diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/proj/default.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/proj/default.nix
index 134532308c88..7ab64cf59c57 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/proj/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/proj/default.nix
@@ -42,6 +42,11 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
     "-DRUN_NETWORK_DEPENDENT_TESTS=OFF"
   ];
 
+  preCheck = ''
+    export HOME=$TMPDIR
+    export TMP=$TMPDIR
+  '';
+
   doCheck = true;
 
   meta = with lib; {