diff --git a/pyup/config.py b/pyup/config.py
index 7f760a9..c7ef123 100644
--- a/pyup/config.py
+++ b/pyup/config.py
@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ def update_config(self, d):
         for key, value in d.items():
             if hasattr(self, key):
                 if key == "requirements":
+                    if not value:
+                        continue
                     items, value = value, []
                     for item in items:
                         if isinstance(item, basestring):
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index 9d43d59..2a18c05 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -121,6 +121,17 @@ def test_update(self):
         self.assertEqual(config.requirements[1].pin, True)
         self.assertEqual(config.requirements[1].compile.specs, ["baz.in", "foo.in"])
 
+    def test_update_with_invalid_requirements_config(self):
+        update = {
+            "requirements": None
+        }
+        config = Config()
+        
+        self.assertEqual(config.requirements, [])
+        config.update_config(update)
+        self.assertEqual(config.requirements, [])
+        self.assertNotEqual(config.requirements, None)
+
     def test_valid_schedule(self):
         config = Config()