diff --git a/zaza/model.py b/zaza/model.py
index 1eadc18f6..3d1db8cdc 100644
--- a/zaza/model.py
+++ b/zaza/model.py
@@ -978,7 +978,7 @@ async def _check_service():
                 command,
                 model_name=model_name,
                 timeout=timeout)
-            response_size = len(out['Stdout'].strip())
+            response_size = len(out.get('Stdout', '').strip())
             if target_status == "running" and response_size == 0:
                 return False
             elif target_status == "stopped" and response_size > 0: