diff --git a/changelog.d/10927.bugfix b/changelog.d/10927.bugfix
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fd24288c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/10927.bugfix
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Fix a bug introduced in Synapse v1.40.0 where the signature checks for room version 8/9 could be applied to earlier room versions in some situations.
diff --git a/synapse/event_auth.py b/synapse/event_auth.py
index fc50a0e71..5d7c6fa85 100644
--- a/synapse/event_auth.py
+++ b/synapse/event_auth.py
@@ -113,7 +113,8 @@ def check(
                 raise AuthError(403, "Event not signed by sending server")
 
         is_invite_via_allow_rule = (
-            event.type == EventTypes.Member
+            room_version_obj.msc3083_join_rules
+            and event.type == EventTypes.Member
             and event.membership == Membership.JOIN
             and "join_authorised_via_users_server" in event.content
         )