diff --git a/changelog.d/10572.misc b/changelog.d/10572.misc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..008d7be444
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/10572.misc
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Clarify error message when failing to join a restricted room.
diff --git a/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py b/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
index e2410e482f..4288ffff09 100644
--- a/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
+++ b/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ class EventAuthHandler:
 
             raise AuthError(
                 403,
-                "You do not belong to any of the required rooms to join this room.",
+                "You do not belong to any of the required rooms/spaces to join this room.",
             )
 
     async def has_restricted_join_rules(