"I was reading that was something new that was passed in 2008"

I'm thinking after about 2009 or 2010 something in 2008 kinda loses its luster as being new.

Based on the information you provided it sounds like your client is qualified for the exclusion as long as there is a she or another he married to your he.  But "they" may have some depreciation to recapture from the rental period.  Fill out the home sale worksheet in the software and see where it leads you.