> Renter’s insurance should cover your losses, not the landlord’s

Renter’s, like homeowner’s, insurance, usually includes some liability coverage. The landlord is a particularly likely person for a renter to have liabilities to.

That’s fair. I was originally thinking in terms of external events (such as the riot mentioned). But sure, liability for the renter setting the place on fire makes sense.

It covers renter's liability too. Whether by accident or negligence, you can be held liable for damages to other people's property.

It pays the landlord if they sue you and win. That's why they require it commonly.

Some landlords even require tenants to cover them with your insurance as additional insured (I think this is stupid). Though it is common for business leases I believe.