diff --git a/src/registrar/models/domain.py b/src/registrar/models/domain.py
index 2c7f8703c..d0e4250f0 100644
--- a/src/registrar/models/domain.py
+++ b/src/registrar/models/domain.py
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@ class Domain(TimeStampedModel, DomainHelper):
         administrative_contact.save()
 
     @transition(
-        field="state", source=[State.READY, State.ON_HOLD], target=State.ON_HOLD
+        field="state", source=[State.UNKNOWN, State.READY, State.ON_HOLD], target=State.ON_HOLD
     )
     def place_client_hold(self):
         """place a clienthold on a domain (no longer should resolve)"""
diff --git a/src/registrar/templates/django/admin/domain_change_form.html b/src/registrar/templates/django/admin/domain_change_form.html
index 1b8b90930..8d49ed6d3 100644
--- a/src/registrar/templates/django/admin/domain_change_form.html
+++ b/src/registrar/templates/django/admin/domain_change_form.html
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 {% block field_sets %}
     <div class="submit-row">
-        {% if original.state == original.State.READY %}
+        {% if original.state == original.State.READY or original.state == original.State.UNKNOWN %}
           <input type="submit" value="Place hold" name="_place_client_hold">
         {% elif original.state == original.State.ON_HOLD %}
           <input type="submit" value="Remove hold" name="_remove_client_hold">