diff --git a/src/components/structures/MatrixChat.js b/src/components/structures/MatrixChat.js
index b863bf9cf2..c31912d798 100644
--- a/src/components/structures/MatrixChat.js
+++ b/src/components/structures/MatrixChat.js
@@ -927,6 +927,8 @@ module.exports = React.createClass({
             dis.dispatch({action: 'view_home_page'});
         } else if (this._is_registered) {
             this._is_registered = false;
+            // reset the 'have completed first sync' flag,
+            // since we've just logged in and will be about to sync
             this.firstSyncComplete = false;
             this.firstSyncPromise = q.defer();