diff --git a/tests/integration/git_annex_test.go b/tests/integration/git_annex_test.go
index c93095b08d..4bd1248d6e 100644
--- a/tests/integration/git_annex_test.go
+++ b/tests/integration/git_annex_test.go
@@ -1009,6 +1009,7 @@ func contentLocation(repoPath, file string) (path string, err error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return path, nil
 	}
+	defer repo.Close()
 
 	commitID, err := repo.GetRefCommitID("HEAD") // NB: to examine a *branch*, prefix with "refs/branch/", or call repo.GetBranchCommitID(); ditto for tags
 	if err != nil {