David Wilson, 49, was found dead at an address in the city's Southwick Road just after 11:00 GMT on 14 December.
At the time, police said Mr Wilson had been the victim of a "violent attack".
Daniel Johnson, 20, formerly of Morris Street, Gateshead, was charged with murder more than 18 months after Mr Wilson's body was found. He denied the charge at Newcastle Crown Court.
Mr Johnson, who has been remanded in custody, is due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 28 February and a trial has been listed for 7 June.
A man has denied the murder of a grandfather whose body was found at a flat in Sunderland.