Should the owner or the property be responsible for the maintenance of the aging and leaking water pipes in the basement of residential buildings, and who will pay the cost?

According to the "People's Republic of China (PRC) Property Management Law", property service enterprises should maintain and manage the property to ensure the normal operation of property facilities and equipment. Therefore, if the aging and water leakage of water pipes in the basement of residential buildings is caused by the aging and damage of property facilities and equipment, then the property should bear the corresponding maintenance responsibilities and expenses.

However, if the water pipes are aging and leaking due to the owner's own reasons, such as the quality problem of the water pipes or the owner's failure to follow the regulations in use, then the owner will bear the corresponding maintenance responsibilities and expenses.

Therefore, the specific responsibilities and expenses need to be judged according to the specific situation. If it is caused by the aging damage of property facilities and equipment, the property shall bear the maintenance costs; If problems are caused by the owner's own reasons, the owner shall bear the maintenance costs. If there is any dispute, it can be settled through property dispute mediation, complaint or lawsuit.