diff --git a/zerver/management/commands/export_search.py b/zerver/management/commands/export_search.py
index 4904e49c4f..edaa45c1db 100644
--- a/zerver/management/commands/export_search.py
+++ b/zerver/management/commands/export_search.py
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ This is most often used for legal compliance.
             )
 
         realm = self.get_realm(options)
+        assert realm is not None
         limits = Q()
 
         limits = reduce(