diff --git a/spring-xd-python/src/springxd/stream.py b/spring-xd-python/src/springxd/stream.py
index 7f8ea1ff2..291f49579 100644
--- a/spring-xd-python/src/springxd/stream.py
+++ b/spring-xd-python/src/springxd/stream.py
@@ -43,9 +43,9 @@ def encode(self,data):
     '''
     def decode(self,data):
         if self.encoder == Encoders.CRLF:
-            data.rstrip("\r\n")
+            data = data.rstrip("\r\n")
         elif self.encoder == Encoders.LF:
-            data.rstrip("\n")
+            data = data.rstrip("\n")
         return data
 
     '''