diff --git a/confirmation/models.py b/confirmation/models.py
index c63607ba21..1f27dfa940 100644
--- a/confirmation/models.py
+++ b/confirmation/models.py
@@ -117,13 +117,17 @@ def create_confirmation_link(
     *,
     validity_in_minutes: Union[Optional[int], UnspecifiedValue] = UnspecifiedValue(),
     url_args: Mapping[str, str] = {},
-    realm_creation: bool = False,
+    no_associated_realm_object: bool = False,
 ) -> str:
     # validity_in_minutes is an override for the default values which are
     # determined by the confirmation_type - its main purpose is for use
     # in tests which may want to have control over the exact expiration time.
     key = generate_key()
-    if realm_creation:
+
+    # Some confirmation objects, like those for realm creation or those used
+    # for the self-hosted management flows, are not associated with a realm
+    # hosted by this Zulip server.
+    if no_associated_realm_object:
         realm = None
     else:
         assert not isinstance(obj, PreregistrationRealm)
diff --git a/zerver/views/development/registration.py b/zerver/views/development/registration.py
index 8136e43c8a..08a47ba4e5 100644
--- a/zerver/views/development/registration.py
+++ b/zerver/views/development/registration.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def register_development_realm(request: HttpRequest) -> HttpResponse:
         email, realm_name, realm_subdomain, realm_type, realm_default_language
     )
     activation_url = create_confirmation_link(
-        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, realm_creation=True
+        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, no_associated_realm_object=True
     )
     key = activation_url.split("/")[-1]
     # Need to add test data to POST request as it doesn't originally contain the required parameters
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ def register_demo_development_realm(request: HttpRequest) -> HttpResponse:
         email, realm_name, realm_subdomain, realm_type, realm_default_language
     )
     activation_url = create_confirmation_link(
-        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, realm_creation=True
+        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, no_associated_realm_object=True
     )
     key = activation_url.split("/")[-1]
     # Need to add test data to POST request as it doesn't originally contain the required parameters
diff --git a/zerver/views/registration.py b/zerver/views/registration.py
index ff3436e204..b8921bb140 100644
--- a/zerver/views/registration.py
+++ b/zerver/views/registration.py
@@ -753,7 +753,7 @@ def prepare_realm_activation_url(
         email, realm_name, string_id, org_type, default_language
     )
     activation_url = create_confirmation_link(
-        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, realm_creation=True
+        prereg_realm, Confirmation.REALM_CREATION, no_associated_realm_object=True
     )
 
     if settings.DEVELOPMENT: