Flooring options for noisy 3rd floor apt

[John Salgado]

2nd floor apt is complaining about noise from 3rd floor apartment, primarily at night when the above tenant is still active and the lower tenant is sleeping. Currently there is hardwood floor but no insulation between floors.  I'm thinking about installing carpet in the bedroom to limit the noise, however, I understand everyone's hard stance against carpet.  What are my other options?  Double padding with LVP on top? I totally get the argument against carpet and i'm looking for creative solutions.

[Michael Robbins]

I have had to deal with very similar circumstances several times.  Often, the problem resolves itself because the neighboring tenants living situation and schedule changes.  I would first consider analyzing how much longer either tenant has on their lease and if they are planning on renewing.  You might end up having a situation where the tenants have opposite schedules and the noise no longer becomes an issue.  

But if this floor noise has been an issue over a long period of time with multiple tenants then at that time I would consider lifting up the existing planks and adding padding underneath.  Now, of course I would test a 5-10 sqft portion before doing the entire floor.