diff --git a/tests/unittests/helpers.c b/tests/unittests/helpers.c
index 564b2716..9cabb1e4 100644
--- a/tests/unittests/helpers.c
+++ b/tests/unittests/helpers.c
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ void load_preferences(void **state)
     if (f) {
         prefs_load();
     }
+    fclose(f);
 }
 
 void close_preferences(void **state)