diff --git a/api.lua b/api.lua
index e7f83d6..1981727 100644
--- a/api.lua
+++ b/api.lua
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ function areas:canInteract(pos, name)
 	for _, area in pairs(self:getAreasAtPos(pos)) do
 		if area.owner == name or area.open then
 			return true
-		elseif factions and area.faction_open then
+		elseif factions_avail and area.faction_open then
 			local faction_name = factions.get_player_faction(area.owner)
 			if faction_name ~= nil and faction_name == factions.get_player_faction(name) then
 				return true
diff --git a/chatcommands.lua b/chatcommands.lua
index 9bc5c9c..ef35e7c 100644
--- a/chatcommands.lua
+++ b/chatcommands.lua
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ minetest.register_chatcommand("area_open", {
 })
 
 
-if factions then
+if factions_avail then
 	minetest.register_chatcommand("area_faction_open", {
 		params = "<ID>",
 		description = "Toggle an area open (anyone can interact) or closed to your faction",
diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 8179b28..d1df5a0 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 -- Based on node_ownership
 -- License: LGPLv2+
 
+factions_avail = minetest.global_exists("factions")
+
 areas = {}
 
 areas.adminPrivs = {areas=true}