Jason Holdgate, 32, of Whitethorn Close, Huntington, is alleged to have killed Michael Bradley between October 13 and November 4.
A second defendant also charged with murdering Mr Bradley, Nicola Anne Beck, 42, of no fixed address, was not present for the hearing at Leeds Crown Court.
She was therefore not asked to enter her plea.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, confirmed that both defendants will be tried together at the same court on May 12.
Both defendants were remanded in custody and will appear before Leeds Crown Court in March for a further hearing.
Police went to a house in Whitethorn Close, Huntington, shortly before noon on November 4 after a member of the public contacted them to say they had not seen Mr Bradley for some days and they were concerned for his welfare.
Officers found the 73-year-old man’s body and immediately began a murder investigation.
