diff --git a/synapse/handlers/room.py b/synapse/handlers/room.py
index cb8c5f77dd..8898602eeb 100644
--- a/synapse/handlers/room.py
+++ b/synapse/handlers/room.py
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ class RoomCreationHandler(BaseHandler):
             )
             yield self.auth.check_from_context(tombstone_event, tombstone_context)
 
-            yield self.clone_exiting_room(
+            yield self.clone_existing_room(
                 requester,
                 old_room_id=old_room_id,
                 new_room_id=new_room_id,
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ class RoomCreationHandler(BaseHandler):
         )
 
     @defer.inlineCallbacks
-    def clone_exiting_room(
+    def clone_existing_room(
             self, requester, old_room_id, new_room_id, new_room_version,
             tombstone_event_id,
     ):