Robert Trigg is accused of murdering girlfriend Susan Nicholson, 52, at a property in Rowlands Road, Worthing, West Sussex, on 16 April 2011.
He has also been charged with the manslaughter of Caroline Devlin, 35, who was found dead in bed in Cranworth Road, Worthing, on 26 March 2006.
Mr Trigg, of Park Crescent, Worthing, is next due in court in January.
He was remanded in custody after appearing first via video-link at Hastings Magistrates' Court and then at Guildford Crown Court.
No pleas were entered to the two charges. He will appear at Lewes Crown Court on 20 January.
A 52-year-old man has appeared in court charged with killing two women in the same town, five years apart.