diff --git a/gratipay/models/participant/__init__.py b/gratipay/models/participant/__init__.py
index 6158e000ef..04f7d81ff2 100644
--- a/gratipay/models/participant/__init__.py
+++ b/gratipay/models/participant/__init__.py
@@ -1198,7 +1198,7 @@ class BalanceIsNotZero(Exception): pass
     def final_check(self, cursor):
         """Sanity-check that teams and balance have been dealt with.
         """
-        if self.get_teams(cursor=cursor):
+        if self.get_teams(cursor=cursor, only_open=True):
             raise self.StillOnATeam
         if self.balance != 0:
             raise self.BalanceIsNotZero
diff --git a/tests/py/test_close.py b/tests/py/test_close.py
index e70dcb3b7f..dd6dce3e60 100644
--- a/tests/py/test_close.py
+++ b/tests/py/test_close.py
@@ -31,6 +31,12 @@ def test_close_fails_if_still_owns_a_team(self):
         with pytest.raises(alice.StillOnATeam):
             alice.close()
 
+    def test_close_succeeds_if_team_is_closed(self):
+        alice = self.make_participant('alice', claimed_time='now')
+        self.make_team(owner=alice, is_closed=True)
+        alice.close()
+        assert P('alice').is_closed
+
     def test_close_page_is_usually_available(self):
         self.make_participant('alice', claimed_time='now')
         body = self.client.GET('/~alice/settings/close', auth_as='alice').body