diff --git a/net/batman-adv/originator.c b/net/batman-adv/originator.c
index a70debe..69e27a24 100644
--- a/net/batman-adv/originator.c
+++ b/net/batman-adv/originator.c
@@ -94,7 +94,9 @@
 	memcpy(neigh_node->addr, neigh, ETH_ALEN);
 	neigh_node->orig_node = orig_neigh_node;
 	neigh_node->if_incoming = if_incoming;
-	atomic_set(&neigh_node->refcount, 1);
+
+	/* extra reference for return */
+	atomic_set(&neigh_node->refcount, 2);
 
 	spin_lock_bh(&orig_node->neigh_list_lock);
 	hlist_add_head_rcu(&neigh_node->list, &orig_node->neigh_list);