diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py b/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
index 37d7d276ea93..5bdcb6c6a64f 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/backend_bases.py
@@ -2233,7 +2233,7 @@ def get_window_title(self):
         Return the title text of the window containing the figure, or None
         if there is no window (e.g., a PS backend).
         """
-        if self.manager:
+        if self.manager is not None:
             return self.manager.get_window_title()
 
     def set_window_title(self, title):
@@ -2241,7 +2241,7 @@ def set_window_title(self, title):
         Set the title text of the window containing the figure.  Note that
         this has no effect if there is no window (e.g., a PS backend).
         """
-        if hasattr(self, "manager"):
+        if self.manager is not None:
             self.manager.set_window_title(title)
 
     def get_default_filename(self):