diff --git a/ops/nixos/bvm-matrix/default.nix b/ops/nixos/bvm-matrix/default.nix
index 1be30ce6ea..b39ede2563 100644
--- a/ops/nixos/bvm-matrix/default.nix
+++ b/ops/nixos/bvm-matrix/default.nix
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ in {
     ensureUsers = [{
       name = "matrix-synapse";
       ensurePermissions = {
-        "DATABASE matrix-synapse" = "ALL PRIVILEGES";
+        "DATABASE \"matrix-synapse\"" = "ALL PRIVILEGES";
       };
     }];
   };