diff --git a/backend/infrahub/core/diff/combiner.py b/backend/infrahub/core/diff/combiner.py
index 3819f3abae..5ad691428e 100644
--- a/backend/infrahub/core/diff/combiner.py
+++ b/backend/infrahub/core/diff/combiner.py
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ def _combine_cardinality_one_relationship_elements(
         if combined_action is DiffAction.REMOVED:
             for element in ordered_elements:
                 for prop in element.properties:
-                    if prop.property_type is DatabaseEdgeType.IS_RELATED and prop.action is DiffAction.UPDATED:
+                    if prop.property_type is DatabaseEdgeType.IS_RELATED and prop.action is DiffAction.UPDATED and prop.previous_value:
                         peer_id = prop.previous_value
                         peer_label = prop.previous_label
                         break
diff --git a/backend/tests/integration/diff/test_diff_incremental_addition.py b/backend/tests/integration/diff/test_diff_incremental_addition.py
index 0a4f5cd2fd..7648a5fb95 100644
--- a/backend/tests/integration/diff/test_diff_incremental_addition.py
+++ b/backend/tests/integration/diff/test_diff_incremental_addition.py
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ async def initial_dataset(
             manufacturer=dmc,
         )
         await delorean.save(db=db)
-        await delorean.previous_owner.update(db=db, data={"id": doc_brown.id, "_relation__is_protected": True})
+        await delorean.previous_owner.update(db=db, data={"id": doc_brown.id, "_relation__is_protected": True})  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
         await delorean.save(db=db)
 
         bus_simulator.service.cache = RedisCache()