diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py b/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
index f18ebb11..d7062257 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/models/trainer.py
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ class Trainer(TrainerIO):
     # -----------------------------
     def fit(self, model):
         # set local properties on the model
-        self.model.on_gpu = self.on_gpu
+        model.on_gpu = self.on_gpu
 
         # transfer data loaders from model
         self.__get_dataloaders(model)