diff --git a/test/rdoc/support/test_case.rb b/test/rdoc/support/test_case.rb
index bce480252f..6d397625e8 100644
--- a/test/rdoc/support/test_case.rb
+++ b/test/rdoc/support/test_case.rb
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ def g.file_dir() end
   # Abstract test-case teardown
 
   def teardown
-    ENV["HOME"] = @orig_home
+    ENV["HOME"] = @orig_home if defined?(@orig_home)
 
     super
   end