diff --git a/pkgs/stdenv/generic/setup.sh b/pkgs/stdenv/generic/setup.sh
index ee1bd51caa9..5557e34cd0d 100644
--- a/pkgs/stdenv/generic/setup.sh
+++ b/pkgs/stdenv/generic/setup.sh
@@ -79,10 +79,6 @@ addToSearchPath() {
 
 set -e
 
-# Check that the directory pointed by HOME, usually '/homeless-shelter',
-# does not exist, as it may be a good source for impurities.
-! test -e $HOME
-
 test -z $NIX_GCC && NIX_GCC=@gcc@