diff --git a/lemur/utils.py b/lemur/utils.py
index d59d235d..1ea73759 100644
--- a/lemur/utils.py
+++ b/lemur/utils.py
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@ def get_key():
     :return:
     """
     try:
-        return current_app.config.get('LEMUR_ENCRYPTION_KEY')
+        return current_app.config.get('LEMUR_ENCRYPTION_KEY').strip()
     except RuntimeError:
         return ''