diff --git a/src/roster_window.py b/src/roster_window.py
index 7c7443c04..59f5fba05 100644
--- a/src/roster_window.py
+++ b/src/roster_window.py
@@ -1194,6 +1194,7 @@ _('If "%s" accepts this request you will know his status.') %jid)
 			self.plugin.systray.change_status('connecting')
 
 	def send_status(self, account, status, txt, sync = False, auto = False):
+		model = self.tree.get_model()
 		accountIter = self.get_account_iter(account)
 		if status != 'offline':
 			if gajim.connections[account].connected < 2: