Laying laminate flooring

[Greenbhoy]

About to lay laminate flooring and have heard that it is possible to lay the flooring on top of the existing carpet (would aid sound insulation for the downstairs neighbours).

Has anyone else heard wheather this okay or not? Asked the guy at Floors 2 go but, as expected, he said you can't and sold me underlay for the flooring. 

[Fitzer]

I'd check the terms of your lease to see if you are allowed to do such a thing, many flat leases say that you must keep it carpeted to avoid noise nuisance. Whether you can lay over carpet that is already there I would doubt as this would be rather too springy for the laminate to sit properly.

[Clanad]

A bit of advice... you'll have nothing but problems if you attempt to lay the laminate over existing carpet.  In a word... don't do it... The underlayment made for this type of floor will deaden the sound sufficiently...

[daginge]

I would imagine it to be very unwise given the potential for movement below? It may be that the boards could part and you end up wrecking your nice, new and quite likely, expensive flooring!