While yes you shouldnt install a permanent floor cover over a floating floor.
Installing floating laminate flooring over carpet.
Most laminate flooring underlayment is 1mm to 3mm thick.
Its not ideal but it sounds like your not in an ideal situation and with money being an issue this.
In most circumstances it can be installed over wood concrete tile vinyl sheet and even carpeting as long as it is less than one quarter inch thick is set on.
According to the laminate flooring manufacturer armstrong you can install your laminate flooring over any area that has a flat sub floor is structurally sound dry and clean.
If you need to do this simply to comply with a hoa just buy the carpet so it fits wall to wall but dont tack it down it would simply be a wall to wall rug in a sort.
Leave the rest and go on top of it.
Installing one might appear to be a frightening task but with proper preparation and planning any.
It can even be installed over short pile carpet that is less than 1 4 high and has no pad underneath can anyone please confirm this.
A floating floor is simply a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the floor underneath it.
A laminate floor would be a really good solution here because you could lay down a very thin laminate underlayment which is usually like a very thin foam and then you put the flooring right on top of that and the foam will absorb any unevenness because of the glue that was there before and you ll have a nice clean floor on top of it.
The most common type of floors floated over carpet are vinyl and laminate given they are budget friendly and feature a simple interlocking system of installation.
This means that the choice of subfloor i e what you install laminate over needs to provide the right support.
How to install a floating floor.
Since carpet is usually plush and soft your laminate flooring would not have the support it needs to keep the locking system sturdy.
Vinyl planks vinyl planks are designed to resemble hardwood and can be found in a number of wood look textures such as hand scraped wirebrushed and distressed.
Installing laminate flooring over carpet is not recommended in most installation situations.
Swiftlock laminate flooring is appropriate for any room and can be installed over ceramic tile concrete well bonded vinyl or board ply underlayments.
Carpet removal from house of humble blog why can t i use carpet underlayment.