class StreamAdminTest(ZulipTestCase):
             "privstream", subscribed=False, invite_only=True)
 
         result = self.client_delete('/json/streams/' + str(priv_stream.id))
-        self.assert_json_error(
-            result, "Cannot administer invite-only streams this way")
+        self.assert_json_error(result, "Invalid stream id")
 
     def attempt_unsubscribe_of_principal(self, is_admin=False, is_subbed=True,
                                          invite_only=False, other_user_subbed=True):
diff --git a/zerver/views/streams.py b/zerver/views/streams.py
index de0945392b..a09a5e7df4 100644
--- a/zerver/views/streams.py
+++ b/zerver/views/streams.py
@@ -135,12 +135,8 @@ def principal_to_user_profile(agent, principal):
 @require_realm_admin
 def deactivate_stream_backend(request, user_profile, stream_id):
     # type: (HttpRequest, UserProfile, int) -> HttpResponse
-    target = get_and_validate_stream_by_id(stream_id, user_profile.realm)
-
-    if target.invite_only and not subscribed_to_stream(user_profile, target):
-        return json_error(_('Cannot administer invite-only streams this way'))
-
-    do_deactivate_stream(target)
+    (stream, recipient, sub) = access_stream_by_id(user_profile, stream_id)
+    do_deactivate_stream(stream)
     return json_success()
 
 @require_realm_admin