The body of Paul Jefferies, 52, was found by police at his house in Coggins Mill Lane, Mayfield, on 25 February following concerns for his welfare.
A post-mortem examination showed he died from multiple injuries.
The boy, from Crowborough, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of killing Mr Jefferies on 23 February. He has appeared before magistrates.
A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man from Crowborough and a 17-year-old girl from Eastbourne were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three have been released on bail until 21 April.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a man found dead at his home in East Sussex.