diff --git a/src/allmydata/scripts/runner.py b/src/allmydata/scripts/runner.py
index 94acfdb92..4d0d14ed8 100644
--- a/src/allmydata/scripts/runner.py
+++ b/src/allmydata/scripts/runner.py
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ class CreateClientOptions(usage.Options):
     def postOptions(self):
         if self['basedir'] is None:
             raise usage.UsageError("<basedir> parameter is required")
-        self['basedir'] = os.path.abspath(self['basedir'])
+        self['basedir'] = os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser(self['basedir']))
 
 class CreateIntroducerOptions(usage.Options):
     optParameters = [