diff --git a/openbook_auth/checkers.py b/openbook_auth/checkers.py
index bbc04306..43aa3cd0 100644
--- a/openbook_auth/checkers.py
+++ b/openbook_auth/checkers.py
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ def check_community_data(user, community, name=None, cover=None, avatar=None, ty
 
 def check_community_type_can_be_updated(type, community):
     Community = get_community_model()
-    if type == Community.COMMUNITY_TYPE_PUBLIC and community.is_private:
+    if type == Community.COMMUNITY_TYPE_PUBLIC and community.is_private():
         raise ValidationError(
             _('A community cannot be changed from private to public'),
         )
diff --git a/openbook_communities/tests/views/community/test_views.py b/openbook_communities/tests/views/community/test_views.py
index d2d1d4de..7cbd18f8 100644
--- a/openbook_communities/tests/views/community/test_views.py
+++ b/openbook_communities/tests/views/community/test_views.py
@@ -419,6 +419,31 @@ def test_can_update_administrated_community_description(self):
 
         self.assertEqual(community.description, new_community_description)
 
+    def test_can_update_administrated_community_description_with_type_unchanged(self):
+        """
+        should be able to update an administrated community description with the same type
+        """
+        user = make_user()
+        headers = make_authentication_headers_for_user(user)
+
+        community = make_community(creator=user)
+        new_community_description = make_community_description()
+
+        data = {
+            'description': new_community_description,
+            'type': 'P'
+        }
+
+        url = self._get_url(community_name=community.name)
+
+        response = self.client.patch(url, data, **headers)
+
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, status.HTTP_200_OK)
+
+        community.refresh_from_db()
+
+        self.assertEqual(community.description, new_community_description)
+
     def test_can_update_administrated_community_rules(self):
         """
         should be able to update an administrated community rules