diff --git a/tox.ini b/tox.ini
index 00c6e00e3b..cd805fe8ac 100644
--- a/tox.ini
+++ b/tox.ini
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ envlist = py26,py27,py33,py34
 deps =
    nose
    coverage
+# We need a valid $HOME for test_compat_expanduser
+passenv = HOME
 defaultargs = test --exclude test_download.py --exclude test_age_restriction.py
     --exclude test_subtitles.py --exclude test_write_annotations.py
     --exclude test_youtube_lists.py