diff --git a/nixos/modules/misc/locate.nix b/nixos/modules/misc/locate.nix
index 552535c253e..dc668796c78 100644
--- a/nixos/modules/misc/locate.nix
+++ b/nixos/modules/misc/locate.nix
@@ -131,13 +131,6 @@ in {
             ++ optional (isFindutils && cfg.pruneNames != []) "findutils locate does not support pruning by directory component"
             ++ optional (isFindutils && cfg.pruneBindMounts) "findutils locate does not support skipping bind mounts";
 
-    # directory creation needs to be separated from main service
-    # because ReadWritePaths fails when the directory doesn't already exist
-    systemd.tmpfiles.rules =
-      let dir = dirOf cfg.output; in
-      mkIf (dir != "/var/cache")
-        [ "d ${dir} 0755 root root -" ];
-
     systemd.services.update-locatedb =
       { description = "Update Locate Database";
         path = mkIf (!isMLocate) [ pkgs.su ];