diff --git a/deluge/core/filtermanager.py b/deluge/core/filtermanager.py
index cf58d68eb..9538f7d04 100644
--- a/deluge/core/filtermanager.py
+++ b/deluge/core/filtermanager.py
@@ -107,7 +107,10 @@ class FilterManager(component.Component):
             return torrent_ids
 
         #special purpose: state=Active.
-        filter_dict["state"] = list(filter_dict["state"])
+        if "state" in filter_dict:
+            # We need to make sure this is a list for the logic below
+            filter_dict["state"] = list(filter_dict["state"])
+
         if "state" in filter_dict and "Active" in filter_dict["state"]:
             filter_dict["state"].remove("Active")
             if not filter_dict["state"]: