I recently purchase a one-bedroom condo on the top floor of a 3-floor, garden-style, 1940s walk-up. About a year ago, some water damage was sustained to the floor as a result of a leaking HVAC unit. The damage seeped into the floor and ceiling of the 2nd floor apartment below, causing water damage in the ceiling.

The 2nd floor ceiling damage was repaired. The tenant in the 3rd floor apartment spent $1500 refinishing the wood floors.

Does water damage of this kind affect the wood flooring in such a way as to make it noisier and less sound absorbant?

Thanks![/list]

No. I'd be more concerned about whether the water damage/refinish was handled properly. Some believe with good reason that water damge should be replaced.

if the water damaged the wood or resulting in fiber saturation;; maybe the noise would increase. If the wood is now loose from the sub-floor it would be noisier..
It would be noisier to those living below you, in my opinion...