No, but some leases prohibit laminate flooring altogether. Not the best idea for a floor covering in an upstairs flat. Best way to soundproof it is with a carpet laid over the top.
Even carpet won't soundproof it very much, though it will deaden the acoustic within the flat itself. Personally I hate the echoey sound of room with hard surfaces all round.
Ther are regulations concerning the sound insulation between flats within a block, but you're only likely to find these complied with in brand new builds, most older builds and conversions frequently have dire acoustic properties, which can't be dealt with by the tenants in any meaningful way.
As in a previous post, I must point out that sound PROOFING and sound DEADENING are completely different and independant things. I'm not sure which one dianed is complaining about - are you saying you can hear your neighbours through the floor (sound proofing)? Or are you complaining that the room sounds echoey and unfriendly (sound deadening)? It is quite possible to have a room with excellent sound proofing (can't hear your neighbours) but horrible acoustics, or conversely a warm comfortable-sounding room but you can hear every word your neighbour says. And the appropriate treatment is completely different for each case.
As you can see from my sig, I do have some experience in this matter.
