diff --git a/controller/linodecluster_controller.go b/controller/linodecluster_controller.go
index 525d2db77..b32f0f101 100644
--- a/controller/linodecluster_controller.go
+++ b/controller/linodecluster_controller.go
@@ -123,15 +123,15 @@ func (r *LinodeClusterReconciler) reconcile(
 		}
 	}()
 
-	if err := clusterScope.AddFinalizer(ctx); err != nil {
-		return res, err
-	}
-
 	// Handle deleted clusters
 	if !clusterScope.LinodeCluster.DeletionTimestamp.IsZero() {
 		return res, r.reconcileDelete(ctx, logger, clusterScope)
 	}
 
+	if err := clusterScope.AddFinalizer(ctx); err != nil {
+		return res, err
+	}
+
 	// Create
 	if clusterScope.LinodeCluster.Spec.ControlPlaneEndpoint.Host == "" {
 		if err := r.reconcileCreate(ctx, logger, clusterScope); err != nil {