diff --git a/java/com/google/gitiles/ConfigUtil.java b/java/com/google/gitiles/ConfigUtil.java
index 2fbe102..593563d 100644
--- a/java/com/google/gitiles/ConfigUtil.java
+++ b/java/com/google/gitiles/ConfigUtil.java
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@
    * @param defaultValue value to use when the value is not assigned.
    * @return a standard duration representing the time read, or defaultValue.
    */
+  @Nullable
   public static Duration getDuration(
       Config config,
       String section,