temp install laminate over carpet?

Question

Hi, I am renting an apartment for a year and I want to put $.59 cent laminate over the carpet in a 13x13 den because it smells like musty dog when it rains outside--owner, when asked,  told me it is a no pet complex but whatever.  I am thinking this will work better than carpet deodorizesand will look better too.  The carpet is very low pile but I am sure there is a pad.  But I just need it to stay together a year....I think it will but thought maybe someone here has experience.  (I have installed plenty of 8mm laminate over felt but this is 7mm and carpet obviously is thicker than felt.)  There is a unit below me so I am sure the landlord won't want the carpet removed for sound deadening reasons andI am sure he won't pay anything either...reputation around here.  I have a rug but it s 5x7.

Jeremy Pace · Answer

I wouldn't do this, you'd have to install a subfloor under it, and then you'd have to remove it when you moved out, or the landlord could say you altered or damaged the unit.

Have you already tried using deodorizers?

Marian Smith · Answer

and thanks for responding.  I was hoping someone would say, "I'm super lazy so did that even though told not to and it is fine going on 3 years" :-).

Marian Smith · Answer

I have tried  carpet powder and it worked for a month or two but I no longer have access to the vacuum cleaner so buying a vacuum is about the same as buying $135 worth of flooring.  i am just having trouble imagining what happens when laminate flexes too much, the tongues break and the floor then separates I presume, but it aught to hold together for a year.  but I guess $135 isn't a huge gamble.  Worse case I'll have to lug it all to the dumpster.  sucks for the environment.

Al Williamson · Answer

Are you going to install some type of vapor / smell barrier as well. I would hate for you to install a floor and it not stop the dog smell