Robert Kleinsman, formally of Kent Street, was placed on the order for 18 months after pleading guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court to five charges.

On Tuesday the court heard two search warrants were executed at Kleinsman's Kent Street house last year.

During the first search in January police found two stolen cars in the rear yard.

A small cannabis plant was also found growing in a garden bed.

The court heard Kleinsman told police at the time he rented the rear of the property to "Gibbs" and was unaware the cars were stolen.

As for the illegal plant, he said admitted watering and taking care of it for a friend.

During the second search in July police found four grams of ice under the accused's bed and a drop-saw which was suspected to be stolen.

Kleinsman's lawyer, Kim Sturrock, told the court her client took full responsibility for his offending.

Ms Sturrock, who urged the magistrate to consider placing Kleinsman on a community corrections order (CCO), said her client had since moved from Ballarat and was on track to regaining his life and contributing to society.

When magistrate Gregory Robinson questioned why prison should not be considered given Kleinsman had been given opportunities to complete a CCO in the past, Ms Sturrock said the difference this time was that her client had a job.

"His time is better served in the community contributing to society," she said.

Kleinsman will need to complete treatment and rehabilitation for drugs as part of the order.