diff --git a/data/helpers.d/apt b/data/helpers.d/apt
index c3439a583..da87e7bad 100644
--- a/data/helpers.d/apt
+++ b/data/helpers.d/apt
@@ -181,8 +181,9 @@ ynh_package_install_from_equivs () {
     # Build and install the package
     local TMPDIR=$(mktemp --directory)
 
-    # Force the compatibility level at 10, levels below are deprecated
-    echo 10 > /usr/share/equivs/template/debian/compat
+    # Make sure to delete the legacy compat file
+    # It's now handle somewhat magically through the control file
+    rm -f /usr/share/equivs/template/debian/compat
 
     # Note that the cd executes into a sub shell
     # Create a fake deb package with equivs-build and the given control file