--- a/eclass/python-utils-r1.eclass	
+++ a/eclass/python-utils-r1.eclass	
@@ -1093,7 +1093,7 @@ python_is_installed() {
 			local -x ROOT=/
 			;;
 		5|6)
-			hasv_args+=( --host-root )
+                        local ROOT=/
 			;;
 		*)
 			hasv_args+=( -b )