diff --git a/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py b/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
index 698e02c92..be6d63c80 100644
--- a/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
+++ b/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
@@ -815,6 +815,7 @@ class VSubredditRule(Validator):
             min_length=1,
         ).run(short_name.strip())
         if not short_name:
+            self.set_error(errors.SR_RULE_DOESNT_EXIST)
             return None
 
         rule = SubredditRules.get_rule(c.site, short_name)