diff --git a/monitor/hmp-cmds.c b/monitor/hmp-cmds.c
index c4f161a596..4340e71c90 100644
--- a/monitor/hmp-cmds.c
+++ b/monitor/hmp-cmds.c
@@ -1097,9 +1097,8 @@ void hmp_change(Monitor *mon, const QDict *qdict)
 #ifdef CONFIG_VNC
     if (strcmp(device, "vnc") == 0) {
         if (read_only) {
-            monitor_printf(mon,
-                           "Parameter 'read-only-mode' is invalid for VNC\n");
-            return;
+            error_setg(&err, "Parameter 'read-only-mode' is invalid for VNC");
+            goto end;
         }
         if (strcmp(target, "passwd") == 0 ||
             strcmp(target, "password") == 0) {
@@ -1111,7 +1110,8 @@ void hmp_change(Monitor *mon, const QDict *qdict)
                 qmp_change_vnc_password(arg, &err);
             }
         } else {
-            monitor_printf(mon, "Expected 'password' after 'vnc'\n");
+            error_setg(&err, "Expected 'password' after 'vnc'");
+            goto end;
         }
     } else
 #endif