diff --git a/hooks/neutron_ovs_hooks.py b/hooks/neutron_ovs_hooks.py
index 0d28d8e9..4fa7690a 100755
--- a/hooks/neutron_ovs_hooks.py
+++ b/hooks/neutron_ovs_hooks.py
@@ -146,8 +146,9 @@ def neutron_plugin_api_changed():
         if (use_l3ha() and
            CompareOpenStackReleases(_os_release) >= 'newton'):
             install_l3ha_packages()
-        else:
-            packages_to_purge.extend(L3HA_PACKAGES)
+
+        # NOTE(hopem): don't uninstall keepalived if not using l3ha since that
+        # results in neutron-l3-agent also being uninstalled (see LP 1819499).
     else:
         packages_to_purge = deepcopy(DVR_PACKAGES)
         packages_to_purge.extend(L3HA_PACKAGES)
diff --git a/unit_tests/test_neutron_ovs_hooks.py b/unit_tests/test_neutron_ovs_hooks.py
index c88b927f..a8c9766d 100644
--- a/unit_tests/test_neutron_ovs_hooks.py
+++ b/unit_tests/test_neutron_ovs_hooks.py
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ class NeutronOVSHooksTests(CharmTestCase):
         self.configure_ovs.assert_called_with()
         self.assertTrue(self.CONFIGS.write_all.called)
         _plugin_joined.assert_called_with(relation_id='rid')
-        self.purge_packages.assert_called_with(['keepalived'])
+        self.purge_packages.assert_not_called()
 
     @patch.object(hooks, 'os_release')
     @patch.object(hooks, 'neutron_plugin_joined')