diff --git a/libp2p/host/basic_host.py b/libp2p/host/basic_host.py
index 1b10c2cb..d12d6721 100644
--- a/libp2p/host/basic_host.py
+++ b/libp2p/host/basic_host.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ class BasicHost(IHost):
     right after a stream is initialized.
     """
 
+    _public_key: PublicKey
     _network: INetwork
     peerstore: IPeerStore