Creating a Memorandum of Understanding

1. What is an MOU?
2. Why is an MOU important?
3. What is generally included in an MOU?
4. What steps are involved in creating an MOU?

What is an MOU?

A Memorandum of Understanding (or MOU, for short) is a written agreement. In the case of public housing, an MOU is a legal agreement between a tenant organization and a housing authority. Sometimes an MOU is also called a Memorandum of Agreement (or MOA). MOUs and MOAs are the same thing.

An MOU spells out a common understanding of the working relationship between a tenant organization and a housing authority. It clarifies what kind of support a housing authority will provide a tenant group and creates more meaningful ways for tenants to participate. Here is what some residents in public housing said about how their MOU helped their tenant organization:

It helped us start our office, get computers, a fax machine, and supplies.
Now we have the equipment to put the task force together.

• It has helped our group work with the housing authority
  on issues that affect tenants in our buildings.
• It clearly explained what the tenant organization can use its money for.
• It clearly defined rights and responsibilities of the housing authority
  and local tenant council.