Just wanted to share some information about my experience getting a flat in London. My husband went to a letting agent, and after finding a place it was quite easy to get put on the lease and have the contract with both our names. Our particular agency had online contract and registration (I am still in the States for a few more weeks), when the deal was made they emailed me all the details for me to print sign and send it back. Today I got a copy of the lease agreement in the mail which is great seeing I know have proof of address as well for our new place (which will help with other things as many of you know: GP, Phone, Bank etc).
If anyone is going the route of letting agencies I would definitely ask your partner to look into having them send you everything for the lease and see if they have online registration. I am not sure how common this is but StreetsAhead (who we used) made it so simple for us.
