diff --git a/core/net/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/host/impl/HostManager.java b/core/net/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/host/impl/HostManager.java
index 66159f7..b7a38e6 100644
--- a/core/net/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/host/impl/HostManager.java
+++ b/core/net/src/main/java/org/onosproject/net/host/impl/HostManager.java
@@ -464,10 +464,13 @@
             store.removePendingHostLocation(probeMac);
         }
 
+        /**
+         * Providers should only be able to remove a host that is provided by itself,
+         * or a host that is not configured.
+         */
         private boolean allowedToChange(HostId hostId) {
-            // Disallow removing inexistent host or host provided by others
             Host host = store.getHost(hostId);
-            return host != null && host.providerId().equals(provider().id());
+            return host == null || !host.configured() || host.providerId().equals(provider().id());
         }
     }