diff --git a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Lint/CheckPlayers.cs b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Lint/CheckPlayers.cs
index fa151cd05b..9702b272a6 100644
--- a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Lint/CheckPlayers.cs
+++ b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Lint/CheckPlayers.cs
@@ -59,9 +59,17 @@ namespace OpenRA.Mods.Common.Lint
 			foreach (var kv in map.ActorDefinitions)
 			{
 				var actorReference = new ActorReference(kv.Value.Value, kv.Value.ToDictionary());
-				var ownerName = actorReference.InitDict.Get<OwnerInit>().PlayerName;
-				if (!playerNames.Contains(ownerName))
-					emitError("Actor {0} is owned by unknown player {1}.".F(actorReference.Type, ownerName));
+				var ownerInit = actorReference.InitDict.GetOrDefault<OwnerInit>();
+				if (ownerInit == null)
+				{
+					emitError("Actor {0} is not owned by any player.".F(kv.Key));
+				}
+				else
+				{
+					var ownerName = ownerInit.PlayerName;
+					if (!playerNames.Contains(ownerName))
+						emitError("Actor {0} is owned by unknown player {1}.".F(actorReference.Type, ownerName));
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}