Can a mechanics lien be placed on a property I don't own?

[Eboney Jones]

I was in the process of purchasing a for sale by owner home in TX and had looped in a contractor to assist with rehab. I signed a contract to allow him to get started on the home once we closed. Unfortunately, due to a few different circumstances, the target closing date was not met and the seller chose not to proceed with selling the home to me. The issue is that now, the contractor is threatening to sue me for a contract cancellation fee and and to place a lien on the property (that I didn't close on and no work was completed on). From a legal perspective, does the contractor have a legitimate claim to damages on a job he never started? Also, Is there a way to ensure that the lien does not get placed? Thanks in advance